Coffee
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use guar gum powder instead of corn starch to thicken matcha frappes.
Guar gum is much stronger than corn starch and tasteless in small amounts.
one person who lived it
Freeze surplus coffee in trays for use in blended drinks or to avoid dilution when thawing.
Coffee cubes do not water down the beverage like standard ice does.
7 people, independently
Add a small amount of salt to coffee grounds to reduce bitterness and add to natural flavor.
Salt cuts bitterness and smooths out stale tastes in water.
one person who lived it
Put coffee grounds in the French press first, then add water to prevent overflow and mess.
Adding water first can cause overflow and create a big mess.
one person who lived it
Use mason jars and a filter for cold brew instead of a French press if you prefer a simpler setup.
You don't really need the French press.
one person who lived it
Roast your own coffee beans if you find standard brands lacking but cannot afford artisan options.
One person recommended this to save money.
one person who lived it
Measure light roast coffee beans by volume to increase caffeine content, or measure dark roast beans by weight to increase caffeine content.
Light roasts are denser (more mass per volume), while dark roasts have less mass per volume but higher concentration by weight.
one person who lived it
Do not rely on roast level to determine caffeine content, as the difference is negligible and brewing variables matter more.
The amount of caffeine varies wildly due to factors other than roast degree.
one person who lived it
Substitute heavy whipping cream for standard creamer in iced coffee.
It is described as very delicious.
one person who lived it
1 more on this
Stir unflavored or vanilla yogurt into coffee to create a thick texture similar to ice cream.
- This specific experience involved iced coffee with chocolate powder and syrup.
one person who lived it