Can you get a dairy free pumpkin spice latte?

With pumpkin spice latte season upon us, many people look forward to enjoying the popular fall drink. However, for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities, the classic pumpkin spice latte is off limits due to the milk content. Thankfully, more and more coffee shops are now offering dairy-free versions of the pumpkin spice latte so those with dairy restrictions don’t have to miss out.

What makes a traditional pumpkin spice latte non dairy-free?

The classic pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks contains milk, which means it is not dairy-free or vegan. Specifically, a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with:

  • 2% milk
  • Pumpkin spice sauce (contains condensed milk)
  • Vanilla syrup
  • Espresso
  • Whipped cream

Both the 2% milk and the condensed milk in the pumpkin spice sauce contain dairy. So in its traditional preparation, the PSL is decidedly not dairy-free.

Why create a dairy-free version?

There are a few key reasons why coffee shops have started offering dairy-free pumpkin spice lattes:

  • Dairy allergies – Some people are allergic to cow’s milk and require dairy-free alternatives.
  • Lactose intolerance – People who are lactose intolerant cannot comfortably digest the lactose in milk.
  • Vegan diet – Vegans omit all animal products, including dairy, from their diet.
  • Preference – Some people just prefer the taste of non-dairy milk or want to reduce their dairy intake.

In order to cater to these groups and make the pumpkin spice latte more inclusive, baristas have come up with alternative preparations that allow everyone to participate in the seasonal phenomenon that is the PSL.

How do you make a dairy-free pumpkin spice latte?

Making a dairy-free PSL is actually quite easy. The basic steps are:

  1. Use non-dairy milk instead of regular milk
  2. Replace condensed milk in the sauce with dairy-free evaporated cane juice or coconut cream
  3. Use dairy-free whipped topping instead of regular whipped cream
  4. Combine ingredients as normal

The most important swap is to use a plant-based milk in place of cow’s milk. Some good options are:

  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • Soy milk
  • Rice milk

Make sure to stick to unsweetened varieties for the truest pumpkin spice latte flavor. For coffee purists, oat milk is the closest non-dairy alternative to regular milk in terms of texture and flavor.

For the pumpkin spice sauce, either look for a dairy-free canned version or make your own using coconut cream or evaporated cane juice in place of condensed milk. The rest of the normal PSL ingredients (pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice) remain the same.

Finally, coconut whipped cream or other dairy-free whipped toppings make a great finishing touch while keeping the drink vegan.

Where can you buy a dairy-free pumpkin spice latte?

Thanks to demand, more and more coffee shops now offer dairy-free pumpkin spice lattes. Here are some places you can get one:

  • Starbucks – Ask for a PSL made with your choice of non-dairy milk and without whipped cream. Soy milk has been on the menu for years and coconut milk and almond milk were recently added as milk alternatives at most locations.
  • Dunkin Donuts – Order a PSL with oatmilk or almond milk and skip the whipped cream. Dunkin uses oatmilk from Planet Oat and almond milk from Blue Diamond for their lattes.
  • Peet’s Coffee – Request an autumn latte made with their signature chai syrup plus your choice of dairy-free milk. Popular options are oat milk and almond milk.
  • Local coffee shops – Many independent cafes now offer dairy-free milk alternatives and seasonal flavors. Check to see if they have pumpkin spice syrup to add to your latte.
  • Make your own – Buy pumpkin spice sauce and non-dairy milk and create it yourself at home. Add your own embellishments like cinnamon sprinkles for the full experience.

The availability of dairy-free PSLs has increased exponentially in recent years. With more plant-based milk options on the market and coffee shops catering to dietary restrictions, you have lots of options to get your pumpkin spice fix.

Tips for ordering

To ensure you get a properly dairy-free pumpkin spice latte, here are some useful tips for ordering:

  • Clearly state that you want a dairy-free version of the drink.
  • Specify which plant-based milk you would prefer – oat, soy, almond, coconut, etc.
  • Request no whipped cream on top to keep the drink dairy-free.
  • At Starbucks, ask them to use the dairy-free pumpkin sauce, not the regular sauce.
  • Ask them to clean the steam wand and equipment before making your drink if you have a severe milk allergy.
  • Repeat back your order to confirm they are making it dairy-free.

