Do you like COFFEE? Here's a list of Coffee MUST-HAVES!

Coffee at home = a better idea than coffee out. For so many reasons. Here are my top "ate" at-home coffee necessities...

1. Instant coffee
No need to get fancy here. Instant coffee is good if you want to make an iced coffee FAST — and also make blended coffee drinks. Folgers is great, and Tasters Choice’s French Vanilla is really great.

2. No-calorie sweetener packets
I still prefer Splenda, but Truvia is a great alternative for people looking for more natural options. Splenda does have those fancy flavored packets out there that are specifically flavored for a good cup of coffee.

3. Cocoa powder
It’s multi-purpose in so many ways, but a little cocoa powder in your coffee goes a long way... and without adding many calories! Also, a can of the stuff is cheap and will last a very long time.

4. Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
I'm obsessed with this milk swap. If you can’t find it, light vanilla soymilk is a good substitute. But this really is the best option, taste and calorie-wise. Plus, since it’s shelf-stable, you can buy a bunch at a time so you’ve always got a new carton when the one in your fridge is empty.

5. Sugar Free or Fat Free Coffee-Mate Powdered Creamers
In plain and flavored, just a teaspoon or so adds a lot of creaminess to your drinks. BTW, the Sugar Free French Vanilla is the one I use most often at the HG HQ, but they’re all great.

6. Fat Free Reddi-Wip
If you feel like getting really decadent with your at-home latte, this 5-calories-per-serving, creamy, fat-free whip is the way to dress it up. This way, you get the coffeehouse fanciness without the extra calories and fat — or the long lines.

7. Torani Sugar Free Syrups
Using this no-calorie stuff is hands down the best way to flavor your coffee drinks. Look for your favorite flavors at Cost Plus World Market, or order online at torani.com.
 
8. Good ice, bendy straws and a great blender
Yeah, I know the last one is actually three things. But they're all super-important. Enjoy!
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Hungry Girl, aka Lisa Lillien, distributes her tips, tricks and takes on new food products through her daily emails and Web site. Check out www.Hungry-Girl.com.