Are Pumpkin Spice Lattes Bad for You?

The nights are becoming cooler and the foliage are changing color, indicating that autumn is approaching. The season change brings everyone’s beloved autumn treat: the pumpkin spice latte. As sweater weather and wood-burning fireplaces warm the cold air, these delectable delights are essential. However, are pumpkin spice lattes bad for you?

Everything is acceptable in moderation, including a caffeinated and delicious pumpkin spice espresso. However, excess of a beneficial thing can be undesirable. There are, thankfully, alternatives to pumpkin spice lattes that are just as tasty without the unhealthy ingredients. I’ll tell you how to savor pumpkin spice more effectively, which ingredients to avoid, and what to order at your local coffee establishment. Why traditional pumpkin spice lattes are bad for you is explained in this culinary tale.

Why Pumpkin Spice Lattes are Bad for you

Are pumpkin spice lattes bad for you? There is more to your pumpkin spice lattes than fall feelings and a delicious treat. Pumpkin spice lattes contain sugar, dairy, artificial flavors, preservatives, and much more. Here are 7 reasons why pumpkin spice lattes are bad.

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Sugar

There are several ways in which sugar harms health. Sugar is a pro-inflammatory diet, and chronic illness typically has its roots in inflammation. Pain in the joints and an increased risk of autoimmune disorders have both been associated with a diet heavy in sugar, according to research. That’s because when your blood sugar levels are consistently high, your body produces free radicals that harm cells and set off an inflammatory immunological response.

However, one pumpkin spice grande (16 oz) latte can include as much as 50 grams of sugar, which is concerning.1 That’s about twice as much sugar as you should eat in a day. In addition, high fructose corn syrup may be found in abundance in the pumpkin spice syrup used to flavor the PSL at many coffee shops. The quantity of fructose in high fructose corn syrup is excessive compared to other sources of sugar.

Type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and elevated cardiovascular disease risk have all been linked to excessive use of added sugar. The difference between high fructose corn syrup and table sugar (sucrose) is that the latter has the fructose and glucose molecules bonded together, while the former does not. High fructose corn syrup is converted into glucose by the liver’s metabolic processes. When the liver is overworked, excess fructose is converted to fat and deposited there.

Honey and maple syrup are two examples of natural sweeteners that are preferable than refined sugar and other artificial sweeteners. Put a teaspoon of honey in your coffee instead of sugar.

2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes Contain Dairy

Dairy is one of the two items I think everyone should cut out of their diets, and if you’ve been following me or part of my community for any length of time, you already know this. A pumpkin spice latte often contains cow’s milk as one of the primary components.

You might think that dairy products are essential to a balanced diet. However, many people (about 75% of the population) have sensitivities to cow’s dairy, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems including bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.

People who are lactose intolerant are unable to manufacture the lactase enzyme, which is necessary for digesting the milk sugar lactose. Age-related decline in lactase production affects around 70% of the population. Dairy intolerance results from an immunological response to casein or whey, two of the milk’s proteins, even though you still generate the lactase enzyme.

The genetically modified bovine growth hormone rBGH is injected into cows by American dairy farmers in order to boost milk output. The cows’ udders are getting stressed out from producing so much milk. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat the resulting mastitis infection. The dairy products you consume have been contaminated with hormones and antibiotics. The good news is that numerous alternatives to dairy products are readily available.

Everyone should try coconut milk since it’s a great dairy substitute. Coconut milk is wonderful and can aid with weight control and lowering cholesterol. An excellent complement to a pumpkin spice latte is coconut milk. You can get whipped cream made from coconut milk at many grocery stores, making it easy to whip up your own at home.

3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that occurs naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans and is also synthesized for use in soft drinks and the vast majority of energy drinks. Caffeine increases alertness by inhibiting the neurotransmitter adenosine, which is responsible for inducing drowsiness.

Caffeine content varies widely from 16 oz can of energy drink (between 77 and 173 mg) to a cup of black tea (55 mg). Depending on the brand, a single 12-ounce can of soda contains anywhere from 34 mg to 54 mg of caffeine. The caffeine content of an 8-ounce cup of coffee, however, is 95 mg. That works up to 190 mg of caffeine in a large (16 oz) pumpkin spice latte.

I think it would be best if you cut off caffeine entirely. If you absolutely need caffeine, though, keep in mind that the safe daily limit is just 400 milligrams. Therefore, you may get over half of your recommended daily caffeine intake just a single Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte.

You might also try switching to decaf. Since lattes are simply steamed milk and coffee, you can still enjoy this autumnal treat while cutting back on sugar by using a dairy replacement in place of the milk and switching to decaffeinated coffee.

