Dubai – Qahwa World
As autumn unfolds across the Northern Hemisphere, coffee chains are once again unveiling their most anticipated seasonal creations. While the iconic pumpkin spice latte continues to dominate menus, 2025’s fall offerings reveal a much broader spectrum of flavors — from pecan and caramel to cereal-inspired blends — and an even wider range of nutritional profiles.
A new analysis by Hers has compared 16 of the season’s most popular fall coffee drinks from major U.S. brands, ranking them from the healthiest to the least healthy based on four key nutrition indicators: calories, sugar, fat, and trans fat. The study included beverages from Starbucks, Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme, and Einstein Bros., examining each drink’s standard recipe and medium serving size.
The findings highlight major differences between the drinks, reminding coffee lovers that not all cozy fall treats are created equal. Some beverages, particularly cold brews, can offer lower sugar and calorie counts, while others — especially blended or cream-based options — contain as much sugar and fat as a full meal.
According to the report, two of the five healthiest drinks are cold brews, confirming their reputation as lighter, smoother, and less sugary alternatives to lattes and frappes. Starbucks, unsurprisingly, dominates the list with a wide range of options spanning nearly every position on the ranking — from top performers to indulgent desserts in disguise. Pumpkin spice lattes, the hallmark of the season, generally sit in the middle range, offering moderate calorie and sugar levels compared to other festive drinks.
Below is Hers’ full ranking of the Top 16 Fall Coffee Drinks in 2025 — from Healthiest to Unhealthiest:
- Pecan Oatmilk Cortado – Starbucks
- Caramel Cream Cold Brew – Einstein Bros.
- Chai Latte – Starbucks
- Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee – Krispy Kreme
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – Starbucks
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – McCafé (McDonald’s)
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – Krispy Kreme
- Pumpkin Spice Iced Signature Latte – Dunkin’
- Cereal N’ Milk Iced Latte – Dunkin’
- Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte – Starbucks
- Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte – Starbucks
- Pumpkin Spice Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Starbucks
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – Starbucks
- Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Blended Beverage – Starbucks
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai – Starbucks
- Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte – Krispy Kreme
At the top of the list are the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado and the Caramel Cream Cold Brew, both praised for their balanced flavors and relatively light nutritional footprint. At the bottom sits the Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte from Krispy Kreme, which packs a hefty 610 calories, 80 grams of sugar, and 25 grams of fat — numbers closer to a dessert than a coffee. Similarly, Starbucks’ Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino also rank among the least healthy, with sugar levels exceeding 60 grams per serving.
In contrast, the cold brews show impressive restraint. Einstein Bros.’ Caramel Cream Cold Brew has just 210 calories and 33 grams of sugar, while Starbucks’ Pecan Oatmilk Cortado contains only 26 grams of sugar — the lowest among all drinks reviewed. Even the much-loved Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks performs relatively well, landing in the top five with 250 calories and 31 grams of sugar.
To ensure accurate comparisons, Hers standardized the serving size to 16 ounces for each drink and analyzed them using nutritional data provided by each brand. The study gave trans fat a double weight in the scoring system due to its proven links to cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
Beyond the rankings, the report serves as a timely reminder to enjoy the season’s flavors mindfully. Coffee lovers are encouraged to stay hydrated, balance indulgent drinks with lighter choices, and incorporate fresh fall produce like apples, pumpkins, and squash into their diet for better nutrition and immunity. The study also notes that moderate physical activity — even a simple walk with a pumpkin spice latte in hand — can significantly reduce the risks of heart disease and diabetes.
Ultimately, the report captures an essential truth of modern coffee culture: fall drinks are as much about experience as flavor. From the first sip of pumpkin spice to the smooth chill of cold brew, the choice now lies not just in taste — but in the balance between pleasure and well-being.
