Cloud Coffee: A Viral Drink That May Be a Healthy Choice
The beverage making the rounds right now is cloud coffee. The name alone sounds light and refreshing, which is exactly what many of us look for in a summer coffee drink. But what is actually in it, and is it any good for us?
Cloud coffee is a chilled espresso drink made by layering Dalgona coffee over coconut water to yield a cold coffee beverage that is as beautiful as it is refreshing. Dalgona coffee, which originated in Macau in Southern China, consists of coffee powder, hot water, and sugar well beaten and layered over milk. It can be served hot or cold and it was named after the Korean candy that shares its caramel color. This whipped 'cloud' mixture is poured over a base of ice and coconut water, inspired by the coconut water americano that was also popular this spring. A coconut water americano is a simple drink that combines coconut water and espresso for a refreshing cold coffee beverage.
Health Benefits
From iced coffee to mocha protein shakes, the summertime coffee drinker in us is always happy with a chilled treat with a bit of caffeine. The question is, how healthy is this coffee swap for our chronic coffee drinkers?
As with most things, it can be a good choice in moderation. A 16-ounce serving with 2 teaspoons of sugar contains about 150 calories, 5 g of protein, and even with a double shot of espresso, only about 120 mg of caffeine. That's comparable to the caffeine in a 12-ounce drip coffee. The addition of coconut water makes it a good source of potassium, a nutrient that is underconsumed by most Americans.
Coffee is known around the world for its effect on cognition and energy levels, but it is also high in antioxidants. Caffeine and chlorogenic acid can promote a decrease in oxidative stress and improve inflammation. A pretty great way to start a hot summer day!
While some recipes call for cream, I recommend whole fat milk to ensure adequate creaminess while incorporating more protein. Protein and fat both promote satiety, and a high protein diet can promote weight loss. Protein also has the added benefit of slowing down digestion and thus absorption of caffeine to allow for a slower uptake of caffeine over a longer time. This may help maintain energy levels and reduce any unpleasant side effects of caffeine such as elevated blood pressure.
While I don't often recommend artificial sweeteners, the sugar in this drink could be swapped for aspartame or stevia without affecting the integrity of the whipped Dalgona coffee for those who prefer a sugar-free option.
Maybe Not for Everyone
While such a beverage is likely to be a refreshing treat for most, it may not be appropriate for all. Caffeine-containing beverages may not be the right choice for those prone to gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea due to the stimulating effects of caffeine on the bowel or on those with high blood pressure due to its properties as a vasoconstrictor.
Caffeine is a well-known diuretic, so I typically recommend limiting caffeine-containing beverages to no more than 2 or 3 a day, especially during the warm summer months when we may be more at risk of dehydration.
Healthy and Refreshing Alternatives
As cloud coffee may not be the right choice for everyone, I always like to have a few alternatives that are either low in caffeine or caffeine-free to encourage hydration. I have many clients who drink coffee all day long, so I have a couple of tricks to help them stay hydrated without completely giving up their caffeine or adding a lot of sugar.
Green tea: Green tea has less than half the caffeine that coffee does and significantly more antioxidants, most in the form of epigallocatechin gallate that has been shown to promote weight loss and improve glucose metabolism.
Hibiscus tea: Hibiscus tea is caffeine free and may help to improve mild hypertension.
Caffeinated sparkling water: Many brands have less caffeine per serving than a cup of coffee and can also be a great substitute for chronic soda drinkers.
Iced coffee with a protein shake: This may be especially helpful for those who are in the habit of drinking several cups of coffee a day. Mix 8 ounces of cold brewed coffee with a 12-ounce protein shake for less caffeine over several hours to stay focused while decreasing the unpleasant side effects of caffeine intake.
Ultimately, I want my clients to drink water for hydration in the warm summer months. But, if a fun and refreshing coffee drink like cloud coffee has them excited and offers a few health benefits as well, I'm on board.
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