Iced Activated Charcoal Latte {paleo + vegan}

This iced activated charcoal latte is a stunning detoxifying drink that can help aid in digestion and rid your body of potential toxins. Made in just 5 minutes with 6 ingredients – it’s easy and oh-so-pretty in a very October kind of way. 

 
Ok, so when was the last time you guys had a black, vanilla scented almond milk latte? Neverrr?! I thought that might be your answer.

My first time sipping one of these wasn’t too long ago actually. I had a little bit of experience with taking activated charcoal for an gas and an upset tummy, but never in the latte form. That was, until Patrick and I were hanging out in LA for our anniversary a month or so ago.

I know, I know – it’s a likely story. Girl goes to LA, tries a black latte and brings the recipe back home with her. But it’s so GOOD, you guys! I’m all for trends if they are actually worthy of some love. And it’s so tasty and easy to make that I thought you all would enjoy creating an iced activated charcoal latte in your kitchen, too!

And since it’s the beginning of October and Halloween is around the corner, it just kind of felt right.

Let me assure you this latte tastes way better than it looks, and is also pretty dang good for you. Activated charcoal is what gives it the deep (dare I say, “spooky”?) black hue, but mostly it just tastes like a very delicious vanilla almond milk latte.

 

so what is activated charcoal and why is it good for you?

 

Activated charcoal is made by burning a carbon source (usually wood or coconut shells) at a very high temperature, so all the oxygen is removed from the material.

This process creates a very porous substance that is highly absorbent and has been shown to help reduce stomach upset and gas, and bind with potential toxins and remove them from the body with waste.

It’s sometimes used in a hospital setting for extreme detox and poisoning cases, but can also be used occasionally in smaller amounts at home to help with occasional digestive issues.

I first discovered it when we were traveling and had a pretty unpleasant travelers tummy situation. A quick google search suggested activated charcoal to treat the symptoms, so we found some at the local health food shop and it actually really helped!

Now I bring some activated charcoal capsules with me whenever I travel, for those “just in case moments”. Because traveling when your stomach is upset is never fun.

You do, however, have to be careful about WHEN you take activated charcoal, HOW MUCH you take, and how often you take it

 

• Because it binds with just about everything that’s in your gut, and doesn’t discriminate between the “good” and the “bad”, you definitely do NOT want to take activated charcoal at the same time as other supplements or medications, or too close to a meal.
• This could cause those very important medications and nutrients from your food to be sucked up by the charcoal before they can be absorbed by your body. Most sources advising on timing of ingesting activated charcoal suggest taking it 2 hours apart from supplements, medication, and food.
• It’s also not appropriate for consumption by children, or if you pregnant, nursing, on a very important dose of medication, have a serious medical condition, or having surgery in the near future.

But if you use it mindfully, and not too often, it can be a powerful tool in aiding digestion and reducing potential toxins in the body.

Plus, it’s really quite pretty – don’t you think?

 

how to make this iced activated charcoal latte

 

It could not be easier! Here’s the steps:

1. First you have to find some activated charcoal. Typically it’s sold either in capsule form, or in a loose powder. Capsules are obviously more convenient for use as a supplement, and can also be used in this recipe – just empty them out before adding to the rest of the latte ingredients.
2. Blend the charcoal along with some maple syrup (or another sweetener of choice), a pinch of sea salt, some vanilla extract and some type of coffee together with some almond milk.
3. Pour the charcoal and vanilla almond milk mixture over ice, and then top off with some more almond milk.

That’s it! So easy, and really quite delicious. And because the activated charcoal doesn’t really have much flavor on it’s own, the recipe is also fairly customizable.

To change the flavor all you have to do is swap out the vanilla extract for another flavor of your choice – almond extract, peppermint extract, coconut flavoring, or some cacao would all be excellent choices.

 
That’s the scoop babes! Everything I know about this pretty black latte. Hope you enjoy! I would LOVE to see your black iced activated charcoal latte creations – tag me on instagram @nyssas_kitchen or leave a comment below if you make it! XO

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