Skip Starbucks and make this healthy homemade pumpkin spice latte made with almond milk at home. It’s easy to make, vegan and delicious!
More pumpkin… are you surprised?
Probably not.
If you like the thought of a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks but would rather skip the extra calories and sugar, you are going to LOVE the homemade version I’m featuring today. It’s crazy to me that even the smallest size (a tall) non-fat, no whip PSL from Starbucks has 200 calories and 37 grams of sugar! The sugary syrup is the culprit. It contains sugar, condensed nonfat milk, sweet condensed nonfat milk and a few other ingredients including coloring and artificial flavors. It’s also good to know this incase you are vegan considering even if you order a soy latte without the whipped cream, it’s not vegan since the syrup has dairy.
I’m all about keeping my food/beverages as natural as possible, which is why I love this homemade pumpkin spice latte. You can have a pumpkin spice latte any day of the week (and feel good about it) because it contains all natural ingredients, no added sugar and a low amount of calories. The best part = it doesn’t cost $4.00 a pop. 🙂
I used cold-brew Pumpkin Spice coffee from Fresh Market, which tasted divine, but you can certainly use any flavor coffee you love. And then the magic happens! I used to have a mini frother that does such a good job at making foamy milk without a milk steamer but I now own a Breville Milk Frother. It’s more expensive but it’s way better. I highly recommend it.
You might find some pumpkin pulp at the bottom of your glass and that’s totally normal. Starbucks would have it too — if they were using natural ingredients and not syrup.
If you make this healthy homemade pumpkin spice latte be sure to leave a comment and star rating below letting us know how it turned out. Your feedback is so helpful for the EBF team and our readers!
With a handheld frother or blender: In a cup or sauce pan, mix together almond milk and pumpkin. Cook on medium heat on the stove top or microwave for 30-45 seconds. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, spices and sweetener, place in a cup and use a frother to foam the milk. You can also use a blender — just process for 30 seconds or until foamy. Pour coffee into a large mug, add the foamy milk mixture on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
With Breville milk frother: add the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and maple syrup to your hot coffee. Froth cold almond milk in the Breville milk frother and pour over coffee. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to use your favorite sweetener here. Stevia works great if you’re looking for a sugar-free option.
I’m a sucker for a starbucks PSL but I feel so much better drinking this alternative version! I added a little more maple syrup to make it sweeter but I love it! It was a great use of the rest of the can of pumpkin i used to make the baked oatmeal!:)
I have always lol’ed at people who take PSL to mean literal pumpkin whereas it’s normally just “pumpkin spice” flavoring, ie the spiced you’d use in a pumpkin pie. I wanted to be open minded and this has nice reviews so I tried it, and I just do not like actual pumpkin in my coffee! Posting the review just to say, my milk steamer broke trying to froth the thick mixture of pumpkin and milk – do not recommend
Thanks for much for trying the recipe! Almost all pumpkin spice lattes do have actual pumpkin puree in them, but I’m so sorry it didn’t work out with your milk steamer. Just so I’m aware and can advise against it within the post, what kind of milk frother did you use?
How you accomplished the last step where you spoon the froth on top of pumpkin mixture. It’s not clear if you do another step at the end where you heat milk, itself and then spoon it over. Am I missing something? Or, just not comprehending?
Love, love all things fall! Made the Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte today and it was delicious! I did use regular Soy milk with honey as my sweetener and topped it off with whipped coconut milk. It was great!
Yay!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it, Dorrie! I bet the whopped coconut milk on top was delicious! Thanks so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating as well. I so appreciate it! The ratings are super helpful. <3
Great question. I need to post a recipe for pumpkin pie spice but here’s how I make it: 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
So I didn’t have almond milk on hand and used 2% dairy milk instead, and used coconut sugar as my sweetener. The second time I made it, I add just a small pinch of sea salt, and it made all the difference! Thanks so much for this delicious recipe 🙂 (It’ll be my go to treat while my kids are napping this PSL season! 😂)
Hi Jenn! Thanks for sharing, I’m so happy that you enjoyed this drink! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and star rating. Your feedback is super helpful to the EBF community!
