Paleo Latte and Eggnog Recipes

The Paleo Diet and Dairy

The Paleo diet excludes dairy products, which means traditional cow's milk is off the table. Cow's milk is high in saturated fats and calcium, but it doesn't fit into the Paleo framework. Instead, Paleo enthusiasts turn to alternatives like almond milk, hazelnut milk, and coconut milk.

Nutritional Benefits of Paleo Milk Alternatives

Almond Milk

Almond milk is derived from almonds and is a popular choice for those on the Paleo diet. Unlike cow's milk, almond milk is rich in unsaturated fats and is lactose-free. It also contains essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

Hazelnut Milk

Hazelnut milk, made from hazelnuts, is another excellent option. It is 75% unsaturated and also lactose-free. Hazelnut milk provides a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another favorite among Paleo dieters. While it contains saturated fats similar to cow's milk, it is lactose-free and rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Excluded Milk Alternatives

Soy milk, rice milk, and oat milk are not allowed on the Paleo diet due to their content of soy, rice, and gluten, respectively.

Coffee and the Paleo Diet

While caffeine is generally avoided in the Paleo diet, many people still crave their coffee fix. Natural decaffeinated coffee can be a suitable alternative. Interestingly, espresso contains less caffeine than filtered coffee, making it a better option for those trying to reduce their caffeine intake.

Delicious Paleo Latte and Eggnog Recipes

Paleo Pumpkin Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons raw honey (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (unprocessed)
• 2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup espresso or 1/2 cup strong decaffeinated coffee)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine almond milk, pumpkin, and honey.
2. Cook on medium heat, stirring until steaming.
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, and blend for approximately 15 seconds until foamy.
4. If you don't have a blender, whisk the mixture well with a wire whisk.
5. Pour into a large mug or two mugs and add the espresso on top.
6. Top with almond cream and sprinkle with pumpkin spices, cinnamon, or nutmeg.

Paleo Iced Latte

Ingredients:

• 2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup espresso or 1/2 cup strong decaffeinated coffee)
• 1/3 cup almond milk
• 3 teaspoons raw honey (to taste)
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Pour coffee into 2 separate glasses.
2. Stir in almond milk and honey until well mixed.
3. Fill glasses with crushed ice.
4. Serve and top with nutmeg.

Paleo Hazelnut Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 4 cups hazelnut milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground clove
• 1 tsp. cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 2 ripe bananas (peeled)

Preparation:

1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.
2. Adjust spices to taste.
3. Remove from blender and serve topped with nutmeg.

Conclusion

These Paleo-friendly latte and eggnog recipes are perfect for the holidays and all year round. Enjoy the rich flavors and nutritional benefits of almond, hazelnut, and coconut milk while staying true to your Paleo lifestyle.

For more information on the Paleo diet and its benefits, check out The Paleo Diet and Paleo Leap.

Interesting Stats

• Almond milk sales in the U.S. reached $1.3 billion in 2020, making it the most popular plant-based milk (Source: Statista).
• Coconut milk contains about 50% of the daily recommended intake of manganese, which is essential for bone health and metabolism (Source: Healthline).

Enjoy these delightful and nutritious Paleo beverages!