Keto Coffee Shop Orders: Best Low-Carb Choices

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan. It can be challenging to stick to, especially when eating out. However, it is possible to order keto-friendly drinks at coffee shops with a few modifications. Here are some tips and suggestions for ordering keto coffee:

- Black coffee is a good low-calorie option, but if you prefer milk, full-cream milk is suitable for the keto diet as it contains good fats.

- Unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk are also keto-friendly milk alternatives with low carbs.

- Avoid pre-packaged chai concentrates, which are high in sugar and preservatives. Instead, ask for freshly brewed chai tea or other herbal teas.

- Heavy cream is an option for keto coffee, but it contains carbs, so use it in moderation.

- Sugar-free syrups are available at some coffee shops, but they may contain artificial sweeteners, so clarify before ordering.

- When ordering iced coffee, ask for no added sugar or cream.

- Espresso, Americano, and flat white are all good keto options, but be mindful of the milk content and ask for alternatives if needed.

- Iced tea and hot tea are also keto-friendly, but be sure to order them unsweetened.

Keto-friendly milk alternatives

When it comes to keto-friendly milk alternatives, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you make an informed decision:

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice for those on a keto diet. It is inexpensive, widely available in most grocery stores, and relatively low in carbs, with only about 1.99 grams of net carbs per cup (240 mL). It is a great option if you're looking for a milk alternative that provides more milk for fewer carbs. However, be cautious with sweetened versions, as they can contain significantly higher carb counts.

Macadamia Nut Milk

Macadamia nut milk is a pricier option but boasts the lowest carb count among keto-friendly milk alternatives. A cup of macadamia nut milk contains 1 gram of fiber and 0 net carbs, making it an excellent choice if you're looking for a low-carb and high-fat option.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another good keto-friendly option, but it's important to check the carb counts, as they can vary between brands. Some coconut milk products can have up to 5 grams of net carbs per 1-cup serving, which is a significant portion of your daily carb allotment on a keto diet. Therefore, it is best to use coconut milk sparingly and opt for unsweetened varieties to minimize carb intake.

Unsweetened Soy Milk

If you're looking for a low-carb and low-fat option, unsweetened soy milk is a great choice. It typically contains around 1.6 grams of carbs per cup and provides a good amount of protein, with 7 grams per cup. Be cautious of sweetened soy milk, as it can have a similar carb count to whole milk.

Flax Milk

Flax milk is a newer milk alternative that has gained popularity among those on a keto diet. It is made from flax seeds, which are high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. A cup of unsweetened flax milk contains around 2 grams of net carbs and 3.5 grams of fat, making it a nutritious and keto-friendly choice.

Heavy Cream

Although not a milk alternative per se, heavy cream is often used as a substitute in coffee and other beverages. It is high in fat and calories but contains only about 1 gram of net carbs per ounce. Heavy cream is a good option for adding healthy fats to your diet, and it can be combined with nut or seed milk for a higher-fat content and a more realistic mouthfeel.

When choosing a keto-friendly milk alternative, it is important to opt for unsweetened varieties and always check the nutrition labels to ensure they fit within your daily carb limits. Additionally, consider your personal preferences for taste, texture, and any dietary restrictions you may have.

Sugar-free syrups

There are many sugar-free syrup options available for coffee lovers. Wholesome Yum, for example, offers a skinny syrup that is both sweet and tasty, with no added flavours or aftertaste. It comes in two delicious flavours: vanilla and hazelnut. You can also try ChocZero's sugar-free caramel syrup, which is perfect for coffee and other flavoured drinks. If you're looking for a variety, Jordan's Skinny Syrups offers a sampler pack with six different flavours, including vanilla, salted caramel, and hazelnut.

For a more indulgent option, try adding a dollop of whipped cream to your coffee, such as in an espresso con panna. Starbucks' whipped cream is sweetened, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, but it can be a great way to treat yourself while still following a keto diet.

You can also get creative and make your own keto-friendly coffee drinks at home. For example, if you're craving a mocha latte, ask for a half tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and a couple of pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. Add this mixture to your espresso shot, and then pour in steamed milk or milk alternative. A dash of cinnamon is a great bonus, adding a nice balance to the flavour.

So, whether you're at a coffee shop or making coffee at home, there are plenty of sugar-free syrup options to keep your coffee keto-friendly and delicious!

Keto iced coffee

Iced coffee is a popular choice for those who enjoy the rich, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors of coffee but prefer a less milky drink. The good news is that you can still enjoy iced coffee while on a keto diet.

How to Make Keto Iced Coffee

The key to making keto iced coffee is to use a sweetener that contains no extra carbs or calories. You can use sugar-free maple syrup, or a keto-friendly syrup such as vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel.

To make keto iced coffee, you will need:

• Black coffee (either filtered coffee, cold brew, or instant coffee)
• Sugar-free sweetener (e.g. maple syrup or flavored syrup)
• Milk or heavy cream
• Ice (crushed ice or ice cubes)

Simply add all the ingredients to a large jug or bottle and mix well. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving in tall glasses filled with extra ice.

