Iced coffee can be healthy due to its caffeine and antioxidant content, which may offer benefits such as improved heart health, reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and weight management. However, added sugars and unhealthy additives can negate these benefits. Opt for sugar-free or low-sugar options for a healthier iced coffee experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Iced coffee has antioxidants like regular coffee
- Add-ins can boost calorie and sugar content
- Unsweetened almond milk in iced coffee is healthier
- The difference between healthy and unhealthy iced coffee is how it’s served and if any additives are mixed into it
At times I enjoy sipping a glass of iced coffee, for the refreshing chill and smooth taste texture that is just so different from drinking hot coffee.
But, what about the health aspect? Beyond pure indulgence, what impact (if any) does this cold version of coffee have on our bodies?
Table of Contents
What Makes Iced Coffee Healthy For You?
What makes iced coffee healthy for you is based on the health benefits of regular coffee beans.
Speciality grade arabica bean coffee boasts potential health benefits as a significant source of antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation in the body.
I personally like drinking certain mold tested coffee brands with a dark chocolate or nutty taste profile.
What Makes Iced Coffee Unhealthy For You?
Additional ingredients often found in iced coffee, like sweeteners, syrups, and creamers, can substantially change its calorie nutritional profile and cause undesirable insulin and glycemic responses.
If you are excessively consuming this type iced coffee, these additives may lead to undesirable health effects like weight gain or affect your blood sugar levels.
As a result, in its simplest form—coffee and ice—iced coffee is as healthful as regular coffee. The added elements are ultimately what tips the scale.
Is Iced Coffee Without Sugar Healthy?
Yes, not putting sugar in iced coffee is healthier for you. When you take sugar out of the mix, iced coffee becomes a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich beverage.
There are other healthy ways to sweeten coffee without sugar if needed.
By not adding sugar the flavor might not be as sweet or dessert-like, but this version of iced coffee is undeniably better for you, particularly for people on a low carb or keto diet.
How Healthy Is Thai Iced Coffee?
While Thai iced coffee is a delicious indulgence, it’s not a beverage you want to consume on a regular basis due to its high sugar content.
If you are worried about the sugar content, you could opt for a healthier version by making it at home and replacing sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened condensed milk or even a lower-calorie sweetener.
Thai iced coffee presents a delightful variant of the iced coffee experience.
It comes with a robust coffee flavor, sweet undertones, and a rich, creamy texture. This texture is usually achieved by adding sweetened condensed milk.
However, that’s the same ingredient that leads to Thai iced coffee having a higher sugar and calorie content.
Is Iced Coffee With Almond Milk Healthy?
If you prefer a dairy free version of iced coffee then the unsweetened form of almond milk mixed in your iced coffee is potentially a healthier option versus other plant based milks.
The reason why is that almond milk typically comes with fewer calories and less sugar than regular milk and is often enriched with calcium and vitamin E.
Plant based milks, like almond milk, are offered as an alternative to using dairy milk in so many coffee shops nowadays. This trend has emerged as a popular non-dairy alternative in recent years.
While I personally prefer regular full fat milk in my iced coffee, almond milk can work well if you are looking for a nutty flavor and a slightly grainy texture.
I wouldn’t say it’s an acquired taste – but it’s not for everyone. I’d recommend trying almond milk to see what you make of it.
How to Make Iced Coffee Healthy
If you want to maintain a healthy approach to consuming iced coffee, consider the following tips:
- Watch out for high-calorie add-ins like sugars, syrups, and creamers.
- Opt for low or no-sugar options, try natural sweeteners.
- Experiment with unsweetened almond milk as a healthier dairy alternative.
- Save rich versions, like Thai iced coffee, for the occasional treat.
- Monitor iced coffee intake to align with daily caloric and sugar goals.
- Consider homemade versions of iced coffee for full control of ingredients.
- Explore other non-dairy milk alternatives, like almond milk, for different flavor profiles.
- Avoid pre-packaged iced coffee, often high in hidden sugars and calories.
Is Iced Coffee Healthy For You? (My Final Thoughts)
So, to the question, “Is iced coffee healthy for you?” the answer is a conditional, “Yes.”
In its most basic form, iced coffee provides similar health benefits to regular coffee.
However, beware of the add-ins—like sugar, creamers, and flavored syrups—that can stealthily convert this otherwise beneficial and soothing beverage into a dreaded calorie-laden trap.
As an avid coffee enthusiast, I value both the taste and potential health benefits of my iced coffee. Over time, I’ve learned that mindful choices can make a significant difference.
I’m not someone that drinks iced coffee every day – but during the summer, I’ll usually have a few iced beverages over the course of a week.
I found that cutting back on sugars, syrups, and creamers helped reduce hidden calories. Natural sweeteners or even no sweeteners became surprisingly enjoyable after a short adjustment period. In reality, you’ll only notice a subtle difference in the flavor profile.
Experimenting with unsweetened almond milk opened up a new world of flavors. It took time to appreciate its unique taste, but when I do have iced coffee, I consider almond milk as an option.
While I enjoy an indulgent Thai iced coffee or a pre-packaged iced coffee, I now view these as occasional treats. This small shift helped me maintain a healthier iced coffee routine.
From my experience, enjoying coffee is about finding a balance that caters to individual tastes and health goals. So, without further ado, enjoy your brew!
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to provide useful and accurate information. Regardless, this information should not be relied upon in place of consultation with healthcare professionals and should not be confused with advice from professionals, such as dieticians and doctors.
Gary Kirwan
Founder and Host of BioHackers Lab Podcast
Been interested in biohacking concepts and products since first testing what it is like drinking butter in my coffee years ago. My ultimate goal is healthy aging through exercise, diet, social interaction and psychology.
You May Also Like:
