Love a cup of Joe in the mornings? In fact, do you know how many cuppas you have in a day? Well, there’s nothing wrong with coffee per se, but having too much of it can cause problems with sleeping, make you jittery and affecting your digestive health.
Beyond these, it is what is added to coffee that causes some real trouble. We are referring, of course, to sugar. Most lattes we consume come with sugar added before service, which means we don’t know how much sugar they actually contain.
In fact, some servings of your favorite coffee can contain up to 20 teaspoons of sugar! Luckily, there is a way to add flavor to coffee without having to use sugar. The only caveat is – you’ll have to brew the coffee yourself.
1. Natural Sweeteners
Almost any natural sweetener is better than sugar. Stevia is the first that comes to mind, but you can also try licorice. Stevia is not just a sweetener – it helps to regulate blood pressure, supports the immune system and even prevents dental caries.1 Licorice can be used to treat several lung disorders, and even improves liver function.2
2. Cinnamon
If you’ve ever had cinnamon coffee, you’re probably already a fan. Some coffee blends now come with added cinnamon. The innate sweetness of cinnamon will not make you miss the sugar. Cinnamon is also excellent for those struggling with diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition, as it helps manage the liver, pancreas and blood lipids all in one go.3
3. Cocoa Powder
We know that coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and they don’t need any sugar to sweeten the deal. Add some cocoa powder to your coffee for a new flavor and a fulfilling experience. Cocoa is also rich in antioxidants, so it only does you a lot of good. It also elevates our mood naturally and helps fight diabetes.4
4. Vanilla Beans
Who doesn’t just love vanilla! The distinctly floral, sweet taste of vanilla complements very well with strong coffee. While vanilla by itself is not known to have any significant medical properties (research is still underway),5 it makes for a healthful addition to your coffee. Simply scrape a pod full of seeds and mix them up in your coffee.
5. Coconut
Would you ever think that coffee and coconut can go hand-in-hand? Yet, they do! For a tropical coffee experience, there is no better addition that fresh ground coconut which adds its own natural sweetness. Coconut sugar is another alternative for those who need a heavier dose of sweetness. Either way, coconut is not to be taken lightly. It is full of minerals and vitamins we need, being extremely rich in iron and calcium.6
6. Sea Salt
Contrary to what you might think adding salt actually sweetens your coffee. The natural bitterness of coffee coupled with the strong flavor of sea salt makes the coffee sweeter. Just be cautious not to add more than a pinch of salt as it can get too salty.7
7. Collagen Powder
It may sound weird to add collagen powder to your coffee, but it really helps with your skin issues. Collagen powder contains a good amount of protein in it and by now you should be aware of the effects of protein to your skin’s health. It is by far the best aging component making your skin youthful and also gives a creamy texture to your coffee.8 9
Which flavoring option will you adopt in place of sugar?
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