Customizing Your Keto Iced Coffee

The beauty of keto iced coffee is that it is highly customizable. Here are some flavor variations you can try:

• French Vanilla: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Mocha: Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into the filtered coffee.
• Hazelnut: Add 1 tablespoon of sugar-free hazelnut syrup or 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract.
• Caramel: Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce.
• Peanut Butter: Whisk 2 tablespoons of sugar-free peanut butter with the maple syrup before adding it to the coffee.

Storing and Serving Keto Iced Coffee

Serve your keto iced coffee with chocolate desserts, cakes, baked goods, or even a keto donut! It's the perfect drink to energize and caffeinate you throughout the day.

Keto hot drinks

Coffee

If you're a coffee lover, you'll be pleased to know that there are several keto-friendly options available to you when ordering at a cafe. Here are some suggestions:

• Black coffee: This is a super low-calorie option that can help keep you focused and alert throughout the day. Ask for an espresso shot or a "short black" to enjoy the pure taste of coffee without any additives.
• Long black: If you don't like milk in your coffee, go for a long black, which is an aromatic and strong coffee option. Many people order this with a side of cold milk so they can add a touch to take the edge off.
• Coffee with full-cream milk: Full-cream milk is an excellent option on a keto diet as it provides valuable nutrients and supports your body's requirements for healthy fats.
• Iced coffee (no sugar, no cream): Ask for iced coffee without cream and no ice cream to make it keto-friendly.
• Coffee with sugar-free sweeteners: Instead of sugar, opt for natural sweeteners like stevia, which has zero calories and can be added to hot or cold coffee.

For an extra boost of healthy fats, you can add milk, coconut oil, or grass-fed butter to your coffee. If you're feeling creative, experiment with different mix-ins until you find what works best for you.

Tea

When it comes to tea, there are also keto-friendly options to consider:

• Green tea with coconut oil: Adding coconut oil to green tea not only makes it more palatable but also provides a healthy dose of fatty acids. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can promote energy and support ketosis.
• Chai tea: Ask for a chai tea with a couple of splashes of heavy cream and a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup to make it keto-friendly.
• Earl Grey tea: For a rich and citrusy flavour, try an Earl Grey tea with a shot of heavy whipping cream and a pump of sugar-free syrup.

Hot Chocolate

If you're craving something sweet and indulgent, you can try these keto-friendly hot chocolate options:

• Cabernet hot chocolate: This decadent blend combines rich dark chocolate with bold red wine, creating a luxurious treat perfect for special occasions.
• Earl Grey hot chocolate: The tea adds an unexpectedly wonderful flavour to the cocoa without the need for added sugars.

Other Keto Hot Drinks

In addition to coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, there are some other unique keto hot drink options to explore:

• Keto hot toddy: A comforting blend of spices and lemon, this drink can boost your immune system and is perfect for a cosy night in or when you're feeling under the weather.
• Creamy Coconut Bourbon Chai: A spicy and citrusy drink made with cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, and full-fat coconut milk. The hint of bourbon adds a smoky sweetness.
• Golden-Cinnamon Coffee: Cinnamon serves as a natural sweetener in this coffee, and butter or cream adds a level of creaminess and healthy fats. Turmeric gives the coffee a golden hue and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Keto tea

If you're looking for a keto-friendly tea to order at a coffee shop, you're in luck! Tea is a great option for those following a keto diet, as it contains zero carbs or sugar. Here are some tips and suggestions for ordering keto tea at a coffee shop:

Types of Tea

When it comes to keto-friendly tea options, you have a variety of choices. Decaf tea, regular tea, black tea, matcha tea, chai tea, unsweetened iced tea, and green tea are all keto-friendly. If you're looking for a caffeine-free option, herbal tea is a great choice. You can also add some caffeine to your herbal tea by using green tea, chai tea, or black tea.

Sweeteners

While sugar is not allowed on the keto diet, there are several keto-friendly sweeteners you can use in your tea. Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, is a popular option as it has zero calories and carbs. Monk fruit sweetener, which is extracted from the monk fruit plant, is another great choice as it is also free from calories and carbs. Erythritol is technically a sugar alcohol, but it occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables and doesn't have the same negative side effects as other sugar alcohols.

Dairy Options

If you like to add milk or cream to your tea, there are several keto-friendly options to choose from. Coconut cream and full-fat coconut milk are excellent choices, as they are filled with healthy fats. Unsweetened almond milk is another keto-friendly option, but be sure to choose an unflavoured variety. If you prefer dairy, double cream and whipping cream are both suitable, as long as they are unsweetened. Ghee, which is clarified butter, is also an option, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. Grass-fed butter is another popular choice and is often used in "bulletproof tea," a keto-friendly version of bulletproof coffee.

Custom Orders

When ordering tea at a coffee shop, don't be afraid to make special requests to ensure your drink is keto-friendly. If you want a tea latte, you can ask for it to be made with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. You can also request sugar-free syrups to add flavour to your tea. If you're ordering chai tea, ask if they use pre-packaged chai concentrate, as this often contains a lot of sugar. Instead, request that they brew fresh chai tea and make your latte from that.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of hot herbal tea of your choice
• 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee
• 1 scoop of MCT oil powder (optional)

Preparation:

• Steep your tea bag as directed.
• Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until frothy, for about 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother to mix the ingredients.

This keto tea recipe is sugar-free and provides instant usable energy from the MCTs and grass-fed butter. It also tastes indulgent and can help keep your cravings at bay.

Frequently asked questions