The pumpkin spice latte, known as the PSL for short, is definitely the hot drink this fall (no pun intended). At the beginning of the season, coffee giant, Starbucks, had sold over 200 million pumpkin spice lattes to date. When Starbucks’ PSL became available nationally available at the beginning of September, the flavored coffee beverages were flying out of stores across the country. In fact, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Twitter handle, @TheRealPSL, has more than 93,000 followers!
Yes, a pumpkin spice latte can be a tasty pick-me-up, but that’s really where the benefits end. Aside from some calcium from the milk, a PSL provides little nutritious value. And even worse, the amount of sugar in this popular beverage is dangerously high. According to Starbucks, one pump of their pumpkin syrup contains 8 grams of sugar and a grande, or medium, size PSL contains a total of 49 grams of sugar. That’s nearly double the World Health Organization’s recommended 25 grams of sugar per day, all in one drink!
Dentists across the country have expressed concern about this trend of regularly consuming high sugar coffee drinks. It’s no surprise that with increased sugar intake comes an increased risk of tooth decay. When you drink a PSL, it coats your teeth with a layer of sugar. This sugar then breaks down into an acid which eats away at your tooth enamel. Hello, cavities!
Instead of cutting the PSL completely from your diet this fall, consider ordering the sugar free pumpkin spice latte. Most major coffee chains should carry a sugar free version of the pumpkin spice syrup, and if your go-to café doesn’t, then it might be worth it to find a new favorite. The sugar-free pumpkin spice latte has the same flavor, without all of the harmful sugar disintegrating your tooth enamel.
Want to make a sugar free pumpkin spice latte at home? Check out Torani’s sugar free pumpkin pie syrup! Share your favorite sugar free pumpkin spice latte recipe in the comments below!
Sources: KTLA5, CBS News, Time
About Pointe Dental Group
Pointe Dental Group is dedicated to keeping our patients informed with the most up-to-date dental information. We provide comprehensive dental services including cleanings, fillings, cosmetic services, gum disease treatment, and more. If you have questions about your dental health, please contact us at either of our two locations:
Grosse Pointe Farms: (313) 881-2480
Shelby Township: (586) 803-8300
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