Try the viral Dalgona coffee with its perfect foamy texture!
Dalgona coffee took the world by storm, but what exactly is it? This creamy, frothy, and aesthetically pleasing coffee drink originated in South Korea and became an internet sensation during the COVID-19 lockdowns. It’s a simple blend of instant coffee, sugar, and water, whipped into a cloud-like foam and served over milk. But there’s more to this delightful beverage than meets the eye.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, preparation methods, variations, and nutritional aspects of dalgona coffee. We’ll also delve into the science behind its frothy texture and how it compares to similar drinks from around the world. By the end, you’ll have a deep understanding of this viral sensation and how to perfect it in your own kitchen.
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink that combines equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, beaten into a thick, creamy consistency. This frothy mixture is then spooned over cold or hot milk, creating a visually stunning and deliciously smooth beverage. It’s often served in clear glasses to showcase its distinct layers—milk at the bottom and a luscious coffee foam on top.
Unlike traditional lattes or cappuccinos that rely on steamed milk for creaminess, dalgona coffee achieves its signature texture through whipping alone. It requires no fancy espresso machines, making it an accessible and fun DIY coffee trend.
Dalgona coffee’s roots are relatively recent, but its concept has existed for decades.
Although it gained global popularity through South Korea, dalgona coffee shares similarities with Phenti Hui Coffee from India and Macau-style whipped coffee. In Macau, street vendors have long been whipping coffee with sugar to create a light and airy consistency. This method was already known in certain regions but hadn’t yet become a mainstream trend.
The viral explosion of dalgona coffee can be traced back to South Korean actor Jung Il-woo, who introduced it to the public on a TV show in early 2020. While filming in Macau, he tried a whipped coffee drink and noted that it tasted similar to dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee. The name stuck, and soon after, social media was flooded with videos of people whipping up their own versions of this coffee.
The timing of dalgona coffee’s rise coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns, when people sought creative ways to stay entertained at home. As millions of people were stuck indoors, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram became platforms for sharing DIY dalgona coffee tutorials. The drink’s mesmerizing preparation process—watching coffee transform from liquid to thick peaks—contributed to its viral success.
Dalgona coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to several factors:
Now that we’ve explored the origins and cultural significance of Dalgona coffee, it’s time to dive into the essential ingredients and step-by-step preparation process. Whether you’re making it for the first time or perfecting your technique, this guide will help you achieve that fluffy, velvety coffee foam with ease.
The beauty of Dalgona coffee lies in its simplicity. You only need four basic ingredients, and chances are, you already have them in your kitchen.
Making dalgona coffee requires whisking the coffee mixture until it transforms into a light and airy foam. You can do this with a hand whisk, electric mixer, or even a spoon.
💡 Tip: The foam should be stiff enough to hold its shape when lifted.
While Dalgona coffee is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:
❌ Using Ground Coffee Instead of Instant Coffee
✔️ Fix: Only instant coffee can whip into a foam. Ground or brewed coffee won’t work.
❌ Not Whipping Long Enough
✔️ Fix: The coffee mixture needs to be whisked for at least 3 minutes (or longer if using a spoon).
❌ Too Much or Too Little Sugar
✔️ Fix: Sugar stabilizes the foam, so keeping a 1:1 ratio of coffee, sugar, and hot water is crucial.
❌ Using Cold Water Instead of Hot Water
✔️ Fix: Hot water helps dissolve coffee and sugar quickly, leading to better foam.
If you’re watching your intake, here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Caffeine | 50mg |
💡 Tip: To reduce calories, use unsweetened almond milk and stevia instead of sugar.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic dalgona coffee, why not take it to the next level? This whipped coffee trend has inspired countless variations, from matcha-infused versions to chocolate and plant-based alternatives. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or prefer a more subtle taste, these creative twists will add excitement to your daily coffee ritual.
Dalgona coffee is versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
Love the combination of coffee and chocolate? This variation blends the richness of cocoa powder with the smooth, frothy coffee layer.
🔹 How to Make It:
🔹 Flavor Profile:
A rich, bittersweet blend with a smooth, creamy finish.
For tea lovers, matcha dalgona offers a mildly sweet, earthy taste with a vibrant green color.
🔹 How to Make It:
🔹 Flavor Profile:
Smooth, slightly grassy, and naturally sweet.
