As recently reported on CNN and elsewhere, on March 28th, a California Superior Court judge ruled for the Council for Education and Research on Toxics and against Starbucks in a lawsuit regarding acrylamide and coffee. This ruling has sparked widespread concern about the potential for your morning cup of coffee in California to contain this known carcinogen, a byproduct of the coffee-roasting process.
While the ruling may pave the way for a required warning on coffee in the state of California, the science seems to be far from clear, regarding coffee and cancer. Acrylamide is present in coffee, thanks to the roasting process, but it’s also present in a great many other foods and far, far more prevalent in cigarette smoke, for example. Here’s what you need to know with regard to coffee and cancer.
Contrary to what has been reported by several news sources on the Internet and elsewhere, this ruling does not “require” a warning and it does not state that, “coffee causes cancer.” Neither did the ruling solely affect Starbucks. Ninety-one additional defendants were named in the case and ruling, and the defendants that argued the defense on behalf of all ninety-one were Starbucks, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the J.M. Smucker Company, and Kraft Foods.
According to the court documents, the defendants did “not dispute that roasting coffee causes the release of the chemical acrylamide, and that brewed coffee contains acrylamide.” The defendants also did “not dispute that they failed to provide warnings to consumers that the ready-to-drink coffee they sold contained high levels of acrylamide.”
Instead, the defendants argued that issuing a warning was a violation of their free speech rights, that federal law preempted California law on the matter, and that exposure to the amount of acrylamide present in coffee would not pose a significant risk, even over a lifetime of drinking coffee. The judge, however, rejected these claims; this judgment could, barring appeals, require warning labels on coffee and coffee products at some point in the future.
When foods (including coffee) are cooked using a variety of techniques, they undergo a reaction that involves their sugars and amino acids. This is called the Maillard reaction, and it’s the process that gives most roasted, fried, or grilled foods a distinctive, some would say delicious, flavor.
Unfortunately, the Maillard reaction also produces acrylamide during the process. In the case of coffee, the acrylamide present from roasting green coffee beans dissolves in the water used in the brewing process, and ends up making it into the final beverage.
According to the National Institutes of Health, studies in rodents have confirmed that exposure to acrylamide can increase the risk of many kinds of cancer. But they also state that a “large number of epidemiologic studies in humans have found no consistent evidence that dietary acrylamide exposure is associated with the risk of any type of cancer.”
Acrylamide is present in several foods that you may enjoy on a daily basis, including olives, breakfast cereal, roasted meat, roasted vegetables, barbecue, and coffee. Many of these foods also have great health benefits associated with them— especially coffee. As with all foods that have both positive and negative health associations, moderation is most likely the key. You’ll have to decide for yourself, until the next court ruling.
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Though coffee and prime rib might seem like an unlikely flavor combo, you’re just going to have to try the special dish and taste the coffee’s earthy flavors that make this roast a uniquely flavorful and savory experience. Just be sure to scrape off any extra coffee grounds from the roast before serving!
Believe it or not, a big pinch of ground coffee can help take your fish tacos to the next level. Instead of marinating, make a flavorful spice rub that includes coffee grounds for an unexpectedly delicious taco seasoning.
Use Massimiliano Alajmo’s tip for making risotto by infusing the dish with the flavor of espresso beans. Complete the risotto recipe by sprinkling ground espresso beans to intensify the coffee flavor, though they do add a slight graininess.
Make your next snack something unforgettable with this licorice-like, Asian-influenced sweet and spicy jerky, marinated in strong brewed coffee. Perfect for an extra boost of energy when camping and backpacking, and a full batch will last up to six weeks so preparing well in advance is not an issue.
The exact ingredients in this salad aren’t all that important, because you can use whatever is in season at the time of preparation, especially if you have your own garden vegetables to add. The star of this dish is definitely the espresso-infused vinaigrette that pairs beautifully with the grilled veggies.
This is a BLT upgrade done right. The bacon is marinated in ground coffee, brown sugar, molasses, and chili powder. That, combined with the goat cheese spread, is guaranteed to make this sandwich your new favorite lunch of all time.
If you’re looking to make banana bread with a little twist, look no further than this coffee toffee banana bread. Both the coffee and toffee flavors are just subtle enough, and a slice of this banana bread goes perfectly with a mug of – you guessed it, coffee!
Coffee and cheeseburgers? Yes, please! Freshly ground coffee adds a unique depth to the spice rub, and brings out an earthy flavor in the meat that will leave you wanting more.
Get more bang for your buck by baking ground coffee right into the cookies. Add a touch of cocoa powder and cinnamon to your next batch of biscotti, and you’ve got a perfectly dippable coffee-infused cookie to enjoy alongside an extra frothy cappuccino.
