Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: A Keto Conundrum?

Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has gained massive popularity since its launch in August 2019. The drink is made with Starbucks Cold Brew, vanilla syrup, and a float of pumpkin cream cold foam, topped with a dusting of pumpkin spice. While the drink is a sweet treat for many, those on the keto diet may wonder if it fits within their dietary restrictions. The answer is not so straightforward.

Pumpkin cream cold brew nutritional information

Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has been a highly anticipated seasonal release, marking the "official" start of fall and pumpkin season. The drink is made with Starbucks Cold Brew, vanilla syrup, and a pumpkin cream cold foam with a dusting of pumpkin spice topping.

While the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has been praised for its taste, with some finding it to be a better option than the Pumpkin Spice Latte, it still contains high levels of calories, fat, and sugar. A Grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew contains 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbohydrates, and 31 grams of sugar.

Nutritionists have pointed out that the drink is well beyond what a typical coffee drink should contain in terms of calories, fat, and sugar. It is recommended that women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day and men no more than 36 grams. A Grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew contains 31 grams of sugar, which is already above the recommended limit.

For those on a keto diet, achieving a truly keto version of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks is challenging due to the high sugar content in the pumpkin spice sauce. However, some modifications can be made, such as substituting vanilla with sugar-free vanilla and using heavy cream instead of vanilla sweet cream.

Pumpkin cream cold brew vs. Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is a seasonal favourite at Starbucks, but in recent years, a new drink has emerged to rival its popularity: the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. But how do the two drinks compare?

Taste and Texture

The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is made with Starbucks Cold Brew and vanilla syrup, and it's finished with a pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice topping. The cold brew itself is not overly sweet, and the pumpkin cold foam has a definite pumpkiny sweetness. The foam is thick, creamy, and luxurious, but it can leave a strange film in your mouth after sipping. The Pumpkin Spice Latte, on the other hand, is made with espresso, milk, and pumpkin sauce. It tends to be very sweet, and the milkiness of the beverage can overwhelm any actual espresso flavor. It has a more dessert-like taste and is less coffee-forward than the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

Customisation Options

The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew cannot be made dairy-free as the foam calls for a special sweet cream blend that doesn't hold up when using alternate milks. The PSL, however, can be made with non-dairy milk alternatives. If you find the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew too sweet, you can ask for less vanilla syrup. Similarly, you can customise your PSL by asking for fewer pumps of the pumpkin sauce.

Caffeine Content

The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has 25-50% more caffeine than the Pumpkin Spice Latte, depending on the size you order. A 16-ounce grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has 185 milligrams of caffeine, while a tall, grande, and venti Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte have 75, 150, and 225 milligrams of caffeine, respectively.

Calories and Sugar Content

A grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has 250 calories and 31 grams of sugar. In comparison, a grande PSL has 380 calories and 50 grams of sugar. So, if you're looking for a more indulgent treat, go for the PSL. But if you're counting calories, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is the better option.

In conclusion, both drinks offer a delightful combination of coffee, cream, and pumpkin spice flavours. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a better choice if you prefer a more caffeinated, less sweet, and lower-calorie option. However, if you're looking for a more indulgent, dessert-like drink with a bolder espresso flavour, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the way to go.

Making keto-friendly pumpkin cream cold brew

The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is made with Starbucks Cold Brew, vanilla syrup, and a float of pumpkin cream cold foam (vanilla sweet cream frothed and mixed with a little pumpkin spice sauce), then sprinkled with pumpkin spice topping. A Grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbohydrates, and 31 grams of sugar.

To make a keto-friendly version of this drink, you can follow the steps below:

Ingredients

• Sugar-free vanilla syrup
• Heavy cream
• Pumpkin spice sauce (sugar-free)
• Starbucks Cold Brew
• Pumpkin spice topping (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam: In a small bowl, mix together heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and sugar-free pumpkin spice sauce. Using a milk frother, froth the mixture until it forms a thick foam. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the mixture until foamy.
• Make the Cold Brew: Brew Starbucks Cold Brew according to the package instructions. You can also make your own cold brew by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. Filter and chill before using.
• Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in the desired amount of cold brew, leaving some space at the top. Carefully spoon the pumpkin cream cold foam on top of the cold brew. Sprinkle with pumpkin spice topping, if desired.
• Serve: Enjoy your keto-friendly Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar-free vanilla syrup to taste.

Note: It is important to use sugar-free or low-carb alternatives to keep the drink keto-friendly. The pumpkin spice sauce used in the original Starbucks recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, making it unsuitable for a keto diet.

Pumpkin cream cold brew variations

Pumpkin cream cold brew is a seasonal drink that has become a staple for many coffee lovers. While the original recipe is already a tasty treat, you can experiment with different ingredients to create your own variations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative. Oat milk is a great choice as it has a higher fat content than other non-dairy milks, giving your drink a thicker consistency. Califia Farms dairy-free heavy whip is another option that can provide a similar taste and texture to the original recipe.

Lower Sugar Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

For those watching their sugar intake, there are a few modifications you can make. You can order or make your drink without vanilla syrup in the cold brew, or opt for a sugar-free vanilla syrup instead. You can also ask for light cold foam, reducing the amount of foam and overall sugar in your drink.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup

If you want to get creative, try making your own pumpkin spice syrup. Combine ingredients like water, sugar or a sugar substitute, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool, then add a splash of vanilla extract. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.

Extra Frothy Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

For an extra frothy experience, simply use your frother to whip up the pumpkin cream even more before serving. This will create an airier texture, giving your drink a lighter and fluffier feel.

Spiced-Up Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

While the traditional recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice, you can experiment with individual spices to create a unique flavor profile. Try using cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to give your drink a slightly different kick. You can also enhance your coffee base by brewing it with a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean for an extra layer of depth.

Hot Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Although the original recipe is served iced, you can certainly experiment with a hot version. Simply prepare your cold foam as usual and add it to a hot cup of coffee. There's no strict rule against using cold foam in hot coffee, so feel free to get creative and see how you like it!

Pumpkin cream cold brew availability

The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is typically available during the Fall season. Starbucks' fall season usually starts towards the end of August and ends around Thanksgiving in November. For example, in 2021, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew was available nationwide from 24 August.

The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is made with Starbucks Cold Brew, vanilla syrup, and topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice topping. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam is made with cream, milk, pumpkin spice sauce, and pumpkin puree. The pumpkin spice topping includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

The drink's high sugar content makes it unsuitable for a keto diet. However, some Starbucks customers have suggested substitutions to make the drink more keto-friendly. These include substituting vanilla syrup for sugar-free vanilla syrup and using heavy cream instead of vanilla sweet cream.

Frequently asked questions