Dive Brief:

• Starbucks Corp. is announcing a pumpkin spice latte that contains real pumpkin. Just last year Starbucks faced criticism for using artificial flavoring and caramel color in its pumpkin spice latte. The company said this year's version contains real pumpkin and no caramel coloring.
• Starbucks pumpkin spice latte does still contain ingredients such as potassium sorbate, mono and diglycerides, and carrageenan.
• A day after the Starbucks news, Panera said it had long used real pumpkin in its spice latte, but that it would remove artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors and preservatives. And it is introducing "clean" bottled beverages that are free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. 

Dive Insight:

The removal of artificial ingredients reflects the attempts by companies to meet growing consumer demands for natural ingredients. In May, Panera announced a commitment to remove artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors and flavors from all the company's food by the end of 2016.

The company has a no-no list and has told PepsiCo that it will no longer offer its beverages if they contain high-fructose corn syrup.