10. Cappuccino-Fudge Cheesecake
This visually striking cheesecake is almost as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to eat. The combination of coffee and chocolate in a creamy cheesecake is a match made in heaven. Be sure to make this dessert at least one day in advance to allow the flavors to blend while chilling.
]]>The great thing about a Keurig coffee maker is its convenience. Just pop in your favorite flavor of coffee and in minutes, you’ve got a steaming hot cup of your favorite brew to enjoy. But even the most convenient of devices comes with its drudgery, and if you want your Keurig to be working at its highest possible level of efficiency, eventually, you’ve got to clean it.
Fortunately, deep cleaning your Keurig coffee maker is not a difficult task. Here are some easy steps to take when it’s time to deep clean your Keurig.
There are a number of signs that it’s time to clean your Keurig. First, there’s the eye test. If you see the machine getting especially grimy, then it’s time to clean. There’s also the smell test. If your Keurig reservoir smells funky, it’s definitely ready for a cleaning.
Perhaps more importantly, if the Keurig is not working properly—the water isn’t getting through or it comes through without brewing the coffee—then deep cleaning your Keurig should be your first step. Regardless of the signs, for optimal use, you should be cleaning your Keurig about four times a year on average.
The most important part of the Keurig cleaning process is called descaling, but let’s not get to that right away. (Find Keurig Descaling solution on CoffeeForLess.com). First, take off any removable parts, including the reservoir, and wash them with warm, soapy water. Clean the tank filter as well to clear any debris that may be blocking it.
Then, clean any grinds stuck to the K-Cup holder with a wet sponge. While you’re at it, you can wipe down the exterior of the machine. Finally, clean the needles that pierce the K-Cup. This is important because if those needles get clogged, it can prevent the flow and stop your machine from working. Use a paperclip to clear any debris out of the needle holes. Now you’re ready to descale.
Descaling is the process of removing minerals that build up in your machine over time - minerals that can seriously interfere with the machine functioning. While it may sound like a complicated process, it is actually incredibly easy to do and can make a real difference.
To descale your Keurig machine, all you need to do is fill the reservoir with about 10 ounces of white vinegar, and start a brew cycle without a K-Cup. Make sure you still have a mug to catch the liquid as it flows through. Do this cycle twice, then fill the reservoir with 10 ounces of fresh water and do it one more time.
That’s all it takes! This simple process that takes only a few minutes to complete can be the difference between a machine that doesn’t work, works slowly, works noisily, or produces a sub-par cup of coffee, and one that makes the quick, delicious Keurig brew you’ve come to rely on.
If you’ve never descaled your Keurig coffee machine and you’ve had it in your kitchen or office for a while, give it a try today and see what a difference it makes.
]]>With over 35 million products listed for sale, navigating Etsy can be an adventure that calls for a big cup of brew in and of itself. We hope this guide has helped shed some light on the finest coffee-related goods the site has to offer, and we wish you happy sipping (and shopping)!
This beautiful sterling silver necklace is a simple and elegant way to show you’re passionate about coffee. Order it here.
For the aspiring barista, this attractive poster deconstructs a number of popular espresso drinks. Get it here.
If you’ve ever wanted to make latte art but lacked the steady hand and experience needed to pour hot milk with expert precision, try taking the easy route with one of these user-friendly coffee art stencils. Get them here.
True coffee fanatics know that there are few smells better than a fresh brewed pot of coffee. Fill your home with the aroma of coffee with a handmade candle seated in an upcycled glass jar. Check it out here.
Impress your guests with these beautiful edible doilies. They’ll make your coffee so pretty you (almost) won’t want to drink it. See more here.
Get cozy with a cup of coffee in your new favorite comfy sweater that will let everyone know how much the bean means to you. Grab one here.
Some of the best things in life come from plants, and coffee lovers can celebrate the plant that creates their favorite morning beverage with this cell phone case, featuring a coffee plant illustration. Get one here.
Tell them what you really want with these cozy socks. Perfect for the coffee lover who can’t really wake up without grabbing a mug of coffee first. Grab them here.
Add some style to your outfit with a variety of pins that show off what you’re truly passionate about. Get them here.
When you’re a science enthusiast and caffeine addict, you’ll have a hard time resisting this stylish necklace. Order yours here.
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So why do the myths persist? As it turns out, we have the inventor of Grape Nuts to blame. That’s right: C.W. Post slandered coffee’s good name, claiming that it was bad for the heart and kidneys, caused nervousness and gastrointestinal upset, and contributed to yellow skin.
While anyone who’s ever consumed too much coffee will admit that overdoing it can make you feel a bit jumpy, the rest of those claims are vastly overblown.
You see, Post was trying to boost sales for his new breakfast beverage, and coffee was a chief competitor. These days, nobody’s ever heard of “Postum,” but coffee’s still going strong.
