Creating a low-glycemic almond milk latte is one of our favorite healthy coffee recipes that is gentle on blood sugar levels. Here's a simple recipe that not only tastes great but also caters to those looking to maintain a low-glycemic diet. Almond milk is naturally low in sugar, and by choosing the right sweeteners and flavors, you can enhance your latte without raising its glycemic index significantly.
Health benefits of almond milk
Almond milk is ideal for keto coffee, being low in carbs and high in healthy fats, supporting ketosis. Dairy-free dark roast recipes with almond milk benefit from its low calorie profile, enhancing weight management efforts. Rich in vitamins and minerals, almond milk in dairy-free recipes supports bone health and reduces inflammation.
Making your own almond milk
Making your own almond milk is easy and helps give you greater control over the sugar content. Soak 1 cup of raw almonds overnight in water, then drain and rinse them thoroughly. Blend the soaked almonds with 4 cups of water until smooth, then strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Sweeten or flavor the resulting milk with vanilla or dates, if desired, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This can be an easy part of your weekly routine.
Low-glycemic sweeteners
Stevia is calorie-free and doesn't affect blood sugar, making it ideal for diabetics, but some may find its aftertaste bitter. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that tastes almost like sugar with minimal calories, though it can cause digestive issues in large amounts. Monk fruit sweetener is zero-calorie and diabetic-friendly, offering a fruity sweetness without impacting glycemic load, but can be more expensive than other sweeteners.
Dark roast coffee for low-carb diets
Dark roast coffee, rich in flavor yet low in carbs, complements almond milk lattes perfectly for those on low-carb diets. Its robust taste enhances the mildness of almond milk, making it a preferred choice for low-carb diet enthusiasts. Dark roast coffee's minimal acidity pairs well with the creamy texture of almond milk, providing a hearty, satisfying beverage.
Almond Milk Latte recipe
Keto, low-glycemic, dairy-free
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Sweetener of choice (e.g., stevia, erythritol, or a splash of monk fruit sweetener; adjust to taste)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for topping (optional)
Equipment:
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Milk frother (or a small whisk or blender)
- Saucepan
Instructions:
-
Make the espresso or coffee:
Brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots. If using brewed coffee, make it stronger than usual to mimic the espresso flavor intensity. -
Heat and froth the almond milk:
Pour the almond milk into a saucepan and heat it gently over medium heat. Watch carefully to ensure it doesn’t boil. You want it warm but not scalding.
Once the milk is heated, remove from heat and add vanilla extract if using. This adds a nice layer of flavor without adding sugar. Use a milk frother to froth the milk until it’s foamy. If you don’t have a frother, you can vigorously whisk it by hand or blend it for a few seconds in a blender to achieve some froth. -
Sweeten your Almond Milk Latte:
Add your chosen sweetener to the espresso or coffee. Stir well to ensure it's completely dissolved. This is where you tailor the sweetness to your taste while keeping it low-glycemic. Start with a little and add more as needed. -
Assemble the latte:
Pour the frothy almond milk into your serving cup, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Gently pour the sweetened espresso or coffee through the foam so it mixes with the milk below. Spoon the remaining foam on top. -
Add final touches:
Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra flavor and aromatic touch. Both spices are naturally sweet-tasting and can enhance the perception of sweetness without sugar. -
Serve:
Enjoy your latte immediately while it's warm and frothy!
Additional tips:
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding other flavors like almond extract or pumpkin spice mix for seasonal variations.
- Adjusting Texture: If you prefer a creamier Almond Milk Latte, opt for barista-style almond milk, which is designed to froth and steam well.
- Cold Version: For a cold latte, cool the coffee and mix with the milk and sweetener. Pour over ice and skip the heating step.