Keto-Friendly Dalgona Coffee: A Tasty Treat?

Dalgona coffee is a popular Korean coffee drink that has taken the internet by storm. It is also known as whipped coffee or TikTok coffee. The traditional recipe uses instant coffee, sugar, and boiling water, which are whipped together until fluffy and then served over milk. However, with a few simple adjustments, it is possible to make a keto-friendly version of this drink. This involves swapping out the sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener such as monk fruit or Swerve, and replacing the milk with a low-carb alternative such as almond or coconut milk. The keto version of this drink is just as delicious and creamy as the original, but without the high sugar and carb content.

How to make keto dalgona coffee

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (e.g. monk fruit, Swerve, or erythritol)
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for a nut-free option)
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
• Ice cubes

Method:

• Combine the instant coffee, sweetener, and boiling water in a milk frother cup, mug, or small bowl.
• Use a milk frother, hand mixer, or immersion blender to whip the mixture for 1-2 minutes, until thick and frothy.
• Pour the milk and cream (if using) into a 12-ounce mug or glass and stir.
• Scoop the whipped coffee over the milk. You can snap a photo at this point to capture the drink's pretty layers!
• Stir vigorously to combine the layers before drinking.

Tips:

For a hot drink, heat the milk first.

Variations:

• For a nut-free version, use coconut milk instead of almond milk.
• If you don't have a milk frother, hand mixer, or immersion blender, you can use a regular whisk, but this will take longer (at least 10-15 minutes).
• You can also double the recipe and use a stand mixer if you're making a larger batch.
• If you don't have heavy cream, you can replace the milk with heavy cream to increase the fat content.
• You can also add a scoop of vanilla MCT oil powder to your mixture for extra keto-friendly fats and a lightly sweet vanilla taste.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair your keto Dalgona coffee with a slice of keto vanilla cake or a keto cinnamon muffin.
• Enjoy it with a handful of mixed nuts for a satisfying crunch.
• Accompany your coffee with keto-friendly baked goods like a keto cinnamon roll or a slice of keto-friendly banana bread.
• For a light and savory combination, pair your Dalgona coffee with a small serving of cheese cubes or avocado slices.

Storage:

Dalgona coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftover whipped coffee, you can pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Use the coffee ice cubes in your next iced coffee!

The best keto-friendly sweeteners to use

When making keto-friendly dalgona coffee, it's important to use a suitable sugar substitute. Here are some of the best keto-friendly sweeteners that you can use:

Monk Fruit Sweetener

Monk fruit sweetener is a natural sweetener that is 100–250 times sweeter than regular sugar. It is derived from the monk fruit, a plant native to southern China. Monk fruit contains natural sugars and antioxidants, which give it a sweet taste. Monk fruit sweetener contains no calories or carbs, making it a great option for a ketogenic diet. When buying monk fruit sweetener, check the ingredients label, as some products may contain added sugar or other sweeteners. Monk fruit is often blended with other sweeteners like erythritol or stevia to improve its cooking properties.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in small quantities in fruits and fungi. Commercially, it is produced from fermented corn or cornstarch. Erythritol is about 70–80% as sweet as regular sugar but contains less than 5% of the calories. It has minimal impact on blood sugar and insulin levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes. Erythritol is generally well-tolerated and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sugar in most recipes, although it may have a cooling effect on the tongue.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is a nonnutritive sweetener, meaning it contains little to no calories or carbs. Stevia is much sweeter than regular sugar, so you only need a small amount to achieve the desired sweetness. It is available in liquid or powdered form and can be used to sweeten drinks, desserts, and other foods. Stevia has a bitter aftertaste and may not work well in baked goods, so it is often blended with other sweeteners.

Xylitol

Xylitol is another type of sugar alcohol commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and mints. It is as sweet as sugar but contains fewer calories and carbs. Xylitol has a low glycemic index and does not significantly affect blood sugar or insulin levels when consumed in small amounts. It can be used to sweeten tea, coffee, shakes, or smoothies. Xylitol can also be used in baking but may require additional liquid in the recipe. Note that xylitol is toxic to dogs and other pets, so keep it out of their reach.