This is delicious. I added the ingredients straight to my breville frother before reading the directions and it mixed really well. I used 8 oz of oat milk and 2 shots of espresso. One of the best things I’ve tasted in a long time. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that this latte turned out well for you and that you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. Your feedback is super helpful!
This recipe was just what I needed to round out my collection of healthy ways to use leftover canned pumpkin. I linked to this recipe and mentioned your blog in today’s blog post 🙂
This looks amazing!! I’ve been wanting to find an alternative to this classic fall drink that isn’t filled with lord only knows, but natural ingredients! Thanks so much for sharing:)
I have a breville milk steamer. which I have used everyday since I bought it almost 3 years ago. But, I cannot get almond milk to froth, it gets hot but almost zero foam. which brand do you use. I have tried silk and blue diamond
OH MY is all I can say. I just finished a cup and want another…but it does have caffeine and it is afternoon 🙁 I love this comparison from Amity, thank you! I also make my own almond milk, but added a tiny splash of heavy cream…sorry, I just was missing the creaminess. Still a winner in my eyes!
I just wanted to say I am so very thankful that there are people out there that realize the way to better health is not “low fat” or sugarless and full of nonfood junk that it is ALL NATURAL. I analyzed this recipe and it came in at
50 Calories from Fat 17 Total Fat 1.9g3% Trans Fat 0.0g Cholesterol 0mg0% Sodium 98mg4% Total Carbohydrates 8.4g3% Dietary Fiber 2.2g9% Sugars 2.4g Protein 1.4g Vitamin A 148% • Vitamin C 4% Calcium 18% • Iron 8%
Verses: Starbucks Calories 300 Calories from Fat 100 % Daily Value* Total Fat 11g 17% Saturated Fat 7g 35% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 45mg 15% Sodium 170mg 7% Total Carbohydrate 39g 13% Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Sugars 38g Protein 11g Vitamin A15%Vitamin C0%Calcium40%Iron0% Caffeine 75mg**
OUCH is all I can say. I did make sure to keep it oh so healthy by using my own organic sugar-pumpkin puree and my own fresh almond milk with real vanilla bean. thank you!
Love this recipe! It’s so easy to make with my cold-brewed coffee (did a 1:1 coffee/water ratio for a more expresso-y taste). I don’t write comments often, but I just had to thank you for saving my wallet and waistline from Starbucks, this tastes even better than the PSL!
So excited that you posted this! I’ve missed out on the Starbucks PSL for the last three years because 1. I developed a strong dislike for Starbucks coffee (too bitter) and 2. just don’t feel right about ordering the healthier version (me and soy do not get along). Sitting down to enjoy my Saturday morning mug of coffee, as opposed to gulping it down on a work day, has become a ritual in my house, so I will be making this tomorrow. I don’t have a frother, so hopefully my blender will do the trick.
If you get it with soy, it also may be sweeter than the default 2%. The soy Starbucks uses is a sweetened vanilla soy when soy milk is requested. So, just FYI, if anyone thinks they are by passing calories by choosing soy, think again.
Another thing, be sure if you are getting a PSL with soy, you tell them if you want it without whipped cream. That is another default for the beverage.
Finally, for all the vegans out there, but just in case you don’t consume bee products don’t get a soy chai. The chai syrup, yes it is syrup (no coffee in this beverage), contains honey. However you could ask for a hot chai tea, the one with the tea bag and ask them to top it off with steamed soy. The steamed soy shouldn’t be extra, unless you want to forgo the hot water. I wouldn’t recommend that though because your tea bag won’t steep correctly.
OK so many things to say about this post 1) It makes me sad how sugary and loaded with crap the pumpkin syrup is at Starbucks, I was craving something like this and went to order one but thankfully when I ordered it with soy the girl working told me about the dairy in the syrup so I passed. 2) I have that mini frother and I am not sure what I am doing wrong but I never can get my milk that frothy. Any tips? 3) Great photos 🙂
So I’ve actually never HAD a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks!!! I know, I’m lame. But I should just make this instead and then I’ll never even KNOW the difference 😉 haha
ughhhh im sick too britty! steve and i both have wicked colds right now, and we have a wedding on saturday that we have to be well for! i cant believe your b party is this weekend!!!!!!!!!!! so exciting!! (and this looks amazing btw)
It’s like I wrote this post. 1. We were just looking at milk frothers at whole foods this weekend. 2. Woke up with a sore throat and downed some emergen-c. I need to feel better before the weekend bc we’re headed to Ft. Lauderdale for 4 days. 3. Love pumpkin and will have to try this recipe. Once in awhile I’ll treat myself to a coffee with ONE PUMP pumpkin. I don’t like all that sugar. This is a FANTASTIC alternative.
