Is There Caffeine In A Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Pumpkin Spice Latte season… er, I mean, autumn… is fast approaching. Fans of the PSL are no doubt already celebrating (and salivating) over the return of their favorite beverage, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, like I am, the first question you’re asking is “Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte caffeinated?” The quick answer is “Yes,” but if you want to enjoy a PSL without the buzz, don’t worry — you can get your sweet, seasonal coffee fix decaf.

You may associate the Pumpkin Spice Latte with an invigorating jolt of autumnal spirit. Some of that undoubtedly comes from the pumpkin and autumn spices in the drink, but the rest of that PSL zip is due to the drink’s caffeine content. The PSL is made of real pumpkin, steamed milk, fall spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove), and espresso. Because of the espresso, a Tall (12 oz.) Pumpkin Spice Latte contains 75 mg of caffeine (the equivalent of about one shot of espresso).

I’m sure that some PSL fans adore that shot of energy. Too much caffeine makes my hands shake and my brain all jittery (I know, I sound SUPER exciting), so I try to avoid it, despite the fact that I love the flavor of a good espresso drink once in a while. Thankfully, Starbucks sells decaf espresso, so you can order any espresso-based beverage — including the Pumpkin Spice Latte — without the caffeine.

Be aware that decaf espresso may still contain a small amount of caffeine, but it’s a lot less than what you’d get in the regular version. (The Mayo Clinic estimates that a shot of decaffeinated espresso contains between 0 and 15 mg of caffeine.)

The Pumpkin Spice Latte will be in Starbucks stores again on September 6, and a Tall (12 oz.) will be priced between $4.25 and $4.75. If you’re a Starbucks Rewards loyalty member, or you follow @therealPSL on Twitter,* you can find out how to get the PSL as early as September 1.

* Yes, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is active on social media because of course it is. Don’t be mad that it has more followers than you.

Images: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images; Giphy