Good day my joyous readers!
A couple of days ago I posted my coconut milk cinnamon latte on instagram which was quite the hit! Not surprisingly because it was photogenic deliciousness! That photo spurred requests for a pumpkin spice latte just like Starbucks. Now back in the day when I would actually go there for my daily java, I always loved the smell in the fall/winter at Starbucks -- spicy and sweet. However, my belly was always unjoyous after drinking those sugary milky drinks. Plus, according to Starbucks website, their latte has 49g of sugar and a whopping 380 calories (not nutrient-rich calories either) -- jeez louise!! That's worse than a can of coke!
As you might have guessed I don't recommend drinking cow's milk or soy, so of course I would not be recommending Starbuck's pumpkin latte although I have no doubt it is delicious.
Messing around in the kitchen early this morning I created this pumpkin spice smoothie. And yes, it tastes and looks just like pumpkin pie without the sugar or dairy... just pure healthy goodness. Here's the recipe:
Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 banana
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder*
- 1 cup water or coconut milk
- 6 ice cubes
- *If using plain unflavoured protein powder, then add 1/2 tsp vanilla.
- I used Genuine Health Vegan Proteins+ (it's my faves!)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into high powered blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut sugar. And of course if you have one, sip with a glass straw!
Not only does this smoothie taste delicious, but it's goodness for your body too because of those warming spices. Here's are the nutritional highlights for all you nutrition nerds ;)
Cinnamon
Source of chromium and polyphenols which improve insulin sensitivity.
It's an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida.
I remember this fact when writing my book that just smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice boosts brain activity!
Find out about all the health benefits of ginger and cloves, plus check out my Pumpkin Pie Custard Recipe.
Do let me know if you like this recipe!
This post 'spoke to me' because I usually love the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, however this year when I had one I found it sickeningly sweet (now I know why - 49g of sugar would explain it!) so I cannot wait to try this, Thanks Joy! :)
ReplyThis was great! I omitted the protein powder and added a shot of espresso! What a treat in the afternoon! :D
ReplyUgh, Starbucks' pumpkin spice lattes are wayyyy too sweet. I don't know if they've upped the amount of sugar in the recipe over the past few years or if my taste for sugar has decreased (probably the latter), but I had a few sips of one last month and did not enjoy it at all. That said, I LOVE pumpkin flavored foods/drinks, but I want to be able to taste the pumpkin (along with the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) and not just sugar. So I'm super excited to try this recipe, Joy! Thanks for taking the time to create it for us!
ReplyI just made this except I used 1 tsp of pumpkin spice and 1 tsp of cinnamon, I didn't have coconut milk so I used almond milk and added 1 tbsp of shredded coconut. So yummy! Thanks for the recipe/ inspiration.
ReplyMy pleasure! glad you loved it :)
This looks and sounds lovely! Can't wait to try it :) Thank you, Joy.
Reply[…] Joy used Genuine Health Vegan Proteins+ (it’s her fave!) Instructions Place all ingredients into high powered blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut sugar. And of course if you have one, sip with a glass straw! Picture and recipe from: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2013/10/25/pumpkin-spice-smoothie/ […]
ReplyAlways looking for pumpkin smoothie receipe as I freeze in ice cube trays for my cat (extra fibre). Not a fan of bananas, especially in the am (upsets my stomach) so I substituted natural apple cider and 1/4 coconut milk with H20 b/c have trouble digesting high fats. It was delish!! Thanks so much :)
ReplyThis looks fabulous! I'm supposed to be keeping bananas out of my diet... would 3-4 dates (soaked) replace the banana? Thanks!
ReplyYes definitely!
[…] Joyous Health nutrition blog has a long list of recipes for juices and smoothies, including this pumpkin spice smoothie, a non-dairy delight packed with protein and the benefits of cinnamon, ginger and […]
ReplyHOLY MOLY this is awesome! Just had it after my workout and loved it. Thank you for getting me out of my smoothie slump! Best pumpkin-flavoured thing I've ever had.
ReplyHi! I would like to know where to find a glass straw, I looked on the internet but all I could find was like 40$!!! Is that the price for real!?!? I would greatly appreciate if you could direct me to the right place! Thanks!
ReplyHi Genevieve, Strawesome makes our favourites. You can get a set of 4 for under $30. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Can you recommend a protein powder that is not pea protein based? That is all I taste, no matter what I put in it, and many are pea protein based. Thank you Kathy
ReplyHi Kathy! Have you tried the Fermented Vegan Protein from Genuine Health? It has a blend of 6 different plant-based protein (pea being one of them) but it's absolutely delicious! Heather- Joyous Health team
Do you have a recipe for pumpkin pie spice. Thought I saw one on a past recipe Thanks
ReplyHi Joyce! We used the following spices in our no-bake pumpkin pie and it was delicious! (here's the recipe:http://www.joyoushealth.com/blog/2015/10/08/no-bake-pumpkin-pie/) 3 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1 tsp ginger- you can use these ratios to make as much as you want and I'm sure it will work just great! Heather-Joyous Health Team
It's National Pumpkin Day here in the States, I'm celebrating with this smoothie for my midday pick-me up! I'm desperate for some ground clove so I'll use my coffee grinder with whole cloves... Thank you for sharing this recipe! Following your approach to nutrition and clean living over the last few weeks has really made a huge positive impact on my health and well being. My copy of "Joyous Health" is on it's way and I'm really looking forward to reading it! Love from Michigan, Stephanie
ReplyThat's amazing, Stephanie! Thanks so much for sharing :) Heather- Joyous Health Team