If you’re looking for a plant-based version, you can still achieve the perfect whipped texture without dairy or refined sugar.
🔹 How to Make It:
🔹 Flavor Profile:
Light, airy, and subtly sweet with nutty undertones.
Perfect for colder months, this version adds a hint of spice for extra warmth.
🔹 How to Make It:
🔹 Flavor Profile:
Aromatic, warm, and comforting with subtle spiced notes.
Need a protein boost with your morning coffee? This variation provides an extra kick of nutrition while keeping the creamy texture intact.
🔹 How to Make It:
🔹 Flavor Profile:
Nutty, creamy, and satisfying with a boost of protein.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are some additional ways to make your dalgona coffee unique:
✅ Toppings & Garnishes:
✅ Sweetener Alternatives:
✅ Milk Choices:
✅ Temperature Preferences:
Each variation comes with a different nutritional profile. Here’s a comparison of a few popular types:
| Variation | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Dalgona | 60 kcal | 12g | 2g | 1g | 10g |
| Mocha Dalgona | 75 kcal | 15g | 3g | 2g | 12g |
| Matcha Dalgona | 50 kcal | 9g | 1g | 1g | 7g |
| Vegan Dalgona | 55 kcal | 10g | 2g | 1.5g | 8g |
| Protein Dalgona | 90 kcal | 10g | 10g | 3g | 5g |
💡 Tip: Adjust sweeteners and milk choices based on your dietary preferences.
You’ve seen it. You’ve whipped it. But have you ever wondered why Dalgona coffee gets so light, airy, and fluffy? The secret lies in the fascinating science of foaming, emulsification, and surface tension. In this section, we’ll break down exactly what makes Dalgona coffee work and how you can get the perfect whipped consistency every time.
At its core, Dalgona coffee’s frothiness is a result of trapping air bubbles inside a liquid mixture, much like whipped cream or meringue. But why does this happen with just instant coffee, sugar, and water? Let’s take a look at the science behind it.
Instant coffee contains compounds called surfactants, which are responsible for reducing the surface tension of liquids. These surfactants act as foaming agents, allowing air to be incorporated into the liquid when whisked.
💡 Fun Fact: Instant coffee is dried through a process that concentrates foaming agents naturally found in coffee, which is why it works better than ground coffee for whipping.
Sugar plays a critical role in maintaining the whipped texture. When sugar dissolves in the liquid, it strengthens the walls of the tiny air bubbles, making the foam more stable and long-lasting.
✔ More sugar = thicker, longer-lasting foam
✘ Less sugar = softer, weaker foam that deflates quickly
💡 Tip: To create sugar-free dalgona, you can substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or xylitol, but expect a slightly softer foam.
Using hot water is essential because:
💡 Tip: If your mixture isn’t whipping properly, check if your water was hot enough (around 195°F or 90°C).
The more air you whip into the mixture, the fluffier and denser your foam becomes. This is why using an electric hand mixer speeds up the process—it incorporates air faster than a spoon or whisk.
✔ Hand whisking: Takes 5–10 minutes of continuous whipping.
✔ Electric mixer: Achieves peaks in 2–3 minutes.
💡 Tip: If you’re whisking by hand, use a circular motion with quick, short strokes to trap air more efficiently.
Not getting the perfect fluffy foam? Here’s what might be going wrong and how to fix it:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Foam is too runny | Not enough whisking | Keep whipping until stiff peaks form |
| Foam deflates quickly | Too little sugar | Increase sugar to stabilize the foam |
| Foam doesn’t form at all | Using ground coffee instead of instant | Always use instant coffee |
| Foam is too stiff | Overwhipping | Stop whisking once the foam holds soft peaks |
Dalgona coffee isn’t the only beverage that relies on whipping for texture. Here’s how it stacks up against similar drinks:
| Drink | Main Ingredients | Foaming Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Dalgona Coffee | Instant coffee, sugar, water | Air bubbles trapped in surfactant-rich coffee |
| Greek Frappé | Instant coffee, water, ice | Shaken with water to create foam |
| Italian Crema di Caffè | Espresso, sugar, cream | Whipped with cream for a velvety texture |
| Indian Phenti Hui Coffee | Ground coffee, sugar, milk | Beaten coffee aerated by hand |
💡 Tip: If you love creamy coffee drinks, try experimenting with Dalgona-inspired lattes, using different base ingredients like matcha, cocoa, or even chai!