Okay, so we’ve already established that most of the strikes against coffee are bunk, but let’s take it a step further. So how can coffee actually benefit your health?
As with anything, moderation is key if you want to reap the maximum health benefits of drinking coffee. It's recommended to keep daily consumption to no more than five cups per day.
Also worth noting: the scientific data cited in this article specifically pertain to black coffee: no cream, no sugar, and certainly no whipped cream or sprinkles.
Adding a splash of cream to your coffee probably won’t have much of an effect on coffee’s health benefits, but if you’re in the habit of drinking your coffee with copious amounts of sugary add-ins, then you may want to consider swapping out your Frappuccino with something a little less extravagant and calorie-rich.
As always, consult your healthcare physician for all health and diet related advice.
]]>In the eyes of any seasoned coffee aficionado, finding that perfect pairing of a great cup of coffee with the right snack to accompany it should always be based on aromatics, body, and sweetness. Where does it hit the tongue when you sip it? The front? The sides? Does the coffee have a syrupy mouth feel to it? All of these factors can affect which food will pair best with that particular cup.
For those who truly think that the perfect cup of coffee is only enhanced by adding a great edible treat on the side, we’ve come up with several of the best sweet and savory food pairings for your next cup.
This well-known French pastry pairs nicely with coffee from Colombia or Peru. These regions are known for growing a bean with a sweeter body that isn't too acidic or overwhelming, comparable to notes of honeycomb and vanilla bean.
As any mocha lover can attest, coffee and chocolate is a match made in heaven. Coffee connoisseurs can take things up a notch by investing in high quality, artisan chocolate to enjoy alongside their favorite cup. As a general rule, Latin American-grown coffee is known to pair especially well with chocolate.
This one might come as a surprise, but any berry (alone or baked in sweets) pairs nicely with coffee. Berries are especially delicious when paired with Tanzanian and Haitian grown coffee varieties.
Like chocolate, caramel is another classic coffee pair. And for good reason! Caramel and coffee are perfect for one another, with Latin American-grown coffee varieties being known to pair particularly well with caramel.
Don't forget coffee cake. Having a bad day? Paired with a medium Hawaiian or Nicaraguan roast, coffee cake will have you singing a different tune by the time you're done.
Savory crepes with meat, cheese, or even just vegetables and herbs all pair nicely with coffee, especially varieties that have been grown in the Pacific Islands. These coffees are known for simple, delicate, yet powerful flavors that complement savory dishes such as breakfast crepes.
Yes, cheese! One wouldn't normally think of cheese and coffee as a likely pair, but when you get it right, the two can be a truly delicious combination. When pairing cheese and coffee, stay away from softer cheeses like Brie and Swiss. Their flavors are a bit too delicate, and can get lost in the complexity of a good, strong cup of coffee.
Medium roast Colombian, Costa Rican, or Guatemalan coffees are an ideal pairing for toast. These varieties of coffee have a heavy body, making them likely espresso blends and offering an intensity of flavor that pairs nicely with the subtle flavors of simple toasted bread.
We can agree a cup of coffee can be just as good starting the day with hearty breakfast as it can with a sweet dessert after dinner -- and everything in between.
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But another guy named George Washington did… sort of. Instant coffee’s first mass producer was a man named George Constant Louis Washington, who was an inventor from Belgium. When he first arrived stateside in 1897, he spent a decade or so figuring out what to do with his life.
At first, he started a company that made parts for kerosene lamps, but incandescent bulbs rendered his newly established firm basically obsolete. After that, he went into the camera business.
When that didn’t go as planned, he moved to Guatemala to make his fortune as a cattle rancher, but that didn’t really work out either. Within a year, he was back in the New York groove, but he had finally hit upon the idea that would make him a wealthy man: instant coffee.
Now, others had made instant coffee before Washington; a New Zealander named David Strang had his own brand, and Japanese chemist Satori Kato had formulated his own version of the stuff, too. But Washington invented a new process that allowed instant coffee to be produced on a massive scale. G. Washington’s instant coffee was a huge hit.
It was convenient! It was modern! It was pure! The WW I soldiers loved it! Soon, the company could afford to sponsor the popular Adventures of Sherlock Holmes radio show, and Dr. Watson invited listeners to join him by the fire for a story and a hot cup of G. Washington coffee.
The only problem was that G. Washington coffee just wasn’t that tasty, and plenty of eager competitors soon cropped up with their own offerings. By World War II, soldiers could choose between a “cup of George” and Nescafe, among several others.
Coffee snobs might turn their noses at the thought of drinking instant coffee, but when you’re on the go and need a quick pick-me-up, it’s certainly better than nothing. And while modern instant coffee may have improved greatly since George Constant Louis Washington’s days, there’s no denying his role as a founding father of the instant coffee world.
