Pumpkin Spice Latte

Kelly shares her love for pumpkin spice lattes and how to enjoy them with fewer calories- sounds like a win- win situation!

Who doesn’t love a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte?  This favorite seasonal drink containing espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk and topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices, has become so popular that it even has its own acronym – PSL.  Yum!  Yum!  And more YUM!   But wait…a recent experience with this lovely libation caused me to press the pause button…and CREATE.

With the recent fall of autumn, I decided to get into the seasonal spirit by treating myself to a PSL from Starbucks.  While perusing the newly added nutrition information to their menu board – WAY TO GO STARBUCKS!  – I learned just how much of a “TREAT” this really was.  At the smallest size, the 12-oz Tall contains 300 calories and costs about $4.  The medium 16-oz Grande has 380 calories and the largest 20-oz Venti tops the caloric densimeter (ok, I made up this word) at 470 calories and close to $5!!!!

While I was indulging in this bountiful beverage, I realized two things:  1) it was really TOO sweet for me and 2) there is no way that my wallet or my waistline can keep pace with these Starbucks visits.  And then I thought, “I could have the same enjoyment from making my own PSL.”  So I did and I wanted to share my VERY simple recipe with you:

homeade-pumpkin-spice-latte

Ingredients

  • 8-oz brewed pumpkin-flavored Green Mountain coffee
  • ¼ cup 1% Milk
  • 1 package splenda
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice

Brew pot of pumpkin-flavored coffee.

While brewing coffee, combine ¼ cup 1% milk and 1 package splenda in microwave-safe mug and microwave for 30 seconds.

Add brewed coffee to mug with milk to desired about and top with pumpkin pie spice.

CALORIES = 26

CALORIE SAVINGS = 270-440

Your waistline and your wallet will thank YOU!!!!

Happy Fall to Y’all!