Steamed milk, pumpkin and espresso accompanied by the fragrant spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove. These are the sweet tastes of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Ever since Starbucks introduced the beverage in 2003, it has quickly become the poster child of fall flavors. With over 200 million beverages sold, the drink has gained almost a cult-like following of both teenage girls and soccer moms alike. But before you pull through the Starbucks drive-thru to grab one of these festive drinks, take a closer look at the nutrition facts.
Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte with whipped cream
(nutrition information obtained from Starbucks website)
380 calories and 49 grams of sugar!? To put that in perspective, one Krispy Kreme donut has 10g of sugar. That’s almost five donuts for the equivalent of one of these seemingly innocent seasonal beverages.
Not so sweet anymore, am I right?
When I found out the nutrition facts, I was shocked. There is no reason for there to be THAT much sugar in a 16oz cup. Although appalled, I didn’t want to miss out on the fun flavors of fall, so I started on the pursuit to craft the perfect, healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte.
After a bit of recipe tweaking, I crafted what I believe to be the perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte; one approved by even the most health conscious of consumers. My version of this classic fall drink has fewer calories, less sugar, AND it’s vegan.
All of the flavor, none of the guilt.
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Spice Latte
Calories: 101.3
Sugar: 17.5g
Ingredients
3/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup Strongly brewed coffee or shot of espresso
3 Tbsp Organic pureed pumpkin
1 Tbsp Honey (use agave to make completely vegan)
1 Tbsp Pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Sprinkle of cloves
Sprinkle of nutmeg
6-8 drops liquid stevia, or more honey to taste
Instructions:
1. Brew your coffee or espresso and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix almond milk, pureed pumpkin, and honey. Stir often.
3. Remove from stove when the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
4. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
5. Pour coffee or espresso into a mug and then pour the mixture on top of it.
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Happy sipping!
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