A Complete Guide to the Types of Coffee Drinks and Their Benefits

Few things are more universal than a morning cup of coffee, but not all coffee drinks are made equal. How do the different types of coffee stack up? Coffee offers numerous health benefits due to its rich antioxidant profile and caffeine content. It can improve cognitive function and mood, and regular consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and some cancers.

That said, your coffee's health benefits may vary depending on how it's prepared and what other ingredients are included. Black coffee and plain cold brew are low in calories and may be easier to digest, while specialty drinks contain ingredients that may negate coffee's benefits.

Types of Coffee Beans

The differences between coffee drinks start at the coffee bean. There are more than 100 species of coffee trees worldwide, each with beans that feature a distinct flavor and unique health-promoting properties. However, Coffea arabica (arabica) and Coffea canephora (robusta) are the most commonly cultivated species. Arabica beans account for approximately 70% of the coffee market, while robusta beans account for most of the remaining 30%.

Arabica coffee beans, often used in black or specialty coffees, are known for their smooth, complex flavors and high acidity. Robusta coffee beans, on the other hand, feature a more bitter taste. Their intense flavor also mirrors their higher caffeine content, making them ideal for instant coffee and espresso blends.

Regarding health benefits, the Arabica beans' lower caffeine content may be gentler on the digestive system. However, research indicates that Robusta beans may offer more noticeable benefits in terms of cognitive function and lipid levels. That said, the type and amount of coffee you consume is a personal choice that can be made with guidance from a registered dietitian.

Types of Hot Coffee Drinks

Coffee is the most widely consumed drink in the world, with an estimated two billion cups consumed daily. It's often associated with a need for caffeine intake, but its many variations offer benefits outside of an energy boost.

Some include ingredients that enhance the drinking experience, while others provide micronutrients essential to various aspects of health.

Black Coffee

Black coffee is a no-frills caffeinated beverage made by brewing ground coffee beans in hot water. It can be made using various methods, such as drip, pour-over, or French press. It's low in calories but rich in antioxidants, offering several health benefits when included in a well-balanced diet.

Drinking black coffee can help improve cognitive function and may benefit heart health and glucose control. However, drinking too much coffee, even regular coffee, can lead to insomnia and increased anxiety.

Americano

An Americano is made by diluting an espresso shot with hot water. The combination produces a rich, smooth flavor similar to black coffee, but its caffeine content is much higher. The number of espresso shots can vary depending on how much caffeine is desired in one sitting.

Many espresso connoisseurs recommend adding water to the espresso shots to avoid over-diluting your drink.

Espresso

Espresso is a concentrated coffee known for its bold flavor and thick foam. Its intricate brewing process involves sending hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure.

Espresso can be enjoyed independently or as the base of various caffeinated drinks like lattes and macchiatos. On its own, espresso is low in calories, but its high caffeine content may cause jitteriness or insomnia when consumed excessively. Excessive consumption may also lead to increased total cholesterol.

Latte

Lattes are made by combining espresso with steamed milk, often featuring a layer of frothed milk art. They're known for their creamy texture and balanced flavor, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences. In addition to its caffeine content, the latte also provides calcium and protein from the milk.

Be mindful of added ingredients, as some sweeteners and syrups may increase the calorie and sugar content.

Cappuccino

Cappuccinos are equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. They're crafted by layering the caffeinated espresso with the rich, creamy milk to create a smooth, energy-boosting beverage. The coffee provides antioxidants, while the milk provides calcium and protein retained during the steaming process.

Be mindful of added ingredients to avoid excessive calories or sugar in your morning pick-me-up.

Macchiato

A macchiato is a compact caffeinated beverage crafted by adding a small portion of steamed milk or milk foam to a shot of espresso. It's low in calories but features a strong coffee flavor, making it an excellent option for those who need a boost of energy without excessive calories.

Mocha

Mochas may appeal to chocolate lovers, as they're made with espresso, steamed milk, and cocoa powder or chocolate syrup. They're a rich beverage packed with antioxidants from both coffee and cocoa, offering many of the same cognitive benefits as a standard cup of coffee. Still, moderation is vital, as many mocha varieties can be high in added sugars.

Flat White

Like a latte, the flat white is made with espresso and steamed milk. However, its ratio of espresso to milk is much higher, indicating a higher caffeine content. Flat whites are known for their velvety texture and bold flavor. They're low in calories when enjoyed plain, but they can be flavored with various sweeteners and syrups.

Café au Lait

A café au lait is a smooth, creamy beverage made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. Its coffee content provides antioxidants, and its milk offers a small portion of calcium. While it's typically low in calories, adding sweeteners can increase its sugar content. It's essential to be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive caffeine and calorie intake.

