What is the ‘cloud coffee’ TikTok trend?

Cloud coffee is a twist on a traditional Americano
It works well iced for the summer months
Fans say it’s supposed to be more nutritious

Every so often, a new food trend takes over TikTok – remember ‘butter boards’? The latest is a summery variation on coffee that some argue is more nutritious than coffee is normally.

Cloud coffee uses coconut water instead of regular water, similar to an Americano but with a tropical twist.

Pour espresso over some ice, top up with coconut water and some (usually non-dairy) milk, and there you have it.

There’s been some evidence of this trend existing for a while, with some videos of cloud coffee existing as far back as 2020.

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Is it healthier than normal coffee?

There never seems to be a consensus on whether coffee is good for you or not. It does have some helpful nutrients in it, but as it’s a diuretic, it can potentially leave you a bit dehydrated.

According to dietitian and nutritionist Mackenzie Burgess, it could have some health benefits.

“Mixing coffee with coconut water can make it a bit more hydrating thanks to coconut water’s electrolyte content,” she told the New York Post.

“Each brand may vary, but one cup of Vita Coco coconut water contains 470 mg of potassium, which is 10% of the daily recommended intake, and 19 mg of magnesium, which is about 5% of the daily value for adults.”

“Overall, if you’re into the flavor, it’s a fun way to sneak a few extra nutrients into your morning drink,” she said.

Burgess continued: “Coconut water adds electrolytes to help with hydration, along with antioxidants that support immune health and help the body fight oxidative stress. It’s also a lighter, more hydrating alternative to sugary creamers.”

Will I like it?

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It might sound intriguing on paper, but it might be an acquired taste. Then again, plenty of coffee shops offer coconut milk as a dairy-free, vegan alternative. If you can drink that without a problem,

“This flavor combo might not be everyone’s cup of coffee — some people find the mix of coconut water and espresso a bit unusual,” Burgess said.

Although it might offer more hydration, anyone trying it might want to watch how sugary the coconut water is.

“Also, some coconut waters contain higher amounts of added sugar, so it’s worth checking the label if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake.”