Pumpkin Chai
ARGO TEA CAFE $3.75 (medium)
www.argotea.com
265 calories, 7 g fat, 44 g carbs
The pitch: “Sweet and spicy, caffeine-free goodness.”
First thought: Red chai, naturally caffeine free, is spiced with natural pumpkin flavoring. Smooth and nutmeggy, hints of apple cider.
On second thought: Verging toward bitingly sweet.
McGrade: B+
Pumpkin Spice Latte
STARBUCKS $4.25 (grande)
www.starbucks.com
380 calories, 13 g fat, 51 g carbs (2 percent milk)
The pitch: “A delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso and freshly steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.”
First thought: A warming cup of that robust Starbucks aroma. Pumpkin flavor is not too intense.
On second thought: After the whipped cream melts into the beverage, the resulting color resembles curry. Is it just me or do I sense a hint of savory crust-like aftertaste?
McGrade: C
Pumpkin Latte
DUNKIN DONUTS $2.79 (medium)
www.dunkindonuts.com
340 calories, 9 g fat, 39 g carbs
The pitch: “Harvest the sweet and spicy spirit of the season.”
First thought: A light, just-right-sweet brew. You really get that roasted coffee bean taste with every sip.
On second thought: The pumpkin taste is barely there.
McGrade: C+
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kpang@tribune.com
