15. Sugary Coffee Drinks
Saving the most surprising one for last, since so many people don’t think of their morning coffee as “food” at all, and so don’t factor it into how healthy their breakfast is. Many popular flavoured, blended, or syrup-based coffee drinks sold at coffee chains are essentially milkshakes with a small amount of coffee added. A large flavoured, whipped-cream-topped coffee drink can contain more sugar than a can of fizzy drink, along with a substantial number of calories from whole milk, cream, and flavoured syrup.
Because it’s a drink rather than a plate of food, it’s remarkably easy to underestimate just how much you’re consuming. People who would never eat a slice of cake for breakfast will happily drink the calorie and sugar equivalent of one in their coffee cup, several times a week, without registering it as a “food” choice at all.
Beyond the sugar, the combination of caffeine and a large sugar hit first thing in the morning can also contribute to that jittery, then crashing, energy pattern that leaves people reaching for a second coffee by mid-morning.
Better choice: Order a simple black coffee, or one with a splash of milk, and sweeten it lightly yourself if needed, so you know exactly how much sugar you’re adding rather than relying on a pre-made syrup.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical or nutritional advice. If you have specific health concerns about your diet, it’s worth speaking with a doctor or registered dietitian.