Starbucks defines pumpkin spice as “a combination of real pumpkin puree and traditional pumpkin pie spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg.” Pumpkin spice is recognized worldwide for its distinctive flavor, popularity and association with the start of fall.

The original Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) was developed in 2003 by Starbucks and was tested in 100 stores that same year. The official national release of the signature drink was in the fall of 2004. Since then, the fall menu at Starbucks has added several pumpkin spice-themed beverages, including an Iced PSL, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino and Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte. They also released a Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam which can be added to drinks of any kind.

“I definitely think the fall menu is best compared to the other seasonal menus,” Brooke Lowry, sophomore and Starbucks drinker, said.

When you think of pumpkin spice, you probably correlate that recognizable flavor with Starbucks due to the popularity of their pumpkin drinks. But the spice has been around for a long time. McCormick and Company, a spice brand, released Pumpkin Pie Spice in the 1930s. It includes a blend of four spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.

While it’s not clear who originally thought of mixing pumpkin spice and a latte, the PSL was developed by Peter Dukes (who led the espresso beverage team) and his team at Starbucks headquarters in Seattle, WA.

“One of the first things we did was we decorated the lab as if it were fall, even though it was springtime… then we brought in pumpkin pies. We took a bite of the pumpkin pie, mixed it with espresso in a sample cup and ate it,” Dukes said in an interview with People.

Many people enjoy the taste of the PSL. The pumpkin flavor pairs exceptionally well with coffee, offering a sweet and subtle balance that evokes a warm and comforting feeling. Some say it’s “overrated”, but just the nostalgia it brings makes it the true king of fall drinks.

“I think it is the best because it’s seasonal and you can only get it during fall,” Jensyn Burrell, sophomore and PSL enthusiast, said.

Although the PSL might taste delicious, a grande, the medium size at Starbucks, with 2% milk and whipped cream contains about 390 calories with 50 grams of sugar. This sugar exceeds the daily amount you should consume, which is about 36 grams a day, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You’re compromising health benefits for delicious taste.

“Overall, it’s really bad for you. It’s loaded up on sugar and other bad stuff,” Lowry said.

​Nonetheless, Americans purchase an estimated 20 million PSLs in a single year, per Observer. Should the intake of this sugary beverage be a concern for Americans, or is the nostalgia it brings worth the occasional drink each fall? Even if it’s bad for you, the PSL isn’t overrated. Overall, enjoying a PSL in moderation can allow people to savor the season while being mindful of their health.