Let’s raise our cups and toast to the other George Washington! While we’re at it, let’s thank our lucky stars that we don’t have to drink his original recipe every morning!
]]>When you meet up for a coffee date, you get to see how a person acts in a normal, real-life scenario. You get to see how patient your date is when he or she has to wait in line, and how they behave in public around strangers. You’ll notice manners (does he or she say “please” and “thank you” to the barista?) and you’ll find out how easy going (or not) he or she is, as your date orders a drink. And of course, that order they place during the coffee date may also come with a long and customized list of ways to froth the milk, requests to heat a drink to an ideal temperature, or an opportunity to see how they handle an incorrect order, etc.).
You don’t have to be cheap on a first date. It is best you just spend what you feel comfortable spending, and what common sense dictates. But, if for any reason you need to keep costs low, a coffee date is a great way to do that. Of course, coffee from a coffee shop is more expensive than coffee brewed at home. But that’s beside the point because we’re not recommending you take anyone home on a first date. Just keep thinking about how $20 max at the café (that’s if you decide to throw in a sweet treat) compares to $50 at the movies or for drinks, or $100 or so for dinner and drinks. When you stack up the finances, a coffee date sounds like a pretty great idea.
A coffee outing makes a perfect first date because you can make it as quick or long lasting as you want. If you feel right away that things aren’t quite right between the two of you, you can chug down your coffee, say a nice “thank you,” and have the whole date over with in a snap. On the other hand, if you sense your first-date partner is your potential soul mate and both parties are enjoying the conversation and the vibe, then this type of date can linger until almost… whenever! And it can just as nicely transition into “Do you want to grab some dinner? I’m hungry,” and more fun into the night.
Some people feel that the only way to ensure a great cup of coffee is to buy and grind your own beans before brewing. These die-hard coffee lovers believe that the more you automate the process, the greater the chance of losing the flavor you truly love. Making coffee out of your own coffee beans is a great way to immerse yourself in the coffee process, and to have some control over the flavor of the coffee you drink. But it presents a problem.
Namely, how and where should you store your extra coffee beans in the kitchen? You could just put them in a tin in the pantry, and many people do. But you may be wondering about freezing when it comes to coffee beans. Should you put your coffee beans in the freezer? Is it safe? Is it the right approach to the storage issue? Here’s what you need to know about freezing coffee beans.
One thing many people are tempted to do is to put those coffee beans in the freezer, figuring that like most perishable things, freezing will help them last longer. Well, putting your coffee beans in the freezer may make it possible to drink them for a longer time, but you’re probably not going to like them.
Coffee beans have a delicate moisture balance that gives them their taste, and freezers disrupt that balance, resulting in a coffee that may taste flat and unappetizing. So the short answer is: don’t freeze your coffee beans. However...
Once you have ground the beans, it’s a different story! This may seem counter-intuitive. It’s the same coffee, so you have the same problem, right? Well, not exactly.
Now, your main concern is losing the delicate aromatics that you release when grinding the beans. You want to brew your cup as soon as possible after grinding so those aromatics don’t slip away. If you can’t brew the coffee immediately, then freezing the grounds can actually protect the flavor you have released from the beans.
Your best approach as someone who buys coffee beans and appreciates good coffee is to treat it just as you would bread. You wouldn’t put a fresh-baked loaf of bread in the freezer. You’d try to buy just as much as you need so you could have it right away, the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Then, you might store leftover slices in the refrigerator, or in a vacuum-sealed bag, to keep them tasting fresher longer.
Take the same approach with your coffee beans. You don’t need to buy in bulk; one or two eight-ounce bags at a time should be sufficient. When you get your coffee beans, grind them up and enjoy your fresh coffee right away, and put any leftover coffee grinds that you’re not planning to drink in the immediate future in vacuum-packed freezer bags for later use.
You may want to keep a Keurig Coffee Maker and a few K-cups on hand just in case you run out of the fresh stuff to hold you over between orders!
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Get your daily dose of “pretty” with this aesthetically pleasing feed. Attractive, elegant, and very well curated, following this Instagram account will send you on a journey through time with your favorite morning beverage.
Rosettas are pretty, but this account really takes latte art to the next level. From iconic album covers to classic horror movie scenes, these cups of coffee will seriously impress you: it’s literal art in a cup. Those who follow the account will look forward to seeing what coffee artist Michael Breach will create next.
Perfect for the coffee lover who enjoys sipping coffee and doodling, followers will discover fresh coffee-inspired artwork, sometimes with coffee beans, sometimes with typography, but always cute.
Australian-based print magazine that covers “coffee, the people who drink it, and the cities they inhabit.” Each issue features a different city and the coffee culture within it. Followers of this Instagram account will discover beautifully composed and styled images of exceptional coffee and the people who create it.
