In the world of coffee, a common practice among many consumers is to add sugar or sweeteners to counteract the characteristic bitterness of the drink. However, what is behind this custom? Is it really necessary to sweeten coffee? Experts on the subject shed light on this issue, highlighting that the habit of adding sugar to coffee could be a symptom of its quality.
According to the Santo Amaro coffee shop’s TikTok account, adding sugar to coffee reveals a lot about the quality of the drink being consumed. “You should not add sugar or sweeteners to coffee and I am going to explain to you the reasons why this should be so. Coffee is a fruit, a cherry, and therefore in its nature it is sweet and acidic,” they explain.
The main reason behind this practice lies in the quality of the coffee used. According to experts, low-quality coffee, especially the robusta variety, tends to be more bitter due to its high concentration of caffeine. In contrast, Arabica coffee, which contains less caffeine, allows you to better appreciate its natural flavors, including its sweetness and acidity.
According to health experts, this practice can have negative consequences for health. Healthline warned that adding sugar to coffee can negate some of its beneficial effects, such as increased energy and weight control. Additionally, consuming excess sugar has been linked to cardiovascular problems, increased blood pressure, risk of type II diabetes and certain types of cancer, according to Harvard Medical School.
On the other hand, black coffee is promoted as the best option to keep calorie and sugar levels low. According to Eat This, Not That, consuming about 4 to 5 cups of coffee a day, equivalent to 400 milligrams of caffeine, is a safe amount and may even provide health benefits, as long as you avoid adding sugar or other ingredients.
Cinnamon would be a good option to replace sugar in coffee. Of course, always using it moderately. Another option is to use its Ceylon version, which is more spicy than sweet. Honey is another good alternative since it is a product that provides certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial to the body. Of course, in moderation because it contains a high amount of calories and sugars.
