As college and university students, we all know how important a cup of coffee is. One cup (or two) could take us from Zombie Mode to Fearless-Beyoncé-Ready-to-Run-the-World. However, it’s time to ditch the ordinary brew and move beyond the Double Double. Here are five things you can add to take your cup of coffee to a new level!
1. Stir in some black sesame powder:
Black sesame seeds are highly nutritious, packed with vitamin B1, fiber, magnesium and calcium (just to name a few). Add in a teaspoon to give your coffee a rich, nutty flavour. This tastes especially good with coconut or almond milk.
2. Sprinkle on some spices:
Add in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or cardamom directly into your cup before you pour in your coffee for a refreshing spice kick. Alternatively, you could sprinkle on the spices after you have poured your coffee for a lighter taste. These spices are a great alternative to sugar!
3. Try using a different type of milk:
Swapping out your usual milk and creamer can add a new unique taste to the coffee. Try using variations such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, hemp milk or cashew milk. You can even pick between sweetened or unsweetened.
4. Blend in some coconut oil:
Yes, that’s right, coconut oil. Similar to the “bulletproof coffee,” this interesting add-in brings creaminess to the drink and can keep you full all morning. Make sure you blend in the coconut oil so that is incorporated properly with the coffee! This also makes it frothier – almost like a latté mmm!
5. Try sweetning with maple syrup or pure vanilla extract:
Maple syrup contains 54 antioxidants and makes a healthy, low-calorie swap for your regular sugar. Alternatively, you could add vanilla extract; just a few drops will do to add some sweet vanilla flavour. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try using almond extract.
Just remember that although coffee is a great pick-me-up, make sure you do not drink too much! The recommended dose of caffeine for the average adult is 200mg to 300mg a day – about two cups of coffee. Don’t pull too many all nighters running on coffee but study hard!!