It can feel like a dreaded confession: “I’m one of those people who doesn’t really like coffee.” The many variations of coffee are a staple of jokes, hangouts, and internet memes, but not everyone is a fan.
You may not like coffee because:
- It has an earthy or bitter taste that you don’t enjoy.
- There are rumors that it isn’t healthy.
- Caffeine can be addictive, or you don’t want the jitters.
- You don’t want to spend the money on daily coffee.
- Coffee stains your teeth.
- It causes you stomach pain or digestive problems.
Fortunately, there are several coffees which don’t taste like coffee that you can order to experiment with your taste buds:
Coffee That Doesn't Taste Like Coffee – Table of Contents
Coffee That Doesn't Taste Like Coffee – Table of Contents
These drinks are a great entry point into coffee for people who don’t like coffee. These coffee-based drinks will help you ease into the taste of coffee without assaulting your taste buds.
1. Mocha
This concoction combines the best of sweet chocolate taste with a latte: steamed milk, espresso, chocolate syrup, and usually some whipped cream for good measure. If you want a coffee that tastes like dessert, you’ve come to the right place.
Pros of mocha coffee:
- Mochas have a very sweet taste with none of coffee’s bitterness
- Almost every coffee shop will have some variation of a mocha; it’s a classic
- Comes in fun flavors like white chocolate or mint mocha during the holidays
Cons of mocha coffee:
- High sugar content
- Can be too rich for drinking regularly
- Doesn’t help acclimate you to the real taste of coffee, as the chocolate flavor makes it almost indistinguishable from coffee
2. Flavored Lattes and Cappuccinos
A hazelnut or vanilla latte or a caramel cappuccino are classic coffee drinks that don’t taste much like coffee.
The milk and flavoring in these espresso drinks can help ease you into the taste of coffee. The espresso flavor still shines through a bit, but it isn’t overwhelming in the scheme of the drink.
Pros of flavored lattes and cappuccinos:
- Plenty of variety, as there are often seasonal flavors or unique blends at different coffee shops (ask your local barista!)
- If you’re more health-conscious about your coffee, there are often sugar-free syrup options
- You can slowly decrease the amount of syrup, moving toward a traditional latte or cappuccino as you adjust to the taste of coffee
Cons of flavored lattes and cappuccinos:
- Pricey
- Large amounts of milk and sugar, so not a great long-term option for a daily coffee
3. Golden Ratio
Golden Ratio is a low roast coffee that drinks more like a tea — smooth, mild but flavorful, and easy on the stomach.
With a variety of flavors and options to brew hot or cold, Golden Ratio is a great way to ease into the coffee scene without having to compromise your taste buds.
Pros of Golden Ratio:
- A wide range of flavors
- No coffee making equipment needed, so its a low-risk and low-cost way to start
- Very low acidity without needing sugar
- Ethically sourced and made from organic ingredients
- The same caffeine as a strong coffee, but with a smooth and gentle taste
Cons of Golden Ratio:
- Not in physical stores yet, so must be ordered online
- Not great for people wanting a more bitter coffee taste
What is the best coffee for people who don't like coffee? A coffee with low acidity and a great, mild flavor like Golden Ratio’s low roast coffee is the best coffee for people who don’t like coffee.
4. Frappuccino
What can I get at Starbucks if I don't like coffee? A Frappuccino is the menu item to get at Starbucks if you don’t like coffee. With its icy consistency, sweetness, and subtle coffee flavor, it tastes more like ice cream than coffee, despite its shot (or two) of espresso.
Pros of a Frappuccino:
- Fun, frosty treat during warmer months
- The espresso taste is hidden by the vibrant flavoring
- Multiple flavor options
Cons of a Frappuccino:
- Only available at Starbucks, so you’ll have to seek them out
- Almost 3 times the daily recommended sugar intake
- Quite different than coffee, so it may never help you grow to enjoy it
5. Dirty Chai Latte
This tea-coffee hybrid is a Chai tea with steamed milk and a shot of espresso. If you like the deep, exotic flavor of chai tea and the creaminess of a latte, this might be your favorite.
Pros of a dirty Chai latte:
- The coffee flavor is slightly more pronounced, but the savory spices in the latte give it a balanced flavor profile
- More caffeine with the tea and coffee together
- The aromatic smell is out of this world
Cons of a dirty Chai latte:
- While most coffee shops have the ingredients, this option isn’t quite as well-known, so be prepared to explain it to a barista if needed
- If you don’t like chai spice, you won’t enjoy this variation on coffee
6. Caramel Macchiato
While a traditional macchiato (a shot of espresso “marked” with one dot of milk) may be the worst place to start your coffee journey, a variation like the caramel macchiato has more milk and candy-esque flavors. The result is a layered drink that’s a much sweeter experience.
Pros of a caramel macchiato:
- Can come hot or iced
- Often served upside-down, which means the espresso is on the top, and you can slowly mix it in to avoid a strawful of bitter taste at the bottom
- Honestly, this drink is beautiful with swirls of milk, espresso, and flavoring
Cons of a caramel macchiato:
- Coffee snobs, and more traditional cafes, look down on this drink; many don't even serve it
- If you happen to order this at the wrong place, you may end up with a straight-up shot of espresso — not ideal for a coffee newbie
You might have thought you hated coffee, but these fresh options will have you saying…
How to Make Coffee That Doesn't Taste Like Coffee
How do you make coffee if you don't like it? You can make coffee with flavorings, milk, sugar, or a lower brewing strength if you don’t like it.
Here are the best ways to make coffee that doesn’t taste like coffee:
- Brew a less concentrated cup. When brewing a drip coffee or an Americano-style drink, adding extra hot water can cause the coffee to taste less intense.
- Add some exciting flavor. If bitterness isn't your thing, a syrup or infusion of flavor like coconut vanilla could bring sweetness and balance to your cup of coffee. A regular sweetener like sugar, monk fruit, or stevia can improve your coffee experience.
- Make it creamy and dreamy. Adding creamer, half and half, or milk to your coffee can mellow out the flavor. There are more options than ever these days, like almond milk and oat milk for those avoiding dairy.
- Try a cold brew. Cold brewing is a way of making coffee that can lend itself to a slightly sweeter, milder, and less acidic taste. It’s also more caffeinated. (Note: cold brew coffee is not iced coffee, but an entirely different brewing method).
- Choose a light roast. Lighter roast coffees, such as a blonde or gold roast, don’t have the intense flavor that dark roasted coffee boasts. When you’re buying your coffee beans, look for white, blonde, or gold roasts/grounds.
Don’t try to start with harsh black coffee if you don’t like black coffee! Find the coffee that feels right for you by trying different coffee combinations for the first time.
How can I get caffeine if I don't like coffee? Those who don’t like coffee can get caffeine from alternatives like green tea, sodas, regular black tea, or dark chocolate.
Try Golden Ratio coffee today!
There are plentiful options on the market to help you fall in love with coffee, even if you’re someone who doesn’t like the taste of coffee itself. However, if you’re looking for a healthier way to drink coffee, you may want to skip all the flavorings and cups of steamed milk.
We make coffee for people who don't like coffee, and we create it with low-acid, fair trade, sustainable, organic ingredients. People who drink Golden Ratio say it doesn’t give them the jitters, it’s easier on digestion, and you don’t need any equipment to make it.
Try Golden Ratio today, and become a person who likes not only a morning cup of joe, but partakes in the cutting-edge of what coffee can be.