Can Vegans Drink Black Coffee?
Contrary to popular belief, vegans are able to consume black coffee. For those who lead a plant-based lifestyle, there are a few crucial components that come into play when discussing coffee – specifically the dairy or cream element.
Coffee beans are naturally vegan. When prepared, any type of creamer or milk substitutes (such as soymilk and almond milk) rely on the individual’s preferences. As long as it is not added to the coffee, black coffee is officially designated as vegan-friendly.
Vegans abstain from using anything regarding animal products. It is within their diets that they omit any dairy or dairy derivatives: gelatin, honey, and eggs, which would otherwise give their beverages a creamy texture. The ingestion of black coffee is allowed because there are no animal products that are used in the brewing process.
Using traditional methods of roasting, the beans are ground and brewed, giving a powerful and concentrated beverage. Beyond black coffee, there are some specialty vegan-friendly drinks that are available. Montezuma’s Mocha Latte is a caffeine-free, dairy-free sweetener for some who prefer espresso drinks that do not include animal products. For Vegans, there are plenty of alternatives for a splash of non-dairy creamer for a hot cup of coffee.
Though some of the ingredients and add-ins to certain beverages might contain animal products and derivatives, there are still plenty of vegan-friendly drinks that are suitable for everyone, both with and without lactose-intolerance. Regardless of taste, allergy restrictions, or a vegan lifestyle, black coffee may be consumed.
Health Benefits
Black coffee carries many health benefits, and these are just as true for vegans as they are for omnivores. As is well known, caffeine is said to help reduce headaches and battle fatigue. It also helps control weight, reduce risk of disease, and enhanced mental focus.
The added benefit of black coffee is the wealth of antioxidants that come with the brew. The shorter brewing times allow those protective elements to cook deeply into the final product. Antioxidants have an abundance of benefits. They help with digestion, clear up skin and reduce inflammation, promote kidney health, regulate cholesterol, and are loaded with nutrients such as vitamin B and manganese.
Drinking black coffee has some unexpected benefits, such as protecting against depression, thwarting cognitive decline and Parkinson’s disease, and helping with asthma. Whether enjoying black coffee for the reasons stated or just for the kick of caffeine, it is considered a great vegan-friendly item.
Vegan Creamers
While some individuals are content to drink black coffee, caffeine purists and newcomers alike may want more than just a steaming cup of bitter java. For those who prefer their black coffee with a less intense taste, there are some vegan creamers such as Silk, So Delicious, and Nutpods that mix well with the blend.
Each of these brands offers a vegan friendly alternative to cow’s milk, as they are all made with natural ingredients, like soybeans, almonds, and oatmilk. Not only are they considered a healthier option, but they are also said to work better in beverages than non-dairy containers.
These creamy-style coffee bean flavors allow one to come away with a smooth finish. While some coffee drinkers may remain hesitant, when coffee meets creamer – vegan-style – it is a win-win situation.
Coffee Alternatives
For those looking for an alternative to traditional coffee, there are plenty of options for non-traditional coffee regimes. Cafe Latte, for example, is a great vegan-style coffee alternative. This cocoa delight is a sweeten option, made without any dairy that uses almond and coconut milk. Additionally, Chai Tea Latte is also a vegan-friendly option.
Both Latte and Chai Tea come pre-mixed, so they require much less fussing that coffee would. Overall, its a great option for those who have just made the transition to a vegan lifestyle, saving time and energy when it comes to making coffee or tea for that matter.
For those who prefer to make their own drinks, finding the right base for creamer should be the first step. As previously noted, So Delicious and Silk are some of the better vegan-friendly melting cream choices available. When combined, the creamer will make a perfectly proportioned beverage, giving a sweet and creamy taste that meets their vegan needs.
Natural Sweeteners
Vegans are also found of making coffee with natural sweeteners. In particular, Agave Syrup appears to be the go-to choice for these coffee connoisseurs. Not only is it a vegan-friendly choice, but Agave is also said to have some health benefits that are beneficial for the vegan lifestyle.
Unlike Apeline Syrup, Agave does not require any heavy processing steps, which makes it much healthier than traditional sugars. Additionally, Agave comes in different forms (light, amber, and dark) that allow for customizable creamer for taking.
Finally, some caffeine addicts like to add a bit of drop of peppermint or flavored extract to make it into latte. As with the other vegan friendly vendors, an individual can choose from a host of flavors such as mint, coconut, vanilla, almond and so forth.
Quality Coffee
No matter which route one takes when it comes to making delicious and dairy-fee vegan-friendly black coffee, it is important to purchase quality beans and creamer. For example, buying organic beans help to ensure that the resulting beverage is not only tasty and nutritious but pesticide-free.
Be sure to check the expiration date on the creamers – all will have some form of expiration date. The fresher the creamer, the better the taste and the higher the nutritional benefits received.
Additionally, it is important to use cold water when brewing the coffee. This will result in a much smoother aftertaste, as well as creating for a better vegan creamer. If a milder taste is desired, those willing to spend a bit of extra time and energy can try out some cold-brew methods.
Environmentally Friendly Coffee
Buying quality coffee beans and combining those with quality creamer is the best way to make sure that black coffee is both vegan-friendly, good to drink and environmentally conscious. The vast majority of instant and some pre-packaged coffees contain non-biodegradable packaging. Doing your homework and investigating which options are biodegradable, or preferrably recycled, is only helping the environment.
Granted, some paper filters, aluminum capsules still need quite a bit of energy to produce, but if one opts for a chemical-free filter, this can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
Just as the vegan lifestyle promises to reduce individual environmental footprints, opting for quality coffee continues to be a fascinating way for one to do their part to not just please the palate but protect the planet, as well.
Pricing
Depending on what is purchased, vegan-friendly coffee can sometimes be expensive. However, it is important to remember that a few extra dollars can go a long way in stemming some of the environmental sins of coffee addiction.
One of the best ways to save money is to make one’s own black coffee with a simple filter. Buying beans in bulk is a great way to save money, as well — roasted coffee beans typically last up to three weeks.
When it comes time to add in the vegan creamer, skip the middle man and instead make the creamer from scratch. With a wide array of dairy-free recipes online, it’s easy to find the perfect creamer for the coffee of one’s choice.
Conclusion
Black coffee is known for its robust flavor and caffeine content for those looking for an energy boost. For vegans, consuming black coffee is entirely possible because it does not contain any animal products. Not just a caffeine-fuelled beverage, black coffee can also carry some health benefits as its many antioxidants provide protection from several ailments and diseases.
For those who want to ameliorate the taste of the coffee, vegan creamers are a great option that add in a healthy and dairy-free flare. To make sure that the black coffee prepared is vegan-friendly, adequate research prior to purchasing is highly recommended.
