Spring is in the air, and I’m feeling so energized lately and just craving bright flavors and nutrient-dense foods. This includes nourishing beverages with plenty of liver support, antioxidants and flavor, like this low carb vegan spring superfood latte, which features hibiscus tea, macadamia nuts and some of my favorite superfood powders.
As I’ve mentioned before, I tend to impulse-buy powders and supplements when they are on sale (or on clearance), and so my pantry tends to become a bit full. When I posted about this on instagram, so many of you told me that you have this same problem. So, in the interest of not wasting the powders we all buy, I thought I’d start posting some recipes using them.
Typically, I make this hibiscus tea latte for myself when I’m on my period. As some of you may know, I have endometriosis, and a vegan keto diet has helped tremendously in alleviating the symptoms. This superfood latte is packed with ingredients that have demonstrated the ability to help balance estrogen and I try to incorporate it into my day in the days leading up to my period, as well as through my period. Does it actually help alleviate symptoms? Honestly, I don’t know. But, it tastes really good and feels really soothing to drink.
The ingredients in this caffeine-free herbal tea latte all serve a purpose:
- Macadamia nuts – Not only do the macadamia nuts make this latte smooth and creamy, but the fats help to keep you satiated. Macadamia nuts in particular are also low in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.
- Beet root powder – Beets have long been used medicinally for liver support, and studies are now showing that betacyanin (the antioxidant that gives beets their color) has powerful anti-cancer effects as well.
- Maca powder – Shown to have many benefits for women’s hormones and can improve libido and sex hormone functions.
- Hibiscus tea – hibiscus is loaded with antioxidants and is also thought to help alleviate menstrual pain
Notes on Making Low Carb Vegan Spring Superfood Latte
- For the smoothest latte, soak the macadamia nuts ahead of time (either overnight in room temp water or for around 30 minutes in near-boiling water)
- If you don’t have maca powder on hand, 1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger is a great addition instead. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to help aid in circulation.
- The macadamia nuts can be replaced by cashews or sunflower seeds for a similar effect. If you want to use almonds, pepitas or hemp seeds, they will need to be blended separately with the hot water and then strained before everything is combined for a smooth texture.
- This latte is caffeine-free, but if you’d like to add a little kick, green tea is a lovely companion to the hibiscus. So, either use a cup of brewed green tea to blend in with the hibiscus elixir packet, steep the hibiscus and green tea together, or just add in a green tea powder packet to the blender with everything else.
- Please keep in mind that different brands and varieties of ingredient have different nutritional values. So, while I strive to provide accurate nutritional information, your calculations may vary.
Low Carb Vegan Spring Superfood Latte
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp 15g raw macadamia nuts, soaked (see note)
- 1 packet Pique Hibiscus Beauty Elixir in 8oz 240ml near-boiling water, or 8oz (240ml) brewed hibiscus tea
- 1/4 tsp beetroot powder
- 1/4 tsp maca powder
- 5-10 drops of liquid stevia optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. This is easier if the macadamia nuts have soaked, as per the notes.
