Craving the sensational viral coffee drink without the sugar rush? You’ve found the perfect solution! This ultimate guide to making sugar-free Dalgona coffee delivers all the creamy, dreamy satisfaction while being entirely keto-friendly, low-carb, and easily adaptable for a vegan lifestyle. Prepare to fall in love with this exquisite whipped coffee without sugar—a quick, semi-healthy dessert or a delightful morning pick-me-up that satisfies your sweet tooth without guilt. Achieve your weight loss goals with this low-calorie Dalgona coffee, or make it caffeine-free for an evening treat. The best part? You only need three simple ingredients to create this incredible keto whipped coffee at home!

Dalgona coffee, affectionately known as fluffy coffee, cloud coffee, upside-down latte, or TikTok coffee, has undeniably taken the internet by storm. Its immense popularity stems not only from its incredibly rich taste but also from its stunning, photogenic presentation. Picture this: a thick, sweet, and creamy layer of whipped instant coffee gracefully floating atop your milk of choice, resembling a fluffy cloud. It’s a true masterpiece in a glass.

Our bespoke Dalgona coffee sugar-free recipe revolutionizes this trend by using Swerve, a fantastic no-added-sugar sweetener that dramatically lowers the calorie and carbohydrate count. This means you can enjoy a luxurious coffee experience that rivals expensive coffee shop drinks like Starbucks, but at a fraction of the cost and with significant health benefits, all without sacrificing flavor. This skinny Dalgona coffee is destined to become your new favorite iced coffee, offering a refreshing and satisfying treat for any time of day!

✨ What Exactly is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee draws its intriguing name from a traditional Korean honeycomb candy, also called Dalgona, which is famously made from melted sugar and a touch of baking soda. The visual and textural similarities are striking – both boast a light, airy, and somewhat sponge-like quality. While the coffee drink itself doesn’t contain the actual candy, it’s said to evoke a similar sweet, caramelized flavor profile. For those familiar, descriptions of Dalgona candy often bring to mind Buffalo sponge candy (minus the chocolate coating), offering a delightful crispness that melts in your mouth.

The global phenomenon of Dalgona coffee surged during a time when many were seeking creative ways to recreate café experiences at home. Its simple preparation, coupled with its visually appealing layers, made it an instant hit across social media platforms. By understanding its origins, we appreciate how this sugar-free whipped coffee version honors the spirit of the original while making it accessible to a wider audience focused on health and wellness.

Without surprise, most fluffy Dalgona coffee drinks typically include a substantial amount of added sugar. Such high-sugar beverages are not something that would regularly feature in a balanced diet, especially for those pursuing specific health objectives. From personal experience, sticking to zero-calorie drinks (outside of milk and natural fruit smoothies) has proven incredibly beneficial, both during my initial weight loss journey and in maintaining a healthy weight long-term.

So, the burning question: Is it truly possible to make a delicious no-sugar Dalgona coffee? Absolutely, and I’m thrilled to share exactly how! My rendition also offers the flexibility to be made caffeine-free, catering to all preferences. The result is a lighter, lower-carb, and lower-calorie version of the beloved classic, just as flavorful and satisfying as the original. If you have a penchant for sweetened coffee beverages, this healthier treat is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite.

📝 Dalgona Coffee Calories: A Healthier Choice

Curious about the calories in Dalgona coffee, especially our healthier version? Our recipe for sugar-free whipped coffee, made with Swerve and Silk unsweetened soy milk, impressively contains just 80 calories, 1 gram of net carbohydrates, and a satisfying 7 grams of protein per serving. It’s important to remember that the precise nutritional information for your Dalgona coffee will depend directly on the specific ingredients you choose.

This remarkable sugar-free Dalgona coffee is naturally vegan, low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and vegetarian, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs. For comparison, a traditional Dalgona coffee made with conventional sugar typically provides around 170 calories, 25 grams of net carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. By simply opting for a non-nutritive sweetener in your Dalgona coffee, you can save nearly 100 calories per serving—a significant advantage for managing your daily intake and supporting weight management goals.

The beauty of this sugar-free Dalgona coffee recipe lies in its delightful simplicity, requiring just three core ingredients (or four if you count water), making it incredibly easy to whip up anytime:

• Instant Coffee Granules: This is the non-negotiable star of the show. You absolutely must use instant coffee, not regular ground coffee or espresso powder. Instant coffee is specially processed to dissolve quickly and, more importantly, create the stable foam structure essential for Dalgona. You can choose regular instant coffee for a caffeine boost or opt for a decaffeinated version if you prefer to enjoy this treat in the evening.
• Granular Swerve: Our secret weapon for a truly sugar-free experience. Swerve is a fantastic sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup just like traditional sugar. It’s formulated with erythritol, oligosaccharides, and natural flavors, providing a clean sweetness without the often-unpleasant aftertaste found in some other non-nutritive sweeteners. Its granular form is crucial for helping the coffee mixture whip into a stable, fluffy foam.
• Hot Water: Essential for rapidly dissolving both the instant coffee and the granular Swerve. Using boiling water ensures a quick and complete dissolution, which is key for the mixture to emulsify and whip properly.
• Unsweetened Milk of Choice: This forms the refreshing base of your Dalgona coffee. I personally used unsweetened soy milk for this recipe, as its protein content contributes to a more filling drink. For those on a low-carb or keto diet, unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk are excellent choices. If opting for other plant-based milks like oat milk, try to find varieties with added protein and calcium for enhanced nutritional value. Dairy milk (skim, 2%, or whole) can also be used if it aligns with your dietary preferences.

