The Healthy Fall Drink I Like Better Than a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Don't worry. It's still made with coffee.
Confession time: I support others' choices to go gaga over a seasonally delightful pumpkin spice latte, but I have always been a pretty firm disliker (hater seems a little harsh) of this coffee obsession. This year, though, I have fallen for another steamy fall beverage blend and … (drumroll, please) … you can make it home! Meet the Daily Harvest Kabocha + Spice Latte.
What Is Daily Harvest?
I have been a long-time fan of Daily Harvest. The brand first hit the food delivery scene with frozen, conveniently packaged, just-add-liquid smoothie cups. The company has since expanded their product offerings to include things like soups, oat bowls and energy bites. (There's a good chance you've seen them on Instagram.) The new line of lattes follows a similar concept. Each latte cup comes packed with 3 single-serving pods that you combine with your liquid of choice — I suggest low fat milk or vanilla almond milk. You can then heat your latte on the stovetop or in the microwave; give it a stiff whisking (I like it frothy) and get sipping. For an iced latte, simply blend and pour over ice.
What's In the Kabocha + Spice Latte?
So what’s in this alter-ego squash latte? The ingredient list is squeaky clean, including a blend of coffee, spices, maple syrup for sweetness and other plant based foods. Each serving has 80 calories (not counting the liquid you add) and about 50 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 1/2 cup of brewed coffee.
The staple ingredients in this unique coffee drink have plenty of nutrients to offer.
Kabocha Squash (aka Japanese pumpkin)
This winter squash has a delicately sweet, smooth and creamy flesh that is perfect for soups and apparently lattes! Much like pumpkin, it is filled with potassium, fiber and cell-protecting antioxidants.
Cinnamon and Ginger
These cozy spices not only add tremendous flavor but may also help work as digestive aids and anti-inflammatories. You will also find a small amount of cloves, nutmeg, all spice and vanilla in this recipe.
Cordyceps Mushrooms
You certainly won’t find your barista pumping mushrooms into your PSL at the coffee shop, but these powerful fungi have been a part of Chinese medicine for centuries and is slowly gaining momentum in mainstream American food and beverage products. While more research is needed, consuming this type of mushroom has been linked to improved heart health and sharpened memory.
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