What is this food?
Coffee with soybeans (including the seed coat). This is a soybean-based drink/mixture where coffee flavor is added, and the soy provides most of the nutrition.
Why it matters to health
Soybeans are a good source of plant protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance. They also provide healthy fats and carbohydrates for energy. With this mix, you’re getting 17.1 g fat and 32.9 g carbohydrates per 100 g, so it’s best to treat it as a filling snack or part of a balanced meal—not something to drink in large amounts all day. Since it has no cholesterol, it’s a good option for people who want to limit cholesterol from animal foods.
Healthier tips
- Use a smaller serving (about 1 cup or less, depending on how it’s prepared) and pair it with a lighter snack if you’re having it between meals.
- Go easy on added sugar/creamers—sweetened versions can raise total calories quickly.
- If you’re having it as a snack, balance the rest of your day with more vegetables and a leaner protein at meals.
- For a fuller, more balanced snack: pair with fruit (like banana or apple) or a small portion of nuts/whole grain bread.
- Watch frequency: aim for 1 snack/day from this kind of drink, especially if you’re also having rice or bread at meals.
Common Filipino dishes
Kape (coffee) with milk, Soy-based drinks (soy milk/soy coffee), Taho (soy-based snack), Tokwa’t baboy (tofu with pork, as a protein option), Ginataang munggo (munggo with coconut, for a protein-and-fiber meal)