Keto and Coffee Drinks
When following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, finding the right balance of carbohydrates and fats can be difficult. Coffee is known for being a mild carbohydrate but that does not mean you have to cut it out of your diet. While many of the flavored and sweetened coffee drinks available have a lot of sugar and carbohydrates in them, there are some options you can still enjoy while on keto.
As with all snacks and beverages, the best choice would be to find an unsweetened coffee drink. Low-carb coffee can contain up to 5g of carbohydrates in each serving. That being said, any coffee drink over this amount should be avoided. Furthermore, to stay within the allotted carbohydrate allowance while on the keto diet, limit the amount of sugar and creamers used.
Cappuccino
When it comes to coffee drinks, cappuccino offers one of the best options for something that tastes sweeter than your average American-style coffee. It is especially popular for those who don’t necessarily like their coffee black. A keto-friendly cappuccino is made with one shot of espresso and four ounces of steamed almond milk.
Almond milk is a great alternative to regular dairy milk, as it has fewer carbohydrates and more healthy fats. If you are looking for something with a bit more sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of Stevia sweetener or honey for a tasty sweet cappuccino that fits in with your diet.
Affogato
If you are looking for something even sweeter than cappuccino, Affogato may be the way to go. Usually made with one shot of espresso and one scoop of vanilla ice cream, the keto-friendly version of an Affogato requires a few substitutions. Instead of using regular dairy milk, opt for almond milk ice cream or coconut milk ice cream.
The great thing about this version of Affogato is that it is not too sweet, yet still full of flavor. The taste and texture are quite similar to a frozen yogurt or gelato, but with a slightly richer taste from the espresso.
Bulletproof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee has become the latest trend for those on low-carb diets. Consisting of one cup of hot coffee, one to two tablespoons of grass-fed butter, and one to two tablespoons of coconut oil, bulletproof coffee can provide energy and nutrition in a single cup.
The added butter and coconut oil help to make the coffee thicker and creamier, and also add healthy fats to your diet. These extra fats help to combat hunger and keep you feeling full for longer. Furthermore, bulletproof coffee can also provide an energy boost with the added fat. Just be sure to not add too much sugar or sweeteners to the drink.
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to its convenience and taste. Cold brew can also be a good option for those on the keto diet, just be sure to choose an unsweetened version. Cold brew can still have a sweet taste to it but make sure the ingredients on the label says nothing about sugar or sweetener.
This type of coffee can be enjoyed either hot or cold, so you can have it anytime of the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make your own cold brew. Just remember to keep it within the 5g of carbohydrates per serving to stay within your daily allowances.
Summary
When it comes to coffee drinks, there are plenty of options available for those on keto. From cappuccinos to cold brews, you can still enjoy a cup of joe without the extra added sugar and carbohydrates. Unsweetened options remain your best bet, but if you’re looking for something with a little sweetness, you can always opt for natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia. With the right balance and combinations, you can have a delicious cup of coffee without compromising on your dietary goals.
Variations of Keto Coffee Drinks
If you’re looking for something a bit more extravagant, there are several variations of keto-friendly coffee drinks you can make. From mocha to chai lattes, you can easily whip up your own customized coffee drinks. Again, just be sure to only use unsweetened versions with no added sugar or sweeteners.
The great thing about these variations is that you can customize them to your own dietary needs. You can use almond or coconut milk in place of regular dairy, and swap out sugar with Stevia or another alternative sweetener. This allows you to create something that tastes great and fits in with your own dietary goals.
Recommended Ingredient Alternatives
When looking for alternatives to replace sugar and dairy in your coffee drinks, it is important to look for quality ingredients that are keto-friendly. Coconut cream, coconut oil, and grass-fed butter are all great options for fats, and for sweeteners, you can use stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol. These are all natural sweeteners, which means no added sugar or calories.
Furthermore, you can also use various different types of nut milks, such as almond or cashew milk, to give your coffee an extra boost of healthy fats. These nut milks are also low in carbohydrates, so they are a great alternative to regular dairy milk.
Final Thoughts
Following a keto diet can be challenging when it comes to snacking and enjoying your favorite beverages. The good news is that there are plenty of coffee drinks that can fit into your dietary plan. From cappuccinos to cold brews, there are plenty of options to choose from that contain only a few carbohydrates per serving. With the right ingredients and combinations, you can easily whip up your own delicious keto-friendly coffee.
