Starbucks Fall Drinks 2023: Nutrition, Ingredients, and Dietitian Tips
A comprehensive breakdown and expert nutrition analysis of Starbucks’ fall 2023 drink menu, including calories, sugar, and smart ordering tips.
Each autumn, Starbucks treats fans to a festive menu loaded with nostalgic flavors like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and chai. The coffee giant’s fall 2023 drink lineup is no exception, combining reliable favorites and inventive new sips that trend across social media. But how do these seasonally-inspired drinks stack up nutritionally? Here’s a detailed guide to what’s in each fall offering, how they impact your diet, and dietitian-backed advice for enjoying the flavors of fall more mindfully.
What’s New on Starbucks’ Fall 2023 Menu?
This year, Starbucks rolled out two new iced beverages for fall:
- Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
Both have quickly captured attention, from enthusiastic taste tests to viral posts, but they arrive alongside recurring favorites such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This inventive beverage builds on Starbucks’ shaken espresso series, blending espresso, apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar notes, all shaken together and finished with creamy oat milk. It brings a lighter touch to the traditionally sweet fall menu.
Ingredients
- Ice
- Oat milk
- Canola oil
- Espresso
- Apple brown sugar syrup
Nutrition Facts (Grande size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 4.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sugars | 21 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Compared to other Starbucks fall drinks, this one is on the lighter side in sugar and calories yet still satisfies seasonal cravings.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
This drink combines spiced chai with pumpkin cream cold foam and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice topping over ice—a rich medley of fall’s best-loved flavors, promising both indulgence and caffeine.
Ingredients
- Milk
- Ice
- Pumpkin spiced cream
- Chai tea concentrate
- Pumpkin spice topping
Nutrition Facts (Grande size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Fat | 17 g (11 g saturated fat) |
| Carbohydrates | 68 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Sugars | 66 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
This new fall treat is one of the most indulgent options on the fall menu, with a high sugar and fat content. Registered dietitians recommend considering portion size and customizations if you’re mindful of your sugar intake.
Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
Few drinks are as synonymous with fall as the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). It’s built around espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, topped with whipped cream, and pumpkin pie spices. The PSL’s rich profile makes it a seasonal staple, but also a calorie-heavy one.
What’s Inside
- Espresso
- Steamed milk (typically 2% or whole, customizable)
- Pumpkin sauce (contains real pumpkin and spices)
- Whipped cream
- Pumpkin spice topping
Nutrition Facts (Grande size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Sugars | 50 g |
| Caffeine | 150 mg |
The high sugar and calorie count is due to the sweetened pumpkin sauce and whipped cream topping. Customizations, such as skipping whipped cream or choosing non-dairy milk, can reduce calories and sugar significantly.
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
The iced version of the PSL brings the same warming flavors in a chilled format, ideal for those crisp-yet-mild fall days. It’s constructed similarly but served over ice.
Nutrition Facts (Grande size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Sugars | 45 g |
| Caffeine | 150 mg |
Switching from a hot to an iced latte offers a different experience, but nutritional differences are minor unless you opt for fewer pumps of syrup or lighter milk options.
What others are reading
Pumpkin Spice Crème (Caffeine-Free)
For those avoiding caffeine but still wanting festive flavors, the Pumpkin Spice Crème is a cozy choice. It’s essentially steamed milk mixed with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove—and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spices.
Nutrition Facts (Grande size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Sugars | 52 g |
| Caffeine | 0 mg |
This drink eliminates the espresso but carries the same sweetness and flavor as a traditional PSL; it’s suitable for children or those sensitive to caffeine.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
One of Starbucks’ most popular fall drinks for cold coffee lovers, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew combines cold brew coffee, vanilla syrup, and a topping of pumpkin-infused cold foam. The drink is creamy but less sweet than some other fall options due to its unsweetened cold brew base.
Nutrition Facts (Grande size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Caffeine | 185 mg |
The pumpkin cream foam is where most of the sugars and fats come from, but you can request “light cream” or fewer pumps of vanilla to cut calories.
Health Expert Insights: Are Fall Drinks a Wholesome Choice?
Dietitians agree that Starbucks’ fall drinks are intended as seasonal treats and should be enjoyed in moderation—especially those with higher sugar and calorie counts. Here are some common themes from nutritionists:
- “Fall drinks are delicious but often dessert-level in terms of sugars and fats.”
- “Be mindful of portion size. A tall or grande is usually enough to satisfy a craving.”
- “High sugar drinks can spike blood sugar, so consider customizing with fewer syrup pumps or milk alternatives.”
- “Enjoying these drinks occasionally is fine as part of a balanced diet.”
Dietitian-Approved Customization Tips
You can still get all the cozy flavors of autumn while minding your nutrition. Consider these expert tips:
- Request fewer syrup pumps to reduce sugar and calories (e.g., 2 instead of 4).
- Choose non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or skim instead of whole milk for less fat and fewer calories.
- Skip or go light on whipped cream and foams to trim fat content.
- Order a “short” or “tall” size (instead of grande or venti) for built-in portion control.
- Request half the usual syrup for a lighter beverage that still retains flavor.
Starbucks Fall Drinks: Nutrition Comparison Table
| Drink (Grande) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | 390 | 14 | 52 | 50 | 14 | 150 |
| Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte | 370 | 16 | 47 | 45 | 11 | 150 |
| Pumpkin Spice Crème | 400 | 15 | 52 | 52 | 15 | 0 |
| Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew | 250 | 12 | 31 | 24 | 3 | 185 |
| Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso | 180 | 4.5 | 34 | 21 | 2 | ? |
| Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte | 460 | 17 | 68 | 66 | 10 | ? |
*Caffeine data for chai and shaken espresso drinks varies due to recipe but is typically between 70–150 mg per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I drink Starbucks’ fall drinks?
Dietitians recommend enjoying them as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit, especially drinks with high sugar and calorie content.
Are there healthier choices on the fall menu?
The Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew are comparatively lighter. Asking for fewer syrup pumps, non-dairy milk, and no whipped cream can further lower calories and sugar.
Can I order a low-sugar or low-calorie version of my favorite?
Yes. Request baristas to use less syrup, choose lighter milk options, skip whipped cream, and order a smaller size to enjoy familiar flavors with a lighter nutritional profile.
Are Starbucks fall drinks vegan or gluten-free?
Many drinks can be made vegan by substituting dairy for oat, almond, or soy milk and omitting whipped cream. Note, however, that some ingredients (like pumpkin cream cold foam) may contain dairy. Always check the Starbucks allergen information for full details.
Final Thoughts: Mindful Enjoyment of Seasonal Sips
Starbucks fall beverages bring autumn to life with distinctive flavors and Instagram-worthy presentation. While they are often high in sugar and calories, customizations make it possible to partake while staying within personal nutrition goals. Ultimately, moderation is key—these drinks are intended as a special fall treat, not an everyday staple.
References
- https://cheatdaydesign.com/fall-starbucks-drink-lineup/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a44938231/starbucks-fall-drinks-2023-nutrition/
- https://lorincheung.com/the-best-low-sugar-starbucks-fall-drinks/
- https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/418/hot/nutrition
- https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/427/iced
- https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123113/iced/nutrition
- https://www.starbucks.ie/nutrition
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