Coffee and Disney lovers rejoice! This is the account you have been waiting for. Keep your eyes on this feed, your number one source for all things coffee and Disney.
Stunningly beautiful, funny, and cute, these cups are from coffee shops all over the world. Followers of this account will be delighted to discover new designs, logos, and stamps on coffee cups that they may have never known existed otherwise.
For the stylishly caffeinated. This expertly curated Instagram feed merges the two worlds of designer clothing and craft coffee.
There’s something calming about admiring attractive cafe spots from around the world, and this feed has them in spades. Followers discover striking interiors and exteriors that all house the same thing: great coffee.
Dudu is an artist in Malaysia that uploads pictures of his art and coffee (or coffee used in his art) for all to enjoy. Follow this feed, and you might work up the courage to try a little coffee painting of your own!
This feed offers a little bit of everything, and does it all with a warm, pleasant aesthetic. All coffee lovers will enjoy the nicely curated selection of coffee, art, and stunning photography.
For the aspiring coffee professional, this is the account to follow! You’ll discover innovative brewing methods, accessories, equipment, techniques, and more.
Whether you’re looking for new images to peruse as you sip your morning cup, or hunting down some inspiration for a coffee-related feed of your own, we hope that this guide has pointed you in the right direction. Just as there can never be too much coffee in the world, coffee lovers can never follow too many Instagram accounts with beautiful photos of their favorite morning beverage.
While you're there, remember to follow us on Instagram for special promotions, giveaways, and a round up of all the best coffee culture has to offer: @coffeeforless.
]]>Having problems with your Keurig K-Cup Brewer? Repeated usage can cause functional issues, disrupting your coffee drinking experience and the quality of your coffee and tea. The good news is there are a number of ways to fix these problems and get your machine to function as good as new. Here are five common Keurig troubleshooting solutions and easy ways to correct these problems.
Keurig Troubleshooting Solution: Remove or clean the needle that punctures the K-Cup Pod then do a small cup cleansing brew to clean out any residual. This will ensure any left-over debris is flushed out before you have you start your next brew.
Keurig Troubleshooting Solution: Remove the water reservoir and insert it back into place. The magnet in the reservoir can become dislodged during brewing from the vibrations in the machine.
Common Problem 3: Not Ready Message on Your Keurig Machine Stays On
Keurig Troubleshooting Solution:
Keurig Troubleshooting Solution: Simply add more water to the reservoir. All Keurig Brewer models need a minimum amount of water to activate the brewing process, so if you’re reservoir is low the machine will not start.
Keurig Troubleshooting Solution: This problem applies to only the models with the water filter feature. If you own one of these models, you can install the filter in three simple steps:
Use these five Keurig troubleshooting solutions for your machine and you’ll ensure your coffee and tea always taste great and your brewer lasts a long time. As a result, you’ll save yourself time and money not having to replace your Keurig K-Cup Brewer.
]]>There are a few tried and true home remedies for a cold, and one of the best known is drinking tea. Whether it’s a sore throat, a stuffy nose, a nagging cough, or a combination of these and other symptoms, many people will tell you that a nice hot cup of tea will soothe whatever ails you.
But what kind of tea should you drink when you have a cold? And what is it about tea that makes it such a magical remedy for curing the common cold? Here are some ideas on the best kinds of tea to drink when you have a cold, and what properties tea has that make it work so well.
This is the obvious one: green tea is loaded with antioxidants and destroys pathogenic bacteria in your body. Green tea is something of a superfood, with evidence that it boosts the immune system and helps with a wide variety of ailments. You should be drinking green tea all the time to stay healthy, but it can come in especially handy when you’re feeling under the weather.
We recommend: Bigelow's Green Tea
White tea has many of the same properties as green tea; it also is full of antioxidants and can help to boost the immune system, making it an ideal remedy for anyone with a cold. If you’re looking for an alternative to green tea when you’re not feeling all that well, be sure to try drinking white tea instead.
The benefits of herbs in healing have long been known by cultures all around the world. People have been using herbs to heal ailments since the beginning of civilization, if not before. Breathing in the steam from herbal tea can soothe your lungs and sinuses, while the liquid can relax and soothe the throat.
Once ingested, the herbs can help break up chest congestion and support your immune system, on the road back to health. Some herbal teas to try when you are sick include:
Echinacea tea is another herbal tea, but deserves its own entry as it is notable for its effectiveness as a flu remedy. Echinacea has been found to shorten the length and reduce the severity of viral infections. If someone in your home comes down with the flu, then everyone in the home should begin drinking Echinacea tea immediately. This can help family members ward off contracting the flu and help the patient recover more quickly.
When your doctor tells you to drink plenty of fluids when you’re sick, she knows what she’s talking about. Make sure to have plenty of tea on hand for when colds and flu strike, and take advantage of any of the selections on this handy list. We at CoffeeForLess.com sure hope you feel better soon!
