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Using all clean ingredients, this dairy-free, healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe has become a household favorite.
This is nothing like the national favorite you’ll find at your local Starbucks which contains 380 calories, 14 grams of fat, 52 carbs, and 50 grams of sugar. My homemade version cuts those values down to 175 calories, 8 grams of fat, 5 carbs, and 2 grams of sugar.
Being a clean and healthy recipe, this Pumpkin Spice Latte contains no dairy, no soy, and no gluten. Using 100% real pumpkin puree adds fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Also, should you choose to omit the stevia, it is compliant for Whole30. Make sure this is not something you would substitute as a snack or dessert.
Note: Here are some ingredients and tools that I use to create this latte to make it warm, creamy, and foamy.
Ingredients
Nutpods: The first time I tried this brand I was not a fan. I had just begun reducing my sugar intake and was hoping their flavored creamers would replace the sweet unhealthy flavored creamers I had been using; They did not. Where they had the essence of the flavor profile they promoted in their Vanilla, Hazelnut, Pumpkin Spice, Caramel, and Peppermint Mocha flavors, it was the sweetness that I was missing. Now I use Stevia to sweeten my coffee and tea.
I prefer Nutpods because they are dairy-free and get a good amount of foam when frothed due to the gellan gum on the ingredient list. You can get the same results with 1/2 & 1/2 dairy creamers due to the increased proteins and water from cow’s milk. Using clean Almond or Coconut varieties of milk results with barely any foam as they do not contain gellan gum. It is this ingredient that binds with the calcium and through chemistry magic creates stronger proteins and a thick foam topping.
The Original flavor is what I enjoy using most. Its consistency is most like dairy cream. So not only was it a perfect base as a coffee creamer, it also substitutes easily into recipes. I’ve created dairy-free versions of my favorite comfort foods like mashed potatoes and creamy pesto sauce.
I am enjoying the Peppermint Mocha flavor as winter rolls in. I can add it to espresso or make a healthier version of peppermint hot chocolate as well.
Sweetleaf Organic Stevia: This has been a lifesaver for reducing my sugar intake. I started off with needing to add 2 packets to either my coffee or tea. Over time I have gotten used to adding less and now only use 1/2 packet for most beverages. I like that it does not have a metallic taste when it’s added to hot beverages. Sprouts Market carries it in a handy travel container with small, ultra sweet tablets that are perfect for meals out.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: I first discovered this product when I was searching for supplements to help with the joint pain I was experiencing from the hormone imbalance caused by perimenopause. Not only did it significantly relieve my hip pain, but my thin, stringy hair improved to thick and healthy. Each serving (2 scoops) has 18 grams of protein. This has been helpful to keep me fuller longer and has reduced the amount of snacking between breakfast and lunch. My aging parents have started using it and have noticed a reduction in their aches and pains as well.
Tools
At a minimum, I would invest in a battery-operated hand frother. I use the PowerLix Milk Frother for combining liquids, hot or cold. The small coiled wire on it acts as a whisk that turns at a speed no hand whisking can achieve. They are fairly reasonable in price. I’ve had mine for 18 months and have only had to change the batteries once. Clean up is a breeze. Just run it under hot water and rinse, then buzz the on button once or twice to dry it.
Breville Nespresso CitiZ & Milk: We bought this as a Father’s Day gift for my husband and suffice to say, he now shares it with the whole family. Having the option of single or double espresso at my fingertips has been a joy. Also, it has a 32-ounce water tank so I can make continuous hot drinks when we have guests. The best feature is the attached Aerocchino Milk Frother to create hot or cold frothed creamer for espresso drinks.
If an espresso maker isn’t in your budget, maybe opt to purchase just the Nestle Nespresso Aerocchino Milk Frother as a separate unit. It’s such a luxury to add warm creamer to your coffee or tea so your beverage stays hot. It’s tough for me to use cold creamer straight out of the refrigerator now. Also, this gadget is nice to warm milk to make hot chocolate and for recipes as it has a 1 cup creamer option to warm milk or creamers without the foam.
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Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Equipment
- PowerLix Hand Frother
- Nestle Nespresso Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother
- Breville Nespresso CitiZ & Milk
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Organic, 100% Pumpkin Puree Be mindful not to purchase pumpkin pie filling which has other additives.
- 2 ounces Espresso Double Shot Espresso
- 1/2 Cup Nutpods Original Creamer
- 2 Dashes Ground Cinnamon, separated
- 2 Dashes Pumpkin Pie Spice, separated
- 1 Packet Organic Stevia Optional
- 2 Scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Optional
Instructions
- In a 10 ounce coffee mug, add the pumpkin puree and, if using, add the optional items: collagen powder and/or stevia.
- Make the double espresso. Either put the cup with pumpkin under the Nespresso drip nozzle or make instant espresso and add the hot liquid to the mug with pumpkin puree. Use a hand frother or a small whisk to combine the espresso and pumpkin puree. This should liquefy the pumpkin and collagen (if adding).
- To froth and warm the creamer, add the nutpods, and a dash of each the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to the Nespresso Aerocchino Frother. Press the on button once or until the light turns red for hot. Another option is to warm the creamer with spices on the stove top or microwave and use a hand frother or small whisk to whisk the creamer until you reach desired foaminess. Adding the spices to the creamer adds flavor to the foam so when you drink the beverage, you get a gentle, unexpected spice and sweetness.
- Pour the warmed, spiced, and frothed creamer into the pumpkin espresso, If you'd like, add a dash each of the cinnamon and pumpkin spice to the top of the foam. Enjoy!
Notes:
- You may use any creamer you desire. I prefer Nutpods because they are dairy free and get a good amount of foam when frothed due to the gellan gum on the ingredient list. I get the same results with 1/2 & 1/2 dairy creamers due to the increased proteins and water from cow's milk. Using clean Almond or Coconut milks result with barely any foam as they do not contain gellan gum. It is this ingredient that binds with the calcium and through chemistry magic creates stronger proteins and a more sustainable foam.
- For Whole30, do not use the optional stevia or dairy based creamers. Be sure to read the ingredients list on non dairy creamers as they often include additives that are not allowed on Whole30.
- If you only want a single shot espresso, cut all ingredients (except collagen) in half.
