Your Cherished Pumpkin Spice Latte Is About to Get a Makeover

For those of you who look forward to fall and its changing colors of leaves, the faint smell of wood smoke in the air and most importantly, that cozy, cardboard cup of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, here’s some pearl-clutching news. The coffeehouse chain has announced that they will be changing the ingredients in its beloved autumnal beverage.

In a recent blog post, Peter Dukes, Starbucks Director of Espresso and Brewed Coffee Americas (what a job title!), said that they will be adding real live pumpkin to the Pumpkin Spice Latte and removing the questionable caramel coloring:

“After hearing from customers and partners about ingredients, we took another look at this beverage and why we created it so many years ago. It was simple – espresso, perfectly steamed milk, warm fall spices with delicious flavor of pumpkin pie that reminds you of the cool, crisp days of autumn. So, with that great taste you know and love, the PSL returns this fall, and this time it will be made with real pumpkin and without caramel coloring. But for now, enjoy the rest of summer and when PSL is back in stores, I look forward to celebrating the season with all of you.”

Last year, Vani Hari, controversial “Food Babe” blogger, criticized Starbucks for its lack of ingredients transparency, then for its usage of Class IV caramel coloring in the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s most likely that the callout was a factor in Starbucks’ decision to make the change. Though, this could also be a sign that they are joining other companies, such as Chipotle, and are being more mindful of what they are putting in their food.

Question is, will real pumpkin taste as delightful as the previous caramel-colored, chemical sludge? PSL fans should be able to find out soon.