(c) 9/15/11, Kathy Fannon
I stopped at my favorite Starbucks store this morning and
while waiting in line I noticed they had Pumpkin Scones. I have a weakness for
those and try really hard to pass them up. But the temperature was in the low
50s this morning and it feels like fall, so I couldn’t resist.
But wait, what’s that behind the scones? A Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin? I love pumpkin muffins in the fall and make my own every year
while the pumpkins are around. I used to make it with cream cheese, but
eliminated that a couple of years ago.
Two things wrong this morning: I was waiting in line and I was
hungry.
I bought the scone and
the muffin. I caved.
I was going to pass on the muffin until I was told there
was only a limited amount. One case. Total of 24 muffins. And one was there for
my taking. Well, purchasing. I’m favored.
I’m savoring the muffin because I know it’s the only one
I’ll get. But quite frankly, I like mine better.
Bring on the pumpkins at the farmers market!
Here’s my review in case you happen to have one of these
muffins available to you.
Pros:
- It’s very moist!
- There are praline pumpkin seeds on top. Delicious!
- It has a really great pumpkin flavor.
Cons:
- The cream cheese “filling” mostly sits on top. It’s not all the way through like you might imagine – like a Hostess cupcake or something. And it didn't really taste all that great, but then I don’t eat cream cheese much anymore anyway.
- Sugar content is through the roof at 47 grams. Generally, it is accepted we eat no more than 40 grams per day. Well, I blew that one today.
- Calories are as high as a small meal at 420. I don’t usually concern myself with calorie counts, but when this little muffin has more than what I eat for lunch, it’s pretty high. Although, this will obviously be a rare treat, so I’m not freaking out about it.
- Do you pay attention to carbs? (I don’t.) Seventy-one grams – 24% RDA!
- I’m also a bit disappointed that sugar is the very first ingredient.
- “Caramel color”, “natural flavor” and preservatives are included in the ingredient list. These are things I like to avoid. But who’s paying attention while in a Starbucks line?
There are other things on the ingredient list that don’t
go into my homemade pumpkin muffins, so even if there was an unlimited fall
supply of these muffins, I don’t think I would be tempted to get another one. I’d
much rather make my own. (I'm an admitted food-snob that way.)
Overall the muffin was enjoyable and went well with my hot
chai.
The pumpkin scones are really just as offensive nutrition-wise as this muffin. I usually cut them in half and freeze them until I have a desperate urge.
If you see one, and you like pumpkin muffins, try one and let me know what you think!
