Wondering What to Put in Coffee? Time to Experiment!

Black coffee can be delicious on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to add a little ~pizazz~ to a freshly brewed cup.

There are things to add to coffee that make it a bit smoother and less acidic for those with sensitive stomachs, or other ingredients that have potential health benefits like energy, helping brain function, reducing stress, etc.

If you’re venturing beyond black coffee and ready to experiment, here’s an initial list of what to put in coffee and why.

What to put in coffee to smooth out the flavor and reduce acidity

Adding milk (or a creamer) to your drink is a great way to reduce coffee acidity. Everyone tends to have their personal preference when it comes to milk and subtle flavor undertones. We did not include coconut milk on this list because the flavor is pretty overbearing and covers up the natural taste of coffee more so than these other alternatives.

Almond milk: Almond milk feels like one of the milk alternative IGs. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin E, and magnesium. It’s lower in calories and fat than cow's milk, and a bit easier on the stomach.

Cashew milk: Cashew milk is another dairy alternative that’s packed with nutrients with a subtle but rich, nutty flavor. It’s also fairly low-calorie.

Oat milk: Oat milk is a popular non-dairy milk alternative (we love it, and you know it’s popular now because even Starbucks offers it) packed with nutrients and a creamy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s low in calories compared to cow’s milk and a good alternative for those who experience lactose intolerance, nut allergies or other dietary restrictions.

It’s also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium and vitamin D, so if you’re looking for what to put in coffee to help make it smoother but aren’t keen on coconut milk, this may be your jam. It’s also more sustainable than dairy milk, as it requires less water and resources to produce.

What to add to coffee for a potential energy boost & to benefit brain function

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is an excellent alternative to milk that can add a delightful soft/smooth flavor to your coffee. It’s rich in healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can enhance energy and brain function. Speaking of MCTs…

MCT oil: MCT oil is a type of oil that is derived from coconut oil and is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). It’s absorbed fairly quickly and converted into energy by the body, making MCT oil a good choice for those looking to boost energy and brain function.

Maca powder: Maca powder is a superfood derived from a root vegetable native to the Andes Mountains in Peru. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is high in antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. It’s believed to have a variety of health benefits, including improved energy and mood.

🍄 Chaga mushroom powder: Chaga mushroom powder is made from the dried and ground fruiting bodies of the chaga mushroom. It’s high in antioxidants and believed to have a variety of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving cardiovascular health.

🍄 Lion's mane mushroom powder: Lion's mane mushroom powder is made from the dried and ground fruiting bodies of the lion's mane mushroom. It’s high in antioxidants and believed to have a variety of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving brain function, and reducing inflammation.

Cacao: Cacao can provide several potential benefits when added to coffee, including improved mood, antioxidants, energy boost, reduced inflammation, and improved cognitive function. The combination of caffeine in coffee and theobromine in cacao can provide an extra energy boost and improved focus.

Things to add to coffee to enhance the flavor (and other benefits!)

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice that can add a sweet and spicy flavor to your coffee. It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors and can be used to enhance the natural flavors of coffee beans. It’s high in antioxidants and has a variety of health benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation.

A little tip though – use it in moderation, as it has a strong flavor and can overtake the flavor pretty easily. 

😋 (Oh! And we also recommend this cinnamon oat milk latte recipe for a little prosperity ritual.)

Vanilla extract: Adding a splash of pure vanilla extract to your coffee can add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. You can add it directly to your brewed coffee or mix it in with your creamer/milk.

📝 (It's important to note that some commercially-produced vanilla extracts may contain added sugars or artificial ingredients, so it's best to choose a high-quality, pure vanilla extract without any additives. Like anything, small amounts and moderation are key. This is definitely not an everyday addition when looking for things to add to coffee for flavor enhancement.)

Powdered peanut butter: Ok, this was a weird one to consider at first, but once you blend a bit of this in with cacao, game over. Not only do you get the benefits of peanut butter when it comes to energy, but it can enrichen the taste of your morning brew – especially when used in tandem with our Brazilian Blend (Brew of Riches) that already has a nutty undertone.

What to add to coffee to promote stress reduction

Ashwagandha powder: Ashwagandha powder is a popular Ayurvedic herb that may help with reducing stress and anxiety, improving brain function, and increasing muscle mass and strength.

The powder has a slightly bitter flavor, so it’s often combined with other ingredients such as honey, milk, or even cacao to make it a biiiiiit more palatable.

CBD oil: CBD oil has a lot of potential benefits when it comes to stress reduction, helping to manage anxiety, promoting restorative sleep, and having the added benefits of the carrier oil being used.

What to add to coffee for skin, hair, nails support

Collagen peptides: Collagen peptides are a type of protein derived from animal sources such as cows or fish. They’re easily digestible and can help to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.

They can also help to reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Again, this is something you may want to blend with another item off this list, like cacao, maca or even a powdered peanut butter blend to make the taste less noticeable.

There are also delish premade blends like Bulletproof vanilla flavored collagen protein that goes well in coffee.

We’ll continue to add to this list as time goes on if you’re wondering what to add to coffee when experimenting with different blends and types. 🫡

Have any faves? Let us know!

*Disclaimer: Though these are natural ingredients and we're sharing the potential health benefits, please do your own research and check with a health professional before adding supplements to your diet.