What Is Black Coffee? The Complete Beginner’s Guide

Don’t let the simplicity of black coffee fool you. It’s a drink that’s full of different taste profiles and nuances. 

The robust flavor, bold, black coffee is a staple for coffee lovers worldwide.

Here, we uncover everything you need to know about black coffee — from its many health benefits and flavor profiles to tips on brewing the perfect cup. We’ll also explore how this seemingly simple beverage varies across different cultures around the world.

What is Black Coffee?

Black coffee is brewed coffee without any extra ingredients added. That means no sugar, cream, milk, or other additions.

It’s coffee in its purest form and is used as a base for many popular drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. 

Plus, it’s pretty straightforward to make:

1. Roast some coffee beans
2. Grind those beans
3. Brew the coffee grounds with hot water

Of course, the complexity of your process also depends on which brewing method you’re using. For example, a phin filter is completely different from a French press. And a French press is different from making an overnight cold brew.

Still, the basic formula remains.

7 Amazing Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee

Most of coffee’s health benefits are related to black coffee without the sugary additions.

So, let's dive deeper and learn more about these purported perks.

1. May Reduce the Risk of Cancer

A recent meta-analysis in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity [1] showed that coffee consumption has a positive and beneficial effect on cancer.

That is, coffee consumption is linked to a decreased risk for various cancers, including breast, oral, kidney, liver, skin, brain, and thyroid cancers. 

According to the research, this is likely due to its antioxidant composition and the protective effects of bioactive compounds like caffeine and polyphenols.

2. Supports Heart Health

Did you know that higher coffee consumption may support your heart health? Well, it can!

Drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of mortality from cardiometabolic diseases [2]. 

Studies have shown that higher coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk for [3]:

• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation

While this is exciting news for coffee lovers, keep in mind that some studies have shown the opposite (especially if you have certain conditions, such as arrhythmia).

So speak with your doctor and consider your circumstances before making a concrete conclusion.

3. Supports Weight Management

While weight management is a complex topic, unsweetened coffee has been shown to reduce weight gain [4].

Other studies have shown that caffeine itself can have a positive effect on weight, too [5]. For example, it positively affects your metabolic rate [9] by helping you burn calories faster. That’s a win for weight management!

However, it's worth remembering that coffee also gives you energy, which makes people more likely to be physically active. So, there may be some compounding effects going on here.

Still, the key takeaway remains: black coffee may help in weight management.

4. Provides A Boost In Energy

Coffee’s energizing effect is probably one of its most well-known attributes. Millions of people drink it for this very reason.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, moderate coffee consumption may lead to increased alertness, energy, and ability to focus.

One reason for this energy boost is caffeine’s effect on the body. It blocks receptors in the brain that control functions like sleep and arousal.

So the next time you need a little extra pep in your step, a freshly brewed cup of black coffee may do the trick!

5. Supports Blood Sugar Regulation

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar and affects over 420 million people globally. While speaking with your doctor is important, coffee consumption has been shown to have a potentially positive impact.

Research shows long-term coffee consumption can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes [10]. One potential reason for this (according to Medical News Today) is that coffee reduces subclinical inflammation, which determines insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Truly, black coffee is getting quite impressive here!

6. Can Boost Brain Health & Cognitive Function

Your brain is the most energy-consuming organ in your body. So protecting it is one of the smartest things you can do. Luckily, coffee may help.

According to research from Circulation, coffee consumption may reduce your risk of a stroke, particularly in women [6]. According to another study published in the journal PLOS ONE, drinking unsweetened coffee was associated with a decreased risk of depression [7].

These findings suggest black coffee may improve your brain and mental health. But there's more!

Other potential brain benefits of coffee consumption include a decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease and the development of neurodegenerative diseases due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds [8].

So, are you feeling like a cup of black coffee yet?

7. It’s Cheaper & Quicker

This last benefit is probably the most obvious. But it’s still worth mentioning. Black coffee is easier, quicker and cheaper to enjoy.

With black coffee, you don't need to worry about buying additional ingredients like creamer, milk, or sugar. So, if you're a minimalist, you probably appreciate that.

How to Brew A Perfect Cup of Black Coffee 

There’s no wrong way to brew black coffee. Whatever works best for you is perfectly sufficient. 

