The best low calorie peppermint mocha latte
This low calorie peppermint mocha latte is the BEST low calorie holiday drink ever! It is made with unsweetened cocoa powder, peppermint extract and unsweetened almond milk for the perfect low calorie Starbucks dupe. It is super easy to make and can be ready in under 5 minutes! Plus, it’s just 40 calories compared to the 410 calories at Starbucks!
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The holiday season is upon us and that means more festive drinks. If you’re someone who loves to sip on latte after latte but are trying to lose weight or cut down on the calories, I have just the thing for you!
This low calorie peppermint mocha latte is the best way to enjoy the festive drinks without all the excess sugar and calories. A peppermint mocha latte from Starbucks is 410 calories! 410!! That’s an insanely high calorie count for a drink with very little nutritional value.
This low calorie peppermint mocha latte tastes just as good as the Starbucks one but for a tiny fraction of the calories. And to top it all off, you can make this recipe easily with just a few ingredients at home, saving you not only the trip to Starbucks, but also a few dollars.
Low calorie peppermint mocha latte
People always think that to lose weight or stay in a calorie deficit, they need to cut out liquid calories including all their favorite drinks. Although liquid calories can be super sneaky, there are so many ways to enjoy your favorite drinks without all the excess sugar, fat and calories!
The best option is investing in some 0 calorie coffee syrups. I seriously don’t know where I would be without these syrups! But, you can also replace the milk and other additions to make drinks go from 400 calories to 40. It is so much easier than most people think!
This low calorie peppermint mocha latte is the perfect example of this. It is just as delicious as the 400+ calorie Starbucks one but for just 40 calories!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- It is just 40 calories for a delicious peppermint mocha latte!
- Requires just a handful of ingredients.
- Takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and make!
- This recipe is dairy-free and vegan!
- Contains no added sugars!
- This recipe is the best low calorie Starbucks dupe for the peppermint mocha latte!
- The BEST low calorie peppermint mocha ever!
Ingredients
Exact ingredient quantities can be found at the bottom of this page.
To make this low calorie peppermint mocha latte you will need:
- Unsweetened almond milk – Unsweetened almond milk is really low in calories making it perfect for low calorie drinks. You can swap for any milk of your choice but the calories will be different.
- Espresso or brewed coffee – Espresso works best to compliment the flavors of this drink. You can opt for powdered espresso too. You can also use freshly brewed coffee.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder has an intense chocolaty flavor with very few calories.
- 0 calorie sweetener– You can use any granulated sweetener for this recipe. This brown sugar alternative has been my favorite 0 calorie sweetener for hot drinks lately. It is naturally sourced, tastes delicious and has no bitter aftertaste! You can use 0 calorie syrups too – this mocha one works well. BUT, these syrups have a slightly bitter after taste in hot drinks and are better suited for cold drinks.
- Peppermint extract – Peppermint extract is very strong so only a small amount is needed for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds a delicious, subtle flavor to this drink.
- Crushed candy cane – This is optional. Candy canes are actually fairly low in calories! I like to add 1/4 of a crushed candy cane to really pack on the peppermint flavor.
How to make this low calorie peppermint mocha latte
Exact ingredient quantities and the step by step instructions are at the bottom of this page.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the 0 calorie brown sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add in the milk and set on the stove over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Remove from the heat and mix in the espresso or coffee, peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to your favorite mug, add any toppings you would like and enjoy!
LOW CALORIE ‘WHIP’ CREAM
If you’re someone who loves adding whip cream to their hot beverages, this is a perfect super low calorie alternative. It is made with steamed milk and adds an extra layer of creaminess and really elevates this low calorie peppermint mocha!
- Warm up 50 ml of any milk of your choosing, make sure it is piping hot.
- Using a milk frother, whisk the milk until its super foamy and thick – that’s it!
more low calorie drinks
40 calorie Peppermint Mocha Latte
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 150 ml unsweetened almond milk
- 2 shots espresso or 100 ml brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp 0 calorie sweetener
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- crushed candy cane (optional)
Low calorie whip cream
- 50 ml really hot milk of choice (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix together the stevia and cocoa powder. Add in the milk and whisk until well combined.
- Set this over medium-high heat on the stove until it has reached a gentle simmer and is bubbling at the edges, about 3-5 minutes.
- Take off the heat and mix in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract and espresso until well combined.
- Transfer to your favorite mug and top with whip cream and crushed candy cane (optional). Enjoy!