Hope you feel better so you can enjoy your weekend!
LOVE this idea – I’ve made it with pumpkin puree in the past, but heating it with the milk probably makes it a lot smoother. Using pumpkin coffee too is a great idea. 🙂
I also woke up sick yesterday and went to the clinic and got some antibiotics. I have a history of getting strep throat so I wanted to get proactive with this. Hope you feel better!
Have so much fun at your bachelorette party! Do you know where you are going? I don’t like latte’s but I love Pumpkin! hehe
I got punched by my brother growing up a lot. He played football and always would make me play with him. My mom would always tell me to go do gymnastics or something but I always wanted to play with my brother 🙂
Ahhh, I’ve seen one of those mini frothers before and thought how badly I needed one. Totally scoping out where to find one soon!
I love your alternative because yes, as someone who follows a vegan diet, sucks when the pumpkin urge hits!! Plus, I WANT a PSL that actually has pumpkin in it – so I’ll take the pumpkin residue at the bottom of a mug any day 😉
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I’m a sucker for a starbucks PSL but I feel so much better drinking this alternative version! I added a little more maple syrup to make it sweeter but I love it! It was a great use of the rest of the can of pumpkin i used to make the baked oatmeal!:)
So glad you’re enjoying this recipe, Sarah!! I really appreciate you coming back to leave a comment. <3
I have always lol’ed at people who take PSL to mean literal pumpkin whereas it’s normally just “pumpkin spice” flavoring, ie the spiced you’d use in a pumpkin pie. I wanted to be open minded and this has nice reviews so I tried it, and I just do not like actual pumpkin in my coffee! Posting the review just to say, my milk steamer broke trying to froth the thick mixture of pumpkin and milk – do not recommend
★
Thanks for much for trying the recipe! Almost all pumpkin spice lattes do have actual pumpkin puree in them, but I’m so sorry it didn’t work out with your milk steamer. Just so I’m aware and can advise against it within the post, what kind of milk frother did you use?
Okay, disregard that comment…I’m on my laptop now and reread the instructions.
No worries, Vickie! 🙂 Glad you were able to figure it out. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
How you accomplished the last step where you spoon the froth on top of pumpkin mixture. It’s not clear if you do another step at the end where you heat milk, itself and then spoon it over. Am I missing something? Or, just not comprehending?
Love, love all things fall! Made the Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte today and it was delicious! I did use regular Soy milk with honey as my sweetener and topped it off with whipped coconut milk. It was great!
★★★★★
Yay!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it, Dorrie! I bet the whopped coconut milk on top was delicious! Thanks so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating as well. I so appreciate it! The ratings are super helpful. <3
Hi, do you have a recipe for the pumpkin pie spice??
Great question. I need to post a recipe for pumpkin pie spice but here’s how I make it: 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
So I didn’t have almond milk on hand and used 2% dairy milk instead, and used coconut sugar as my sweetener. The second time I made it, I add just a small pinch of sea salt, and it made all the difference! Thanks so much for this delicious recipe 🙂 (It’ll be my go to treat while my kids are napping this PSL season! 😂)
★★★★★
Hi Jenn! Thanks for sharing, I’m so happy that you enjoyed this drink! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and star rating. Your feedback is super helpful to the EBF community!
This is delicious. I added the ingredients straight to my breville frother before reading the directions and it mixed really well. I used 8 oz of oat milk and 2 shots of espresso. One of the best things I’ve tasted in a long time. Thank you!
★★★★★
I’m so happy to hear that this latte turned out well for you and that you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. Your feedback is super helpful!
Is the pumpkin puree raw? Baken in the oven? Or else? Tnx!
I used canned pumpkin puree, but if you’re using a fresh pumpkin you’ll need to cook it and puree it first.
The one type that has worked for me is the refrigerated Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla.
Delicious! Made this today! I even gave a shout out to it on my blog =)
I was interested in not only the recipe but also where did you get that mug!? Please let me know if that information is available. Thank you!