A crucial reminder: ensure you are using instant coffee and NOT regular ground coffee or finely ground espresso. The specific properties of instant coffee are what allow it to emulsify and create the signature fluffy foam. Other coffee types simply won’t yield the same results.

To make this coffee drink more satisfying and help you feel fuller for longer, I highly recommend using a milk alternative with adequate protein. Calcium-fortified soymilk and traditional dairy milk are excellent choices due to their natural protein content. If you opt for unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk, look for brands that have added protein. For those strictly adhering to a low-carb diet, it’s essential to select a low-carb, plant-based milk alternative to keep the net carbohydrate count minimal.

For making Dalgona whipped coffee, the key kitchen equipment you’ll need includes an electric hand mixer, a Thermomix, or a stand mixer to efficiently whisk the foam. Additionally, a wide-width straw is highly recommended for the best enjoyment of this layered drink.

❓ Your Sweetener Questions Answered: Dalgona Coffee Edition

What can I use instead of sugar in Dalgona coffee?

In my humble opinion, the absolute best no-calorie sweetener for Dalgona coffee is Swerve. It performed perfectly as a 1:1 sugar substitute in this recipe, delivering a clean sweet taste without any of the unpleasant aftertastes I’ve experienced with other non-nutritive sweeteners. Other granular 1:1 sugar substitutes, such as those containing monk fruit or stevia blended with erythritol, should also work effectively. However, I generally find allulose sweeteners not sweet enough for this specific application. While some recipes suggest using sugar-free syrups instead of granular sweeteners, be aware that the coffee layer in such whipped Dalgona coffee versions won’t achieve the same airy or fluffy texture, as the granular structure is crucial for stabilization.

Can you use Stevia in Dalgona coffee?

Pure stevia extract and liquid stevia drops are highly concentrated and are not direct 1:1 sugar substitutes in terms of volume or structure. Therefore, they won’t work alone in this recipe to create the necessary foam. However, if the stevia is combined with erythritol or another bulking agent to create a granular 1:1 sugar substitute, then it should be suitable for making keto Dalgona coffee.

Does Dalgona coffee work with Splenda?

Yes, you can absolutely use certain Splenda products in this recipe, provided they are formulated as 1:1 sugar substitutes. This includes products like Splenda Original Granulated Sweetener. Always check the packaging to confirm it’s a cup-for-cup replacement for sugar to ensure proper whipping consistency.

Can you whisk coffee without sugar or a sugar substitute?

Unfortunately, no. It’s not possible to whisk instant coffee into the frothy, stable foam required for Dalgona coffee without the presence of sugar or a granular, cup-for-cup sugar substitute. The sugar (or its granular replacement) plays a vital structural role beyond just adding sweetness. Its crystalline nature helps to trap air and stabilize the emulsion created during whisking, allowing the mixture to transform into a thick, airy foam with stiff peaks. Without this essential component, your coffee mixture will remain liquid, and you won’t achieve the iconic Dalgona texture.

Whip Up the Perfect Foam

Begin by combining 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons of granular Swerve, and 2 tablespoons of freshly boiled hot water in a large mixing bowl. Using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer (a hand mixer or stand mixer works perfectly), beat the mixture vigorously on high speed for approximately 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice it gradually thicken, lighten in color, and transform into a luscious, airy foam. It’s ready when it forms stiff peaks, meaning it holds its shape firmly when you lift the whisk.

Layer and Garnish

Carefully spoon the prepared sweetened coffee foam on top of the milk base. The stark contrast between the two layers creates Dalgona’s signature stunning appearance. For an optional but delightful touch, consider garnishing your drink. A light sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon, a few cacao nibs, or a swirl of sugar-free caramel syrup can add extra flavor and visual appeal.

This recipe is meticulously crafted as a single-serving delight, designed to be made and enjoyed fresh. The delicate, airy structure of the whipped coffee foam is at its peak immediately after preparation. If left in the refrigerator for an extended period, the foam will unfortunately begin to deflate, losing its signature fluffiness and volume. For the best texture, flavor, and visual appeal, I highly recommend preparing your whipped coffee no sugar right before you plan to indulge. Embrace the moment and savor it freshly made!

If this sugar-free Dalgona coffee has sparked your interest in healthier beverage options, explore these other delicious added-sugar-free drink ideas:

• Diet Lemonade
• Vegan Keto Berry Smoothie
• Keto Blueberry Smoothie