It’s officially fall, and the fall flavors and colors are calling out to us, but that doesn’t mean we need to spend money for a fancy drink with fake pumpkin flavoring. Whenever I go out, I see pumpkin flavored coffee and lattes that smell and look so tempting. I’m sure you’ve seen the highly advertised Starbucks pumpkin spice latte and know about it’s lack of real or natural ingredients. With all of the extra sugar in some of these beverages, you could have had a slice of pumpkin pie with your coffee!

Vani Hari, better known as “The Food Babe” researched what’s really in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Hint: You Won’t be Happy). She found that you can get up to two doses of class IV caramel coloring in Starbuck’s “Pumpkin” Spice Latte. What’s even worse is that you are taking in absolutely no real pumpkin ingredients (pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A and fiber). Also, when you choose the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, you are consuming a ton of sugar. The “Grande” can have over 50 grams of sugar! Gross!

My healthy version of the beloved pumpkin spice beverage will satisfy your sweet tooth for pumpkin, and will give you up to 20 grams of protein and a good amount of calcium and vitamins. Also, I sprinkled on some real pumpkin pie spices: cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. You can make this smoothie at home using wholesome ingredients like the ones below!

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

1 banana

1 cup of almond milk

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 scoop of protein powder (optional)

Blend all of the ingredients together until smooth. Sprinkle some additional pumpkin pie spices and cinnamon for some extra flavor. Enjoy outside!

Love always,

Elizabeth Kate