Everything You Need to Know About Honey in Coffee
Sweet or not, there's a debate stirring among coffee aficionados around the world – should you use honey in your cup of brew? Though it might seem like a small adjustment to your regular routine, honey can make a big difference in flavour and texture. In this blog, we'll explore both sides of the debate and investigate whether honey can be beneficial when added to coffee and why the buzz-worthy trend is taking the world of coffee by storm.
What is the debate about honey in coffee?
It's been around for quite some time. Some people swear by the benefits of honey in coffee, while others are not so sure.
Those favouring using honey in coffee argue that it can help sweeten the drink, without adding excessive calories. On the other hand, those who are against it argue that it can actually make the drink less healthy.
The pros and cons of adding honey to your coffee
Honey has been used as a sweetener for centuries, and it's no different when it comes to coffee. Before stirring honey into your morning cup of joe, here are a few things to consider.
The pros
Honey is a natural sweetener
Honey is a great option if you're looking for an alternative to refined sugar. Bees make it from the nectar of flowers, so it's completely natural. Honey also contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, which refined sugar does not.
Honey can add flavour to your coffee
In addition to sweetness, honey can also add its own unique flavour to your coffee. Depending on the type of honey you use, you might taste hints of floral or fruity notes in your cup. This can be a nice change from the usual coffee flavour profile.
Honey has health benefits
Honey has been shown to have several health benefits. It's full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It's also been shown to boost your immune system and help fight bacteria and viruses. Some studies have even suggested that honey may help boost cognitive performance and reduce stress levels.
Honey won't spike blood sugar levels
Honey is also much lower on the glycemic index than other sweeteners, meaning it won't cause spikes in your blood sugar levels.
The cons
Honey can be high in calories.
One tablespoon of honey contains about 64 calories, which is more than the same amount of sugar (48 calories). If you're watching your calorie intake, you may want to consider an alternative sweetener for your coffee. However, you can achieve the same level of sweetness with half the amount of honey compared to sugar.
Honey has a strong flavour
If you're not used to the taste of honey, it can be overwhelming when added to coffee. Some people find it too strong and prefer to use other sweeteners instead. Also, depending on the type of honey you use, it can overpower the flavour of your coffee beans.
Honey can make your coffee overly sweet
Because honey is so much sweeter than sugar, it can be easy to overdo it and end up with an overly sweet cup of coffee. To avoid this, start with just a small amount and adjust according to taste.
Allergies
Remember that honey contains pollen, which some people may be allergic to. If you're unsure about whether you can tolerate honey in coffee, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether. Do note that it is extremely rare to have allergic reactions to pollen in honey.
Contaminates
Honey may contain harmful substances (i.e. antibiotics, pesticides) that can contaminate your coffee. If you add honey to your coffee, ensure you only use high-quality honey from a trusted source.
How to use honey in coffee
When it comes to honey in coffee, there are a few different ways you can go about it. You can add honey to your coffee grounds before brewing, stir it into your brewed coffee, or even make a cold brew with honey.
- For the best results, use high-quality filter coffee and organic honey.
- Keep in mind that the honey will dissolve better if you add it while the coffee is hot.
- We find that lighter kinds of honey work best, since they don't alter the taste of the coffee as much.
- If you're adding honey to your coffee grounds before brewing, start by mixing the honey and grounds in a bowl. This will help the honey evenly distribute throughout the coffee. Then, brew your coffee as usual.
- If you're stirring honey into your brewed coffee, start with a small amount and add more to taste. A little goes a long way with this method!
- For cold brew coffee with honey, mix the honey and cold brew concentrate together in a jar or container. Then add water and ice as desired.
Final thoughts on honey in coffee
If you've been thinking about adding honey to your coffee, there's no better time than now to give it a try. Whether you're looking for a healthier alternative to sugar or just want to enjoy the unique honey flavour in your cup of joe, adding honey to your coffee is definitely worth a try!