Velvety Pumpkin Spice Latte. Wait, make that Velvety Pumpkin Spice “Latte.” Note that the “Latte” is in quotation marks.
That’s because this is a non-coffee version of the ever popular, seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte. That means it’s enjoyable for even the non-coffee drinkers, who these days are mostly just young children … and me.
We don’t have to miss out on the fun any longer though. And we’ve never been sad not to part with our lunch money for a cup of latte at Starbucks. Of course, you can keep the kiddos’ version coffee free and add a little coffee to yours if you like!
There’s also the whole issue of whether Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is gluten free or not. They no longer list it as a gluten-free menu item and many folks report issues.
I’m mentioning this because not only is the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte discussion germane to today’s post, but almost every day I read about folks continuing to have digestive issues and other symptoms that could be related to gluten exposure. However, most fail to see a connection.
I often hear that folks are completely gluten free, but when you quiz a bit more you find there may be some gluten culprits that they are failing to acknowledge.
Some of us have immediate symptoms that we can tie to what we just consumed—like a pumpkin spice latte that may be unsafe on its own or cross contaminated (e.g., one of the folks who commented on Kim’s post said that if she stays away from the sprinkles and whip, her pumpkin spice latte is “safe” for her). Others of us do not have immediate symptoms and may not connect a few days of digestive or other symptoms to the Pumpkin Spice Latte that we treated ourselves to a few days earlier or perhaps even every day of the fall season.
Dr. Cynthia Rudert practices internal medicine and gastroenterology in Atlanta and is considered one of the top speakers on celiac disease and gluten intolerance. She spoke at the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) conference this past summer in Orlando. While I did not attend that conference, I was privy to a summary of her presentation and I’ve heard Dr. Rudert speak before.
In this last presentation, she repeated a finding that I have heard her share many times over the years.
“Continued symptoms mean accidental gluten ingestion over 50% of the time.”
Take a moment to think about that fact and the percentage. One out of two people who have continued symptoms are still getting gluten. That’s huge!
If you’re “the one” in that statistic, maybe it’s from one of your favorite daily “treats” out. Maybe it’s from cross contamination in your own home (if there’s gluten in your house, read Alta’s tips on staying safe). Maybe it’s from airborne gluten (read thoughts on this topic from Heidi).
Before you accept statements from other sources that such information is fear mongering, read these articles. The likelihood of gluten causing your continued symptoms is certainly worth investigating, don’t you think?
Finally, don’t misunderstand me on this particular topic … there are other reasons that folks continue to have digestive and other symptoms after going gluten free, and Dr. Rudert addressed those in her GIG presentation as well.
Her list and comments included:
- “bacterial overgrowth (extremely common, usually not suspected, no diagnostic testing necessary, easy to treat with probiotics such as Lactobacillus GG and yogurt with live cultures);
- lactose intolerance (deficiency of the enzyme lactase, lactose is present in many foods, spreads and medications, no diagnostic testing necessary, treatment with the enzyme lactase such as Lactaid caplets (Shirley’s interjection here: or simply eliminating dairy);
- fructose intolerance;
- infections (giardia, B. Hominis, bacterial, and viral);
- antibiotic-associated conditions (C. difficile; for which stool testing is available);
- pancreatic insufficiency;
- adrenal insufficiency;
- lymphocytic colitis; and
- refractory sprue.”
But it makes sense to be sure that one is absolutely NOT getting gluten in some form first before looking at other causes.
So let’s get to a hot beverage that you can make yourself and be 100% certain that it’s gluten free. I love hot drinks. On a daily basis, I’m a tea drinker (ensure that your tea is gluten free, too), but holding and sipping from a mug of hot cocoa in the early morning when camping or at home when chilly weather hits is one of my very favorite simple pleasures.
Quirky perhaps, but I like saying hot cocoa more than I do hot chocolate. I think it’s just sounds so much more comforting and fun. Ironically today is National Chocolate Day and moi, who loves all things chocolate, is sharing a pumpkin recipe, but I do adore pumpkin, too.
