The science behind pumpkin spice lattes

IFT spokesperson answers questions about recipe, safety of seasonal beverage

To offer insight into the research and development side of the popular seasonal beverage pumpkin spice lattes, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Chicago, released a video and Q&A with food scientist and IFT spokesperson Kantha Shelke. Through these platforms, Shelke shares how the drink and the spice mix is made, explains any safety concerns involving the ingredients, and offers the science behind why consumers love it so much.

How do commercialized pumpkin spice latte ingredients differ from ingredients found in your kitchen cabinets?
Commercial pumpkin spice latte ingredients focus on giving you a complete and pleasurable experience that is consistent every time and evocative of pumpkin pie and the holidays. Pumpkin spice mix contains at least 340 flavor compounds, and these are not found in one’s kitchen cupboard. But the human brain can fill in the blanks, so commercial operators use about 5-10 percent of the natural blend of spices.

What are some common ingredients and chemicals found in pumpkin spice lattes?
The major and common ingredients and chemicals in pumpkin spice lattes include cinnamic aldehydes for cinnamon, eugenol for clove or allspice, terpenes such as sabinene for nutmeg, and zingiberene for ginger. They might also contain vanillin and cyclotene for the burnt butter or maple notes to round out the flavor.

Are most ingredients found in different coffee brands’ pumpkin spice lattes similar?
The recipe for pumpkin spice lattes is not set in stone, and commercial recipes can change depending on the region of the country. But, they typically contain cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove or allspice.

Is it possible to make a pumpkin spice latte at home using spices or similar flavors?
Yes, but it will probably taste more like Indian masala tea — popularly known as chai in the Western world — and less like the pumpkin spice latte you’re used to getting at a coffee shop.

How is a chemical or derivative in a latte approved to be safe for consumption?
Each compound used in the flavoring is tested and proven for safety at concentrations of about 20-50 times what one would normally consume, even if they were addicted to this drink and drank it four or five times every day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews the information carefully before allowing each compound to attain generally recognized as safe status.

What is the benefit of using flavorings such as those in the pumpkin spice latte?
Skillfully designed flavorings, such as those in the pumpkin spice latte, offer just a few molecules of the right flavors instead of the whole cornucopia. So, they are consistent and taste the same every time; are cost effective, because only a few molecules are used instead of the tablespoon of the spice mix; and are ecologically sustainable, because there is not enough spice in this world to go around should everyone decide to order a pumpkin spice latte today.

Why is pumpkin spice such a trendy flavor?
People in the Western culture associate pumpkin pie with the holidays, family gatherings and nostalgia. This is why pumpkin spice latte is trendy.

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Consumers are actively seeking everything from enhanced focus and better information processing, to reduced stress, improved mood, faster learning, effective memory, better adaptability, and enhanced multitasking. This session will review the science behind these ingredients and how they can be added to your formulations to tap into the cognitive support wave.

This important industry event is a learning and information sharing experience for warehousing, distribution and fleet management professionals who will have the opportunity to continue to share ideas and network with their industry peers in a safe and productive format as we continue to navigate these challenging times.