As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, a familiar flavor makes its grand entrance: pumpkin spice. This beloved seasonal blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall, adorning everything from lattes to muffins with its warm and inviting aroma. While indulging in pumpkin spice treats can be a delightful seasonal tradition, it’s essential to be mindful of the calorie content and nutritional implications of these festive offerings.
We spoke with Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES, to learn about a few common pumpkin spice treats that you should think twice about before purchasing due to their high calories and other unwanted nutritional consequences. Berger revealed that Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream and Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cheesecake are the two culprits to watch out for this season.
Pumpkin Spice 'Calorie-Bomb' Treats
Indulging in seasonal delights like Dunkin Donuts' Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream and Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake can be incredibly tempting during the fall season. However, it's crucial to exercise caution, as these treats often pack a hefty caloric punch and can introduce unwelcome nutritional consequences.
As for Dunkin Donuts' Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee with Cream, Berger says "you are getting 1160 calories, 40 grams of total fat, 22 grams of artery clogging saturated fat, and 167 grams of added sugar! The saturated fat and added sugar in this drink far exceeds The American Heart Association's (AHA) daily recommendations. The AHA recommends limiting saturated fat to no more than 5-6% of total calories which is about 13 grams per day for most people. The AHA recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men."
She also notes that opting for a smaller coffee size and choosing skim milk while requesting half the usual sweetener can lead to substantial calorie, saturated fat, and added sugar reductions. Opting for a petite Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee with skim milk, for example, can cut your calorie and added sugar intake in half, while limiting saturated fat to just 3 grams.
As for the fan-favorite Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake, Berger unveils that consuming this beloved seasonal dessert is basically one meal's worth of calories.
"This treat puts you at 430 calories, 15 grams of saturated fat, and 29 grams of added sugar, which is equivalent to a small meal for most people. For a lighter pumpkin-y Trader Joe's treat, try the Mini Pumpkin Ginger Scones instead, you can eat 2 for about half the calories, one third of the saturated fat, and way less added sugar," she states.
It's wise to enjoy these seasonal favorites in moderation and balance them with healthier food choices to savor the flavors of fall without compromising your well-being.