Clearly, I’m digressing here, but all of this is important stuff, right? Just nod your head. Thanks.
The truth is that I’ve been wanting Pumpkin Spice Latte for a while now. It always sounds and smells fabulous when my friends order it out. But there’s that darned coffee factor. I just don’t like coffee in its liquid form. In cookies? … yes. In ice cream? … yes. But no coffee in liquid form for me, please.
Sure, I drank coffee made from those powdered International Coffees back in the day, but those don’t really count, do they?
I made this Pumpkin Spice Latte shortly before leaving for work. I sipped on some and mmm’d my approval to myself and Sonny, our dog. Then I set it aside to do a few additional morning chores and shower. Honestly, I enjoyed my shower even more knowing that this Pumpkin Spice Latte was waiting for me.
In fact, I took my mug into the bathroom. A hot shower followed by still hot enough Pumpkin Spice Latte? That’s a little bit of fall-flavored heaven, let me tell you!
This latte is so easy to make that you can hardly call it a recipe, but there is a catch. You do have to have pumpkin butter, and I highly recommend my pumpkin butter (made in the slow cooker; letting it cook overnight works great!) or another healthy, refined sugar-free version.
But trust me, it’s worth making a pot of pumpkin butter to be able to enjoy some Pumpkin Spice Latte for days on end (and it has many other great uses, too).
More Seasonal Hot Beverages That Work for the Non-Coffee Drinkers Among Us:
~ Stephanie’s Slow Cooker Witch’s Brew—“Green slimy, sweet and sour, with a sprinkle of “tiny spiders.”
~Stephanie’s Wassail—I shared my review of this hot beverage here. Do NOT wait for the holidays to enjoy this warming, flavor-filled apple cider-based beverage.
~ Real Everything’s Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Cider Latte—Even created by a kid. Mostly. You can even see his handwritten recipe. The beginning of gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo recipe creation genius!
~ Valerie’s (City | Life | Eats) Spicy Hot Chocolate—This recipe uses both almond milk and coconut milk and while I’m a wimp when it comes to anything spicy, I loved this recipe! (You can totally omit the chipotle if no spiciness is desired.)
~ Deanna’s Hot Cider Smoothie—This recipe was one of the entries for the D-Tox January event hosted by Nicola (G-Free Mom) earlier this year. Most of us were making cold smoothies and juices as our submissions, but for Deanna who lives in Wisconsin, a cold beverage did not seem like a reasonable option! Her recipe is super simple and delicious.
Enjoy your warming beverages. It could even snow here tomorrow and I haven’t even had a fire in the wood stove yet. Surprise! Okay … it’s unlikely to snow here, but only 45 minutes away and further west at our mountain property, it’s very likely to snow. No end-of-season camping for us this year.Mr. GFE is supposed to be in a sailboat race here tomorrow. Hmmm. Wonder if that’s going to happen? I better have some hot Velvety Pumpkin Spice Latte waiting for him when he returns! (He’s not a coffee drinker either.)
Velvety Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
This latte recipe is so simple but yet so velvety wonderful! Adding coffee is optional so this recipe works for adults or kids. Of course, you can keep the kiddos’ version coffee free and add a little coffee to yours if you like! I love this non-coffee pumpkin spice "latte" made with almond milk. The texture is perfection---velvety smooth. It actually looks like pumpkin pie “batter,” too. If you drink Vanilla Almond Milk, you may not need as much pumpkin butter, but your Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Latte will no doubt be equally delicious. version If you want to substitute full-fat coconut milk, you may want to use a mixture of full-fat coconut milk and water. If you have a mug that holds 1 1/2 cups, I recommend using about 1 1/4 cups of full-fat coconut milk and 1/4 cup of water. Cashew milk is another great option. And if you consume cow dairy, then regular milk would be fine, but I would use regular milk or 2% milk. You may top your latte with some of my gluten-free, dairy-free Honey Whipped Cream (agave nectar may be used instead of honey) or Diane’s "original" gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan Whipped Cream for a truly decadent delight.Velvety Pumpkin Spice “Latte”
Ingredients
Instructions
Stovetop method:
Microwave method:
Notes
Heather @ Life, Gluten Free says
Those sound good! You know what Sophie loves, is for me to heat up coconut milk with cinnamon and honey. Simple but tasty. That’s her favorite request after coming in from playing in the snow 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Heather–Thanks! Oh, I can see Sophie coming in from wonderful snow time to delicious coconut milk, cinnamon, and honey. 🙂 That sounds like perfection to me! Sounds like a non-recipe worthy of a blog post, too. 😉
I tried this non-recipe using coconut milk yesterday and didn’t like it as much as the almond milk, which surprised me. Of course, I know you guys can’t consume tree nuts and maybe I made a mistake, by adding a little water to my coconut milk. Right out of the can might have made a much better pumpkin spice latte. 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Cheryl says
I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m intrigued!
