Filipinos have been coffee lovers for generations. Coffee is part of our everyday routine, part of our life. Our grandparents used to boil water in the good old “dirty” kitchen, gathering twigs or buying charcoal for 10 to 20 pesos to fire up a blackened kettle. Then came the coffee sticks our parents would buy: tear, pour, stir. A quick, affordable morning routine that just works.
For many of us, a cup of coffee and some freshly baked pandesal is how we start our morning. It’s a simple Filipino breakfast that’s hard to imagine skipping. Coffee has become such a big part of our daily lives that it’s even a running joke that when someone is “HB,” or high blood pressure, maybe they just haven’t had their coffee yet.
Today, you can find coffee almost everywhere, from your favorite sari-sari store to a pop-up coffee stand outside your apartment to your go-to coffee shops. With so many options available nowadays, have you also wondered what’s actually inside your usual cup?
What If Your Favorite Coffee Sachet Had a Little More Inside?
Here’s the thing: most of us are already coffee lovers, and drinking coffee is part of our daily routine. It’s one of those habits we don’t really have to think twice about. But while coffee can be part of a balanced lifestyle, it’s also worth understanding how it affects our bodies. For some people, too much caffeine can lead to sleep problems, jitters, or anxiety, while coffee may trigger acid reflux and heartburn. Caffeine can also affect blood sugar levels in some people, particularly those with diabetes.
So, what if the coffee sachet you already love came with a different blend of ingredients? HBY Wellness Coffee brings together Arabica coffee and other ingredients in one convenient mix. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into each sachet and what to know about the ingredients, so you can make a more informed choice about your everyday cup.
What’s Inside HBY Wellness Coffee?
As a coffee lover or well-n, some of these ingredients might sound a little familiar.
Arabica Coffee
Arabica is one of the most widely known coffee species, known for its aroma and flavor. It naturally contains caffeine, which helps us to feel more awake and energized. However, you should remember that caffeine affects everyone differently. For some people, they can enjoy a cup without worrying or having any trouble. Others may experience jitters or even have difficulty sleeping.
If you're sensitive to caffeine, keep in mind that the caffeine content may vary depending on the coffee blend and serving size. It's also good to be mindful of other foods and beverages you consume throughout the day that contain caffeine, such as tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. If you're unsure how much caffeine a product contains, check the packaging for available product information, or check the internet for more product information.
L-Theanine
If you like drinking tea, you might already be familiar with L-theanine, even if you haven't heard its name before. L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found mainly in tea leaves, especially green tea. Unlike amino acids that build proteins, L-theanine is known for its unique properties and has been studied for its potential role in relaxation, focus, and attention.
One reason L-theanine is an interesting addition to coffee blends is its potential relationship with mental alertness and focus. Researchers have studied it both on its own and alongside caffeine to better understand these effects, although more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
In HBY Wellness Coffee, L-theanine is one of the added ingredients in the blend. It brings a tea-derived compound into your everyday cup of coffee, alongside the other ingredients in the formula. However, because it is part of a multi-ingredient formula, its amount may not be comparable to the quantities used in research. It's best to view it as an added component of the blend rather than expect an immediate or intense improvement in focus or relaxation.
MCT Oil Powder
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat found in foods like coconut oil. MCT oil powder is used in various food and beverage products, including specialty coffee drinks and powdered mixes. Unlike some other dietary fats, MCTs are digested and can be absorbed relatively quickly, allowing the body to use them as a source of energy. This makes them an interesting addition to coffee blends that combine different ingredients in one convenient cup.
Collagen Peptides
You've probably heard of collagen in skincare routines, beauty drinks, and supplements. But did you know collagen is a protein naturally found in our skin, bones, and connective tissues?
Collagen peptides are smaller pieces of collagen commonly added to food and beverage products. HBY Wellness Coffee contains fish-derived collagen peptides, so if you have a fish allergy, be sure to check the product's allergen information before drinking it.
Moringa, or Malunggay
This one is probably the most familiar to Filipino households. Malunggay is a staple in many home-cooked dishes, from vegetable recipes to chicken tinola. And let's not forget our childhood Mission Impossible moments, when our mothers sent us on a mission to ask (or sneakily pick a few leaves of) malunggay from a friendly neighbor.
Beyond being a familiar ingredient in Filipino cooking, malunggay, also known as moringa, contains naturally occurring nutrients and plant compounds. Moringa leaves have been studied for their nutritional content, but fresh leaves and moringa extract aren't necessarily the same nutritionally. Their composition can vary depending on how the extract is prepared and processed.
In HBY Wellness Coffee, moringa extract is part of the botanical ingredient blend.
Grape Seed Extract
Have you prepared your 12 grapes for the New Year's tradition of eating them under the dining table? Some believe that doing so will help make their wishes come true.
But did you know that grape seeds contain plant compounds called polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins? These naturally occurring compounds are known for their antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Grape seed extract has attracted scientific interest because of its rich polyphenol content and its potential role in supporting certain aspects of health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), researchers have studied its possible effects on factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, although more research is needed to draw firm conclusions. Its inclusion doesn't mean that one cup will deliver noticeable antioxidant effects or improve heart health. Because the amount in each sachet is part of a multi-ingredient formula, it is more realistic to view it as a complementary ingredient rather than expect immediate results.
