As the fall season rolls in, the unmistakable flavor of pumpkin spice takes over many coffee shops, with the pumpkin spice cold brew becoming a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re grabbing one at Starbucks or enjoying it from a local café, this sweet and spiced drink is loved by many. But as delicious as it is, you might wonder: how many calories are in a pumpkin spice cold brew?
In this article, we’ll break down the calorie content, nutritional components, and how this beverage compares to other drinks. We’ll also give you some tips on how to customize your order if you’re looking to cut down on calories. Let’s dive into the delicious world of pumpkin spice cold brew!
Calorie Content of a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
A typical serving of a pumpkin spice cold brew—such as the “Grande” size at Starbucks—contains approximately 250 calories. This estimate includes the cold brew coffee, the pumpkin-flavored cream, and any added syrups, which are all part of the recipe for this seasonal drink.
The calorie count can fluctuate depending on where you get your pumpkin spice cold brew and how it’s made. Some coffee shops may use different ingredients or methods of preparation, which can alter the overall calorie content. For instance, using more pumpkin-flavored syrup or a higher-fat milk option can increase the calorie count, while using non-dairy milk or fewer pumps of syrup can lower it.
Breakdown by Starbucks Grande Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew:
Calories: 250
Fat: 10 grams
Carbohydrates: 35 grams
Sugars: 30 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Keep in mind that the calorie content can vary depending on your specific customization, which we’ll dive deeper into later.
Nutritional Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the macronutrients in a typical pumpkin spice cold brew and why it’s higher in calories compared to a regular cold brew.
1. Calories from Fat
The fat content in a pumpkin spice cold brew largely comes from the cream, whole milk, or dairy alternatives used to prepare the drink. The standard Starbucks version contains 10 grams of fat, which is largely due to the milk or cream mixed into the cold brew. If you’re trying to reduce fat, you can opt for skim milk or non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, which are often lower in fat.
2. Carbohydrates and Sugar
The carbohydrate content in a pumpkin spice cold brew is mainly due to the syrups and sweeteners used to create the signature pumpkin flavor. In a typical Starbucks Grande, the 35 grams of carbs come from a combination of pumpkin-flavored syrup and any sweeteners like vanilla syrup that may be added to the drink. Of these 35 grams, a significant portion is sugar—30 grams to be exact. This is what gives the drink its sweetness and comforting fall flavor.
3. Protein
You’ll notice that a pumpkin spice cold brew has a very low protein content, with only 1 gram in a typical serving. This is because cold brew coffee itself is almost free of protein, and the milk or cream added doesn’t contribute much protein either unless you’re using something like soy milk, which has more protein than cow’s milk or almond milk.
4. Notable Ingredients
In addition to coffee, pumpkin spice cold brews often contain pumpkin-flavored syrups, whipped cream, and sometimes toppings like pumpkin spice dusting. These ingredients contribute significantly to the calorie content, especially the syrup, which is often made with sugar or corn syrup. Some versions might also include a pumpkin-flavored cream that is rich in fats and sugars.
In a Starbucks cold brew, the pumpkin spice syrup, which is made from sugar, water, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and other spices, is the primary contributor to the sweetness and flavor. The whipped cream adds extra fat and sugar, while the milk used in the drink gives it creaminess.
5. Caffeine Content
Caffeine lovers will appreciate that a pumpkin spice cold brew provides a nice caffeine boost, as it is made with cold brew coffee, which typically has more caffeine than regular brewed coffee. A Grande serving of pumpkin spice cold brew contains about 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is similar to the caffeine content in a standard cold brew. This makes it a great choice for those looking for both a caffeine jolt and a delicious seasonal flavor.
Comparison to Other Drinks
When considering the calorie content of a pumpkin spice cold brew, it’s helpful to compare it to similar drinks you might enjoy. Let’s look at how it compares to a pumpkin spice latte and a regular cold brew.
1. Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew vs. Pumpkin Spice Latte
The pumpkin spice latte is another fall favorite that typically comes in a hot or iced version. A Grande pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks contains about 390 calories. This is noticeably higher than the 250 calories in a Grande pumpkin spice cold brew, mainly because the latte is made with steamed milk, which adds more calories than the cold brew and pumpkin cream combination. Additionally, the pumpkin spice latte often uses a higher amount of syrup and can be topped with whipped cream, further adding to its calorie count.
Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew (Grande): 250 calories
Pumpkin Spice Latte (Grande): 390 calories
As you can see, the pumpkin spice cold brew is the lower-calorie option of the two.
2. Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew vs. Regular Cold Brew
If you’re someone who enjoys the bold flavor of cold brew but prefers to avoid the sweetness and spices, you might opt for a regular cold brew. A plain cold brew contains about 5 calories in a Grande size, as it’s just brewed coffee served over ice without added milk, syrups, or sweeteners. So, if you’re looking to minimize your calorie intake, a regular cold brew is the way to go, although it lacks the pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew (Grande): 250 calories
Regular Cold Brew (Grande): 5 calories
The difference in calorie count is substantial, but the pumpkin spice cold brew offers a much more indulgent flavor experience.
Customization Options to Reduce Calories
For those who love the taste of pumpkin spice cold brew but want to reduce their calorie intake, there are a few customization options you can try:
1. Use Fewer Pumps of Syrup
One of the main contributors to the calorie content of a pumpkin spice cold brew is the syrup. You can request fewer pumps of the pumpkin spice syrup to cut down on sugar and calories. For example, ask for one pump instead of the usual three or four. This will reduce the sweetness, but the drink will still have some of that signature pumpkin flavor.
2. Opt for Sugar-Free Syrups
Many coffee shops offer sugar-free versions of syrups, including the pumpkin spice syrup. This can drastically reduce the sugar and calorie content of your drink. If you’re trying to cut out sugar but still want the pumpkin flavor, asking for sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup can be a great option.
3. Choose Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
While dairy milk adds creaminess and calories to your drink, you can opt for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These milk alternatives tend to have fewer calories than regular whole milk or cream. Some are also naturally sweetened, which might allow you to use fewer pumps of syrup to achieve the desired flavor.
4. Skip the Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is a delicious topping but also adds extra calories. By skipping the whipped cream, you can save about 50-100 calories, depending on the size of your drink and how much cream is used.
5. Go for a Smaller Size
If you want to enjoy your pumpkin spice cold brew but don’t want as many calories, you can opt for a smaller size. The smaller Tall (12 oz.) will have fewer calories than the Grande (16 oz.), and this can help you enjoy the flavor without going overboard on calories.
Conclusion
A pumpkin spice cold brew is a tasty, seasonal treat that combines the richness of cold brew coffee with the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. While the calorie content of a standard Grande serving is around 250 calories, this can vary depending on your customizations and the coffee shop you visit. By understanding the nutritional components and making a few adjustments, you can enjoy this festive drink while keeping your calorie intake in check.
Remember, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can reduce the syrup, opt for sugar-free alternatives, or switch to a non-dairy milk to make your pumpkin spice cold brew a more calorie-conscious choice. Whether you’re indulging in the seasonal flavors or sipping it in moderation, the pumpkin spice cold brew remains a delicious way to enjoy the fall season.
Related topics:
- Can You Heat Up Cold Brew Coffee in the Microwave?
- Can You Reheat Cold Brew Coffee?
- How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Ratio