Healthier Fall Drink Choices at Coffee Chains

As autumn approaches, coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin' have reintroduced their seasonal drinks, prominently featuring the pumpkin spice latte (PSL). While these beverages are popular among consumers, they often contain high levels of added sugar and saturated fat. Health professionals suggest that enjoying these drinks in moderation is key, and they recommend several alternative fall-inspired beverages that may be healthier options.

Registered dietitian Roxana Ehsani advocates for a hot matcha latte with oat milk as a fall drink choice. Ehsani highlights that matcha is rich in antioxidants and provides an energy boost without the discomfort that dairy can cause for some individuals. She emphasizes the nutritional benefits of dairy milk, noting its complete protein content.

Kristen Carli, another registered dietitian, enjoys a hot chai latte with soy milk. Although chai lattes can be high in sugar, Carli embraces them in moderation, opting for soy milk due to its higher protein content compared to other plant-based alternatives.

Brianna Wieser, a senior program specialist at MOBE, prefers a double espresso with steamed oat milk and cinnamon. Wieser appreciates oat milk for its taste and lower saturated fat content, which helps her avoid bloating associated with cow's milk.

Meggie Connelly, a dietitian specializing in polycystic ovary syndrome, typically orders an iced coffee with cinnamon dolce syrup and cream. She finds that reducing the syrup pumps maintains the desired sweetness while lowering sugar intake.

Asmita Batajoo, a clinical dietitian at Kaiser Permanente, keeps her coffee order simple with a plain black medium roast coffee, occasionally indulging in a Starbucks Pistachio Cream Cold Brew as a treat.

Lastly, Amy Davis, owner of The Balanced Dietitian, opts for a medium Starbucks Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew with reduced vanilla syrup. This drink offers a balance of sweetness and richness while remaining under 250 calories.

Health experts caution that many popular fall beverages, particularly the pumpkin spice latte, can contribute to excessive sugar and calorie intake if consumed frequently. They encourage consumers to be mindful of their choices and consider healthier alternatives that still capture the essence of the season.

Health professionals emphasize the importance of moderation when enjoying seasonal drinks. They recommend opting for beverages that incorporate healthier ingredients, such as oat or soy milk, and suggest customizing orders to reduce sugar content.

• “I’m not a fan of highly sweetened coffee drinks like pumpkin spice lattes or mochas, but prefer a basic latte,” — Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN

• “Chai lattes are fairly high in sugar, but I love them so much that I don’t sweat it,” — Kristen Carli, RD

• “There’s plenty of sweetness from the oat milk and it’s a comforting treat as the weather begins to cool,” — Brianna Wieser, RDN, LD

• “Usually a grande iced coffee is sweetened with four pumps of syrup, but I find that reducing the pumps of syrup by half stills provides the perfect amount of sweetness,” — Meggie Connelly, RDN, LDN

• “Really not much nutritional consideration goes into this drink selection, as it’s more of an infrequent treat for me,” — Asmita Batajoo, RD

• “The drink is under 250 calories, while still offering the perfect amount of sweetness and satiating richness from the cold foam topping, she said.” — Amy Davis, RD, LDN

This overview of healthier fall drink options encourages consumers to enjoy the season's flavors while being mindful of their nutritional choices.