What’s the healthiest coffee to drink?

In the world of coffee, there’s more to consider than just the taste, especially when you’re choosing options for the entire office. With countless varieties, roasts, and brew methods available, understanding which coffee is healthiest might just be the perfect perk for your diverse team.

But what makes coffee “healthy,” and what should you serve from your office coffee machine? We look at how your coffee choice can affect health and productivity and help you find the perfect solution.

Health benefits

In recent years, coffee has come out on top in lots of health studies. Regular coffee consumption is linked to reduced risks of several conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, liver disease, and depression. Studies from the British Heart Foundation even suggest that moderate coffee consumption (about 3-4 cups a day) might lower the risk of heart disease.

According to the British Coffee Association, 80% of UK adults drink coffee daily, making it an integral part of our lives and one worth investing in wisely. In fact, here in the UK, we drink a staggering 98 million cups every day.

Different types of coffee

Not all coffee is created equal. For example, black coffee offers more health benefits than, say, a creamy caramel latte which, although delicious, can be loaded with up to six spoons of sugar and over 250 calories.

Black coffee

For a zero-calorie, antioxidant-rich choice, black coffee is unbeatable. Without milk or sugar, it’s packed with beneficial compounds like antioxidants. In particular, chlorogenic acid that helps combat inflammation and may even support heart health.

At FreshGround, we’ve carefully selected beans that make a well-balanced, flavourful black coffee without the bitterness that can put some people off. Our machines are also designed to brew each cup to perfection, preserving the coffee’s natural flavours so that even the simplest cup of black coffee offers a premium barista-style experience at work.

Take a look at our full coffee selection.

Espresso

Although it’s typically served in a small shot, espresso packs a punch in both flavour and health benefits. Since espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, it extracts a rich, intense flavour and a high concentration of beneficial compounds. Despite its smaller size, espresso can offer a powerful boost to your day and a range of surprising health perks.

Espresso has a higher caffeine concentration than a standard cup of coffee, making it ideal for those who want a quick, energising pick-me-up.

However, for those who may be sensitive to caffeine, one shot of espresso might be just enough to lift energy levels without overdoing it. Too much caffeine has been proven to increase anxiety and can also cause headaches. It can disrupt sleep, too, so some people will avoid caffeine at least 8 hours before bedtime to ensure better sleep quality.

Data shows that 88% of people who regularly consume caffeine in the afternoon report at least one sleep problem.

If you’re looking to brew the perfect espresso in the office, our range of premium commercial coffee machines will do the trick.

Cold brew

The consumption of cold brew in the UK has increased by 60% in the last three years.  It’s really easy to make – simply steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours), and it’s ready to be enjoyed. It has a mellow flavour profile and often doesn’t require added sugar or milk, making it a naturally healthier choice lower in calories.

Because it’s brewed slowly and without heat, cold brew tends to be less acidic than hot brewed coffee, which can make it gentler on the stomach. This lower acidity can also be kinder on tooth enamel, which is good news for those who drink coffee frequently throughout the day.

According to the NHS, limiting high-acid foods and drinks can help prevent tooth sensitivity, giving cold brew drinkers another reason to smile!

Discover More: How to make cold brew coffee in the office?

Decaf

Decaf coffee is an excellent choice for those who want the taste and experience of coffee without the high caffeine content. Made by removing about 97% of caffeine, decaf is ideal for afternoon or evening drinks or for those more sensitive to caffeine.

Decaf still packs the antioxidants and health benefits of regular coffee, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. For those managing caffeine intake, it’s a great way to enjoy an extra cup or two without feeling overstimulated or getting anxious.

We know that decaf drinkers shouldn’t have to compromise on taste, which is why our decaf is crafted to offer a satisfying coffee experience that’s just as enjoyable as regular coffee.

Plus, we have a range of coffee machines with multiple hoppers. This means you can provide your team with a choice of up to four different beans and accommodate your decaf drinkers. We also have dual milk machines so you can cater to the ever-increasing number of people who opt for plant-based milk.

Understand more about decaf coffee.

Why is coffee important to the health of my team?

Providing healthier coffee options in the office can make a noticeable impact on employee well-being and productivity. According to a 2023 survey by Statista, nearly half of UK office workers drink coffee at work, citing it as a way to boost productivity and morale.

By offering high-quality, health-focused coffee choices, you can enhance these benefits even further, creating a workplace where people feel energised, appreciated and loyal to your business.

Ready to provide healthy office coffee options

Our coffee machines make premium, healthy coffee accessible to any office, regardless of size or diverse preferences. Each coffee machine is really easy to use and designed to require minimal maintenance and cleaning, so you can keep the coffee flowing hassle-free.

Contact our team today, and we’ll set you up with freshly brewed, premium coffee to contribute to a more positive, energised workplace culture for you and your team.