8 Healthy Coffee Add-Ins to Elevate Your Cup of Joe

These better-for-you alternatives are as delicious as creamer.

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For many, the day simply cannot start without a steaming cup offreshly brewed coffee.

For others, a few additional mugs are required to finish out the day strong.

coffee with cocoa powder and mint

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arent always the best for our health.

Here are eight of them.

This is primarily due to the range of enzymes and bioactive compoundsthis long-loved bee product contains.

It adds a chocolate flavor without added sugar, says Eliza Whitaker, MS, RDN.

Plant-Based Milk

Theplant-based milkaisle has never been more extensive…or confusing.

Nothing elevates your mood (or mine, at least!)

quite like a vanilla latte, iced or hot.

But these tasty coffee drinks are often packed with added sugar and saturated fat.

Similar to honey,maple syrupis another naturally-derived sweetener that has some added health benefits.

This is thanks to the plant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidantsit contains.

However, like honey, maple syrup is a concentrated source of sugar.

For calorie and fat-free flavor,cinnamonis an excellent inclusion in coffee.

Cinnamon adds a sprinkle of flavor, aroma, and antioxidants, Ehsani says.

Theres some evidence that cinnamon may help support healthy blood sugar levels, too.

Research even shows that this common household spice reduces inflammationI personally always have a shaker-ful at my coffee station.

Whilecows milkis often vilified, it does offer meaningful nutrition.

Its also a complete protein, which helps keep muscles and bones strong.

Again, add just a small amount to keep alcohol levels in your coffee to a minimum.

Sugar-free or low-calorie sweeteners and syrups may be seemingly smart solutions here, but they can also be problematic.

However, there are exceptions to all of these rules.

The best options will be free from or very low in these nutrients and ingredients.