Shirley says
Hi Cheryl–Make it with almond milk, you’ll absolutely love it! Promise.
Hugs,
Shirley
Claire says
I’m definitely going to try Stephanie’s Wassail! Yum 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Claire–Warning: You will seriously become addicted to Stephanie’s Wassail. I get all warm and happy just thinking about that wassail! 😉
Shirley
Tina @madame gluten-free vegetarian says
Hi Shirley,
This pumpkin latte sounds absolutely perfect for this weekend! I am a tea person too, so I appreciate you leaving out the coffee. 🙂
I thought I was the only one to take a hot beverage up to the shower so it’s waiting for me when I get out! How did you know??
Happy Friday & Happy Halloween —
🙂 Tina.
Shirley says
Hey Tina–Haha on the hot beverage out of the shower. It’s a fantastic treat, isn’t it? 😉 Try this one with the almond milk and you will be over the moon. A Halloween moon!
Thanks for the good wishes! A happy Halloween Eve to you, my dear!
Shirley
Alta says
I am very much a coffee fan, but regardless, this sounds delicious! I could very well sneak in some strong coffee in it too… 😉
I’m thinking I need to whip up some of Shirley’s cushaw/pumpkin butter.
Shirley says
Hey Alta–I’m still so excited about you getting the cushaw! Yes, definitely you should use some of it to make some cushaw butter. YUM! And I bet you’d be quite happy making this latte with almond milk AND some coffee. I’d love to hear some feedback if you do. 😉
Shirley
Kim (Cook IT Allergy Free) says
Okay that has to be the simplest gfe recipe ever! I am doing lots of stuff with pumpkin this weekend, so I just have added 1. your pumpkin butter and 2. this “latte” to the list. We are having a Halloween/Fall-style weekend carving pumpkins, decorating for the trick-or=treaters, and baking.
This would be a great alternative to drink at night since I cannot have any form of caffeine once the afternoon rolls around.
xo
k
Shirley says
Hehe, Kim! Two ingredients does qualify, but like I said the fact that one has to have pumpkin butter on hand is a bit of a catch. 😉 I tried this latte with coconut milk yesterday and while I’m a coconut milk lover, almond milk rules when it comes to this recipe! Almond milk gives it the velvety smoothness, which I adore!
Your Halloween/Fall weekend sounds truly wonderful. I’m imagining how excited your kiddos are about all of that! Happy weekend and Halloween to all! I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in baking mode after this summer’s heat. 🙂
xo,
Shirley
Ricki says
Totally ingenious! And I wouldn’t miss the coffee at all since I don’t drink it anyway. I can’t wait to give this a try! Thanks for all the info on hidden gluten in beverages–I’d never have thought to check out my TEA. And so glad to see you on Wellness Weekend again! 😀
Shirley says
Hi Ricki–Now I didn’t remember that you didn’t drink coffee, but I’m happy to have another partner in coffee-less “crime”! Make this with almond milk and you will be fabulously happy. 🙂
I always want to scream when I see gluten in tea … it’s just WRONG! 😉
And, finally, I love being part of your Wellness Weekend, Ricki. Now I just need to get back over to the roundup and check out all the other recipes. They have been incredible to date! You have really created something wonderful with that event, Ricki!
