Vietnamese Coffee Keto: What You Need To Know

Vietnamese coffee is a popular drink, but is it suitable for those on a keto diet? The answer is yes and no. Traditional Vietnamese coffee is made with sweetened condensed milk, which is high in sugar and not keto-friendly. However, it is possible to make a keto-friendly version by substituting the condensed milk with coconut milk or heavy cream and using a keto-approved sweetener such as stevia. The rest of the recipe—coffee and ice—is already keto-friendly. To get the authentic Vietnamese flavour, it's important to use Vietnamese coffee beans and a Vietnamese coffee filter (phin). So, while traditional Vietnamese coffee may not be suitable for those on a keto diet, with a few simple substitutions, it is possible to create a delicious keto-friendly version.

Vietnamese coffee nutrition

Vietnamese coffee is typically made with condensed milk and a dark roast coffee bean. The addition of condensed milk is called "ca phe sua da," and it imparts a creamy, sweet flavour. However, condensed milk has a high sugar content, which can be problematic for those on a keto diet or fasting.

When it comes to the nutritional value of Vietnamese coffee, it's important to distinguish between the coffee itself and the additives that are commonly included. Black coffee, whether Vietnamese or otherwise, contains very few carbs or protein, making it suitable for a keto diet. The caffeine content per millilitre is higher in Vietnamese coffee due to the use of Robusta beans, but this does not affect its keto-friendliness.

On the other hand, adding condensed milk or sugar, which is common in Vietnamese coffee, can impact its nutritional value. Just a teaspoon of sugar contains 16 calories and 4.2 carbs, which can interfere with ketosis. Condensed milk, which is often added generously to Vietnamese coffee, contains a significant amount of sugar and calories. A typical serving of Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) can contain between 90-150 calories and 15-23 grams of carbs, which is not keto-friendly and will break a fast.

To make a keto-friendly Vietnamese iced coffee, the condensed milk can be replaced with coconut cream or coconut milk, and a sweetener like monkfruit can be added. This version will still have a similar thick consistency and sweet flavour but with fewer carbohydrates and calories.

Is Vietnamese coffee keto-friendly?

Vietnamese coffee is known for its distinctive taste, but is it compatible with the Keto diet? The answer is yes, but with some important qualifications.

Black Vietnamese Coffee

Just like other types of black coffee, Vietnamese black coffee is suitable for a Keto diet. Black coffee has very few carbs or protein, so it's fine in moderation. However, the caffeine content per millilitre is higher than a standard mug of coffee, as Vietnamese coffee typically uses Robusta beans.

Iced Vietnamese Coffee

The addition of ice to Vietnamese coffee is also not a problem for the Keto diet, as it is simply frozen water with no calories, carbs, or sugar.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

The problem with traditional Vietnamese coffee is that it often includes sweetened condensed milk, which contains a lot of sugar. For example, Nestle Carnation Sweetened Condensed Milk has 22g of sugar per serving. This would kick you out of ketosis and break a fast.

Alternatives for a Keto-Friendly Vietnamese Iced Coffee

To make a Keto-friendly Vietnamese iced coffee, you can replace the condensed milk with heavy whipping cream and stevia powder, or coconut milk and cinnamon. These alternatives provide the same creamy, sweet flavour and texture without the high sugar content.

Vietnamese coffee can be enjoyed on a Keto diet, but it's important to avoid adding sugar or condensed milk. For a truly Keto-friendly experience, try using alternative sweeteners and dairy replacements.

Does Vietnamese coffee break a fast?

Vietnamese coffee is keto-friendly and suitable for fasting, but only if it's black coffee without any add-ins. The caffeine content per milliliter is higher than a standard mug of coffee, but it's still suitable for a keto diet or fasting.

Black coffee is very low in calories, and will not break a fast. It may even enhance the benefits of fasting, such as improved brain function and reduced inflammation, blood sugar, and heart disease risk. However, adding milk, sugar, or other sweeteners will break a fast, as they will stimulate an insulin response and disrupt the fasting state.