With proper preparation and communication, baristas are generally happy to accommodate dairy-free requests. As specialty dietary needs become more mainstream, most coffee shops have systems in place to safely make dairy-free drinks.

Dairy-free pumpkin spice latte recipe

Want to save money and make your own dairy-free PSL at home? Here is an easy recipe to try using coconut milk and dairy-free pumpkin pie spice mix:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (or other dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk)
  • 2 shots espresso or strongly brewed coffee
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3 tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend
  • Whipped coconut cream (optional)
  • Dusting of pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew the coffee using your preferred method. Allow to cool slightly so not scalding hot.
  2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over medium until warmed through but not boiling.
  3. Pour the milk mixture into the coffee and stir to combine.
  4. Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped coconut cream and a dusting of spice if desired.
  5. Enjoy your dairy-free, homemade pumpkin spice latte!

This simple recipe only takes a few minutes and allows you to control the ingredients. Play around with different dairy-free milks, sweeteners and spice blends to suit your tastes. Who needs the coffee shop when you can make your own dairy-free pumpkin perfection at home?

Health benefits of dairy-free PSLs

Beyond just being inclusive for those with dairy issues, dairy-free pumpkin spice lattes actually offer some health perks. Here are a few benefits of choosing plant-based milk and removing dairy from your PSL:

  • Typically fewer calories since plant milks have less fat than full dairy milk
  • More nutrients like vitamin E, iron, and calcium depending on the milk
  • Easier to digest for those sensitive to lactose
  • Lack of hormones found in conventional dairy milk
  • Lower environmental impact as dairy production heavily contributes to emissions

Using a plant-based milk gives you a lighter, more nutritious beverage that is gentler on the stomach and planet. For those avoiding dairy for health reasons, dairy-free PSLs are a smart alternative.

Are there downsides to dairy-free pumpkin spice lattes?

While dairy-free PSLs have some benefits, there are a couple potential downsides to consider as well:

  • Some non-dairy milks have added thickeners and emulsifiers to mimic milk’s texture.
  • Nut milks are not suitable for people with nut allergies.
  • Non-dairy milks often cost more than regular dairy milk.
  • You may need to try a few different milk alternatives before finding your favorite flavor.
  • Some people greatly prefer the taste and mouthfeel of regular dairy milk.

Everyone has personal taste preferences when it comes to milk alternatives. If you grew up with dairy milk, plant-based versions can taste or feel different at first. But for those seeking to avoid dairy, the pros seem to outweigh these potential downsides for most people.

Are pumpkin spice lattes gluten-free?

Traditional pumpkin spice lattes are inherently gluten-free since they contain no wheat, barley, or rye. However, when ordering a dairy-free PSL, there are a few considerations around gluten:

  • Some plant milks like soy or oat contain gluten while almond, coconut, and rice milk are naturally gluten-free.
  • Many coffee shops prepare dairy-free drinks on shared equipment, risking cross-contamination.
  • Flavored syrups may contain undisclosed gluten ingredients like barley malt.
  • Whipped cream toppings can have stabilizers with gluten.

Your safest bet is to order your dairy-free PSL with an unsweetened gluten-free milk variety like coconut or almond milk. Specify no whipped cream and request the drink be prepared in a clean container to avoid cross-contamination. Check ingredient lists carefully and ask questions to ensure your drink is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Pumpkin spice latte season is a special time for many coffee enthusiasts. With more inclusive preparation options, dairy-free consumers no longer have to feel left out of the festivities. By using plant-based milk alternatives and skipping whipped cream, nearly anyone can enjoy this iconic fall beverage.

Do some tasting tests of the various dairy-free milks to determine your favorite. Check ingredient lists to ensure your PSL is both dairy and gluten-free. Then order away and delight in the comforting pumpkin spice flavors, no matter your dietary needs. This autumn, everyone can join in raising a cup of pumpkin cheer!

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