Coffee – a beverage that’s widely available and consumed by people all over the world. Almost everyone has heard of coffee before but if you are following a more plant-based lifestyle, you may be wondering: is coffee vegan?
As vegan dietitians, we can assure you the answer is yes. However, there are several factors to consider in order to make sure you drink your coffee in a healthy and vegan-friendly way. To help you make informed decisions related to your coffee consumption, this article will discuss why coffee is vegan, the potential benefits and downfalls, and what vegans can add to their coffee.
What is vegan coffee?
Vegan coffee implies that the coffee is strictly plant-based, which may lead you to ask: what coffee is vegan? Trick question – all coffee is vegan coffee! From bean to cup, there are no animal products involved in making coffee. This means you can enjoy your morning cup of joe completely guilt-free!
What makes coffee a plant-based beverage?
Let’s start from the beginning. Coffee starts its journey out as little seeds that grow into a plant that belongs to the Coffea species. With the right care, this plant will start to produce coffee cherries, which hold coffee beans inside.
The beans are removed from the cherries but do not become the coffee beans we know until they are dried and roasted. Through these steps, coffee beans transition from green to brown – the colour we tend to see when we buy our coffee from the supermarket.
You can either buy your beans whole and grind them up at home or buy them already ground. Either way, coffee is both a vegetarian and vegan beverage because there are no animal products involved in its journey from bean to cup!
Is coffee vegan?
Yes, coffee is most definitely vegan. But does this mean those following a more plant-based lifestyle should drink coffee?
Should vegans drink coffee?
Coffee in its purest form is plant-based, but does this mean we should drink it? The answer involves many different factors and will vary from person to person. To help you make an informed choice on whether you should indulge in this aromatic experience, you should consider the potential benefits and downfalls.
What are the benefits of drinking coffee as a vegan?
There are many potential benefits of drinking coffee, which include but are not limited to:
- Improved alertness, concentration, energy, and mood
- Reduced oxidative stress
- The antioxidants in coffee help protect against cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals. Reduced risk of some chronic diseases
- Improved weight management and blood sugar regulation
- Supports brain health
What are the downfalls of drinking coffee as a vegan?
Despite the numerous benefits of coffee consumption, it is equally important to be aware of the potential downfalls, which may include but are not limited to:
- Reduced iron absorption
- Coffee naturally contains polyphenols, compounds found in plant-based foods. Although polyphenols have antioxidant properties and may offer some protection against certain diseases, recent literature reveals that they can further decrease non-heme iron absorption.
- If you have a history of iron deficiency or are concerned about your iron intake, we welcome you to book a free discovery call with one of our vegan dietitians to see how they can help you optimize iron intake.
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling jittery/anxious
- Acid reflux
How can I minimize the downfalls of drinking coffee as a vegan?
Some tips from our plant-based dietitians to minimize the negative effects of drinking coffee include:
- Consume coffee in moderation
- Separate coffee intake from meals to promote nutrient absorption
- Drink coffee in the mid-to-late morning
- Opt for decaffeinated coffee (also vegan-friendly)
- Opt for dark roast
- Book a free discovery call with one of our highly skilled vegan dietitians to see how they can help you
Is Starbucks’ coffee vegan?
Yes, Starbucks’ coffee itself is vegan! But when choosing a drink at Starbucks’, it is important to double-check that the other ingredients added are also vegan. Remember to always choose a plant-based milk!
Moreover, you may have noticed that Starbucks uses coffee syrups in many of their signature drinks. Which flavours of coffee syrup are vegan-friendly can change depending on the brand they use so it’s always safest to ask your barista which syrups are truly plant-based!
What can vegans add to their coffee?
Coffee in its purest form is plant-based, but we still need to make sure that what we add to our coffee is also vegan.
Fortunately, there are plenty of plant-based milk alternatives for both vegans and vegetarians! Some examples of alternative milk options include:
- Soy
- Almond
- Oat
- Cashew
- Coconut
- Hemp
If you prefer a creamier taste, vegan coffee creamers are also typically readily available at your local grocery store, such as the ones offered by Silk.
Is Coffee Mate vegan?
Coffee Mate is a brand of coffee creamers that offers a wide range of flavours available in powdered, liquid, and concentrated forms.
Unfortunately, not all Coffee Mate creamers are vegan. Many Coffee Mate creamers contain a milk derivative, sodium caseinate, making them not suitable for vegans. On the bright side, Coffee Mate does have some non-dairy plant-based creamers and alternative milks that can be the perfect addition to coffee for both vegans and
Coffee is 100% plant-based and can therefore be enjoyed by both vegans and vegetarians. Just remember to check that the other ingredients added to your coffee are plant-based!
The decision to indulge should be considered individually while taking into account the potential benefits and downfalls. For those following a plant-based lifestyle, it is important to consider the negative effect of coffee on iron absorption. If you want to know more about how coffee fits in your life and ensure that you are consuming it in a healthy and vegan-friendly way, contact us to book a session with a plant-based dietitian.
Alyssa Fontaine
Hi! I am a Vegan Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian (RD). I did a bachelor's degree in dietetics at Mcgill University in Canada. I created the Plant-Based Deititans to help people navigate vegan nutrition and feel their best! The dietitians on my team are all vegetarians or vegans and offer online consultations across Canada and the United States.
