CHAGA CHIP “LATTE” | Anti-Inflammatory & Adaptogenic!

FINALLY.

The moment you’ve ALL been waiting for since I first raved about this magical elixir on my instagram stories almost a month ago.

It’s here. It’s finally here, people.

So: let’s rewind to one fateful day a few weeks ago, when I was shooting a lookbook for a company in West Hollywood. A few of my blogger friends + Claire and I shot Bella Dahl‘s spring collection while running around the city to some of my favorite LA restaurants, coffee shops & iconic backdrops.

When we got to Alfred Tea Room ( a classic ), I spotted the Chaga Chip latte on their “specials” board. It’s advertised as an adaptogenic drink that contains no dairy, caffeine, or added sugar. SCORE.

We ordered a couple drinks for the shoot ( & to drink, obviously ), including the Chaga Chip drink, because it’s so decadent-looking. LET ME TELL YOU, it TASTES decadent, too.

We were all kind of amazed. I became instantly addicted. Like, REALLY– I went back for a Chaga Chip fix 5 DAYS IN A ROW. It’s like a healthy mocha drink that makes me feel satisfied AND calm.

I’m always drawn to food/drink recipes that are loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients, because my body is ultra-sensitive and constantly inflamed. This Chaga Chip situation is a dream come true.

I figured I’d try to make a homemade version of this for both myself & for those of you who follow me who can’t make it out to LA for the Chaga Chip experience.

I’ve had a few people taste-test my version of Alfred’s Chaga Chip, & I have CONFIRMATION that it tastes very similar. So, prepare yourself. Before we get into the exact recipe, here’s the low-down on all the ingredients:

Chaga Mushroom Powder: the Chaga mushroom is a source of POTENT antioxidants, as well as an anti-viral & an anti-inflammatory. It has a bit of a salty, kind of chocolatey taste alone, so mixing it in a cacao-style drink is PERFECT. I buy single packets of Chaga powder from Whole Foods ( you can buy them in packs online, too! ).

Cacao Powder: loaded with antioxidants, Iron, Magnesium, & Calcium.

Almond Milk: ( or use any other nut milk, I also really like cashew milk for this! ) contains lots of calcium! Use an unsweetened kind.

Cinnamon: contains antioxidants & is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Vanilla: is another powerful antioxidant AND has antibacterial properties. Vanilla also combats inflammation.

Coconut Sugar: is a sweetener thats low on the glycemic index, so I’m constantly using coconut sugar while baking, in my coffee, or in my teas. You can buy it in little packets on Amazon or at Whole Foods!

Himalayan Pink Sea Salt: balances PH & electrolytes and increases hydration.

ingredients

( makes 1 serving )

1.5 Cups Almond or Cashew Milk
1/2 Packet of Chaga Mushroom Powder
*^because this powder is a little salty, don’t add too much!
1 tsp Cacao Powder
1 tsp Coconut Sugar
Dash or Two of Cinnamon
Splash of Vanilla
Pinch of Sea Salt
*^optional, don’t add until you’ve tasted the drink without it!

coconut whip topping:
1 can of full-fat coconut milk
1 tsp agave/honey

how-to

combine all ingredients in blender & blend until smooth. taste before you pour to see if you need to add more of an ingredient to your liking! serve over ice and top with coconut whip & cacao nibs.

coconut whip cream:
click to for coconut cream how-to

It should be sweet, but not TOO sweet. The Chaga mushroom balances out the cacao with its saltier taste, and the addition of the coconut whip on top brings it all together. SO. FRICKEN. GOOOOD.

If you like recipes like this one, be sure to check out my healthy recipe index for more! Some of my most-used recipes in my recipe index are the zucchini pizzas, 3-ingredient skinny margarita, & my nice cream sundae.

Let me know if y’all try and what y’all think! If you’re in LA, and you’re too lazy to make your own ( FEEL YOU ), definitely try the Chaga Chip at Alfred Tea Room off Melrose Place! I highly recommend ( already mentally prepping to pick one up tomorrow in the middle of the day’s errands ).

Obsessed.

Talk soon, beebs. x