Keto Coffee Connoisseurs: Perfect Food Pairings For Coffee Lovers

Coffee is one of the world's most popular drinks, with people consuming over 400 billion cups a year. For those on a keto diet, coffee is still very much on the menu, but it's important to avoid adding sugar, milk, and other high-carb coffee additives, as these can kick you out of ketosis. So, what can you add to your coffee to make it keto-friendly? Well, black coffee is a great option for keto dieters as it's the healthiest way to drink coffee, containing the least amount of calories, and it won't affect your blood sugar levels. If you want to add a little extra flavour to your coffee, you can include low-carb additions such as nut milks (almond, macadamia, etc.), heavy cream, grass-fed butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil.

Heavy cream

To make keto coffee with heavy cream, simply combine hot coffee with the cream in a coffee mug and stir in a sweetener, if desired. You can also add coconut oil or grass-fed butter to your coffee, which will provide additional health benefits and a boost of energy. If you want to get fancy, you can use an immersion blender to create a frothy, light texture.

If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option that fits within your keto diet, keto coffee with heavy cream is a perfect choice. It will keep you full and energised throughout the morning and is a tasty way to get your caffeine fix.

Grass-fed butter

When choosing grass-fed butter, there are several brands available that are suitable for the keto diet. These include:

• Anchor Grass-Fed New Zealand Butter
• Black & Bolyard Grass-Fed Brown Butter
• Organic Valley Cultured Pasture Butter
• Beurre D’Isigny French Normandy Unsalted Butter
• Allgäu Grass-Fed German Butter
• Smjör Unsalted Icelandic Butter
• Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter

MCT oil

When shopping for MCT oil, look for a high-quality product that is made from pure MCT oil, with no added ingredients. You can find MCT oil at health food stores or online. It is typically liquid at room temperature, but some brands may be solid, depending on the temperature and the specific type of MCT oil. If your MCT oil is solid, simply warm it gently before adding it to your coffee.

To make keto coffee with MCT oil, start by brewing your favourite coffee. You can use any type of coffee you prefer, from drip coffee to espresso. Next, add one tablespoon of MCT oil to your coffee and stir well to combine. If you want to add a little extra flavour to your coffee, you can also include some grass-fed butter, cinnamon, or a pinch of salt. You can also sweeten your coffee with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make a blended keto coffee. Simply add the brewed coffee, MCT oil, and any other desired ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. This method creates a creamy, latte-like texture that is sure to satisfy your coffee shop cravings while keeping you in ketosis. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and sweeteners to find your perfect keto coffee combination.

Remember, when starting any new diet or supplement, it's always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider first, especially if you have any health concerns or are taking medications. Additionally, be mindful of your body's response to MCT oil, as some people may experience digestive issues when consuming large amounts. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase as needed.

Keto coffee creamers

For those on the keto diet, there are a variety of keto-friendly coffee creamers to choose from. Keto-friendly creamers are generally low-carb, high-protein, and low in sugar.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a great option for keto dieters as it has zero carbs. It is also a good source of healthy fats, which can help to keep you in ketosis.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is another keto-friendly option, with 0-2 grams of carbs per serving. It can be used as a substitute for coffee creamer and sweetened with a sugar-free sweetener.

Grass-Fed Butter

Adding grass-fed butter to your coffee will give you more energy and focus, and it makes for a healthy alternative to breakfast.

MCT Oil

MCT oil is clear, odourless, and flavourless, so it won't affect the taste of your coffee. It has been shown to increase your metabolic rate, suppress appetite, burn calories, and enhance endurance during exercise.

There are also a number of keto-specific coffee creamers on the market, often made with almond, oat, or coconut milk. These creamers are low-carb and tasty, and they won't cause the same bloating that dairy creamers often do.

Sugar-Free Sweeteners

Sugar-free sweeteners such as erythritol and stevia are plant-based and have zero calories, making them perfect for the keto diet.

Homemade Keto Creamer

You can also make your own keto coffee creamer at home using coconut milk, heavy cream, and a sugar-free sweetener of your choice. This option is cheaper than store-bought keto creamers and can be made in under 5 minutes.

Store-Bought Options

Some store-bought keto-friendly coffee creamers include:

• Califia Better Half Coconut Cream & Almond Milk Creamer
• Nutpods Creamer Variety 4-Pack
• 360 Nutrition Keto Vanilla Sweetened Powdered Coffee Creamer
• Prymal Salted Caramel Coffee Creamer
• Laird Superfood Creamer, Unsweetened
• Bulletproof InstaMix Creamer
• KITU Keto Coffee Super Creamer
• Grasso Peppermint Mocha High-Fat Coffee Creamer
• Elmhurst Milked Cashews
• Milkadamia Unsweetened Vanilla Macadamia Milk

Sugar-free sweeteners

Stevia

Stevia is a popular choice for a sugar-free sweetener as it is a zero-calorie, zero-carb option that is much sweeter than sugar. It is derived from the stevia plant and can be 100 to 300 times sweeter than sugar. While some people find that it has a bitter taste, using a smaller amount can help offset this. It has also been shown to help prevent tooth decay and may assist in blood sugar regulation for people with diabetes.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is 60 to 80 percent as sweet as sugar and does not have a bitter aftertaste. It is a non-caloric sweetener that the body cannot fully digest, so it passes through the body without spiking insulin or blood sugar levels. It has a lower risk of causing digestive issues compared to other sugar alcohols and may be a good option for individuals with diabetes or those watching their calorie intake.

Monk Fruit Sweetener

Monk fruit sweetener is a relatively new powdered sugar substitute that is 250 times sweeter than table sugar. It is derived from a small, round fruit native to China and often mixed with dextrose and erythritol to dilute its intense sweetness. Monk fruit has a fruity flavour and does not have the bitter aftertaste that can be associated with stevia.

Agave Nectar

Derived from the blue agave plant, agave nectar is a thin, honey-like syrup that is lower on the glycemic index and will not spike your blood sugar levels as much as sugar. It also contains vitamin B6, which contributes to heart health. While it is technically still considered a "free sugar", its added health benefits make it a better alternative to white table sugar.

Sugar-free syrup

Sugar-free syrups, such as vanilla, salted caramel, hazelnut, mocha, or simple syrup, can be added to coffee for sweetness without the sugar. These syrups are typically flavourless and can be used in small amounts to sweeten your coffee without affecting your carb or calorie intake.

These sugar-free sweeteners offer a range of health benefits and can be a great way to sweeten your coffee while adhering to dietary restrictions or preferences.

Frequently asked questions