Pumpkin spice is back on menus and store shelves. Here’s a straightforward look at what’s actually in it, where the flavor comes from and whether the spices behind it offer anything beyond taste. Does Pumpkin Spice Actually Contain Pumpkin? Most pumpkin spice syrups and flavorings contain no pumpkin at all. The name refers to a blend of warm fall spices traditionally used in pumpkin pie, not the gourd itself. Steve Talcott of Texas A&M University explained the distinction in a video for Campus Insights Media. “I want you to think about pumpkin spice latte as not necessa...