5 Guilt-Free Iced Teas & Coffees

When the hot weather hits, it can be tempting to switch out our simple morning soy latte with one of those super-sweet iced coffee concoctions. The trouble is, many of these drinks - from the ubiquitous iced capp to bottled iced teas - are loaded with processed sugar. But don’t get us wrong: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with indulging in a bit of cafe patio therapy with your bestie. In fact, it’s required when the lazy days of summer hit! There are healthier ways to sip on the sweet life though, and here are a few tantalizing guilt-free drink options!

1. Stevia-Sweetened Sun-Brewed Tea

We all know that going low-carb is great for weight loss! So ditch the carbs all together and instead opt for stevia, a sweetener that’s sourced from a plant and can be purchased in both powdered and liquid form.

For a delicious iced tea, set a covered glass pitcher of filtered water, green or black tea leaves, and slices of lemon out in the sunshine. When it’s the desired strength, stir in liquid stevia to taste (two to four drops is equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar). Enjoy!

2. Vanilla-Cinnamon Iced Coffee

Forget about pumpkin spice! This coffee will have you smacking your lips while appreciating its healthful ingredients. As little as one gram per day of delicious cinnamon has been shown to help reduce insulin resistance and resulting high blood sugar and to decrease LDL cholesterol.

Brew a cup of your favourite coffee and cool it. Add ice, five drops of pure vanilla and ten drops of liquid organic cinnamon extract (make sure it’s extract and not flavouring) and stir well. Yum!

3. Pure Honey Peach Tea

Bees and peaches go together both in nature and in taste. Unpasteurized, raw honey is a nutritious powerhouse that’s loaded with immune-system supporting antioxidants and which provides the body with easily-absorbable energy. Stir a spoonful into a brewed peach - or other fruit, if you prefer - tea on ice, and you’ve got a match made in heaven!

4. Summer Morning Coffee Smoothie

If you’re looking for an iced coffee that revs you up on a steamy morning, try this delicious and nutritious smoothie. Combine your regular morning brew in a blender with a couple of ice cubes, a banana, half a cup of coconut milk, a shot of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of brain-nourishing, cholesterol-lowering cocoa powder. Enjoy!

5. Matcha Green Tea Latte

Bright green matcha tastes like it looks: refreshing, vibrant and leafy! This powdered green tea gets its colour from chlorophyll which is a powerful detoxifier. To make this nutritious, delicious drink, blend two tsp of matcha powder with two cups of almond milk and a tsp of honey. Pour over ice and enjoy!

With these drinks, you can help power your body, boost your health, and enjoy the refreshing tastes of hot summer weather. Drink up, and stay cool!