Allulose

Allulose is a rare sugar that occurs naturally in small amounts in certain foods like wheat, raisins, and figs. It has a molecular structure similar to fructose but is not metabolized by the body, contributing negligible calories and carbs. Allulose is keto-friendly and can be used in baked goods and ice cream. It tastes like sugar and does not seem to cause digestive issues when consumed in small amounts. However, large doses may cause gastrointestinal distress. Allulose is generally recognised as safe but is more expensive and not widely available.

The best milk alternatives for keto dalgona coffee

Dalgona coffee is a Korean coffee drink that has taken the internet by storm. It is made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, hot water, and sugar until fluffy, and then serving it over milk.

Regular dalgona coffee is not keto-friendly due to the high sugar content. However, you can easily make a keto-friendly version by swapping out the sugar for a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit, allulose, or erythritol.

• Unsweetened almond milk: A popular choice for keto dalgona coffee, as it is low in carbohydrates and has a creamy texture.
• Coconut milk: A good option for those who are allergic to nuts or simply prefer the taste.
• Macadamia nut milk: Creamy and unflavored, with very low carbohydrates.
• Heavy cream: A rich and indulgent option for those who want a more decadent coffee drink.
• Cashew milk: Another low-carb nut milk option.
• Peanut milk: A unique and tasty alternative to traditional milk.
• Half-and-half: Although higher in carbohydrates, it can be used for a more creamy and luxurious coffee experience.

The best tools for making keto dalgona coffee

Dalgona coffee is a frothy, whipped coffee that has taken the internet by storm. It is typically made with instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, but a keto-friendly version replaces the sugar with a low-carb sweetener. Here are the best tools to make this delicious drink:

Instant Coffee

Start with good-quality instant coffee. While it is possible to make dalgona coffee with regular coffee grounds, it requires a lot more work and will not achieve the same whipped consistency. You can also use decaf instant coffee if you prefer.

Sweetener

For a keto-friendly version, use a powdered or granulated sweetener such as monk fruit, erythritol, allulose, or stevia. Avoid granular options as they can leave a gritty texture. Confectioners' blends are ideal as they dissolve easily and have no aftertaste.

Hot Water

Use hot water to dissolve the coffee and sweetener. This is an important step to create the perfect frothy consistency.

Milk

Choose a keto-friendly milk such as unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or macadamia milk. You can enjoy your dalgona coffee hot or cold, so heat the milk if you prefer a warm drink.

Mixing Tools

To achieve the perfect whipped consistency, you will need a mixing tool. A milk frother, hand mixer, or immersion blender works well, especially if you are making multiple servings. If you are making a single serving, a small immersion blender with a whisk attachment can be useful. A stand mixer can also be used, but it is best for larger batches.

Glassware

Use a small, deep bowl for mixing and a clear glass mug or cup for serving. A double-walled glass mug will help keep your drink at the perfect temperature and show off your beautiful keto dalgona coffee!

The health benefits of keto dalgona coffee

Dalgona coffee is a popular Korean coffee drink that has taken the internet by storm. The original recipe includes instant coffee, sugar, and milk, which is not suitable for a keto diet. However, you can easily make a keto-friendly version by swapping out the sugar for a keto-approved sweetener and using a milk alternative. Here are some of the health benefits of keto dalgona coffee:

Boosts Energy and Performance

Coffee is well-known for its energy-boosting effects, and keto dalgona coffee is no exception. Caffeine can enhance physical performance and give you the extra energy you need for your workout. Additionally, this keto coffee recipe includes MCT oil powder, which provides a quick source of energy as it is easily absorbed by the body.

Rich in Antioxidants

By replacing sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit, you not only reduce the carb count but also add antioxidants to your drink. Monk fruit is a natural sweetener that has a similar sweetness level to sugar but without the glycemic load. This makes it a great choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.

Increases Fat Intake

Keto dalgona coffee often uses heavy cream instead of milk, which boosts the fat content of the drink. The keto diet emphasizes increasing healthy fat intake, and heavy cream is a great way to do that.

Customizable

The beauty of keto dalgona coffee is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste and dietary needs. Experiment with different keto-approved sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, stevia, or allulose to find your favorite. You can also use a variety of milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk to suit your preferences.

Easy to Make

This trendy coffee drink is not only delicious and keto-friendly but also simple to make. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a hand mixer or milk frother to create a creamy, frothy coffee treat. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy your daily cup of coffee while sticking to your keto diet.

Frequently asked questions