Shirley
Jen @ The RA Vegan says
Oh Yum! I don’t drink coffee either and I love pumpkin so this sounds wonderful for me!
Shirley says
Hi Jen–Another anti-coffee buddy–yippee! Well, as I was saying to the others, make this with almond milk and you will feel so pampered. 🙂
Hugs,
Shirley
Ina Gawne says
Anything pumpkin has my vote! Great information here Shirley. When I first went GF, it took me a while to figure out I was getting cross contamination, now, the symptoms would be instant. Thank goodness it very rarely happens anymore! 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Ina–Thanks, dear! Yes, that’s something that most folks aren’t told … that their reactions may become more instant and more severe. Mine certainly do. I still see a lot of folks attributing their symptoms to everything but gluten (e.g., virus, other foods, being too hot, being too cold, stress) and while sometimes other factors do come into play, of course, often gluten is the true culprit. And I believe it’s a culprit in processed foods that folks think are safe because they are labeled “gluten free,” but may not be gluten free enough, so to speak. But that’s a post for another day. A long delayed one. But anyway, I hope you enjoy this latte and I’m so glad you’ve been able to stay uncontaminated. 🙂
Shirley
Kim says
Shirley,
First, thank you for linking to my blog & post. I still think about Starbuck’s when I go in to get black coffee from them. I prefer to frequent other places, but sometimes I “need” my caffeine! LOL! I am thankful that Tim Horton’s is building a place right next to my gym where there is currently only a Starbuck’s.
I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Rudert speak last year when she was here in Columbus for the Celiac Conference. That is a great point – 1 out of 2 ppl. are still getting gluten somewhere. I know there are times when I become complacent, start to feel ick and wonder. We don’t have a completely GF house, so I suspect that is usually my issue.
I can’t wait to try this non-coffee version of the pumpkin spice latte. I am also going to give your pumpkin butter a try! How simple that sounds!!
Have a great weekend!
Kim (who is really behind on her blog reading, writing & such)
Shirley says
Hi Kim–I was happy to share your post! It’s telling that it’s still getting comments. It’s an important topic as Starbucks is frequented by so many. The concern comes into play with any establishment though. We must do our due diligence.
Yes, 1 in 2 is kind of like a big whomp on the side of the head, isn’t it? What concerns me is when folks’ former symptoms creep back and because it’s a gradual thing, they don’t realize they are getting glutened … that that’s the cause of their issues. So, as a result, they don’t know they can fix their issues, by doing the detective work and eliminating the gluten source. As I was just stating, I firmly believe that folks are getting glutened (even daily) by products with gf labels that they think are safe. I have immediate, severe reactions to gluten, but Mary, John, and Susan may not. But over time, old symptoms and conditions return. That’s another reason that I really embrace whole foods and recipes from whole foods.
I think you will love the pumpkin butter and the latte. Being a coffee drinker, you may even want to add some coffee and make yours a true latte. 😉
Love the postscript! I’m with you, sister!
Shirley
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
Shirley, I love this recipe!!! It was a warm day here, so I actually made it into an iced latte, and it was delicious! Love that pumpkin butter recipe. It’s so versatile. I’ll be finding ways to use it all week now!! Thank you!
Shirley says
Hey Heather–I love that you made yours an iced latte and that you made another version using So Delicious Coconut milk, too! I actually don’t have So Delicious products near me, but would love to try this latte using their coconut milk. I tried canned full-fat coconut milk yesterday and, sadly, it didn’t make the cut. Almond milk still rules for me for now!