4. Pumpkin Spice Lattes Have Natural and Artificial Flavors

Pumpkin spice lattes are ironic because they don’t actually contain any pumpkin. Pumpkin flavour is what gives pumpkin spice lattes their signature taste. Synthetic flavors are made with substances you don’t want in your body, such paper pulp and petroleum. Flavorings that aren’t natural are, well, artificial.

Natural flavors, on the other hand, are derived from food sources and include things like natural pumpkin. Natural flavors, however, are still manufactured in a laboratory. There is a chance that they are even more harmful to human health than their synthetic analogues. This is due to increased safety testing requirements placed by our government on artificial flavors. Naturally, as long as the component was originally produced from a plant or animal, it may be considered “natural” even if it has undergone extensive processing. According to this criteria, MSG and aspartame are both all-natural.

This AIP Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with all-natural ingredients like pumpkin puree and coconut milk, so it’s perfect if you’re trying to avoid natural and artificial tastes.

5. Pumpkin Spice Lattes Have Preservatives

The syrups used to flavor pumpkin spice lattes contain preservatives, including potassium sorbate, in addition to artificial flavors. The chemical preservative potassium sorbate is frequently found in foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Potassium sorbate is widely used as a food preservative because it has no distinct taste or odor. Manufacturers use potassium sorbate to prevent food deterioration caused by microorganisms, fungi, mildew, and yeast in order to delay color, flavor, and texture changes.

Potassium sorbate can cause a heightened immune response and food sensitivity symptoms, including nasal congestion, congested nostril, and abdominal pain. Some individuals may even develop migraines as a result.

As is the case with numerous preservatives, potassium sorbate may contain sulfites. As preservatives, “anti-browning” agents, bleaching agents, processing aides, and antioxidants, sulfites are added to foods. Sensitive individuals may experience adverse respiratory reactions when exposed to these preservatives.

6. Pumpkin Spice Lattes Contain Carrageenan

In most coffee establishments, pumpkin spice lattes are topped with a large mound of whipped cream. In addition to the problematic addition of dairy, most whipped creams contain a viscosity-enhancing stabilizer such as carrageenan or sodium alginate. Almond and soy milks contain carrageenan to impart a luscious, viscous, cream-like texture.

Seaweed contains the water-soluble fiber carrageenan. When processed with acid, carrageenan produces poligeenan, an inflammatory substance that is not authorized as a food additive. Animal studies indicate that poligeenan can induce ulcers and may lead to colon cancer. Importantly, no studies have been conducted on the impacts of poligeenan on humans. Nevertheless, the Agency for Research on Cancer has classified poligeenan as a potential human carcinogen.

I recommend omitting the whipped cream because it contains dairy. However, if you want a little sweet garnish on your pumpkin spice latte substitute, coconut milk-based whipped cream is a wonderful substitute.

7. Pumpkin Spice Lattes Contain: Caramel Color

The color caramel is the most widely used culinary coloring in the globe. Despite its moniker, caramel color bears no resemblance to genuine caramel. In fact, it frequently contains a chemical known as 4-methylimidazole or 4-Me, which causes cancer in rodents, according to scientific research. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer categorized caramel color as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” I consider this a sufficient reason to avoid caramel color and other artificial colorings.

I don’t want you to be anxious. As previously stated, it is acceptable to indulge in this autumn delight. On occasion, it is not the end of the universe. The good news is that there are AIP-compliant alternatives that are healthful and free of all inflammatory ingredients.

The color caramel is the most widely used culinary coloring in the globe. Despite its moniker, caramel color bears no resemblance to genuine caramel. In fact, it frequently contains 4-Me, also known as 4-methylimidazole. According to studies, it induces cancer in rodents. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified caramel color as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” in 2011. I consider this a sufficient reason to avoid caramel color and other artificial colors.

Also read: 5 Best Gut-Nourishing Foods

A Better Way to Satisfy Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Craving

If you are still craving an autumnal delight, I recommend attempting these autumn recipes that are available to all of my readers. My fave autumn beverage is the Enhanced Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. By adding Vanilla Bean Paleo Protein, you will receive a pumpkin boost, all of the autumn flavors such as cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a protein boost. Unflavored Paleo Protein, which contains 26 grams of hydrolyzed, non-GMO beef protein, is an excellent substitute if you dislike vanilla flavor.

Pumpkin is an extremely nutritious vegetable. It supports a healthy immune system, eye health, weight loss, is an antioxidant, and promotes skin that appears youthful. If you appreciate this fall flavor but don’t want a pumpkin spice latte, you can try one of these many recipes for pumpkin-flavored delights that are AIP-friendly.

If you still desire a pumpkin spice latte at your neighborhood coffee establishment, order it as follows: Pumpkin Spice Latte without whipping cream and made with coconut milk. This is an excellent method to experience fall flavors without consuming dairy or caffeine.