So, it’s fall. That means brisk weather, warm clothes, colourful trees and enjoying the glorious pumpkin spice latte at your desk on a cool morning.
Or is it so glorious? Our research indicates that it is a scary, Hallowe’en nightmare!
What is actually in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte? You would think just pumpkin, some spices and either milk or soy milk.
Sadly, it isn’t so. There are a slew of other nasty ingredients, as well as a mountain of sugar.
Time Magazine reports that “Starbucks has sold 200 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes since the cinnamon-y sweet coffee was first introduced in 2003, making it the most popular seasonal beverage ever, according to a Starbucks spokesperson.”1
That is a lot of sugar and additives potentially being unknowingly consumed, all around the world.
The Food Babe has done an extensive investigation into the actual ingredients in Starbucks’ products, because it is almost impossible to track down the exact ingredients, even on their online nutrition information. Especially because each barista may make the drink differently, not to mention each customer may ask for a twist, and of course due to proprietary information, it is quite difficult to narrow down exactly what is inside that Grande cup with your name spelled wrong.
She reports that there is not even any real pumpkin in this drink!!! The flavour is simulated using artificial flavours derived from petroleum products, and the rest is a mixture of caramel colour (made with ammonia and considered a carcinogen), Monsanto milk, Sugar and pesticide residue.2
MMmmm, definitely worth that $5.25!
As we’ve previously discussed at length in this blog, sugar in any form is detrimental to you immune system, causes massive inflammation in your body and directly feeds cancer cells.3
A Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte contains 50 grams of sugar, and for a visual, that equals 13 sugar cubes. That is more than double the daily recommended amount of sugar for an adult!
So what is the solution? MAKE YOUR OWN and BRING IT TO WORK!!
Jo-Anne’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe!!
Just add the following to a small pot:
2 tbsp. organic pumpkin puree
2 shakes cinnamon
1 shake cloves
1 shake nutmeg
3 shakes salt
1 tbsp of maple syrup
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
Warm it over medium heat. Whisk it while warming and enjoy!
With Sources From:
1 – http://time.com/4475181/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-available/
2 – http://foodbabe.com/2014/08/25/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte/
3 – http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/sugar_cancer.htm
http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/espresso/pumpkin-spice-latte (image with whipped cream)
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Jo-Anne Richardson, Registered Holistic Nutritionist & Energy Medicine Practitioner
Jo-Anne works with Fournier Health Management Solutions to provide online education for clients and patients. Her interest in healthy, joyful living is demonstrated in her writing, coaching and teaching. Her goal is to improve the health of her community by empowering you with knowledge, support and new ideas.
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