What are the health benefits and drawbacks of specialty coffee drinks?
Plain coffee is mostly water and caffeine; most of the drawbacks of specialty coffee drinks come from what is added, such as syrups, sweetened milk and whipped cream, which can add many calories and a lot of sugar. The FDA says about 400 mg of caffeine a day is generally not associated with negative effects for most adults.
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In this article
Are specialty coffee drinks healthy?
It depends on the drink. Black coffee has almost no calories. A latte adds milk. A flavored or blended drink with syrup, whipped cream and a sauce topping can behave more like a dessert. We do not make health-benefit claims for coffee here, because the evidence is mixed and not what most people searching for a latte need.
What are the drawbacks?
- Sugar: syrups, sauces and sweetened bases add up quickly. The NHS recommends adults have no more than about 30 g of free sugars a day, and many large sweet coffee drinks can use up a large share of that in one cup. Check the cafe’s published nutrition information for the exact drink.
- Calories: whole milk, cream, whipped topping and syrups all add calories. Sizes differ a lot between chains and countries.
- Caffeine: doubles, extra shots and large sizes raise it.
How much caffeine is too much?
The FDA says 400 milligrams a day, about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee, is an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults. It advises people who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding to ask a health care provider whether they need to limit caffeine, and says some conditions and medications raise sensitivity to caffeine. Caffeine content varies by drink, so check the cafe’s information.
How can you order a lighter drink?
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Large blended frappe with whipped cream | Small size, no whipped cream, or half the syrup |
| Flavored latte | Plain latte with one pump of syrup |
| Whole milk | Semi-skimmed or an unsweetened plant milk |
| Extra shots | Standard shots, if you are sensitive to caffeine |
What about milk alternatives?
Plant milks vary. Some are sweetened, so choose an unsweetened one if you want to keep sugar low. Some are fortified with calcium and others are not, so check the carton.
The simple rule
Treat sweet blended coffee drinks as an occasional treat and plain coffee, americano or a small latte as an everyday option. Ask for nutrition information if you are unsure. This is general information, not medical advice; if you have diabetes, a heart condition or are pregnant, ask your clinician.
People also ask
How much caffeine can I have per day?
The FDA says about 400 mg a day, roughly two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee, is generally not associated with negative effects for most adults.
Why are specialty coffee drinks high in sugar?
Syrups, sauces, sweetened bases and toppings add sugar. A drink with several of these can contain far more sugar than plain coffee with milk.
How can I make a specialty coffee drink healthier?
Choose a smaller size, skip the whipped cream, use fewer pumps of syrup and pick semi-skimmed or unsweetened plant milk.
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