A new survey reveals what the perfect cup of coffee actually is

How would you describe the perfect cup of coffee?

By Emily Caldwell Published September 23, 2024

Coffee drinks — didesign / Adobe Stock

With coffee drinking at a record high in the United States, it’s a pretty fair assumption to say many Americans look forward to starting their day with a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee. But what makes the perfect cup of coffee? In a recent study, commissioned by La Colombe and Chobani and conducted by Talker Research, researchers explored American’s coffee preferences. Iced or hot? Flavored coffee creamers or syrups? This new study explored what today’s definition of a “perfect cup of coffee” really is.

The study gathered some pretty interesting insights, concluding that overall, Americans take their coffee pretty seriously. The study concluded that universally, respondents agreed (both hot and cold coffee drinkers) that they preferred medium roast coffee with a bold, earthy, and chocolate flavor profile.

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However, iced and hot coffee drinkers also noted some major differences in their perception of a perfect cup of coffee. About 56% of hot coffee drinkers noted they like a simple, frills-free cup of hot coffee, while 51% of iced coffee drinkers mentioned they enjoy controlling every aspect of their coffee — from the brewing method to the flavors. Additionally, iced coffee drinkers were more likely to use flavored coffee creamers and syrups when compared to hot coffee drinkers.

Best flavors for coffee

Pumpkin spice coffee with cinnamon — Karolina Grabowska / Pexels

The “perfect cup of coffee” study also examined the top coffee flavors that make a good cup of coffee a great cup of coffee. For both sweeteners and flavored creamers, most participants preferred classic flavors such as vanilla (52%) and caramel (42%), followed by caramel macchiato and hazelnut. Other seasonal and dessert flavors such as pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha were also popular choices amongst those who like to personalize their cup of coffee.

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Coffee & Tea

Contributor

Emily is an accomplished freelance journalist with over seven years of experience in food, beverage, health, fitness, and…

Food & Drink

Can drinking coffee extend your life? New study suggests it may

Is coffee the key to a longer life?

A person sitting at their work desk drinking out of a Starbucks cup.

The fine line between enjoying the right amount of coffee and drinking too much coffee continues to be a challenging concept to master for many coffee drinkers. To add to the dilemma, a new meta-analysis study dove into the research of nearly 85 studies to examine coffee's relationship to portability rates and health indicators. This new study, headed by a team from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, suggests that drinking about three cups of coffee per day could extend lifespan by about 1.84 years per person.

The findings of this study showcase the potential for drinking coffee to protect against chronic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes, as well as age-associated diseases, such as stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers suggest that the benefits of coffee come from bioactive compounds within the drink known as polyphenols. Polyphenols may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, fighting against the disease. However, the key to taking advantage of these benefits from coffee is "moderate consumption," which generally means around three to five cups of coffee per day for most adults.

Food & Drink

Does coffee dehydrate you? Debunking this common misconception

Understanding coffee's effects

Small coffee cup and saucer

Every coffee drinker has reached a point where they realize they've consumed about three or four cups of coffee and almost no water in a day. At this point, the notion that coffee dehydrates you may run through your head, reminding you to grab a glass of water. While drinking enough water is critical regardless of coffee consumption, the concept that coffee dehydrates you is not entirely true.
The misconception stems from the idea that coffee is a diuretic, which is true. However, are these diuretic effects enough to cause symptoms of dehydration? In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the question, "Does coffee dehydrate you?" Is this common belief made up, or is there some truth to it? Let's explore.
Does coffee dehydrate you?

While coffee is a diuretic, that doesn't necessarily mean it dehydrates you. Coffee's caffeine content increases the amount of urine your body produces, which can increase the amount of fluids you lose. This process creates a mild diuretic effect, helping your kidneys to draw out extra salt and water. However, coffee is made of nearly 95% to 98% water, so the diuretic effects are mild. All in all, this means that the short answer is no, coffee does not dehydrate you.
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Food & Drink

Hawaiian coffee chews are the newest way to get your caffeine fix

100% Hawaiian-grown Kona coffee beans blended with cacao

YouChews Coffee Chews

If you want to get your caffeine fix but don't have time to drink a whole cup of coffee, there's a new solution. YouChew's Coffee Chews blend 100% Hawaiian-grown Kona coffee beans with smooth cacao and Guarana to deliver a delicious pick-me-up that rivals your favorite cup of joe. Perfect for on-the-go energy, each chew contains the same caffeine as an 8-ounce cup of coffee. Two chews contain the equivalent of a double shot of espresso. The caffeine in each chew comes from a plant native to the Amazon rainforest known as Guarana, delivering long-lasting energy without sugar spikes or jitters.

Each YouChew coffee chew contains only 2 grams of sugar and uses all-natural ingredients. Each bite includes a delicious creamy coconut and a slightly sweet, soft flavor from natural coconut butter, blended with a gentle chocolatey experience from the velvety cacao. Unlike other caffeine-packed products that can sometimes cause a crash, YouChew's Coffee Chews contain natural caffeine released slowly. As a result, users get longer, more consistent energy without the highs and lows of coffee.
The YouChew brand has crafted these new Hawaiian coffee chews after heavy research investigating the absorption of soft chews. Research shows that soft chews have superior absorption to pills, powders, and gummies, allowing the caffeine in these chews to be highly absorbed by the body. Plus, the delicious flavor of each is almost like a mid-day snack. Each chew is vegan-friendly, keto-friendly, and dairy-free, making this an excellent option for nearly any coffee and chocolate lover. Even better, these Hawaiian coffee chews come individually wrapped, perfect for taking no matter where you're headed.