| IMAGE FROM STARBUCKS |
We are currently looking for full-time writing jobs! If you enjoy this blog and are looking for someone to write content for you or your company, contact us at [email protected]
THE STARBUCKS GINGERBREAD LATTE IS A PERENNIAL HOLIDAY FAVORITE, which makes it worth a review.
Let’s start with Starbucks’ description of the Gingerbread Latte:
“Sweet and delicately spicy gingerbread flavors mingle with our classic espresso and steamed milk and are topped with whipped cream and ground nutmeg for the perfect holiday touch.”
My Recommendation
I recommend getting hot Starbucks lattes with breve, extra shots of espresso, and fewer pumps of syrup/sauce. The Gingerbread Latte is no exception to this rule. With 38 grams of sugar in the Grande hot size, it’s not as sugary as the Toasted White Mocha, but it can definitely benefit by a reduction in syrup. Trust me, it’s better that way.
My Experience
The Gingerbread Latte tastes like Gingerbread. Well, kind of. Actually, it tastes like ginger and nutmeg. High on the ginger.
It’s been at least several years since I last tried this drink, and I was a little surprised at the lack of molasses flavor in this drink. Molasses is something that I associate heavily with the flavor profile of gingerbread. In this drink, molasses flavor is pretty much absent.
I get why Starbucks named this drink what they did, as, all in all, it is pretty close to the flavor of gingerbread. For me, though, the name evokes a more complete gingerbread flavor profile. Without the molasses, I feel that something is missing that would make the gingerbread flavor complete. That being said, anyone who likes gingerbread will likely also enjoy this drink, so it definitely succeeds on that front.
I suspect that if Starbucks used a more robust sauce instead of just a flavored syrup for this drink, they could impart a more complete gingerbready flavor to this beverage. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually gave it a shot,
Verdict
So, do you like ginger and nutmeg? Do you like espresso? Do you like whipped cream? Do you like… milk? If so, you’ll like the Gingerbread Latte. I do, so I like it.
This drink doesn’t take chances, and doesn’t have an unusual flavor profile. However, if you like ginger with your espresso, this is really your only option in the Starbucks beverage lineup. As evidenced by its return every year, this beverage makes it a solid addition to the menu, and If you’re looking for a spicy Holiday drink, this is your ginger option.
Nutritional Information (Courtesy of Starbucks.com) For the Standard-Recipe Grande Gingerbread Latte:
| Calories 330 | Calories from Fat 120 |
| % Daily Value* | |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium 170mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate 40g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Sugars 38g | |
| Protein 12g | |
| Caffeine 150mg** | |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. | |
| **Each caffeine value is an approximate value. | |
