Coffee isn’t just a morning habit. It’s an obsession for many, as evidenced by the famously volatile Reddit Coffee section. From the hot button debates about the best brewing method to lengthy threads about specialty roasts, Reddit’s coffee-lovers have no shortage of opinions. But how much coffee are they actually drinking? Is the slightly addictive beverage taking up a larger portion of their day than they think?
The numbers don’t lie. A survey conducted by the National Coffee Association revealed that 64% of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee on a daily basis, with an average of 3.2 cups per day. To put it in perspective, the average adult drinks about 280 cups of coffee a year.
Redditors may consume even more coffee than the average person. Analytics from the social media platform reveal that the most active coffee communities log an average of 7 posts about coffee each day, totaling an estimated 380 posts every month – or nearly 40% of the posts on Reddit Coffee.
These influential coffee fans can certainly make some noise when it comes to their beverage of choice. Their posts often help drive trends in the coffee industry, and they have been credited with helping the market quadruple in size over the past 10 years.
Of course, there are Reddit posts about other topics as well. The gaming community, for one, logs an average of 12 posts per day while the humor section, a popular destination to check out funny memes and GIFs, logs an average of 25 posts per day. So while Redditors appear to be devoted coffee-lovers, they prioritize other subjects too.
Coffee Isn’t Always Good for You
Coffee is often touted as a healthy treat – and for good reason. It can improve athletic performance, boost your immune system, and even make you seem more attractive to potential partners. But that doesn’t mean you can skimp on the water, because caffeine is also a diuretic that can lead to dehydration.
Too much caffeine can also increase your heart rate and trigger anxiety. According to Duke University, adults shouldn’t drink more than 400mg of caffeine – about four cups of coffee – each day. On the flip side, drinking too little coffee might make you drowsy, so there is certainly an art to finding the right balance.
Health Benefits of Coffee
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, coffee can have some unexpected benefits. Moderate coffee drinkers who consume one to five cups each day may also see reduced risks for Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver cancer. Some studies also suggest that coffee may reduce the risk of stroke.
But the same can’t be said for energy drinks. While coffee does provide you with some energy, most scientists agree that energy drinks are quite dangerous – and in some cases, deadly. The problem isn’t the caffeine itself; it’s all of the other ingredients, like guarana, ginseng, and hibiscus. These ingredients have been known to cause heart palpitations, headaches, and a range of other serious medical conditions.
Coffee Alternatives
Not everyone loves coffee – and that’s okay, too. There are some viable alternatives that provide an extra boost of energy without the acidity, caffeine, and jittery feelings that come with over-consumption. Matcha tea, for instance, is full of antioxidants that can help improve your focus, and yerba mate is known for its calming effects and mental clarity.
If you feel like you need a treat and a pick-me-up, there are also some delicious alternatives to coffee. Hot chocolate and chai lattes, for example, offer a sweet indulgence that’s full of energy as well. And if you’re looking for something cool and creamy, you might want to try a frozen smoothie instead. You can even add some protein powder to fortify your smoothie into a more complete meal.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an extra pick-me-up, coffee is a great option – but you should use moderation. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, jitters, and a host of other health problems. That being said, there are plenty of alternatives out there, so take the time to explore them and find the right one for you.
Barista Life
Being a barista isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. According to barista-turned-coffee-business-owner Nick Dennis, the secret is quality control. Quality beans, the right grind, and the perfect shot of espresso all depend on the knowledgeable barista.
It takes dedication and practice to become a great barista, but anyone who’s passionate enough can become a master. In addition to the technical know-how, baristas also have to apply their skills tactfully to customers. That means they need good communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine appreciation for the craft.
If you want to get involved in the barista life, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you’ll want to find the right cafe or coffee house to work in. The staff, the vibe, and the quality of their beans should all be factors in your decision. It’s also important to figure out if your passion for coffee is strong enough to put up with the long hours and hot environment.
You can also find barista jobs online – like Reddit Coffee, the Reddit Barista section is a great place to look. If you’re looking to get involved with the barista life, Reddit Coffee is definitely a great starting point.
Coffee as A Tool for Connection
Coffee isn’t just a beverage – it’s also a tool for connection. It’s often used to bring people together and foster meaningful conversations. That’s why coffeehouses and cafes have been so popular for centuries.
Coffee can also help decrease stress, particularly when shared with friends. When it’s difficult to socialize in person, a virtual coffee date via video can be just as fulfilling. It’s an easy way to catch up with friends and family or even meet new people.
Regardless of how you feel about coffee, it’s clear that it has the power to bring people together in a positive way. From the coffeehouses of Rome to the cafes of Tokyo, it’s a beloved beverage that’s been treasured for centuries.
Supporting the Coffee Community
One of the best ways to show your love for coffee is to support farmers and coffee producers in countries all over the world. Not only will this help keep coffee sustainable and affordable, it will also improve the quality of life for thousands of coffee farmers.
You can do this by seeking out fair trade and organic products that have a direct impact on the people growing and harvesting them. Look out for labels that certify a product as humane and rainforest-friendly, and patronize local coffee shops and roasters that focus on ethical sourcing.
You can also join forces with other coffee-lovers by donating to charities like Grounds for Health, which works to train midwives and local health workers to screen and treat women for cervical cancer in high-risk coffee-growing communities.
By taking an active role in the coffee community, you can do your part to ensure a brighter future for coffee farmers, small business owners, and coffee-lovers everywhere.