With that aside, let's explore the general process for brewing a delicious cup of black coffee at home. Feel free to alter this process as you see fit.

Step 1: Choose A Good Bean

A great cup of coffee starts with the right bean. Since beans all have distinct flavor profiles, it’s important to consider your preferences and the brewing method you’re using.

Here’s a helpful table of our favorite beans and how they differ from each other:

Coffee Bean	Flavor Profile	Caffeine Level	Recommendation
Robusta Coffee	Earthy, nutty, chocolatey and bitter	~150–200 mg per cup	Cafely HaNoi Coffee (100% Robusta)
Arabica Coffee	Slightly sweet, fruity and floral undertones	~80–120 mg per cup	Cafely DaLat Coffee (100% Arabica)
Robusta/Arabica Blend	Bold and balanced, blending multiple beans together	~100–150 mg per cup	Cafely SaiGon OG Coffee (Robusta/Arabica/Peaberry Blend)

Step 2: Grind Your Beans

Your bean’s grind size impacts how quickly flavors are extracted. And every brewing method will require a slightly different size. So it’s important to not just skim over this step.

The best coffee always comes from beans that were ground fresh right before brewing. However, if you don't have a grinder at home, pre-ground beans will work fine, too. Just keep in mind that pre-ground coffee beans will lose their flavor much more quickly than whole beans.

Here are some common brewing methods and the best grind size for each:

Brew Method	Ideal Grind Type
Pour-over coffee	Medium-coarse, like sand
Cold brew coffee	Coarse, like sea salt
French press coffee	Coarse, like sea salt
Turkish coffee	Fine, powdery, like powdered sugar
Phin filter (Vietnamese coffee)	Fine, like table salt

Related: How to Grind Your Coffee Beans the Right Way

Step 3: Brew Your Coffee

After you’ve ground your coffee, it’s time to brew it! 

There are lots of different ways to brew black coffee; each one will impact the final flavor. 

The most common brewing methods for black coffee are to use an automatic drip machine, French press, or pour over device such as a Chemex or Hario V60 brewer.

Here’s a quick chart on the water and coffee ratios to use for different brewing systems (click the header for the full brew guide):

	Phin Filter	French Press	Drip Coffee Maker	Pour Over	Espresso Machine
Beginner Friendly	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
Optimal Coffee Type	Robusta	Robusta/Arabica	Robusta/Arabica	Arabica	Robusta/Dark Roast Arabica
Grind Type	Medium-fine	Coarse	Medium	Medium-coarse	Fine
Key Benefits	Makes strong, bold coffee	Easy to use, inexpensive	Very easy to use	Great control and adaptability	Strong coffee with a good crema
Key Weaknesses	Slow extraction	Cleaning can be tricky	Some flavor nuances can be lost	Can be slow and time consuming	Can be tricky to dial in for the first time

It’s also important to think about how hot your water is when making coffee. Remember, the ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195-205ºF (90–96ºC).

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Since it's black coffee, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy! Add some ice if it's a cold brew, or have a light snack and a cup of cold water on the side (especially for stronger brews).

Common Misconceptions About Black Coffee

Let’s clear the air and debunk some common misconceptions about black coffee.

Myth #1: Black Decaffeinated Coffee Is Unhealthy

There’s no evidence to suggest that decaffeinated coffee is harmful. You can still enjoy many benefits from it, such as better cognition and other neuroprotective benefits [12].

As a side note, did you know that just because a coffee is labeled as “decaf” doesn’t mean it’s 100% void of caffeine? It’s mostly gone, but a typical cup still contains around 2 mg of caffeine.

Myth #2: Dark Coffee Equals Strong Coffee

The strength of your coffee and its caffeine content depends more on the preparation, brewing method and grind type than the coffee itself. Put another way, dark coffee doesn’t automatically mean stronger coffee.

Myth #3: Black Coffee Dehydrates Your Body

While black coffee can taste more bitter and is a mild diuretic (i.e., it makes you go to the bathroom), it doesn’t dehydrate you. Black coffee still contains a lot of water – it is one of the main ingredients, after all.

