Are you craving a coffee run while also trying to be mindful of your health? This former barista has some tricks up her sleeve to help you lessen your sugar intake, up your protein goals, and trim your budget without losing that wonderful taste.
Let’s Start with the Basics
- Don’t be afraid of substitutions – This is going to be the key to adjusting your drink to fit your health goals.
- It won’t be perfect the first try – Take note of what you wish it had and refer back to this guide.
Picking a Base
Are you an espresso lover? Traditional coffee? Cold press? These are perfect bases for healthy alternatives. You need to identify what you want the heart of your drink to be.
Espresso will pack more of an immediate punch; this is the base for our beloved mochas and lattes. Feel like you don’t get enough espresso? Try an Americano! Americanos typically have double the espresso when compared to a latte, and it can be made hot or over ice.
Do you love traditional coffee but want an extra punch? Ask for a depth charge! This is one espresso shot added to your daily cup of joy.
Cold press is the beloved, 12-hour brewed, icy goodness that’s made to fill any iced drink. Did you know that if you order a cold press with caramel sauce the creaminess makes it taste like a latte? It’s one of my favorite go-to drinks that has a lower price point and extra caffeine.
Let’s Talk Milk
When it comes to cost, milk is the biggest factor. Adding milk to your coffee can sometimes double the price of your favorite cup. However, picking a base and adding a splash of milk, or a milk alternative, can make all the difference. Some franchises even have protein-friendly milk options with less sugar.
Flavor Time
My suggestion here is to ask for sugar free substitutes. Many coffee shops have a variety of syrups that are sugar free. That being said, if you find that that the Toasted White Mocha syrup is too good to miss out on, ask for a half shot. A typical medium coffee can have four-to-five pumps of syrup in each drink. Getting two or three pumps instead can still give you the satisfying taste without the added calories.
Need Inspiration?
I’ve got you covered!
MacroBarista shares recipes daily on their website and across TikTok. These recipes can help you follow your health goals and save you money!
My Go-To Caribou Dupe
I absolutely love and adore a Campfire Mocha with White Chocolate. How in the world do I make this any healthier?
A Caribou Crafted Press is the answer! The crafted press has a similar taste to any of Caribou’s signature creations with the purpose of being a healthy alternative.
A Crafted Press has a cold-pressed base with a splash of cream and the milk of your choice. This drink includes one pump of any flavor. I add one pump of marshmallow syrup and a half-pump of white chocolate. This has been my go-to for the past four years now. I really love it, and I think you will, too!
Looking for more health and wellness tips? Check out the Health & Wellness section of the FlexTrades’ blog!
