When it comes to starting your day with iced coffee, the ingredients matter as much as the taste. Hi, I’m Chen Smiley, creator of Wake Up and Read the Labels, and I’m here to help you enjoy a clean, refreshing cold brew. Let’s dive into three simple methods for crafting a clean iced coffee you’ll love. ☕

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Why Reading Labels Matters

Before you grab any iced coffee concentrate from the store, take a moment to check the ingredients. Ideally, it should only include two things: coffee and water. Anything more could mean unnecessary additives. A clean coffee foundation is key to a healthy morning ritual. ✅

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Three Ways to Make Clean Iced Coffee

1. Almond Milk and Date Syrup Delight

Start by filling your cup with ice and coffee, going half-and-half with your choice of cream. Today, I used almond milk, adding a generous splash to achieve that perfect creamy color. Need sweetness? Try date syrup! Just drizzle it on top, stir, and enjoy. 🌟

2. Coconut Sugar Creamer Convenience

For a quick and easy option, layered creamer is your best friend. This ready-to-go solution includes coconut sugar for sweetness. Simply pour it in, give it a swirl, and voilà—your body will thank you for this treat! 🥥

3. Cashew Milk and Maple Syrup Magic

Using cashew milk from Elmhurst, I poured it over ice for a creamy base. For a sweet kick, I added maple syrup. The result? A silky-smooth iced coffee that’s rich in flavor and totally guilt-free. 🍁

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Navigating Coffee Shops: Tips for Clean Choices

At coffee shops, finding clean options can be tricky. Here’s how to make better choices:

1. Ask for Black Coffee: Stick with black iced coffee and request just a splash of almond or coconut milk. This minimizes exposure to additives and fillers.
2. Bring Your Own Additions: Carry a small jar of clean nut milk or powdered creamer like Layered or Good Milk.
3. Portable Sweeteners: Pack to-go options like coconut sugar or monk fruit to sweeten your coffee on the fly.

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Sweetener Options for Cold Coffee

Cold coffee enthusiasts, beware: some natural sweeteners like raw honey and coconut sugar don’t dissolve well in iced drinks. Don’t worry—we’ll show you how to create simple syrups in our next video! Alternatively, try liquid monk fruit for an easy, no-fuss solution. 🧊

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Here’s to sipping clean and guilt-free! Let’s make every coffee count. Cheers! 🥂