The world of wellness products is vast and confusing. In our new series, Well Spent,Ìý¹ú²ú³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÌýstaffersÌýrecommend the hidden gems that they’re unabashedly obsessed with.
My morning routine used toÌýalways includeÌýa cup of pour-over coffee. It set me on the right track each day: I would look forward toÌýsmelling theÌýfreshly ground beans,ÌýpouringÌýhot water into the grounds, and watching meditatively for two minutes as the java dripped into the carafe. But one morning in late January, I slept past my alarm and rushed to get ready for work. With no time to make coffee my usual way, I grabbed a sample of Ìýand added water, my caffeine craving outweighing my inner coffee snob.
I didn’t have high expectations. I thought instant coffee was reserved for backpacking and travel, aÌýbenchwarmer to the original. Most to-go versions have a burnt, one-note flavor that’s only acceptable on groggy mornings at the campground (and even then it’s questionable).ÌýBut after mixingÌýthe powder with hot water, I took a sip—and was sold.
It’s now my go-to morning drink. It might not have the robust taste you get with an authentic cup, but the beverage, consisting of a smooth coconut creamer mixed with freeze-dried arabica coffee, is semisweet and delightful to sip on the go or when I’m checking email.
With 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving, itÌýkeeps me satiated until lunchtimeÌýwhen paired with a lightÌýbreakfast.ÌýI also love mixing coffeeÌýwith collagen peptides for additional protein. (Collagen may help joint health, but the jury’s still outÌýon thatÌýresearch.)ÌýThisÌýcoffee’s blend of sodium, sugar, and fatÌýdoes a better job of masking the collagen’s bitter taste than a regular cup of joe.
While I’ll never completely abandon my time-intensive pour-overs (they’re just too good!), I now reserve them for special occasions. The convenience ofÌýInstafuelÌý($27 for 16 ounces, which makes 16 12-ounceÌýcups of coffee), coupled with its well-balanced taste, makes itÌýa great alternative for busy weekday mornings—which is whyÌýI recently bought two more bags.