Goji Berry Extract
You might have seen goji berries in teas, smoothies, or other drinks you've tried. These small, bright red fruits, native to parts of Asia, have a long history of use in traditional food practices and are now enjoyed in different parts of the world.
Goji berries contain several naturally occurring compounds, including carotenoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. Carotenoids such as zeaxanthin contribute to their nutritional profile, while polyphenols are known for their antioxidant properties. These compounds have attracted scientific interest for their potential roles in health, particularly in research exploring antioxidant activity and eye health.
Goji berry extract is made by processing the fruit to obtain some of its naturally occurring components, with its final composition depending on the extraction method. In HBY Wellness Coffee, goji berry extract adds a botanical ingredient to the blend alongside the other components in each sachet. However, its presence should not be taken as a promise of improved eye health or other immediate benefits.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract
Have you ever come across garcinia cambogia in conversations about weight management? This tropical fruit, also known as Malabar tamarind, grows on a tree native to India and Southeast Asia. Its rind has traditionally been used in cooking, including as a food preservative, and is now also used to produce extracts found in dietary supplements.
One of the main compounds in garcinia cambogia fruit rind is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Researchers have studied HCA for its potential role in processes related to fat production and appetite regulation. Because of this interest, garcinia cambogia extract has become a common ingredient in supplements marketed for weight management.
But what does the research say? According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), evidence supporting garcinia cambogia's effectiveness for weight loss remains limited, with studies reporting mixed results. This means its potential effects are still being explored, and it should not be considered a guaranteed way to lose weight.
As with other botanical ingredients, understanding what garcinia cambogia contains and what research has found can help you make informed choices about the products you consume. Since it is included as part of a multi-ingredient coffee formula, it's especially important not to expect significant changes from drinking it.
Inactivated Lactobacillus Blend
Okay, this one might sound a little technical, but let's break it down!
Lactobacillus is a group of bacteria you might have come across in fermented foods and probiotic products. But here's the catch: inactivated Lactobacillus is different from live probiotic bacteria. The bacteria have been processed so they're no longer alive, which means we shouldn't automatically assume they work the same way as live probiotics. If you're curious about the difference, you can learn more from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's guide to probiotics.
Little Reminder About Wellness Coffee Ingredients
It's easy to see a long ingredient list and assume every ingredient will produce a noticeable result. But that's not always the case. Research on individual ingredients doesn't automatically prove that a finished coffee mix will have the same effects.
Before adding a wellness drink to your routine, take a moment to check the ingredient list and nutrition facts, especially the caffeine content, sweeteners, allergens, and ingredients that may not be suitable for you.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before trying the product.
A little curiosity is good. Knowing what's in your cup is even better!
But Does It Taste Good?
HBY Wellness Coffee has a smooth and creamy, Spanish Latte-inspired flavor, with erythritol and steviol glycosides from the stevia plant used as sweeteners. If you enjoy coffee that's smooth, creamy, and a little sweet rather than strong and black, this blend might be worth exploring without feeling guilty at all.
Of course, everyone has their own coffee preferences. Follow the recommended preparation instructions.
The HOT Way
Prepare your sachet, pour 150–200 ml of hot water into your cup, and stir well. That's it! Easy, right?
The COLD Way
Prepare your sachet and dissolve the coffee mix in 50 ml of hot water, stirring well. Then, add 100 ml of cold water and ice if you prefer. Give it one last stir, and enjoy your refreshing iced coffee!
Want a creamier cup of coffee? Try mixing it with your favorite milk! Just keep in mind that adding milk may slightly change the coffee's original flavor.
Start With the Coffee You Already Love
Our grandparents had their kettles and traditional barako coffee, our parents had their favorite instant coffee stick sachets, and now, many of us have our go-to coffee mixes and favorite mugs. Today, there are more coffee options to explore, from classic Filipino coffee to creamy, flavored blends with different ingredients. Some may fit our tastes and preferences better than others, but at the end of the day, the simple pleasure of enjoying a good cup of coffee remains the same.
If you are a coffee lover, check out our creamy Spanish Latte-inspired HBY Wellness Coffee. We are never getting any younger, so make your coffee routine healthier and more flavorful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HBY Wellness Coffee taste like?▼
It has a smooth, creamy Spanish Latte-inspired taste with the familiar flavor and aroma of coffee. The formulation is designed to balance its functional and botanical ingredients without overpowering the coffee experience.
What makes HBY Wellness Coffee different from regular coffee?▼
It gives you the familiar convenience of instant coffee while incorporating selected functional and botanical ingredients into your daily coffee ritual.
How many sachets can I drink per day?▼
One sachet is one serving. Because the product contains caffeine and functional ingredients, consider your overall caffeine intake and follow the recommended serving instructions on the packaging.
How many servings are in one pouch?▼
Each pouch contains 10 individually packed sachets, with 15 g per sachet. One sachet equals one serving.
Does HBY Wellness Coffee contain allergens?▼
Please review the allergen declaration and complete ingredient list printed on the product packaging before consumption, particularly if you have known food allergies or sensitivities.
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