Coffee For People Who Don't Like Coffee
I get it, coffee is not for everyone.
If we all enjoyed the same things the world would be a pretty boring place.
However, for me there is more to coffee than being a warm caffeinated beverage.
It also has a social aspect and rituals that change throughout the world.
So, I do understand that if you or someone you know doesn’t like coffee they may feel as though they are missing out.
Fear not your grasshopper.
There is always a way.
Although there may be several reasons why people don’t like coffee we’ll walk through some of the best coffee for people who don’t like coffee whether it's the coffee that has the least coffee taste or the least caffeine or even the least heat!
What to order for people who don't like coffee?
The first question I would ask is do you have a desire to like coffee?
If you want to avoid coffee at all costs and don’t want to be a ‘coffee drinker’ then there are plenty of other beverages that will keep you in the lunch time coffee club crew.
Here are a few:
Tea - Slightly obvious but often overlooked. Especially artisanal herbal teas or fruit teas stocked in coffee houses.
Hot Chocolate - Again, maybe overlooked as you may not associate Hot Chocolate as a beverage you’d consume outside of the house. However, specialty hot chocolate with perfectly textured milk is something special.
Chai - Specifically a chai latte is still a pretty popular drink in certain months. The aroma of a chai makes me feel warm inside.
Matcha - The ground green tea leaves combined typically with textured milk is perfect for people who don’t like the taste of coffee but still want the textured milk.
Now, if you have read down to here you are interested in trying to like coffee.
Like with anything in life a little bit of persistence pays off and the more you do something the easier it gets or in this case the more you consume coffee the more delicious it gets.
My sister used to hate the taste of coffee but slowly she started to order certain coffees with the least coffee taste and now she is a double espresso drinker.
There are a few reasons why you may not like coffee though, maybe it’s the taste, maybe it’s the caffeine or maybe it’s the fact that you don’t enjoy warm drinks.
So my advice would be to start off small and take baby steps until you reach the level of ‘coffee’ that you’re happy with.
Best coffee for people who don't like coffee.
1. Latte
(those that don’t like the taste of coffee)
A latte is typically a double shot of espresso served with a medium textured milk in a large coffee glass (although this can vary depending on the cafe/country).
It has been the gateway coffee for many ‘now espresso drinkers’ for years.
For me a latte is the coffee that has the least coffee taste which you will find in the majority of cafes.
2. Decaf
(those that don’t like the caffeine in coffee)
For many folks, their dislike of coffee runs deeper than the taste and it’s the caffeine content that puts them off.
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Decaf is now having its renaissance and there are now many different specialty decafs on the market which have all the delicious flavour notes of regular specialty coffee.
Check out Batch Decaf Coffee Club if you want to discover the best decaf in the world.
3. Cold Brew
(those that don’t like the heat of coffee)
There are a number of people that actually like the taste of coffee and are partial to a caffeine hit or two but are put off by the fact that coffee is a hot beverage.
Well there are a couple of great solutions to this problem and one of which is Cold Brew coffee.
Brewed differently to normal coffee, a cold brew highlights the complexities in the coffee beans and is served over ice.
4. One Shot ‘Coffee’
(those that don’t like the taste or caffeine in coffee)
If you feel as though you want to jump on the flat white train or you’d prefer an Americano/Long Black then you can always opt for a weaker version and ask one shot instead of two therefore halving the coffee taste and the caffeine.
How To Make a Latte at Home
This also goes if you are brewing any form of coffee, add a little bit of hot water post brew to make it weaker.
5. Dirty Chai
(those that don’t like the taste of coffee)
Once you’re over the fact that you sound like a hipster when you order a dirty chai, they make a fantastic alternative for people who don’t like the taste of coffee.
Normally a shot of coffee combined with the chai mixture served with textured milk.
The chai normally masks the taste of coffee while still offering that caffeine hit.
6. Mocha
(those that don’t like the taste of coffee)
Very similar to a chai, a mocha is sort of a hybrid coffee.
It is usually one shot of coffee that has a healthy dosing of chocolate served with latte style milk.
Certainly for the sweet tooth, however the chocolate doesn’t mask the coffee taste quite as much as the chai so a mocha is a great way to slowly introduce the taste of coffee into your life.
How do you get caffeine if you don't like coffee?
There are several other sources of caffeine if you don't like coffee:
Tea: Tea is a popular alternative to coffee that contains caffeine. There are many varieties of tea, including black, green, oolong, and white, and each contains varying levels of caffeine.
Energy drinks: Energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster contain high levels of caffeine and are a popular choice for those who need a quick energy boost.
Soda: Many sodas contain caffeine, including popular brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. However, it is important to note that sugary drinks can have negative health effects. Find out how much caffeine is in Pepsi.
Chocolate: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains caffeine. While it may not be a significant source of caffeine, it can be a good option for those who want a small boost.
Caffeine supplements: There are many caffeine supplements available, including pills and powders, that can provide a quick caffeine boost without the need to consume coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
It's important to keep in mind that consuming too much caffeine can have negative health effects, so it's important to consume it in moderation.
What is the easiest coffee to like?
The easiest coffee to like would largely depend on personal preference, as different people have different taste preferences when it comes to coffee.
However, if you're new to coffee or looking for a coffee that is generally well-liked, you may want to try a medium roast Arabica coffee.
Medium roast coffee is a good starting point as it has a balance of flavours that are not too mild or too strong.
In addition, you can experiment with adding milk to your coffee, which can help to temper any bitterness and add a creaminess to the taste.
How To Make Cold Brew Coffee
Sweeteners such as sugar or flavoured syrups can also help to make the coffee more palatable to those who are not accustomed to the taste.
Ultimately, finding the easiest coffee to like is a matter of personal preference, and it may take some experimentation to find a coffee that you truly enjoy.
What's the Best Strategy for Developing a Coffee Appreciation?
The journey to coffee appreciation is best approached gradually and methodically.
Begin with highly diluted or flavoured options, then slowly progress toward more traditional coffee experiences as your palate adjusts. Here's a suggested pathway:
Start with a vanilla latte or mocha, where familiar sweet flavours mask the coffee's intensity. As you become comfortable with these, try reducing the sweetener whilst maintaining the milk ratio.
Eventually, experiment with flat whites, which offer a balanced milk-to-coffee ratio. For those particularly sensitive to coffee's flavour, a 'lazy latte' made with a single shot rather than the standard double can serve as an even gentler introduction.
The key is consistency and patience. Regular exposure helps your palate adjust to coffee's complex flavours, much like training any other taste preference.
Pay attention to quality - speciality coffee shops often serve better-balanced drinks that can be more approachable than budget alternatives.
What coffee is the least bitter?
The bitterness of coffee can vary depending on factors such as the type of coffee beans, the roasting process, and the brewing method.
However, some types of coffee are generally considered to be less bitter.
For instance, Arabica beans are known for their delicate and nuanced flavours, which tend to be less bitter than those of Robusta beans.
Light roasts have a milder flavour and are less bitter than darker roasts.
Cold brew coffee is steeped in cold water for an extended period, which results in a smoother and less bitter flavour.
Espresso, while it can be bitter, is often served in small quantities, which makes the bitterness more manageable.
Finally, specialty coffee is known for being of higher quality and having a more nuanced flavour profile, which often results in a less bitter taste.
It's important to note that personal preference can also play a role in how bitter coffee tastes to an individual.
Are coffee drinkers happier?
While it's true that coffee can help improve mood and increase alertness due to its caffeine content, it's important to note that just because coffee drinkers may report feeling happier it doesn't necessarily mean that coffee is the sole reason for their increased happiness.