★★★★★
Hi Kathleen. The mug is from Anthropologie (http://bit.ly/2cqiqqi) and it’s definitely one of my favorites! Highly recommend. 🙂
This recipe was just what I needed to round out my collection of healthy ways to use leftover canned pumpkin. I linked to this recipe and mentioned your blog in today’s blog post 🙂
Quick question has anyone stored this milk/cream for another day? Think I can whip up a batch and store it in the fridge for the am? TIA
I haven’t ever tried it, Samantha but it’s worth a shot. Let me know if it works for you!
This looks amazing!! I’ve been wanting to find an alternative to this classic fall drink that isn’t filled with lord only knows, but natural ingredients! Thanks so much for sharing:)
Of course. Let me know if you try it! 🙂
I have a breville milk steamer. which I have used everyday since I bought it almost 3 years ago.
But, I cannot get almond milk to froth, it gets hot but almost zero foam.
which brand do you use. I have tried silk and blue diamond
thanks
I’ve had a hard time with almond milk as well. The one type that has worked for me is the refrigerated Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla.
I need this! Cant wait to make it.
Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
OH MY is all I can say. I just finished a cup and want another…but it does have caffeine and it is afternoon 🙁 I love this comparison from Amity, thank you! I also make my own almond milk, but added a tiny splash of heavy cream…sorry, I just was missing the creaminess. Still a winner in my eyes!
I just wanted to say I am so very thankful that there are people out there that realize the way to better health is not “low fat” or sugarless and full of nonfood junk that it is ALL NATURAL. I analyzed this recipe and it came in at
50 Calories from Fat 17
Total Fat 1.9g3%
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 98mg4%
Total Carbohydrates 8.4g3%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 2.4g
Protein 1.4g
Vitamin A 148% • Vitamin C 4%
Calcium 18% • Iron 8%
Verses: Starbucks
Calories 300 Calories from Fat 100
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 45mg 15%
Sodium 170mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 13%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 38g
Protein 11g
Vitamin A15%Vitamin C0%Calcium40%Iron0%
Caffeine 75mg**
OUCH is all I can say. I did make sure to keep it oh so healthy by using my own organic sugar-pumpkin puree and my own fresh almond milk with real vanilla bean.
thank you!
★★★★★
Love this recipe! It’s so easy to make with my cold-brewed coffee (did a 1:1 coffee/water ratio for a more expresso-y taste). I don’t write comments often, but I just had to thank you for saving my wallet and waistline from Starbucks, this tastes even better than the PSL!
★★★★★
Wish I had found this one cup sooner. Thank you. Haven’t tried it yet so can’t rate it but from the recipe I used, it looks like a 5.
This looks absolutely divine, yum! Perfect for a crisp fall morning like today 🙂
yum, this looks so good. Beautiful mug as well. where’s it from?
Thank you! It’s from Anthropologie
Definitely going to try this lovely warm beverage!
OH yes-perfect for Fall!!!
Feel better and have a great time at your party!
HUNNIE! This is the BEST EVER! I’m sipping on it right now and am IN LOVE!
So excited that you posted this! I’ve missed out on the Starbucks PSL for the last three years because 1. I developed a strong dislike for Starbucks coffee (too bitter) and 2. just don’t feel right about ordering the healthier version (me and soy do not get along). Sitting down to enjoy my Saturday morning mug of coffee, as opposed to gulping it down on a work day, has become a ritual in my house, so I will be making this tomorrow. I don’t have a frother, so hopefully my blender will do the trick.
Hello from Spain
Love this! I actually haven’t even had a pumpkin spice latte yet this season haha
Oh my! I am a sucker for pumpkin spice latte so I really have to try this! 🙂
Yum!! I love the treat of a pumpkin spice latte, but I soo need to try this recipe out! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m so impressed! I’ll definitely make this 🙂
If you get it with soy, it also may be sweeter than the default 2%. The soy Starbucks uses is a sweetened vanilla soy when soy milk is requested. So, just FYI, if anyone thinks they are by passing calories by choosing soy, think again.
Another thing, be sure if you are getting a PSL with soy, you tell them if you want it without whipped cream. That is another default for the beverage.
