Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Other Healthy Pumpkin Products

It's November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I'm sure many of you carved pumpkins in celebration of Halloween. Hopefully, you were able to salvage some of the pumpkin parts to eat for pie or to grow another pumpkin for next year. I'm a fan of pumpkin and love that it is packed with Vitamin A and fiber while being low in calories. 

Here are some of my favorite food products.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

If you love coffee and you love pumpkin, then you definitely have to try the pumpkin spice lattes at Peet's Coffee and Tea. This awesome coffee chain brews some of the best lattes which are strong and tasty. The pumpkin spice latte is a seasonal special, so make sure you order one at your next visit. Order one with non-fat milk and no whip and it will only set you back 222 calories and around $4.

Pumpkin Spice Tea

If you're not a fan of the cost or calories associated with pumpkin spice lattes, you can get your taste of autumn in the form of Bigelow Pumpkin Spice Tea.  A box of 20 tea bags cost less than one latte, so brew up a cup guilt-free.

Pumpkin Pie

'Tis the season for pie! Pies in all sorts of flavors will probably be present at holiday parties. Apple, pecan and pumpkin are the top pies during the holidays, but the best one in my opinion is definitely pumpkin! I tasted many pumpkin pies from stores and different restaurants, but the best one hands down is from Urth Caffe. One slice will set you back $6.25 or you can get a whole 10" pie for $35. I would suggest ordering one for your Thanksgiving dinner, because one slice is not enough! The balance of flavors is seriously amazing.

Pumpkin Ice Cream

If $35 for a pumpkin pie seems a bit pricey, skip the pie and just go a la mode.  Trader Joe's Pilgrim Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream is made with 20% pure pumpkin puree along with seasonal spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and a hint of cloves.  And at only $3.99 it's a budget-friendly way to indulge in pumpkin.

Pumpkin Vermicelli

Not much of a sweets fan? No fear, pumpkin vermicelli will knock your socks off. This noodle dished is served at Sinbala, one of the most authentic Taiwanese restaurants in the Los Angeles area. The stir fried noodle dish will set you back around $4.50 and it's a generous portion. You'll find chunks of pumpkin along with mushrooms and ground meat in there. This dish is a great introduction to thin noodles.

Pumpkin Risotto

Looking for a recipe for dinner? How about pumpkin risotto? This easy to make dish encompasses easy ingredients such as rice, olive oil, pumpkin, garlic and mushrooms. You might even have most of these items in your pantry already! Follow this easy thirty minute pumpkin risotto recipe and you'll wow your family with an original dish. At 405 calories per serving, it's not too bad for some good comfort food.

Pumpkin Soup

Even easier than the risotto recipe is pre-made pumpkin soup.  Maggie & Mary's Creamy Pumpkin Soup mix just requires the addition of water and heat and you can have a "home-cooked" meal for a family of four for $6.99.

What are some of your favorite pumpkin-related food products?