Some specialty coffee drinks can contain amounts of added sugar comparable to desserts or sugary soft drinks. Regularly consuming large quantities of added sugar can contribute to weight gain and is associated with problems such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Because coffee is often consumed every day, seemingly small additions can become significant over time.
Certain non-dairy creamers can also contain highly processed oils, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and stabilizers. While formulations vary widely between brands, nutrition experts generally recommend checking ingredient and nutrition labels and choosing simpler options when possible. Frequently drinking heavily sweetened coffee may also make less-sweet beverages seem less appealing, making it harder to reduce added sugar.
For a simpler cup, coffee can be enjoyed black or with modest amounts of milk, an unsweetened alternative, or a small amount of sweetener. Coffee itself doesn’t need to be avoided by most healthy adults simply because some coffee drinks are high in calories and sugar. Paying attention to what goes into each cup can preserve the enjoyment of coffee while reducing unnecessary added sugar and calories.
