Background Information
Dalgona coffee – also known as whipped coffee, foamy coffee, or Dalgona whip – is a popular trend that first originated in South Korea in the early 20th century. It has become a sensation around the world on social media like TikTok. Dalgona coffee consists of instant coffee powder, granulated sugar, and boiling water being whisked together until it turns into a thick and creamy foam that resembles whipped cream. Dalgona coffee is typically served with tempered milk poured over the top and is often garnished with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
Do you drink dalgona coffee with a straw or not? Before you answer this seemingly simple question, you must consider the implications of doing so. Drinking dalgona coffee with a straw can have an impact on the taste, texture and ease of preparation. It could also be argued that using a straw has environmental drawbacks.
Taste and Texture
Making dalgona coffee is quite involved. There is an element of preparation, as the coffee must be whisked until it turns into a thick, creamy foam. As a result, when you drink it with a straw, it may not have the same texture or taste as drinking it straight from a cup or mug. Drinking with a straw can also hinder the sweetness or texture that the thick foam of dalgona coffee offers.
Furthermore, when you sip dalgona coffee with a straw, you can miss out on the fragrant aroma that is often associated with the drink, as well as any subtle flavors the coffee may offer. So, if you are looking for a drink that’s ‘as-is’, then a straw may not be the best way to enjoy dalgona coffee.
Ease of Preparation
Whipping dalgona coffee takes some effort; it is a labor-intensive process and requires a lot of whisking. If you do not have an electric whisk or a hand-held blender, then you could be in for a long and difficult task. However, if you use a straw when drinking dalgona coffee, it takes away some of the labor involved, as you can simply sip the coffee through the straw instead of having to whisk it.
Using a straw also ensures that all of the foam makes it into your mouth while avoiding the sugar that might have sunk to the bottom of the cup. Furthermore, if you are in a rush and do not have time to prepare your dalgona coffee, then a straw can be an easy and straightforward way to enjoy the drink.
Environmental Impact
With the world starting to become more environmentally conscious, many people are considering the impact of their habits and their lifestyle choices on the environment. Drinking dalgona coffee with a straw is one such habit that can have an environmental impact. Plastic straws are a single-use item and are usually not biodegradable, which means they could remain in the environment for a long time.
Furthermore, other types of straws such as metal straws are also not biodegradable, although they are reusable. This means that if you are committed to being environmentally friendly, you should reconsider your habit of drinking dalgona coffee with a straw.
Pros and Cons of Drinking Dalgona Coffee with a Straw
The decision to drink dalgona coffee with a straw or not depends on what is important to you. If you value taste and texture, then drinking straight from a cup or mug is a better choice than using a straw. However, if you are looking for convenience and ease of preparation, then using a straw may be better for you. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
You also need to take into consideration the environmental impact your choice may have. If you are concerned about the environment, then using a straw is probably not the best choice. However, if environmental impact is not a major concern for you, then drinking dalgona coffee with a straw can be a convenient and straightforward solution.
Ease of Sourcing Straws
In terms of ease of sourcing straws, there are now many options available to make it easier to enjoy your dalgona coffee exactly the way you want. For instance, if you are looking for something that is environmentally friendly, then you can now buy biodegradable straws or reusable straws such as metal and bamboo ones.
You can also buy straws that are specially designed for drinking dalgona coffee. These straws have a wide opening that allows for the thick foam of the dalgona coffee to pass through easily, giving you a hassle-free drinking experience.
What are the Alternatives?
If you do not want to use a straw when drinking dalgona coffee, then you can simply drink it straight from the cup. This way, you get to enjoy the full flavor and aroma that the drink has to offer. You can also try other methods such as using a small spoon to scoop up the foam, or try a spoon-straw combination to easily drink and enjoy your dalgona coffee.
You can also try adding things like ice cream, fruits, or different kinds of milk to your dalgona coffee to give it a unique twist. And if you are looking for a healthier twist, you can try adding plant-based milks such as almond milk or oat milk. There are endless ways to enjoy dalgona coffee, and the choice is ultimately yours.
Conclusion
Drinking dalgona coffee with a straw may be an easy and convenient way to enjoy the drink, but there are other factors to consider, such as taste and texture, ease of preparation, environmental impact, and ease of sourcing straws. However, if all of these points are non-issues for you, then using a straw is a viable option. Ultimately, the choice is yours and there are plenty of alternatives available.
