How to Make Coffee Healthier in 5 Simple Steps.
Many of us are aware of the nutritional value of food thanks to nutritional labels that use the traffic light system, but how many of us wonder how to make coffee healthier? These visual cues make it easy for us to identify what foods are high in nutrients that we should be limiting in our diets, such as fat, salt and sugar. But this information probably isn’t at clear when you’re purchasing from your favourite coffee shop.
Step 1: Consider your Choice of Milk
Your choice of milk can go a long way if you’re wondering how to make your coffee healthier. Opting for skimmed milk can drastically reduce the number of calories and saturated fat in your drink whilst still maintaining essential nutrients.
Milk alternatives, on the other hand, are a bit of a wild card as different brands of the same product can vary drastically. Something worth looking out for are “barista” editions of milk substitutes, as these will often contain added fats and sugars to help recreate the consistency of foamed milk in lattes and cappuccinos.
Top Tip: Drink your coffee the Italian way and limit your milky coffee intake to the morning. A filling cappuccino made with nourishing whole or skimmed milk is an excellent way to start the day, but to stop the calories piling up, switch to a white americano after midday.
Step 2: Additional Flavourings
If you’re a fan of a certain Caramel Macchiato and blissful ignorance, you might want to look away now, because this beverage contains a whopping 33g of sugar. While this drink makes for a delicious sweet treat, you might want to reconsider having this as your regular morning coffee.
Even if you’re making your own coffee in the office, the amount of sugar you add can really stack up by the time you’ve reached your fourth coffee of the day. This can have a negative impact on both your physical and dental health, so it’s worth looking into alternatives if it’s something you’re concerned about.
Top Tip: If you struggle to wean yourself off the sweet stuff, why not try using sugar free coffee syrups? A dash of vanilla or caramel coffee syrup in your latte will give you that delightfully sweet taste with none of the calories or sugar crash. Place a couple of bottles next to your office coffee machine to create a flavour station that everyone can enjoy.
Step 3: How to Make Iced Coffee Healthier
Steps 1 and 2 both apply to iced coffee, too. If you prefer your coffee “on the rocks”, you can still opt for an iced latte with sugar free syrup, or even an iced black americano – don’t knock it until you try it! – instead of a decedent Frappuccino that’s laden with cream and sugar. That’s not to say you should never have a Frappuccino, but it should be considered in the same context as ice cream – a dessert to be had in moderation, not your daily morning brew.
Top Tip: Keep your Frappuccino fix as a weekend treat and instead opt for an iced latte or iced americano for a lighter option. Our Rex Royal industrial coffee machines can dispense cold foam milk, so you can create delicious, iced beverages right there in your office.
Step 4: Being Mindful of Caffeine
Caffeine is undeniably one of the reasons that coffee is so beloved, but every person reacts differently to the stimulant. While one person might be able to throw back espressos ‘til bedtime with no ill effect, another might experience heart palpitations, agitation and anxiety after just one cup. I can be helpful to know that not all brews are made equal – they might all come from the same bean, but the preparation method has a big impact on the caffeine content. Here is a quick guide on the average caffeine content by brew method:
- Brewed Coffee: 150.5mg per 8oz serving
- Espresso: 127mg per 2oz shot
- Instant Coffee: 57.1mg per 6oz cup
It also depends on the roast of your coffee beans. Despite having a stronger flavour, darker roasts contain less caffeine than lighter roasts. If you’d like to learn more about caffeine in different coffee types, you can read our blog post about it here.
Top Tip: If you find that you get the jitters after a cup of filter coffee, maybe try an espresso-based latte instead. Alternatively, you can skip the caffeine altogether and opt for a decaf, so you can still get the delicious taste of coffee without any of the side effects. The best commercial coffee machines for decaf lovers are those with dual bean hoppers, so you can offer your staff the best of both worlds.
Step 5: How To Make Coffee Healthier for The Planet
When you’re on a tight budget, it can be tempting to grab the cheapest bag of coffee beans available. However, it’s worth pausing to consider whether the beans are ethically sourced, Fair Trade, or from a certified B Corp brand. Brands with these certifications promote responsible farming practices, helping to prevent deforestation and providing a living wage for their farmers. You can even help to reduce the use of harmful pesticides that can damage the environment by opting for organic beans.
Top Tip: Choose coffee that is both organic and Fair Trade, such as illy’s 100% Arabica blend, to ensure you’re making a better choice for yourself and the planet.
Making your coffee healthier doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or enjoyment. By making small, mindful choices—such as opting for healthier milk options, reducing added sugars, being aware of caffeine intake, and choosing ethically sourced coffee—you can create a daily coffee routine that benefits both your health and the planet. Whether you’re switching to a lighter iced coffee, cutting back on sweet syrups, or supporting sustainable coffee farming, every step counts. So next time you reach for your morning brew, consider these simple adjustments to make your coffee not just a treat, but a better choice all around.