Magic Milks: 8 Healthy Latte Recipes that Promote Glowing Skin

I have a confession to make... there is nothing I love more than waking up and making myself a creamy latte and enjoying a moment of solitude before I start my day. Something about the richness of my drink and the dance lattes makes my taste buds do create a different, powerful start to my day every morning. I love lattes, but I can't claim my drink is a healthy latte.

Recently I’ve been on a health-conscious movement, paying close attention to how I am treating my body and dedicating time every day to ensure I am nurturing it to the best of my abilities. School and work burnout are real right now, so I jump at any chance to take care of myself. Now you’re probably thinking, shouldn’t you just be taking care of yourself regardless? The answer is yes, but sometimes it’s harder when you get caught up in the chaos of life. I just need a little more self-awareness towards it as of late.

Now if someone were to tell me my morning latte ritual and moment of solitude could get any better, I’d say they’re lying. BUT they’re not. *Enter* healthy lattes. Yup, you read that right. Healthy lattes.

The idea of healthy lattes has been circulating Pinterest as well as food and health blogs since 2017. Flash forward 5 years and here I am, ready to share the magical ingredients that will take your latte to the next level.

Magical Healthy Latte Ingredients

There’s a good chance this list is full of the nutritious, antioxidant, and holistic ingredients you see in smoothies, juices, vitamins, and more. Who knew that you’d be able to make lattes with them too?

We are going to break down each ingredient and their health benefits so you know why your health will be thanking you after adding them to your latte regiment.

Matcha

Matcha is rich in antioxidants, which protect and stabilize against damaged cells and chronic diseases. In the long run, these antioxidants can protect the liver, potentially protect against cancer, promote heart health, and enhance brain function.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent due to its main active component curcumin. According to the Mayo Clinic, a study found that taking turmeric extract three times a day is equivalent to taking a 1200 MG dose of ibuprofen.

Turmeric can help ease pain associated with arthritis-like joint swelling, aid with digestive struggles like IBS or Crohns, help with depression, and can prevent cancer. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties may also help with skin moods associated with inflammation such as eczema and psoriasis.

Reishi

The reishi mushroom origins lie in Asian traditional medicine. They're used to boost the immune system and promote health. Reishi boosts the immune system by positively affecting white blood cells which help fight infections and cancers. Other potential benefits from reishi are fighting fatigue and depression as well as boosting heart health by promoting good cholesterol.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a healthy, dairy-free, vegan-friendly alternative to traditional milks and creamers. Almond milk is full of vitamin E, calcium, and vitamin D.

Chai

Chai, a mixture of black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices, has a handful of health benefits including lowering blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure (which leads to improved heart health), and improving digestive health.

Ginger

Ginger’s main active component, gingerol, has a handful of medicinal properties. Ginger’s main touted benefit is its ability to combat nausea and morning sickness. Other benefits from ginger and gingerol include reducing blood sugars, reducing menstrual pain, lowering cholesterol, protecting against Alzheimer’s, fighting infections, and more.

Healthy Latte Recipes

There are so many fan-favorite healthy latte recipes, it was so hard to choose. Below are 8 healthy latte recipes with ingredients needed to carry out the recipe and links to step-by-step directions.

1. Matcha Latte

Our first recipe is a Matcha Latte from Food and Wine. The recipe is a fan favorite with over 4,000 4+ star ratings. Only 4 ingredients are needed, making this latte recipe simple and quick for rush hour mornings.

1 ½ teaspoon of matcha powder
1 tablespoon hot water
2 (or more) teaspoons of honey
Warmed milk

2. Turmeric Latte

BBC Good Food has a delicious turmeric latte recipe. There are a bit more ingredients needed for this recipe but it is well worth the effort. Check it out.

350 ML almond milk (or milk of choice)
¼ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple syrup
A grind of black pepper

3. Vanilla Almond Latte

Sunkissed Kitchen shared their homemade vanilla almond latte recipe and goodness does it sound delicious. It is paleo and vegan-friendly. Surprise! The latte only takes 10 minutes in the morning after soaking the almonds overnight. The homemade masterpiece is definitely worth taking 10 minutes in the morning.

1 cup almonds soaked overnight
1 ½ cups water
1-3 Medjool dates
1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cold brew coffee or espresso

4. Skinny Chocolate Chai Latte

This recipe had me at chocolate. Amy’s Healthy Baking turns everyone’s favorite sweet treats into healthier alternatives so we can enjoy our favorite treats and fuel our bodies with great nutrients at the same time. I am thankful to Amy’s mom for inspiring this drink creation. I cannot wait to try it.

1 cup unsweetened cashew milk
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
16-20 drops vanilla creme stevia
¾ cups extra-strong hot chai

5. 5 Minute Vegan Mushroom Latte

5-minute latte? Sign me up. This recipe from the Minimalist Baker comes in not one, but two ways. Heaven!

1 tsp reishi mushroom powder
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp almond butter
2 tbsp cacao powder
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch sea salt
1 cup dairy-free milk

Magic Milks: 8 Healthy Latte Recipes that Promote Glowing Skin

6. Medicinal Mushroom Latte

The name of this latte sounds so inviting and nutritious. I cannot help but think about how great I’d feel after sipping on it all morning. Thanks to Nourished by Nutrition we have options for delicious mushroom lattes in the morning.

1 cup cashew milk
1 tsp reishi powder
½ tsp maca powder
¼ tsp cinnamon
1-2 drops of stevia or 1 tsp honey or sweetener of choice
1 tsp MCT oil or coconut oil

7. Spiced Almond Beet Latte

This drink claimed its way to fame because of its pink coloring but we think it should have claimed its way to fame because of its nutritional content. Thank you Mind Body Green for giving us something nutritious and aesthetically pleasing to drink.

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp honey
1 medium beet, peeled
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger

8. Honey Ginger Cinnamon Latte

Yay! For (Food) honey ginger cinnamon lattes! They’re delicious, simple, and perfect for any time of the year. Check out the simple ingredients for the recipe below.

2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
1 cinnamon stick
1 shot of hot espresso
2 tsp pure honey

Like I said, this list hardly scratches the surface of different healthy latte recipes out on the internet. These were definitely the most loved amongst avid latte drinkers though!

If you’re looking to up your health, wellness, and self-care rituals join me in trying out some healthy lattes. I’m sure our bodies will thank us later ;)

Written by Lauren Conklin

Magic Milks: 8 Healthy Latte Recipes that Promote Glowing Skin