As both a lover of anything pumpkin spice-flavored and a current consumer of a 100 percent plant-based diet, I was heartbroken to learn that Starbucks’s famous Pumpkin Spice Latte is not fully vegan , even when ordered with any plant-based milk . The culprit of this dairy source lies […]
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As both a lover of anything pumpkin spice-flavored and a current consumer of a 100 percent plant-based diet, I was heartbroken to learn that Starbucks's famous Pumpkin Spice Latte is not fully vegan, even when ordered with any plant-based milk. The culprit of this dairy source lies within the coveted pumpkin sauce used as the base of the latte, which is made with sweetened condensed (cow's) milk. As someone who consumes only plant-based foods in a non-vegan world, however, I have gotten used to making my own recipes at home to ensure that my favorite beverages and snacks are free of any animal products. So, when I learned about the PSL's hidden dairy, I went to work in my kitchen to concoct an even better homemade version.
The hero of this vegan latte is coconut milk, for so many reasons. Instead of using dairy, this recipe uses coconut milk to create a luxurious vegan sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream. I love to use coconut milk as the main latte milk because of its ability to get nice and frothy, but if it's not your favorite non-dairy option, oat milk or the plant-based alternative of your choosing will also do the trick (though many can be hard to get foamy, even when whipped with an electric whisk). To make this simple recipe, just combine all of the yummy plant-based ingredients in a mug, sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top, and enjoy. Here are the simple steps to follow to make this delicious drink:
First, make the sweetened condensed milk by boiling coconut milk and sugar, then simmering until the mixture has thickened.
Once your pumpkin sauce is combined and thick, remove from the heat and begin building your latte, using the pumpkin sauce as the first layer of the drink, followed by espresso.
Garnish with some vegan whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
