In a world full of sweet and creamy lattes, there’s still something to be said for the good old-fashioned cup of coffee –black. Most of us would instinctively add cream and sugar to our coffee, so why would anyone want to drink coffee black?
For one, black coffee packs more of a caffeine punch. According to the Coffee Association of Canada, an 8-ounce (237-mL) cup of drip coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine. Add cream or sugar (or both), and you’re looking at a diluted brew. That’s why drinking coffee black can keep you feeling more alert and focused.
It’s also important to keep in mind that although cream and sugar can make coffee taste better and appear creamier, they also add calories, fat, and sugar. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a 8-ounce cup of joe with 2 tablespoons of cream and 2 teaspoons of sugar yields 94 calories and 9 grams of sugar. This is about the same amount of sugar found in a can of soda.
Some experts believe there are even more benefits to black coffee. For one thing, it’s believed to contain more antioxidants and vitamins thanks to the lack of dilution from dairy and/or sugar. This includes vitamin B2 and vitamin B5, as well as minerals like magnesium and chromium.
Aside from its physical benefits, black coffee has become more than just an ordinary beverage for many, who might even call it a “daily necessity.” In his book “Coffee: A Comprehensive Guide to the Bean, the Beverage and the Industry,” author Tim Hill notes that drinking coffee has become “a ritual all its own,” with certain people taking special care and pride in the craft of making a cup of fresh, flavorful coffee.
Drinking coffee black also eliminates the guesswork out of dealing with different types of sweeteners and milk, which can all have a significant impact on taste. Plus, for those looking for more flavored notes in their coffee, black coffee generally acts as a good base for building additional flavors and tastes. For example, a few drops of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract can all make for a great-tasting cup of joe.
At the end of the day, the decision to while or not to while drink black coffee is a personal choice. Whether it’s the mere practicality of caffeine or the desire to taste something new, there’s no doubt that a hot cup of black coffee will awaken the senses, no matter how you take it.
Healthier Option?
Due to its calorie, fat, and sugar-free nature, many people believe that drinking black coffee is a healthier option than adding dairy and sugar to their coffee. While it does contain fewer calories and other food compounds, that doesn’t necessarily make it the healthiest beverage out there. In fact, despite the fact that coffee itself is a source of antioxidants, black coffee can easily become unhealthy if you drink large amounts of it. That’s because the more coffee we drink, the less hunger-fighting power it has, ultimately leading to cravings for unhealthy snacks. Therefore, it’s important to limit the amount of coffee you drink to two or three cups a day.
Coffee Culture
Coffee has become an important part of our daily lifestyles and many treat drinking coffee as a sort of ritual. In fact, coffee culture has been growing in popularity, with many people feeling a great deal of pride and pleasure when it comes to making their own cup of coffee. As far as recognizing the merits of drinking coffee black, many have found that making a cup of black coffee is an art that requires a certain amount of skill. As a result, they are able to savour the flavours of the coffee beans and enjoy a unique experience that can’t be replicated with cream and sugar.
Economic Impact
An unexpected benefit of drinking coffee black is its economic impact. By switching from cream and sugar to drinking coffee black, you can save hundreds of dollars every year, depending on how many cups of coffee you purchase daily. Of course, this does depend on the price of coffee beans and the types of coffee you purchase, but the savings can be significant over time. Additionally, since coffee beans are always available, you can avoid the hassle and expense of having to buy milk and sugar on a regular basis, as well as the added time it takes to make your coffee in the morning.
The Taste
Of course, taste is an important factor when it comes to deciding whether or not to drink coffee black. It’s important to point out, though, that despite the bitterness many experience when drinking a cup of black coffee, it really is possible to enjoy it if the coffee beans are of good quality. High-quality coffee beans have a much smoother taste compared to cheaper blends. Additionally, they can have floral and spice notes, among other varieties. With these higher-quality beans, the bitterness of coffee is no longer the only flavor you experience meaning the whole experience is more enjoyable.
