Pumpkin Spice Latte

When you are craving a pumpkin spice latte, nothing else will do. Luckily, you don’t have to compromise. With this low-carb and plant-based pumpkin latte recipe, you can have your cake and eat it too. A little bit of pumpkin purée gives this latte an authentic fall taste that can’t be matched by any artificial flavor. And of course, we can’t forget the pumpkin spice mix, with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, all mixed in perfect proportion. It’s a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy, just what the doctor ordered to keep you warm on long, cold, grey days.

Pumpkin Purée: Canned vs. Homemade

Have you heard the rumor that canned pumpkin purée is actually made from squash? Actually, this is because the term “pumpkin” can be applied to a wide variety of winter squash including Boston marrow and several others as well as the classic Dickinson pumpkin. This is not necessarily a bad thing as some varieties of squash are sweeter and more tender than straight pumpkin.

If you don’t mind the chance of getting squash, canned pumpkin purée can be a great timesaver. Just make sure that you purchase pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling which usually contains added sweeteners along with spices.

If you want to make sure that there is nothing but pumpkin in your purée, it’s easy to make your own. If you cook the pumpkin in your oven, you can roast it for extra flavor. You can even cook the pumpkin in your instant pot! You can purée the pumpkin in your food processor or with a high-powered blender. You can even make a purée by hand with a potato masher though it won’t be as smooth as purée made with the food processor or a blender. It is not recommended to make a purée by hand for this recipe but if you do, you should remove the skin of the pumpkin for the best texture.

What Can You Do with Pumpkin Spice

The nice thing about spice mixes is that it is just as easy to make a big batch as it is to make a smaller batch. Pumpkin spice, also known as pumpkin pie spice, is good for a lot more than just lattes. Here are a few suggestions on what else you can do with a pumpkin spice mix: add to cookies, almond butter, a cup of low-carb coffee, or add to pancakes or waffles.

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

Pumpkin puree, the star ingredient of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, is packed with nutrients. It's a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Additionally, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves used in the pumpkin spice mix offer various health benefits. Cinnamon, for example, has been associated with helping regulate blood sugar levels.

By choosing a plant-based and low-carb Pumpkin Spice Latte, you're not only treating yourself to a delicious beverage but also benefiting from the nutrient content of pumpkin puree, reduced added sugars, and the ability to customize the drink to your liking. Embrace the flavors of the season while maintaining your plant-based and low-carb lifestyle with this delightful treat.