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A coffee martini is simply 1 part coffee liquor, 1 part espresso, and 2 parts vodka, shaken with ice, and strained. It’s just that simple. Note: the espresso should be chilled to at least room temperature, or it will water down the drink.
A hot, layered espresso drink popular in Spain, the café con miel starts with a half ounce of honey on the bottom. Then you pour over a shot of espresso next, and then an equal part steamed milk, and finally a sprinkle of cinnamon goes on top.
The most no-frills drink on this list, cowboy coffee is simply a strong cup of coffee with a shot of bourbon poured into it (think: hot boilermaker). It will keep you warm under the coldest of starry skies.
A Spanish variation on a Southeast Asian classic, the bombón is a layered drink made of equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk. Stir and enjoy.
To make a classic Mexican coffee, take 1½ ounces of tequila, 1½ ounces of coffee liqueur, and a cup of coffee and stir them together in a sugar-rimmed glass. Put in a scoop of vanilla ice cream and top with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
You make a Mexican mocha the same way you would make a regular mocha, but with Mexican chocolate instead, and with a dusting of cinnamon instead of the regular cocoa powder topper. Mexican chocolate has a slightly spicy, strong chocolate flavor that provides a little extra kick on a cold day.
In Hong Kong, they drink their coffee mixed with black tea and milk in a 1:1:1 ratio. It’s called yuanyang tea and you can make it with Chinese black tea, English breakfast, or even Earl Grey if you’re looking for that Bergamot hit.
A baby stout is a shot made with two ounces of coffee liqueur topped with a ½ ounce of Irish crème liqueur. If executed correctly, it looks like a baby-sized pint of stout beer.
Strong-brewed coffee or espresso meets ice cream in this delicious dessert turned beverage. A café affogato starts with a scoop of coffee, vanilla, or chocolate ice cream. Pour a shot of espresso or three tablespoons of strong coffee over the ice cream and enjoy!
This one definitely isn’t for everyone, but those who do like it swear by it. Take equal parts fresh brewed, hot (yes, hot!) coffee, and mix it with equal parts cheap American lager. Adjust the ratio to your taste, and you’ve got your own version of coffee beer.
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The coffee break is as much a part of American culture as baseball and apple pie. Who doesn’t look forward to that morning or afternoon excuse to take a break and grab a cup of coffee? But the question is: who started this wonderful tradition? What if I told you its origins have something to do with a behavioral psychologist named J.B. Watson and the American coffee company Maxwell House? Sound weird? Wait until you read the story.
J.B. Watson was an American psychologist whose ideas were the basis for behaviorism—the theoretical system famous for its experiment known as “Pavlov’s dog.” Essentially Watson and other behaviorists believed people could be trained to react in predictable ways through repetitive actions. This theory captured the interest of many corporate advertising agencies trying to find ways to lure the buying interest of the public. After his time as an academic psychologist, Watson worked for an advertising agency that came up with the devious idea of using brain washing techniques created by psychologists to get people to buy their client’s products. Eventually Watson worked on an advertisement for Maxwell House coffee, and in the commercial he incorporated the idea of a coffee break. Of course, if you were going to have a coffee break you had to be drinking Maxwell House coffee. Did it work? Well, Up until the late 1980’s, Maxwell House coffee was the most purchased brand of coffee in the United States. I guess you could say Old Watson knew what he was doing.
Not everyone agrees with the claim Watson and the Maxwell House coffee company gave birth to the coffee break. Others argue the coffee break originated in Wisconsin in the 19th century when working moms would take mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks to tend to their children. While they made breakfast and lunch, they’d enjoy a quick cup of Joe. Another theory traces the story to two New York companies that claim they were the first employers to give their workers coffee breaks twice a day.
At the same time, the labor movements of the early 20th century were pushing through minimum wage laws, labor unions, and benefits. Today, a coffee break is taking place every minute. Whether you’re at home, at work or waiting in line at the bank, there’s bound to be a coffee machine somewhere, brewing up a fresh cup of Java. No matter how the coffee break originated, one thing is for sure: Americans around the country celebrate break time with a delicious cup of the good stuff.
]]>Ever wondered what’s the story behind that little saucer you rest your coffee mug on? You might be surprised by what it was originally intended to be used for. Best to read this informative saucer-related infographic, and find out for yourself now!
From the world’s most expensive coffee to the details on a lethal dose of coffee for adults, this fun infographic has literally everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your favorite drink – including some things you may never have thought of. For example, did you know that America consumes enough coffee to fill 14.2 Statues of Liberty daily? That’s an awful lot of java! http://s3.amazonaws.com/ilovecoffee-img/uploads/neato_facts/neato_facts.png
What do you think your favorite drink says about you? This infographic is based on a study that pairs coffee orders with personality types. For example, latte drinkers tend to be neurotic and indecisive – sound familiar? Find out what your coffee drink of choice says about you!
