Chasing Davies: The Great Pumpkin Spice Latte Taste-Off

October 3, 2014

The Great Pumpkin Spice Latte Taste-Off

The best pumpkin latte coffee

Besides all the fashion benefits to fall (layers!!), one of my favorite parts of the season is turning to a good cup of jo, and specifically practically drowning myself in pumpkin spice lattes.  I have my preferences on where I get my coffee, but with a busy schedule and places to be, I thew that to the wind the start of this season to give every passing place on my various routes a try.  

Over the last couple weeks, I tried 4 different pumpkin latte variations from 4 different National places a couple times each.  I ordered their grande or large size in non-fat, no whip every time.  Then I decided to compare them and share with you my preferences and information on each one (like calories and Kansas City-area prices)!

best pumpkin spice latte

1. Caribou Coffee's Non-Fat Pumpkin Latte:  At first, I really liked the taste of this.  It wasn't too sweet, definitely had more of a spice kick to it, which I like a blend of the two.  But both times of trying this drink, once I got towards the last third, a lot of the syrup or mixings had settled, which made it way to sweet and thick. I guess next time I'd just make sure to keep stirring it up if I wasn't going to guzzle it down.  Plus, this one had the most calories!

Calories: 350  |  Cost: $4.50

2. Einstein Bros. Bagels' Non-Fat Pumpkin Latte: I have one in walking distance from my house, so this is often my first taste of the season's first Pumpkin Spice Latte, but this year it was my last (of these 4).  And I actually think it was my favorite!  The blend of spicy and sweet was right on, with no settling of syrup.  It wasn't too thick, but thick enough to 

{bonus - they have a whole page dedicated to pumpkin fun & products}

Calories: 240  |  Cost: $4.29

3. Starbuck's Non-Fat Pumpkin Spice Latte: This is obviously the most well-known and accessible of the bunch.  There is practically a Starbuck's on every corner... and did they invent the PSL?  Either way, it IS good - one of my favorites.  Also the most expensive. 

Calories: 260  |  Cost: $5.03

4. McDonald's McCafe Non-Fat Pumpkin Spice Latte: The only reason I even got this in the first time (since I'm NOT a frequency McDonalds visitor), is because it's right next to daycare and the drive through was empty (for a quick pit stop for a latte on the way to work).  I actually was pleasantly surprised.  It was a bit too sweet

Calories: 320   |  Cost: $2.69

My next coffee taste off and adventures will be Kansas City local!  Tell me, what is your favorite coffee house (National or local) or Fall/Winter drink?

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