Woohoo on being a pumpkin butter convert! I really should make it once a month. I use it in so many things now. 🙂
Thanks and big hugs! I’m looking forward to my adoption post. 😉
Shirley
Debi says
I love it! I’m going to have to make myself some pumpkin butter when we get back from vacation. 😀 And I had to chuckle while reading. You never cease to amaze me with the things you don’t like. Then again, coffee isn’t everyone’s thing. I have a friend who asked how I drink it black since he has to have lots of cream and sugar in his. My response, “Easy. Pour. Drink.” lol
Shirley says
Debi–I know you would love this pumpkin butter and would have so much fun creating recipes and non-recipes using it!! Yep, I’m a “special case,” aren’t I? 🙂 But your example shows how we are all so different. The hated food/menu item of one is the most beloved one of another! 😉
Shirley
Maggie says
Now THAT is gfe 🙂 What a delightful morning treat Shirley. I’m off to revisit the pumpkin butter recipe! Thanks for being an amazing source of information with a delicious side of recipes! xoxo
Shirley says
Hi Maggie–Thanks, dear! I thought and thought about that recipe making it so complicated in my head and then in the end, I created this non-recipe, and I couldn’t be happier. 😉 Four words … MAKE. THE. PUMPKIN. BUTTER.
Oh, and thanks so much for the other feedback, too! xo,
Shirley
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
FYI, just had my morning cup of pumpkin spice “latte” but used Unsweetened So Delicious Coconut Milk. It was delightful!!!
Linda says
I like coffee but don’t drink it often for a couple of reasons. This sounds like a great substitute, and it’s caffeine free which is a plus for me.
Diane-thewholegang says
YUM! I’ve always wanted to try one of these at Starbucks but I don’t like coffee and they don’t have any type of milk I can drink. This is brilliant! Adding pumpkin butter to my shopping list. Wait, do you have a recipe for that too. Must check.
Shirley says
That’s right, Diane … I remember now that you don’t like coffee and, of course, that dairy-free part. Starbucks is missing out on that crowd for sure as they only have the soy milk, right? UGH. Anyway, make this with almond milk (or maybe the So Delicious that Heather liked it with) and you will feel so pampered! The pumpkin butter link is in the post. 🙂
Shirley
Theophanie says
Lovely post! I adore rambly* (in a good way) posts with lots of links – they match the way I think! 😉 Although I don’t buy pumpkin spice lattes, I am eager to try yours and also to read up on the SBUX controversy (but why? that is a good question…).
Anyway… Happy Monday!
Shirley says
Hi Theophanie–Oh, it’s so nice to have a reader who admires *good* rambling! 😉
But why is a very good question indeed. It stinks that the coffee lovers can’t enjoy their faves safely at Starbucks. But this recipe is great for all of us … in the safe comfort of our own homes. 🙂 Make this with almond milk … it’s out of this world good!
Shirley
Felicia says
Shirley,
This sounds delightful and I am off to make some momentarily! We received 22 1/2 inches of heavy wet snow Sat afternoon into Sunday, and lost our power about midnight Sat. It turned on today after lunch, so enjoying a warming pumpkin latte as soon as I get out of a nice hot shower sounds delish – thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
Shirley says
Hey Felicia–Wow, you’re in one of those areas! So glad your power is back on. (That always takes the fun out of snow for sure.) I hope you enjoyed this recipe. I admit that I’m in love with it. 😉
Shirley
Jeanette says
That pumpkin spice latte looks so nice, rich and creamy, and easy to make at home. I think my husband and kids would love it.
Shirley says
Hi Jeanette–This Pumpkin Spice Latte is truly as you described, particularly when made with almond milk. Hope you and your family enjoy it if you give it a try! Lamenting my own current lack of pumpkin butter. Must remedy as soon as I get back for a trip to Dallas. 😉
Thanks so much!
Shirley
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
I made the pumpkin butter and I just made a cup of this latte. It’s REALLY good! I just gave it to my daughter to try and she’s not giving it back! I used regular milk but I’ll bet it’s even better with almond milk.
Shirley says
Hi Debbi–It’s great to see you again! 🙂 And I love your feedback, too—thanks! I’m really glad to hear this recipe works with regular milk, but I do encourage you to try it with almond milk for that thick velvet factor. 😉 I know I can’t wait to get some more almond milk so I can make a batch of pumpkin butter and enjoy this latte again!
Shirley
Kathy Veliz says
Thanks so much for sharing your latte recipe. I don’t drink coffee or tea but wanted a warm pumpkin drink. Can’t wait to try it and I think just for fun I’ll try the pumpkin butter too. Sounds interesting.
