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One of the most iconic drinks of the season is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. We’ve given this Starbucks favorite a healthy makeover, and we think you’ll be pleased! Lose the dairy and refined sugar, but keep all that fall flavor. Be your own barista with a homemade alternative to the traditional coffee shop version. 

Why do People Love Pumpkin Spiced Lattes?

The answer is simple.  When summer is replaced with crisp mornings and colorful leaves, what better way to start your day (or get you through an afternoon of meetings or carpool) than a warm cup of spiced goodness? Pumpkin pie flavors in the comfort of your coffee mug. Who could ask for anything more?

What Makes this Pumpkin Coffee Recipe More Healthy?

Well, let's start with what makes the store-bought version un-healthy. Loads of added refined sugar and ingredients that sound like they belong in a high school science lab, not your coffee: Annatto, Potassium Sorbate, Mono And Diglycerides, Carageenan, Citric Acid, Sulfiting Agents!! And then there's the issue of "Natural Flavors". Everyone should learn more about these additives and "natural flavors" and how they may be affecting your body. And choose alternatives that nourish rather than harm.

So, instead, we are sticking with the JOI mantra: using clean, whole-food ingredients. That means a pumpkin spice coffee made with real pumpkin puree, JOI plant milk, and naturally sweetened with dates. It's a combination you can feel good about pouring into your morning espresso or coffee of choice.

But does it Taste Good?

Heck, yeah! Pumpkin pie spice blend is what makes all of your ingredients pop and really brings to this creamer that fall flavor you love. But what is "pumpkin spice blend"? Good question. It's a pre-mixed blend of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg and ground cloves. Make your own, or keep things easy and buy a jar from your favorite spice company.

Like your lattes sweet? Fear not!  Just because we're opting out of refined sugar doesn't mean skipping the sweet factor.  Dates are blended to give a warm, deep sweetness that brings out the earthiness in the real pumpkin puree. 

Finally, get all the creaminess of dairy - without the cow - when you use JOI plant milk bases! Doubling up on the amount of JOI used bumps up the creamy factor.  Use JOI almond, cashew, oat, creamer or hemp...or go wild and blend up your favorite combination.

Make it your own!

Are you more of a loose tea person than a ground coffee aficionado? Substitute away, we say!  This pumpkin date creamer is a perfect complement to your tea or coffee.

Feeling extra indulgent? Top that latte with whipped cream. We like to make coconut whipped cream and top it with some extra pumpkin spice flavor.

Entertaining guests? Place cinnamon sticks in each coffee cup and have guests stir up their flavored coffee themselves. These add an extra festive touch to your homemade pumpkin lattes.