Keto Coffee
Coffee is a staple in many of our lives, used to kickstart our morning, provide a pick-me-up during the day or be used in various recipes. A relatively recent phenomenon is the introduction of keto coffee, a special type of coffee designed to adhere to a ketogenic diet. But how does Starbucks fit into this trend?
A ketogenic diet is one that’s very low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and high in fat. It is used by some as a form of weight management, as it relies on the body burning fat for energy, which can help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and promote better overall health. The switch from burning carbohydrates to burning fat can cause “keto flu”, a period of the body adapting to not having its usual carbohydrates. It can be remedied with a moderate intake of caffeine, which is why many have turned to keto-friendly coffees to get through this period.
Keto-friendly coffee can be made at home by adding grass-fed butter, natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia, or other fats such as coconut oil or almond butter to regular coffee. There are also some keto-friendly pre-made coffees on the market, including those sold by Starbucks. Starbucks’ Keto Coffee is made with grass-fed butter, MCT oil, and natural sweeteners, and it comes in three flavors: Mocha, Vanilla, and Caramel. However, the Starbucks Keto Coffee contains added sugar and artificial flavors, so it may not be the best choice for those on the strictest ketogenic diets.
Nutritional Content of Starbucks Keto Coffee
Starbucks Keto Coffee is made with grass-fed butter, MCT oil, natural sweeteners and natural flavors. The butter is rich in vitamins A, D and K2, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. The MCT oil is derived from coconut and palm oils and is a source of healthy fatty acids. It can increase energy levels and help you stay fuller for longer. The natural sweeteners used are typically stevia, honey or erythritol, which are all low in calories and carbohydrates. However, there still is some added sugar and natural flavors, so it won’t be completely carb-free.
One bottle of Starbucks Keto Coffee contains 160 calories, 15 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar and 1 gram of protein. While this may be considered ketogenic by some, it still contains more carbohydrates than a standard ketogenic diet would allow. For those looking for a keto coffee that is more in line with a strict ketogenic diet, Starbucks Keto Coffee is most likely not the right choice.
Risks of Keto Coffee
There are certain risks associated with consuming caffeine on a ketogenic diet. Some research has found that caffeine can reduce the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet, as it can increase insulin levels, which in turn can reduce ketone levels. This can lead to the body becoming dependent on caffeine to remain in ketosis, which can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to limit your consumption of caffeine and other stimulants on a ketogenic diet.
Additionally, many of the ingredients in keto coffee can be difficult for some to digest, such as grass-fed butter. People who are sensitive to dairy products may find that it causes digestive distress, so those with dairy sensitivities should avoid consuming keto coffee.
Alternatives to Keto Coffee
Those looking for a coffee option that is more keto-friendly than Starbucks Keto Coffee have a few alternatives. They could opt for black coffee, which contains no carbohydrates, or for coffee made with unsweetened almond milk, as this is a low-carbohydrate alternative to regular dairy milk. Alternatively, they could add MCT oil,grass-fed butter and natural sweeteners to their coffee to make it keto-friendly.
For those who prefer a pre-made option, there are plenty of keto-friendly and low-sugar coffees on the market. These typically include MCT oil or coconut oil, natural sweeteners and often natural flavors. These are all available in a variety of flavors, so it should be easy to find one that suits your taste.
Benefits of Keto Coffee
Despite the fact that Starbucks Keto Coffee is more suitable for those on a moderate ketogenic diet, it still offers some benefits to those following a strict ketogenic diet. The fatty acids from the butter and MCT oil can provide a boost of energy and help keep you in ketosis. Additionally, the natural flavors and sweeteners can provide a tasty alternative to plain black coffee.
Keto-friendly coffees can also be a great way to experiment with different flavors, as you can customize them with different ingredients and natural sweeteners. Plus, if you make them at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure they actually adhere to your ketogenic diet.
Conclusion
Starbucks Keto Coffee is a popular option for those looking for a keto-friendly coffee option. It may not be suitable for those following a strict ketogenic diet due to the added sugar and artificial flavors. However, it can be beneficial for those wanting a boost of energy as the fatty acids from the butter and MCT oil can provide a helpful boost. There are also alternatives available for those on a strict ketogenic diet, such as black coffee or coffee made with almond milk, or pre-made nitro coffees.
