I have always been a coffee lover, and when the Dalgona coffee trend started taking over social media, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. As someone who tries to limit their sugar intake, I wondered if it was possible to make Dalgona coffee with a sugar substitute like Splenda. In this article, I will explore the concept of making Dalgona coffee with Splenda, a low-sugar twist on the viral trend.
The Dalgona Coffee Craze
If you haven’t heard of Dalgona coffee, let me fill you in. Originating from South Korea, Dalgona coffee became a global sensation during the COVID-19 lockdowns. This whipped coffee concoction took the internet by storm, with countless people trying their hand at creating the frothy, caramel-colored mixture.
The traditional Dalgona coffee recipe calls for equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. These ingredients are then vigorously whisked together until they turn into a creamy, cloud-like foam. This frothy creation is then spooned over a cup of milk, resulting in a beautiful layered coffee drink.
Can Splenda Substitute Sugar?
Now, let’s address the question at hand – can you make Dalgona coffee with Splenda? Splenda is a popular sugar substitute that contains sucralose, a non-caloric sweetener. Many people turn to Splenda as a way to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying a touch of sweetness.
The Science of Whipping
To understand if Splenda can be used in place of sugar in Dalgona coffee, it’s essential to delve into the science behind the whipped coffee phenomenon. When you whisk sugar with hot water and instant coffee, the sugar crystals create a stabilizing effect, allowing air to be trapped in the mixture. This creates the fluffy foam that sits atop your cup of milk.
Unfortunately, Splenda does not possess the same structure as sugar. It lacks the ability to provide the necessary stability for the foaming process in Dalgona coffee. This means that if you attempt to make Dalgona coffee with Splenda alone, you will not achieve the desired foam consistency.
Exploring Alternatives
While Splenda may not work as a one-to-one substitute in Dalgona coffee, there are alternative sweeteners that can be used. Stevia, for example, is another popular sugar substitute that is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that can be used in moderation to add sweetness to your Dalgona coffee.
When using stevia or other sugar substitutes, it is important to keep in mind that they are often much sweeter than sugar. This means that you may need to adjust the amount of substitute used to achieve the desired level of sweetness in your Dalgona coffee.
The Splenda Hack
Although using Splenda alone may not give us the sought-after foam in Dalgona coffee, there is a hack that can help achieve a similar result. By using a combination of sugar and Splenda, it is possible to lower the overall sugar content while still obtaining a decent foam.
The Recipe
To make Dalgona coffee with a low-sugar twist using Splenda, follow these steps:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Splenda.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water to the bowl.
3. Using a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother, vigorously beat the mixture for about 5-10 minutes, or until soft peaks form.
4. Fill a glass with milk of your choice, leaving some space at the top.
5. Spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the milk.
6. Gently stir the whipped coffee into the milk, or leave it layered for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
7. Grab a straw or a spoon and enjoy your homemade low-sugar Dalgona coffee!
By combining sugar and Splenda, you can still experience the joy of Dalgona coffee while reducing your sugar intake. This hack allows you to have a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on the taste or the classic appearance of this trendy beverage.
Final Thoughts
While Dalgona coffee has taken the world by storm, it’s essential to listen to your body’s needs and preferences when it comes to sweeteners. If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, utilizing sugar substitutes like Splenda or stevia can be a great solution. However, it’s important to note that the foamy consistency of Dalgona coffee may not be replicated perfectly when using these substitutes alone.
The Splenda hack mentioned above offers a compromise between reducing sugar and achieving a decent foam. With this low-sugar twist, you can customize your Dalgona coffee to suit your dietary needs and still enjoy the immersive experience of making this viral sensation.
So, if you’re curious about Dalgona coffee but want to avoid the excess sugar, give the Splenda hack a try. Savor the frothy goodness while knowing that you’re making a conscious decision to prioritize your health without compromising on flavor. Enjoy your low-sugar Dalgona coffee, and perhaps even share your creation on social media to inspire others to experiment with their own twists on this trend. Cheers!