This neat infographic classifies the many unique flavors and smells that coffee can have. You would certainly expect flavor notes like bitter and caramel to be present, but you’ll be surprised to find unexpected flavors like cedar and cucumber on the wheel as well.
Read this handy infographic to boost your coffee trivia knowledge even further with 17 facts that are sure to impress your friends. For instance, did you know that coffee addiction was considered a social problem in the 1700s? My, how the times have changed!
Everybody likes to save money, especially when those every-day coffee purchases start to add up. Opting for a reusable cup is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment, and several coffee chains will even give you a money saving discount for doing so. This infographic has the facts on reusable cup discounts per chain, and how making the change can help lessen coffee consumption’s potentially negative impact on the environment.
The gross but true reality is that sometimes, coffee makes us have to GO. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, you’re probably not one of the 29% of people who are affected by coffee in this manner. This TMI infographic has all the details about coffee and your bathroom you maybe never wanted to know.
If you’ve ever been stuck in a creative rut and felt unsure whether you should reach for coffee or beer for a dose of creative inspiration, this informative infographic will help you decide by breaking down the facts on how beer and coffee can affect your creative thinking.
]]>When you purchase anything from Coffee For Less on December 15, you’ll enjoy completely free shipping (that's Super Saver shipping at checkout) on all of our products, so why not stock up on all of the caffeinated necessities that you need in your life? With no minimum purchase, you will get free shipping on any item that you purchase from our website, no matter where you’re ordering from.
1. After you're done shopping and ready to checkout, enter the discount code FREESHIPPING in the discount code box.
2. From there, you'll see the Super Saver option automatically applies Free shipping! Be sure Super Saver is selected and simply continue checking out as normal -- without paying for shipping.
Order all of your favorite products from Coffee For Less without worrying about the cost of shipping, for one day only. Whether you’re stocking your office with high quality Keurig cups, filling your home’s pantry with delicious fresh ground beans, or just ordering your favorite brands of coffee items to give as gifts this holiday season, now is the time to get all of your favorite coffee products without the hassle of shipping costs.
Don’t worry about receiving your order before Christmas, either. By ordering today, you can all but guarantee your order will arrive before the big day. So load up your online shopping cart, place your order, and relax with a delicious cup of coffee as you wait for the holiday madness to end.
While your friends and family members are dashing around shopping for last minute gifts, you can rest assured that your Christmas list is all taken care of.
There isn’t much in the world that’s more satisfying that sipping on a cup of coffee when you don’t have a giant to-do list. This holiday season, you’ll be able to sit back in your flannel pajamas and relax with a rich and flavorful mug of your favorite kind of coffee as you enjoy the festivities of Christmas morning. Fill your home with the luxurious smell of freshly brewed coffee and surround yourself with the festive feels of a caffeinated household, and do it all without paying for shipping.
At Coffee For Less, we carry all of your favorite boutique brands in addition to timeless favorites like Folgers, Starbucks, and more. Now is the time to get all of your favorite beans and coffee products before the New Year hits and life begins to speed up again. Your favorite K-Cup Pods, single serve pods, and coffee brands, are right here waiting to be delivered to your home or office with no cost for shipping. Happy holidays, coffee lovers, from Coffee For Less!
When you first grab your favorite coffee mug from the cupboard, you may notice that it’s cold to the touch, especially so during the winter months. And that makes sense; your cupboards are basically sealed off from the rest of your home, so they don’t benefit from your central heating system. Fast-forward to a few minutes after you’ve filled your cup with steaming coffee, and you’ll find that the cup itself has become nice and warm. If it’s especially chilly, you might even wrap your hands around it to keep them cozy. It’s a nice feeling, but that heat had to come from somewhere. You guessed it: your coffee cup is stealing heat from your fresh-brewed get-up juice. When hot coffee meets cold mug, thermal energy is exchanged. It’s simply a basic principle of physics.
By now, you might be feeling a bit betrayed by your favorite coffee mug. Surely it knows you love hot coffee. So how could it do this to you? Fortunately, there’s a trick to keep it from stealing your coffee’s steam. Just get in the habit of heating up your morning coffee mug first. Get some hot water from the faucet or boil some water on the stove.
Fill your mug with the water and let it sit until the mug is warm to the touch. If you’re in a hurry, just throw it in the microwave for a little bit. This trick works best with mugs that maintain heat well, but even thinner cups will keep coffee hot longer when preheated. And while it may seem like one more thing that you have to do in the morning, trust us – you’ll be delighted with the results as you sit your morning cup of coffee, and it stays hot until you’re finished.
