This dietician-approved pumpkin spice latte recipe tastes just like the popular Starbucks drink — but it's better for you

• Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte is a beloved fall drink, but is high in sugar.
• Registered dietician Olivia Kinkade's take on the latte is just as satisfying, but has a third of the sugar.

It's PSL season for those who celebrate. For those in the know, that stands for pumpkin spiced late, which is espresso infused with warm aromatic seasonings paired with earthy tones of pumpkin, all combined with rich espresso and topped with whipped cream. The famous drink, invented by Starbucks, has become a harbinger of fall.

This year is extra special, as it marks the 20th anniversary of Starbucks' iconic drink.

But you don't have to cough up almost $6.00 to get into the autumnal spirit. Registered dietician Olivia Kinkade has an easy, healthier and inexpensive version of the latte that you can make at home.

Kinkade, who also makes TikTok videos under @livkinkade, is a firm believer in making food accessible, nourishing and enjoyable. "I am the queen of easy, accessible meal hacks," she told Insider. "Healthy eating to me really just means a way of eating that makes you feel great."

Autumn is also Kinkade's "favorite time of year."

Here's her take on the fall classic.

Copycat pumpkin spice latte recipe

The recipe comes together with just six ingredients, and doesn't require any special equipment.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup milk of choice (Kinkade opts for almond milk)

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice

• 1 shot instant espresso

Mix all ingredients except for the espresso in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Separately, prepare the instant espresso in a mug per package instructions. Then, pour the pumpkin spice latte mixture into the mug with the espresso and stir to combine. Voilà, your day is off to a cozy and delicious start.

A standard tall Starbucks pumpkin spice latte contains a whopping 38 grams of sugar — almost the same amount as one 12-ounce can of cola. Medical experts generally advise you don't consume more than 20 to 25 grams of added sugar per day.

Conversely, Kinkade's recipe only contains 12 grams of added sugar, which comes from the maple syrup.

If you opt for a low-fat milk or plant-based milk, this recipe can also be lower in saturated fat. With 1% milk, for example, this recipe contains less than 2 grams of saturated fat, as opposed to 7 grams in the Starbucks version.

Making the beloved fall drink at home could also save you money, freeing up cash for other fun fall activities.