The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, affectionately known as the PSL, is a fall favorite for many. Its cozy blend of espresso, milk, pumpkin, and warm spices signals the official start of autumn each year. But if you’re pregnant (or trying to conceive), you might find yourself wondering: Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte safe during pregnancy?
This iconic seasonal drink has become a yearly tradition, but given its caffeine, sugar content, and seasonal ingredients, it’s understandable to be cautious. We’ve covered coffee safety during pregnancy before in “Is A Cup Of Coffee Safe During Pregnancy?”, but today, we’re diving deeper.
In this post, we’ll examine the ingredients in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, review its nutrition and caffeine content, and discuss what that means for pregnancy.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Nutrition and Its Safety During Pregnancy
If you’ve ever wondered about the nutrients or safety of your pumpkin spice latte, you’re in the right place. This post is designed to be both informative and easy to digest, giving you clear, evidence-based guidance on this seasonal beverage.
If you’re looking for this, you can find hundreds of evidence-based nutrition guides for preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum inside The Prenatal Nutrition Library App. Start your 7-DAY FREE TRIAL TODAY!
With TPNL, you won’t have to spend another minute debating your next sip or bite. Having the “pregnancy glow” is great and all, but feeling that glow (confidence, nourishment, and energy) from the inside out is even better.
Now, let’s dive into what you need to know about pumpkin spice lattes during pregnancy!
What Is a Pumpkin Spice Latte From Starbucks?
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is one of the most beloved seasonal drinks of all time. Available for a limited time each fall, this cozy beverage is made with espresso, steamed milk, and Starbucks’ signature pumpkin spice sauce, then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
One of the best parts about the PSL is how customizable it is.
You can adjust the milk type, number of espresso shots, or level of sweetness, and even skip the whipped cream or opt for a dairy-free version. Whether you prefer it hot, iced, or blended as a Frappuccino, there’s a version to fit every craving (and every season of life, including pregnancy!).
With its rich, creamy texture and nostalgic aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, the Pumpkin Spice Latte captures the essence of autumn in every sip. Many people see its return to the Starbucks menu each year as the official start of fall.
What Is In a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Now that we know why it’s so popular, let’s examine the nutritional content of a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.
As mentioned above, the classic PSL is made with espresso, steamed milk, and Starbucks’ pumpkin spice sauce, a blend of sugar, pumpkin puree, and warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
Protein
The cow’s milk in a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte contributes about 9 grams of protein per tall serving. Protein plays a crucial role in supporting fetal growth and tissue development. While it’s not a major protein source, every bit adds up throughout the day.
Sugar
A tall Pumpkin Spice Latte contains around 38 grams of sugar, mainly from a combination of the flavored syrup, milk, and whipped cream. During pregnancy, limiting added sugars helps support balanced blood sugar and steady energy levels. You can reduce the sugar content by asking for fewer pumps of pumpkin spice syrup!
Caffeine
A tall Pumpkin Spice Latte provides roughly 75 mg of caffeine from the shot of espresso. Current research and major health organizations (like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) suggest keeping caffeine intake below 200 mg daily during pregnancy, so enjoying a tall PSL fits safely within that limit. There are special circumstances, such as a high-risk pregnancy, where it may be best to limit further or avoid caffeine. This is individualized.
Please read our full research breakdown on caffeine in pregnancy in the app for free!
Other Nutrients
You’ll also get calcium from the milk, essential for developing bones and teeth. While the drink’s pumpkin flavor doesn’t come from a large amount of real pumpkin, you can still get those nutrients from other pumpkin-based foods throughout the season. Check out this helpful guide on pumpkin for pregnant women.
Custom Options
The nutrition information above is for a classic PSL. However, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is easy to customize! You can adjust the milk choice to make it dairy-free, ask for fewer syrup pumps to reduce sugar, or choose a smaller size, decaf, or half-caf espresso to manage your caffeine intake.
These small tweaks allow you to enjoy the seasonal favorite while staying aligned with your pregnancy nutrition goals.
Can Pregnant Women Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte From Starbucks?
Yes, most individuals can safely enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte during pregnancy, as long as they keep a few simple things in mind. The main considerations are caffeine and sugar content.
A tall (12-oz) Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks contains about 75 mg of caffeine, which falls below the recommended daily limit of 200 mg or less during pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Just remember to factor in any other sources of caffeine you may have that day, like tea, chocolate, or additional coffee drinks.
Sugar is another element to be mindful of. The sweetness comes from the pumpkin spice syrup and whipped cream, but it’s easy to make small adjustments to reduce added sugar while keeping the flavor you love.
Here are a few simple ways to make your PSL more pregnancy-friendly:
- For less caffeine: Choose decaf or half-caf espresso, or order a smaller size.
- For less sugar: Ask for fewer pumps of pumpkin spice syrup (1–2 instead of 3–4) and skip the whipped cream.
With these small tweaks, you can confidently enjoy your favorite fall drink. The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte can be a safe and comforting treat for most pregnant women. Just be sure to sip mindfully and savor every pumpkin-spiced moment.
Take the guesswork out of navigating nutrition during pregnancy and eat with confidence!
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a beloved fall tradition that brings all the cozy, spiced flavors of the season. The good news is that you can enjoy it safely during pregnancy with a few simple modifications.
By understanding what’s in your cup, especially the amount of caffeine and added sugar, you can make informed choices that align with your pregnancy nutrition goals. Whether you prefer your PSL hot or iced, it’s all about balance, moderation, and enjoying the small moments that make this season special. See more Starbucks drinks in: “10 Fall Starbucks Drinks For Pregnant Women”
Take the guesswork out of navigating nutrition during pregnancy and eat with confidence. Explore The Prenatal Nutrition Library App to use the pregnancy food checker, get your custom meal plan, and browse 600+ dietitian-approved recipes. You’ll find practical, research-backed tips to help you feel nourished, energized, and confident throughout every trimester.
