There's nothing wrong with favouring a drink on the sweeter side! However, if you're trying to be more mindful about your sugar consumption, the odd sugar in your daily coffee can quickly add up.
If you're a lover a sweet coffee, check out some of these sugar alternatives to give your drink that extra element of sweetness.
Healthy Ways to Sweeten Coffee Without Sugar
Get creative with your brew and check out our top choices of healthy ways to sweeten your coffee!
- Honey
- Dates
- Cinnamon
- Stevia
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla
Honey
Bees create honey from plant nectar. The thick, golden liquid is often used as an alternative to sugar as a form of sweetener. The health benefits compared to sugar have been scrutinised as it has been reported that teaspoon for teaspoon, honey contains more calories than sugar.
However, it is also worth mentioning that honey has a strong taste, which means you will naturally use less of it. Furthermore, it doesn’t cause significant peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels the same way refined sugars can.
It also contains many healthy minerals and vitamins, and is an antioxidant!
Dates
Dates are dried fruit, derived from a date palm tree and found in tropical climates across the world. Often used as natural sweeteners in food, you may see them appear in cakes and other sweet treats.
Dates are famous for their high levels of fibre, which, in turn, supports lower LDL cholesterol levels. They also contain vitamin B6 and magnesium, amongst other healthy vitamins and minerals.
You can create a date paste and add it to your coffee as a natural sugar alternative.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice with a distinct flavour which is often paired with coffee. It may not be for everyone, but its unique flavour can add another dimension to your coffee. It is for those in search of something sweet but bold! You should ideally add Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia cinnamon, which is the more common form.
The spice is well regarded for its potential health properties, including the lowering of blood sugar. It is often used by people who have diabetes or at high risk of heart disease for its sweet flavouring.
Stevia
From the Stevia Rebaudiana plant, Stevia is a sugar substitute that is used to sweeten food and drink. It is favoured over refined sugar because it has a lower number of calories.
It is often used by people who have diabetes because it doesn’t increase blood sugar levels once consumed. It is also less likely to cause cavities in comparison to refined sugar.
It is renowned for its incredibly sweet flavouring, so make sure to use sparingly when added to coffee. Furthermore, ensure you’re using 100% pure stevia.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Cocoa is the source of one of our favourite delicacies, chocolate! When it isn’t sweetened, cocoa is naturally full of antioxidants and has been connected to lowering the chance of heart disease. If you love mocha, you will love this way of sweetening your coffee! Using unsweetened cocoa powder, add it to your coffee and enjoy the smooth flavour!
Vanilla
Vanilla is a spice which comes from the orchids of the Vanilla plant. It originates from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. It has been with us for a while, first cultivated by the Totonacs on the east coast of Mexico.
It is a popular flavouring which the distinct taste is often used to sweeten food and drink recipes, instead of adding sugar.
The natural form is the best way to enjoy the benefits of vanilla. Health advantages include the antioxidants vanillin acid and vanillin, as well as its anti-inflammation and cholesterol-reducing properties.
As a leading UK coffee chain, Esquires is proud to offer a wide array of coffee options as well as other healthy and fulfilling choices to set you up for the day. To find out what you can expect for our stores, see the Esquires menu.
