What to Drink

The Challenge of Avoiding Sugary Drinks

One of the biggest challenges in eating well is avoiding sugary drinks, which dominate the beverage market. Personally, I steer clear of beverages with sugar, aspartame, sucralose, or any artificial sweeteners that aren’t natural. Instead, I gravitate toward drinks and desserts sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. While stevia isn’t perfect, it doesn’t spike my blood sugar or contribute to weight gain, and it’s natural.

Below are my top picks for budget-friendly beverages, based on everyday prices (not sale prices).

Coffee

Buying ground coffee is the most cost-effective option, averaging just $0.04 per cup. Avoid Keurig K-Cups, which can range from $0.25 to over $1 per cup.

A little background: I owned a retail coffee and dessert business for over 20 years, grossing $750K annually in the late ’90s—comparable to popular name-brand coffee chains. Knowing what I do about the industry, I find it hard to justify paying coffee shop prices. Their gross margins per cup are likely over 95%! Yes, you’re paying for convenience and ambiance, but consider this: the cup alone costs around $0.05–$0.10, and the lid another $0.10.

For bulk coffee, I recommend Seattle’s Best Coffee from Sam’s Club at about $6.50 per pound. If you love Starbucks lattes, buy Starbucks espresso beans and invest in an espresso machine.

Tea

Loose-leaf green tea is much cheaper than bagged tea. The best deals are at Asian grocery stores like 99 Ranch Market. If you’re looking for a premium name-brand option, Republic of Tea on Amazon makes a great gift.

Vodka

Kirkland American Vodka (1.75L) for $17 is a steal. While Grey Goose and Ketel One are excellent, Kirkland offers a similar experience for a fraction of the price. As a diabetic, I find grain alcohols to be a better choice than many other options.

Beverages

• Ocean Spray Zero Sugar (Stevia) Tropical Punch (64 oz for $2.97 at Walmart) – A refreshing, low-sugar drink that’s affordable and tasty.

By making smarter choices, you can enjoy quality beverages without breaking the bank or compromising your health!