Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Yay or Nay?

Sean Sorek, staff writer

Fall has arrived and so have pumpkin spice lattes. Although others may think they’re overused and cliche, I think they still have charm. It only comes once a year, so why not buy into the hype? They taste good, they bring the holiday mood, and they’re orange! What’s not to love?

Of course, some do understand the hype around them, like junior Kayla Spiers. “I love pumpkin spice lattes because they suit the fall theme so well,” Spiers said. “Not only that, the flavor is to die for.”

The drink is milk based, with a pumpkin syrup and a spice topping made of cinnamon and nutmeg.

However, not everyone appreciates the delicious delicacy, including sophomore Evelyn Rude. “I don’t like them. They taste too syrupy, and I feel like I’m about to pass out because of all the sugar,” Rude said. “I just don’t understand the craze.”

It’s true that they’re sugary. It has almost 50 grams after all. However, what isn’t these days? Most of the Starbucks menu, especially every frappuccino, has way more sugar than a pumpkin spice latte, and you see hundreds of people drinking those every day. The difference is that the pumpkin spice latte only comes once a year, it’s interesting and unique compared to something like a frappuccino.

Some people are also concerned about the price of the lattes, like sophomore Cagatay Sagire

“I like them but they are way too overpriced. I’m not about to blow out my budget for coffee.” Sagire said.

This may be true, but a pumpkin spice latte isn’t meant to be a regular purchase. It’s not supposed to be drunk specifically for the caffeine content. It’s basically a pumpkin candy drink with coffee, not a coffee drink with pumpkin in it. Although they may be controversial, pumpkin spice lattes add a charm to the season that not many seasonal items can. They should still be appreciated for what they are.