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We’ve improved our website so that you can improve your coffee journey, every day. With our new loyalty program, you’ll be able to easily create and personalize your account so that you can earn more points, track your orders, and save valuable time at check out. All of the quality brands that you love are still available for purchase at the prices that you have come to know and love.
Our new website is straightforward and super easy to navigate, with bold, beautiful images to guide your browsing from page to page. We want the experience of purchasing coffee from Coffee For Less to be relaxing and enjoyable, similar to how it feels to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee on a slow morning.
We’ve refined our search categories to make it easier for you to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a K-cup refill, single cup K-pods, or a bag of freshly ground coffee beans. At Coffee For Less, we have an intense love for coffee, and we want to make it easy for you share that love.
With our new layout, you’ll find it easier to get the necessary information you need to make your morning cup of coffee as delicious as possible. Our new coffee blog has tons of useful information, including a coffee glossary that defines many of the terms that coffee roasters use to describe their beans. This way, you can create an order of coffee that fits your taste and needs exactly.
You’ll also find delicious coffee recipes, new brands to try, and useful information about how coffee is sourced and what kind of coffee is best for you.
Whether you use Coffee For Less to keep you and your family caffeinated, your office, or you’re just a coffee fanatic hoping to learn more, Coffee For Less is now your go-to website for all things coffee.
We hope you enjoy the new site!
Your 24/7 coffee provider, Coffee For Less
]]>Endometrial cancer is a disease specific to women who are generally over the age 45. The cancer that forms in the lining of the uterine wall will be diagnosed in over 50,000 middle-aged women in 2015, according to Cancer.org, making endometrial cancer the most common cancer of the female reproduction system.
It only takes three cups of coffee per day to reduce the risk of developing an endometrial cancer by 19%, according to a new study. The study was designed to determine the risk factors associated with 84 different foods and nutrients. Though the exact health implications were unknown, coffee was thought to correlate with cancer risk, alongside foods such as cheese, butter, monounsaturated fat, yogurt, and carbohydrates.
Then, the study group led by European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), created a new study group of 1,500 women who had been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. This group, called the Nurses Health Study (NHS), focused on nine foods that were found to affect cancer risk: total fat, monounsaturated fat, phosphorus, carbohydrates, yogurt, butter, potatoes, cheese, and coffee. NHS discovered the positive health effects of three cups of coffee, and also concluded that four cups can reduce risk by 18%.
Now that researchers have determined this strong, positive correlation between coffee and reduced cancer risk, scientists need to get to work to determine what it is about coffee that specifically bolstered the health of so many women. It could be affecting the hormonal system in a particular way, or there might be special antioxidants that stave off cancer cells.
It's also important to note that not all types of coffee and health benefits are created equally. Some beans have higher caffeine content than others, and there are many other compounds that go into our daily brew that can vary from bean to bean. So some coffee varieties might end up being better for fighting endometrial cancer than others.
For now, coffee lovers should continue to drink three cups of their favorite brew each day to help maintain optimal health. Coffee is a great part of so many people’s days. Some people go to sleep so that they can wake up and have a cup.
Now that we know the positive health effects that drinking three cups has on the body, there is even more reason to look forward to it. Make sure that middle-aged women know about this study so they keep the java flowing!
]]>Some studies have shown that drinking caffeinated coffee may help you lose weight because it suppresses one’s desire to eat. You can sip a delicious cup without loads of cream and sugar, as an alternative to eating food if all you’re looking for is palate pleasure. If you’re truly hungry though, then you need to eat something a bit more substantial in order to stay healthy.
It’s reported that coffee may help with calorie burning, which can lead to weight loss. This version of a “coffee diet” does this by stimulating thermogenesis, which is the body’s process of producing heat through food metabolism.
The caffeine works as a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose water. When you lose water, you’ll see a temporary decrease in weight. Keep in mind, however, that if you drink too much joe, your body will lose too much water, and it will then compensate by holding on to water in the future, which can make you gain water weight.
If you’re working out to lose weight, then your daily cup can provide you with mental clarity and focus. You can be more energized, on-point, and ready for whatever type of exercise you’re engaging in.
Many experts suggest that drinking black coffee on an empty stomach, and in moderation, can increase your metabolism. As you drink it, your nervous system is stimulated, which facilitates fat burning by removing fatty acids from fat cells. They can then be released from your body with urine, because coffee also acts as a diuretic.
Drinking a daily cup is all you need to follow a coffee diet that could help you to lose weight. And remember – you don’t need to put down 6 to 8 cups; you only need maybe one or two cups on a coffee diet, to keep the pounds off. As you’re drinking it throughout the day, remember that you should also be drinking water so you can stay healthy, hydrated, and lean.
Consult your healthcare physician for advice on how coffee impacts your overall health and diet.
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