If you're making keto-friendly Vietnamese iced coffee, you can replace the condensed milk with coconut cream and a sweetener like monkfruit.

How to make keto-friendly Vietnamese iced coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee is typically made with sweetened condensed milk, which is not keto-friendly. However, it is possible to make a keto-friendly version of this popular drink by substituting the condensed milk with a suitable alternative. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make keto-friendly Vietnamese iced coffee:

Ingredients:

• Vietnamese coffee beans (dark roast Robusta beans)
• Heavy whipping cream or coconut milk
• Sweetener (stevia powder or monkfruit)
• Ice

Optional:

• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Egg yolk

Equipment:

• Vietnamese coffee filter ("phin")
• Glass
• Blender (if using coconut milk)

Method:

• Scoop your chosen sweetener into a glass.
• Assemble the phin filter and scoop the coffee into the filter.
• Boil a cup of water.
• Pour a tablespoon of just-boiled water into the filter, cover with the lid, and let it sit for about 30 seconds.
• Pour 3 tablespoons of just-boiled water into the filter. Cover and let the coffee drip through for 6-8 minutes, or until the dripping stops.
• If using coconut milk, add it to a blender with cinnamon and vanilla extract (if desired). Blend until well combined.
• Stir the coffee and sweetener mixture to ensure the sweetener is fully dissolved.
• Pour in the heavy whipping cream or coconut milk and stir.
• Prepare a glass of crushed ice and pour the coffee mixture over the ice.
• Allow the drink to sit before drinking, giving time for the ice to melt.

Tips:

• It is important to use authentic Vietnamese coffee beans to achieve the right flavour.
• The phin coffee filter is designed to brew coffee at an optimal rate of around 1 drip per second, so a slow drip is critical to extracting the full flavour of the beans.
• Be sure to use enough sweetener to mimic the sweetness of condensed milk.
• This drink is intended to be sipped slowly!

Vietnamese coffee products

Vietnamese coffee is a delicious, strong, dark, and full-bodied brew, and there are several products on the market that can help you make it at home. Here is a list of some popular Vietnamese coffee products:

Vinacafe Instant Coffee Mix

Vinacafe is an instant coffee product that offers a bold and fragrant coffee experience. It is a convenient and quick option for those busy mornings. While it may not be as full-bodied as traditional drip coffee, it is still a tasty and fragrant option.

Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Coffee

Trung Nguyen is a well-known Vietnamese coffee brand, offering a range of coffee products. Their G7 coffee, for example, is an instant coffee with a classic taste. Their Legend Cafe Sua Da and Legend Classic Instant Coffee are also popular choices. Trung Nguyen coffee is known for its smooth drinking experience and affordability.

Saigon Phin Daklak Pre-Ground Coffee

This pre-ground coffee blend is perfect for those who prefer a mild and mellow coffee experience. It is specially formulated for making Vietnamese-style iced coffee, but it can be prepared in various ways. Saigon Phin Daklak offers a strong yet smooth flavour at a moderate price.

Chestbrew Whole Bean Coffee

Chestbrew offers a bold and strong coffee experience with a kick of caffeine. Their beans are harvested and sealed quickly to ensure freshness and are suitable for both cold and hot brews. This option is perfect for caffeine lovers but may be too intense for beginners.

G7 3-in-1 Instant Premium Vietnamese Coffee

G7 is another instant coffee option, offering individually wrapped packages for convenience. While it may lack the full flavour of traditional coffee, it is a quick and affordable choice for those in a rush.

Len's Coffee Vietnamese Coffee Kit

Len's Coffee offers a unique kit that includes instructions and a history of Vietnamese coffee, along with a can of condensed milk. This kit is perfect for those who want to explore the world of Vietnamese coffee. However, the beans themselves may not be as flavourful as other options.

Nguyen Coffee Supply

Nguyen Coffee Supply is the first direct-trade importer and roaster of single-origin Vietnamese coffee beans in the United States. They offer fresh, additive-free, and sustainably sourced coffee beans, ensuring the longevity and economic empowerment of Vietnamese coffee producers.

Frequently asked questions