Shirley says
Hi Kathy–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Well, you have to make the pumpkin butter to properly make the latte, so I hope you enjoy both! 😉
Shirley
Sandi says
Thank you so much for re-posting this. I had no idea Starbucks Pumpkin Lattes could be an issue. I used to drink these often, but since cutting out refined sugars, it has been a couple of years. It is a good reminder to always check ingredients because companies change their formulations.
This looks delicious.
Sandi
Shirley says
Hi Sandi–Welcome! I’m so glad that you found this info helpful. So many times we “save” ourselves from getting glutened when we cut out other problem foods like dairy, refined sugar, etc. Glad that was the case for you! Yes, unfortunately formulations do change, cross contamination varies per establishments, etc. It’s often like the gluten-free version (or should I say gluten version?) of Russian Roulette. 🙁
Hope you enjoy this latte if you give it a try! 🙂
Shirley
KITTY TRUEBLOOD says
where do u find your whipped cream that we can use ?
Shirley says
Hi Kitty–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’m not sure if you’re asking about whipped cream being gluten free or if you’re also dairy free. I don’t know of any ready-made whipped cream that is not gluten free, but always read labels, of course. As far as dairy-free whipped cream, I included two links in the post that show you how to make coconut whipped cream (made from coconut milk). There is a ready-made coconut whipped cream that is coming out soon though. Hope that info helps!
Shirley
April J Harris says
It’s so nice to have a delicious fall beverage like this to offer as an alternative to kids and those who don’t drink coffee, Shirley. I was interested to read about cross contamination as well. A friend of mine who has celiac disease was recently served pasta that wasn’t gluten free in a restaurant in the US – and half way through the meal they came over and told her about their error. They apologised for forgetting to tell her – and of course she was ill for days! It’s so important to raise awareness about how important it is not to contaminate or cross contaminate foods for folks who need to eat gluten free and I’m so glad you are doing that! And thank you again for sharing these yummy fall beverage treats with us at the Hearth and Soul Link Party. It’s lovely to have you back 🙂
Shirley Braden says
Hi April–I think it’s so wonderful to offer kids special festive drinks that are suitable but aren’t ready-made and full of sugar. I’m a big kid because I love this latte and all the choices here!
Oh, how I winced when I read the story about your friend getting glutened! The very same thing happened to a friend of mine last year. She messaged me right away for tips on what to do to recover more quickly. As an elementary school teacher, she simply can’t be off work for days recovering. My tips helped her enough that she didn’t miss a day of work. She was in a pseudo zombie start part of the time because gluten really does a number on us. To be honest, I won’t even eat a dish like that when eating out because the risk of the staff serving one gluten-full pasta or using the same pot, etc. is very high. As tempting as it would be, the risk is just not worth it to me. The risk of that scenario (or a similar scenario with gluten-full pasta mixed in with gluten-free pasta–often you can tell the difference) is just too high. Similarly, it is very rare for me to eat gluten-free pizza out because I know of gf individuals who have been given gluten-full pizza by mistake. (One went into a coma and was hospitalized. That much gluten for someone who is gf is a real threat.) Sometimes gf folks forget about the risks or simply want to be more like everyone else so reminders on the opportunities for cross-contamination/cross-contact (both terms are used) are important. Btw, April, you might want to share my post on How To Recover From Being Glutened with your friend. I hope she’ll find it helpful! I truly feel bad that she went through that experience. 🙁 Last, thanks for the kind words, dear. I’m still a bit hit and miss when it comes to resuming former activities, but I’m getting there. 😉
Shirley
April J Harris says
It really is scary how ill people can become! I hope your friends were all okay, Shirley. Thank you for the link. I will definitely share. Be patient with yourself as you recover from your illness, it really can take a lot out of you. Hope you are soon feeling one hundred percent very soon 🙂
Shirley Braden says
April–Yes, they came around, but gluten “overload” after being gluten free is a real thing. I’m so glad you’ll share that article with your friends. It’s helped so many readers. Thanks for the encouraging words on my return to health, dear. I really am doing quite well but have returned to taking a few naps this week. 😉
Shirley