Tesco delicious homemade pumpkin spice latte with less calories than Starbucks

The season is nearly upon us when we can't resist popping into Starbucks and Costa Coffee for their scrumptious autumn-themed hot beverages - but many of us are also trying to save a few quid in these challenging times.

As autumn rolls in, a frothy latte truly comes into its own. Many of us prefer to stay indoors if the weather turns chilly or wet, so why not whip up a pumpkin spice latte in your own kitchen?

It's a doddle to make and less fattening than many high street alternatives.

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Tesco has divulged a recipe on their food website for the ultimate homemade pumpkin spice latte that can be made with either instant or espresso coffee.

The supermarket's website has shared a treat and if 'you're in need of a warm-me-up then get cosy with this wonderfully spiced pumpkin latte' - and you don't have to splash out or consume a tonne of calories as this homemade pumpkin latte contains just 178 calories, while Starbucks' version packs in 390 calories, reports the Express.

There are sweet notes and spicy flavouring with natural cinnamon in this coffee latte recipe, perfectly comforting for autumn.

Tesco said that 'learning how to make an iconic pumpkin spice latte at home is dead easy - it's the perfect drink to snuggle up to and works just as well with espresso coffee or instant coffee'.

Their method is straightforward to follow and detailed on the Real Food Tesco website, it merely takes two steps and some tasty ingredients.

The recipe serves one, but you can easily double it for two and it's just 12 minutes of prep and three minutes 'to cook' the latte.

All the ingredients are natural too, no artificial flavourings, just great spices such as cinnamon and seasonal mixed spice to add in.

Ingredients you'll need from the Tesco website:

• 2 heaped tbsp pumpkin purée.
• 1 tbsp soft brown sugar.
• 1⁄4 tsp mixed spice.
• 1⁄4 tsp cinnamon.
• 250ml whole or semi-skimmed milk.
• 2 shots espresso coffee (see tip below in method).
• whipped cream and cocoa, to serve (optional).

Method from the Tesco's Real Food website:

• Put the pumpkin purée, sugar, spices and milk in a microwave-proof jug. Mix the contents to combine.
• Cover with clingfilm, then carefully pierce the surface two or three times, to allow steam to escape. Microwave on full power for 11⁄2-2 mins, until the milk is hot.
• Using an electric milk frother or whisk, whisk for 30-45 secs or until milk is really frothy.
• Pour the hot coffee into a latte glass or mug, then add the spiced pumpkin milk. Top with cream, if using, then dust with a little more mixed spice and some cocoa.
• Tip: If you have a coffee machine, use two shots of espresso to make the latte. If not, use an instant espresso coffee or your usual cafetière.
• You will need 50ml strong coffee made from about 1 tbsp ground coffee.
• You can of course replace dairy milk with soya, coconut or oat milk if you wish - and the delicious pumpkin puree can either be made at home or purchased at Tesco or other stores.