Which Coffee Drink is Healthiest to Order from a Coffee Shop?
When it comes to making a wise choice at your favorite coffee shop, selecting the healthiest options can be a daunting task. This guide helps you navigate through the various coffee drinks available, highlighting which ones offer the best balance of taste and health benefits.
Understanding the Options
From Pour-over Chemex and V60 to cold brew, French press, Americano, Long Black, and iced lattes, the menu may seem overwhelming. But not all of these options are created equal when it comes to calorie count and overall health benefits. Understanding the composition and preparation of each drink can help you make a more informed decision.
From Healthiest to Least Healthy: Your Coffee Choice Guide
Here is a ranked list of coffee drinks based on their calorie content, from the healthiest to the least healthy.
1. Pour-over Chemex and V60
Pour-over coffee beverages, prepared in glass Chemex or ceramic V60 brewers, stand out as some of the healthiest options. This method involves brewing coffee directly into a pour-over vessel, allowing for a more controlled extraction process. Unlike methods that might involve extra steps or additives, pour-over focuses on the natural flavors and aromas of the coffee. Calories: Minimal – virtually none, as these drinks are typically unsweetened and offer no added milk or syrup.
2. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is another low-calorie option, as it is generally made with minimal or no added milk. The cold brewing process involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period (often 12-24 hours), which results in a smooth, less acidic coffee. Calories: Low – again, virtually none if unsweetened, though you can add a small amount of milk to taste.
3. French Press
French press coffee is a step up in terms of calorie count, but it remains a healthier choice compared to many other offerings. This method involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water for a few minutes before pressing them to the bottom of the pot. It can sometimes retain a bit more body and flavor than filtered methods like pour-over or cold brew. Calories: Low to moderate – adding minimal milk can still keep it within a healthy range.
4. Americano and Long Black
Americano and Long Black are essentially coffee infused with hot water, making them a good choice if you prefer a darker, less milky option. These drinks are usually very low in calories, but can vary depending on how much water you add. Calories: Low to moderate – minimal milk can increase the calorie count, but these drinks tend to be on the healthier side.
5. Latte and Iced Latte
Latte and iced lattes come in two varieties: with and without milk. While they offer a creamy, satisfying taste, they are also the highest in calories and sugar. Milk, whether unsweetened or flavored, can escalate the calorie count significantly. Calories: Moderate to high – make sure to choose unsweetened or request less milk to keep the calorie count manageable.
Tips for a Healthier Coffee Experience
Even if you can't eliminate all forms of milk or sugar, there are ways to make your coffee healthier:
Opt for unsweetened or low-calorie milk alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Avoid flavored syrups and use extracted flavors like vanilla or caramel.
Order your drinks with less or no milk.
Choose whole bean coffee to control the brewing process and avoid pre-made varieties that may contain added sugars or unhealthy preservatives.
Conclusion
Selecting the healthiest coffee from the offerings at a coffee shop is a matter of understanding the coffee brewing methods and the common ingredients used in each drink. By choosing pour-over, cold brew, or French press, and opting for drinks with minimal milk, you can enjoy a delicious, guilt-free cup of coffee. Remember, every little change counts, and making informed choices can lead to a healthier relationship with your daily coffee ritual.