Myth #4: All Black Coffee Tastes Bitter

The bitterness of your coffee depends on how you prepare and brew it and the type of bean you use. For example, robusta beans (like you get with Vietnamese coffee) are known to be bolder and have more bitterness.

On the other hand, arabica beans give you a sweeter taste profile – even as a black coffee.

FAQs: Black Coffee

1. What is black coffee?

Black coffee is coffee without any additives like sugar or cream. It’s coffee in its simplest form.

2. What are the best beans for black coffee?

If you want a smooth brew, go with arabica. But for more strength, try a robusta or a blend like Cafely SaiGon OG.

3. How do you drink black coffee?

You can enjoy black coffee either hot or iced as a cold brew. Both are delicious options that just require slightly different brewing methods.

4. Is black coffee healthier?

Black coffee has many potential benefits and is healthier without sugar, which comes with potential downsides.

5. How much black coffee can I drink per day?

Ultimately, this depends on your caffeine tolerance, circumstances, brew method, and personal preferences. However, according to Healthline, up to four cups per day is considered okay for healthy adults.

6. How many calories are there in black coffee?

Black coffee has just two calories, making it nearly calories-free.

7. Is cold coffee better than hot coffee?

While both offer benefits and taste delicious in their own way, some research indicates that hot coffee brewing methods may extract higher concentrations of antioxidants [11]. This gives hot coffee a slight edge.

8. How do I get used to black coffee?

If you’re used to sugars and creams, you can start by slowly decreasing one of their amounts – for example, getting rid of sugar but keeping the cream. Then, you can slowly cut out the cream until your taste buds adapt to the flavor of black coffee.

Also, test different coffee blends and brewing methods since each combination can give you a completely different flavor profile. For example, you may love the full-bodied flavor of the French press brewing method!

References

1. Nigra, A. D., Teodoro, A. J., & Gil, G. A. (2021). A decade of research on coffee as an anticarcinogenic beverage. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021(1), 4420479.
2. Safe, S., Kothari, J., Hailemariam, A., Upadhyay, S., Davidson, L. A., & Chapkin, R. S. (2023). Health Benefits of Coffee Consumption for Cancer and Other Diseases and Mechanisms of Action. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(3), 2706.
3. Mendoza, M. F., Sulague, R. M., Posas-Mendoza, T., & Lavie, C. J. (2023). Impact of coffee consumption on cardiovascular health. Ochsner Journal, 23(2), 152-158.
4. Henn, M., Glenn, A. J., Willett, W. C., Martínez-González, M. A., Sun, Q., & Hu, F. B. (2023). Changes in Coffee Intake, Added Sugar and Long-Term Weight Gain-Results from Three Large Prospective US Cohort Studies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 118(6), 1164-1171.
5. Tabrizi, R., Saneei, P., Lankarani, K. B., Akbari, M., Kolahdooz, F., Esmaillzadeh, A., ... & Asemi, Z. (2019). The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 59(16), 2688-2696.
6. Lopez-Garcia, E., Rodriguez-Artalejo, F., Rexrode, K. M., Logroscino, G., Hu, F. B., & van Dam, R. M. (2009). Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women. Circulation, 119(8), 1116-1123.
7. Guo, X., Park, Y., Freedman, N. D., Sinha, R., Hollenbeck, A. R., Blair, A., & Chen, H. (2014). Sweetened beverages, coffee, and tea and depression risk among older US adults. PloS one, 9(4), e94715.
8. Porro, C., Cianciulli, A., & Panaro, M. A. (2024). A cup of coffee for a brain-long life. Neural Regeneration Research, 19(1), 158-159.
9. Acheson, K. J., Zahorska-Markiewicz, B., Pittet, P., Anantharaman, K., & Jéquier, E. (1980). Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 33(5), 989-997.
10. Kolb, H., Martin, S., & Kempf, K. (2021). Coffee and lower risk of type 2 diabetes: arguments for a causal relationship. Nutrients, 13(4), 1144.
11. Rao, N. Z., & Fuller, M. (2018). Acidity and antioxidant activity of cold brew coffee. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 16030.
12. Shukitt-Hale, B., Miller, M. G., Chu, Y. F., Lyle, B. J., & Joseph, J. A. (2013). Coffee, but not caffeine, has positive effects on cognition and psychomotor behavior in aging. Age, 35, 2183-2192.