Finally, for all the vegans out there, but just in case you don’t consume bee products don’t get a soy chai. The chai syrup, yes it is syrup (no coffee in this beverage), contains honey. However you could ask for a hot chai tea, the one with the tea bag and ask them to top it off with steamed soy. The steamed soy shouldn’t be extra, unless you want to forgo the hot water. I wouldn’t recommend that though because your tea bag won’t steep correctly.
Hope this helps!
OK so many things to say about this post 1) It makes me sad how sugary and loaded with crap the pumpkin syrup is at Starbucks, I was craving something like this and went to order one but thankfully when I ordered it with soy the girl working told me about the dairy in the syrup so I passed. 2) I have that mini frother and I am not sure what I am doing wrong but I never can get my milk that frothy. Any tips? 3) Great photos 🙂
So I’ve actually never HAD a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks!!! I know, I’m lame. But I should just make this instead and then I’ll never even KNOW the difference 😉 haha
You’re not lame! I haven’t had one either 😉
ughhhh im sick too britty! steve and i both have wicked colds right now, and we have a wedding on saturday that we have to be well for! i cant believe your b party is this weekend!!!!!!!!!!! so exciting!! (and this looks amazing btw)
Oh nooo!!! I hope you feel better by this weekend too. UGH!
Thanks so much for this yummo-gem. I shared over on my page and a number of my biz friends picked right up on it and shared along. Will share at http://www.facebook.com/fuel4lifeconnect and through my fb page and blog http://www.facebook.com/lifeschoolinc and http://www.lifeschoolinc.wordpress.com, as I connected on your fb page. Great thoughts, ideas and pics! Thanks, Jennifer
I adore that mug. I’m guessing Anthro? Last time I was there I liked every single fun initial mug EXCEPT the one that had G on it. Figures.
Yes!! Hopefully you’ll find one with a G next time you go. 🙂
It’s like I wrote this post. 1. We were just looking at milk frothers at whole foods this weekend. 2. Woke up with a sore throat and downed some emergen-c. I need to feel better before the weekend bc we’re headed to Ft. Lauderdale for 4 days. 3. Love pumpkin and will have to try this recipe. Once in awhile I’ll treat myself to a coffee with ONE PUMP pumpkin. I don’t like all that sugar. This is a FANTASTIC alternative.
Hope you feel better so you can enjoy your weekend!
I make my pumpkin spice latte with 1 or 2 tsp of organic, unsulphured molasses. It really takes it to the next level 😉
That sounds awesome!
LOVE this idea – I’ve made it with pumpkin puree in the past, but heating it with the milk probably makes it a lot smoother. Using pumpkin coffee too is a great idea. 🙂
I also woke up sick yesterday and went to the clinic and got some antibiotics. I have a history of getting strep throat so I wanted to get proactive with this. Hope you feel better!
Oh no! i hope you feel better as well lady!
I hope you feel better soon!
Also, I am making this latte ASAP! You know my pumpkin obsession runs deep 🙂
Yes!! Me too. 🙂
Feel better!!
Also I am making this this weekend..thank you! xo
Have so much fun at your bachelorette party! Do you know where you are going? I don’t like latte’s but I love Pumpkin! hehe
I got punched by my brother growing up a lot. He played football and always would make me play with him. My mom would always tell me to go do gymnastics or something but I always wanted to play with my brother 🙂
Thank you! We’re going to be in the DC area. 🙂
Ahhh, I’ve seen one of those mini frothers before and thought how badly I needed one. Totally scoping out where to find one soon!
I love your alternative because yes, as someone who follows a vegan diet, sucks when the pumpkin urge hits!! Plus, I WANT a PSL that actually has pumpkin in it – so I’ll take the pumpkin residue at the bottom of a mug any day 😉
Saw the calorie count and sugar for Starbucks . But how do I find nutritional information in this recipe?
Ikea sells a frother for around $4-5. Bed, Bath & Beyond sells one for around $20.
You’ve never ever been punched before?!? Are you an only child? I have two brothers and I barely made it to adolescence, let alone punch-free!
That’s what you took away from the post?!
Definitely:-)
I’m not an only child – I have two sisters and lots of boy cousins that act like my brothers. They never punched me though. I guess I’m lucky.
And I’m very jealous:-)