Coffee consumption continues to rise in Argentina, with an average of 208 cups per inhabitant annually. Instant coffee is the most chosen variety in the country due to its lower price compared to ground coffee and its sweet flavor, which is very popular. It is important to mention that most countries prohibit the addition of sugar during the roasting of coffee due to its potential negative effects on health.
In five countries, including Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, the practice of roasting coffee with sugar is not prohibited. This tradition is believed to have arrived in these lands through large immigrant Spanish merchants. The addition of sugar during roasting has also become popular for economic reasons, as roasting coffee results in a loss of about 12% to 18% of its weight due to moisture loss. This leads to the practice of mixing sugar to compensate for the lost weight and, sometimes, to disguise the poor quality of the beans.
Culturally, roasted coffee has become so ingrained in Argentina that many people associate the intensity of the dark color with the quality of the coffee. Despite its popularity, roasted coffee with added sugars can lead to health issues such as type 2 diabetes and obesity if consumed excessively.
Paradoxically, coffee in general, especially light-roasted Arabica coffee, can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and help prevent strokes. On the other hand, excessive sugar in roasted coffee can be harmful to heart health. Although the WHO has removed coffee from the list of carcinogens, it warns about the risks of consuming very hot beverages that could cause esophageal cancer.
Regarding coffee prices, a significant increase has been recorded in recent years due to factors such as adverse climatic conditions affecting major coffee producers worldwide. According to the FAO, Brazil and Vietnam, which represent almost half of the world's production, have suffered the impact of severe droughts and frosts.
In summary, coffee remains a very popular beverage in Argentina, with instant coffee being the most consumed variety. Despite the health risks associated with roasted coffee with added sugars, coffee in general can have health benefits. Coffee prices have risen due to climatic factors and other elements affecting major producers worldwide.
