Review: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin

Although I enjoy making specialty beverages at home, it is such a treat to visit Starbucks and order something special. It is pumpkin season at Starbucks and that means the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. As a pumpkin-lover, I ordered one along with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin. It turns out one of these pumpkin treats is a clear favorite well worth a trip to Starbucks.

Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte combines espresso, pumpkin, spices, steamed milk and sweetened whipped cream. The resulting beverage has an orange hue and the flavors are very strong with a hint of sweetness. A heavy aroma of nutmeg wafts from the cup, promising a delicious autumnal treat. Unfortunately, the espresso has a harsh flavor and aftertaste that do not meld with the pumpkin and spices.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is available in three sizes ranging from $3.65 to $4.65.

Nutrition Content of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
The nutrition content varies with beverage size and customizations, such as choosing 2% milk. According to Starbucks.com, a tall, 12-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte with whole milk and whipped cream has 330 calories with 130 calories from fat. Visit Starbucks.com for additional information.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
A clear standout in the pastry case, this muffin has an ample top bedecked with candied pumpkin seeds. There is also a dollop, approximately a tablespoon, of cream cheese baked right into the top. The cream cheese has a texture similar to cheesecake. The sienna-colored muffin is moist and slightly dense, as a good muffin should be, with the flavors of pumpkin and spice.

From the candied pumpkin seeds to the cream cheese, Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin is a well-thought pumpkin dessert with big pumpkin flavor and the right amount of sweetness. They cost $1.95 each.

Room for Improvement
The nutrition content for the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin is not available online. Instead, the website directs customers to inquire in-store.

The Starbucks website does not provide allergen information for beverages due to the variety of customization options. However, some of the drink bases contain ingredients, such as dairy, that are worth disclosing online to accommodate those with dietary concerns, including vegans.

The Last Bite
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is not something I will buy again. It tastes alright, but there are too many choices at Starbucks to settle for something less than delicious. However, the Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffin is absolute perfection. Three-dollar cupcakes may be trendy, but this oversize muffin is a true star.

Pumpkin latte, muffins and pound cake are seasonal items and the menu board will soon change to include winter flavors. Visit Starbucks soon if you want to try these pumpkin treats.

Sources
Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks.com