Cortado

The caffeinated delicacy known as cortado hails from Spain. It is a combination of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It's usually served in a small glass and doesn't usually feature foam on top. It typically retains the antioxidants in the coffee while providing a small serving of calcium from the milk.

Cortados have a smooth texture and intense flavor, creating an enjoyable drinking experience. Still, moderation is key.

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a popular after-dinner drink that combines hot black coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar and is topped with a hefty layer of cream. This boozy beverage offers antioxidants from the coffee, but its alcohol content may impact various aspects of health. If you can safely enjoy an alcohol-containing caffeinated beverage, it's best to do so in moderation.

Red-Eye Coffee

Red-eye coffee kicks regular brewed coffee up a notch by adding a shot of espresso. It's a robust, caffeine-packed beverage that can boost alertness and increase focus. It also includes two coffee sources, increasing its antioxidant profile.

However, it's rightfully named, as it features a high caffeine content. Those sensitive to caffeine may experience caffeine jitters or insomnia if consumed in excess.

Doppio

Doppio, made as a double shot of espresso, is a popular drink among espresso enthusiasts. While it may be small in volume, espresso is packed with caffeine, so a double serving will surely put a pep in your step. It offers a unique, robust flavor that appeals to those who like a pungent taste.

Breve

Breve is a rich coffee drink crafted with equal parts espresso and steamed half-and-half. It has a creamy texture and rich flavor but is higher in calories than regular lattes since it uses half-and-half instead of plain milk. While it provides some protein and calcium, moderation is crucial to manage calorie and fat intake.

Dirty Chai

A dirty chai blends the spicy flavors of chai tea with the rich, bold taste of coffee to create an enjoyable, energy-boosting beverage. It's made by steeping chai spices with hot water and adding a shot of espresso or regular brewed coffee and steamed milk. Some variations include added sweeteners, highlighting the importance of moderation when monitoring calorie intake.

Types of Iced Coffee Drinks

Iced coffee can be a refreshing alternative to hot coffee, especially on a warm day. While its preparation is quite different from hot brewed coffee, its health benefits are relatively similar.

Instead of relying on hot water to draw out the caffeine and flavor from the coffee beans, cold-brew coffee relies on time. Iced coffee drinks are typically made by allowing coffee beans to steep in cold water for several hours.

Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water, typically for up to 24 hours. It has a smooth, less acidic taste than regular hot coffee and offers several health benefits when included in a well-balanced diet. Like hot coffee, its caffeine content can improve alertness and cognition, among other benefits.  

Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro cold brew takes your standard cold brew coffee to the next level by infusing it with nitrogen gas. Adding nitrogen gas to the caffeine-packed liquid increases its surface area, reducing its acidity and intensifying its flavor. Nitro cold brew is known for its creamy texture and frothy top, making it an excellent option for coffee lovers who prefer a bolder taste.

Iced Latte

Much like a hot latte, iced lattes combine espresso with milk. However, iced lattes use cold milk to create a chilled, creamy, refreshing drink. Iced lattes provide antioxidants from the coffee and calcium from the milk. It's important to be mindful of added sweeteners or flavored syrups to maximize an iced latte's health benefits. These ingredients can increase the drink's calorie content and your total added sugar intake.

Frappuccino

Frappuccinos, sometimes called frappes, are blended coffee drinks. They're typically made by combining coffee, ice, and sweeteners in a blender, but not all frappuccinos are made the same. Some contain flavored syrups, ice creams, or milk. Many are topped with whipped cream, making them a delectable, slushy treat.

While most frappuccinos contain caffeine, many are high in sugar and calories. Reducing the added sugars and opting for lower-calorie ingredients can change their nutrient profile.

Iced Mocha

Iced mochas blend espresso, cold milk, ice, and chocolate syrup to create a dessert-like drink with a caffeine boost. Often topped with whipped cream, they're typically higher in calories and sugar than regular cold brew.

Adjusting the number of espresso shots in the mocha drink can increase the drink's caffeine content. Limiting the added sugar or opting for sugar-free alternatives can also reduce the sugar content.

A Quick Review

With so many different types of coffee to choose from, it's not surprising that it's one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Each drink offers unique flavors and benefits, from the robust intensity of espresso drinks to the creamy smoothness of lattes and café au laits.

Those who prefer a simple cup of coffee may appreciate black coffee without sweeteners, while those searching for a decadent beverage may opt for a more adventurous cappuccino. And with varying levels of caffeine, depending on the ingredients and serving sizes, there's sure to be a coffee beverage suited for everyone's needs.