If you want your dalgona coffee to stay fluffy for hours, here are some pro tips:
✔ Chill the Bowl – A cold mixing bowl helps create a more stable foam.
✔ Use Extra Sugar – The more sugar, the longer the foam holds its shape.
✔ Add Cream of Tartar – Just a pinch can increase stability (just like when whipping egg whites).
✔ Refrigerate Before Serving – Letting the foam sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes helps it hold its structure.
Dalgona coffee might be a modern trend, but whipped coffee itself isn’t new. Many cultures have their own versions of frothy, whipped, and aerated coffee drinks. In this section, we’ll compare Dalgona coffee to other well-known coffee beverages to see what makes it unique.
Dalgona coffee has a few key features that set it apart:
✔ No espresso machine required – Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, dalgona coffee relies solely on hand-whipping or an electric mixer.
✔ Thick, stable foam – Unlike regular coffee froth, which dissipates quickly, dalgona’s foam remains stiff and holds its shape.
✔ Visual appeal – The two-layered effect makes it one of the most Instagram-worthy drinks ever!
✔ Sweet and airy texture – The addition of sugar makes the foam more dessert-like than other coffee drinks.
Now, let’s compare it with some other popular coffee drinks:
Both drinks rely on instant coffee, but their preparation methods differ.
| Feature | Dalgona Coffee | Greek Frappé |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Type | Instant Coffee | Instant Coffee |
| Texture | Thick & fluffy | Light & frothy |
| Preparation | Whisking method | Shaken with ice |
| Sweetness | Naturally sweet | Can be unsweetened |
| Serving Style | Over milk | Over water or milk |
💡 Verdict: Dalgona coffee is denser, while Greek frappé is more refreshing and foamier.
India has its own hand-beaten coffee, also known as Phenti Hui Coffee (or “Beaten Coffee”).
| Feature | Dalgona Coffee | Phenti Hui Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Type | Instant Coffee | Ground Coffee |
| Texture | Thick & airy | Creamy & rich |
| Preparation | Whipped separately | Whipped directly in milk |
| Sweetness | Pre-sweetened | Customizable |
| Serving Style | Over hot/cold milk | Mixed into hot milk |
💡 Verdict: Phenti Hui Coffee is similar but slightly richer since it’s mixed into milk instead of sitting on top.
A classic cappuccino consists of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Unlike dalgona coffee, it requires an espresso machine.
| Feature | Dalgona Coffee | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Type | Instant Coffee | Espresso |
| Texture | Thick & whipped | Light & foamy |
| Milk | Cold or hot | Steamed |
| Preparation | Whipped manually | Requires espresso machine |
| Serving Style | Layered look | Blended |
💡 Verdict: If you love milkier, smoother coffee, cappuccino is ideal. If you want a dessert-like coffee, dalgona wins!
Vietnamese egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) is another famous whipped coffee, but instead of sugar, it uses egg yolks for creaminess.
| Feature | Dalgona Coffee | Vietnamese Egg Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Type | Instant Coffee | Strong Brewed Coffee |
| Texture | Thick & airy | Creamy & custard-like |
| Preparation | Sugar-based foam | Egg-based foam |
| Sweetness | Pre-sweetened | Rich & decadent |
| Serving Style | Over cold/hot milk | Poured over coffee |
💡 Verdict: If you love rich, velvety drinks, Vietnamese egg coffee is a must-try!
Dalgona coffee may share characteristics with other whipped coffee drinks, but here’s why it’s unique:
✔ Whipped entirely by hand (or a mixer) – no machines needed!
✔ Sweet, dessert-like texture that holds its form for a long time.
✔ Easily customizable – can be made vegan, keto-friendly, or spiced.
✔ It became a viral trend, making it more popular than similar drinks.
Dalgona coffee is best for moments when you want:
☕ A fun, hands-on coffee-making experience.
📸 A picture-perfect, layered coffee drink.
🍮 A dessert-like coffee treat.
❄️ A refreshing, cold coffee alternative to iced lattes.
💡 Tip: If you prefer bitter, strong coffee, try adding less sugar or using dark-roast instant coffee for a bolder taste.
Dalgona coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a social media superstar. What started as a humble whipped coffee recipe quickly became a global sensation, spreading across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. But what exactly made this coffee trend go viral? And how did it impact the way people engage with coffee culture worldwide? Let’s explore the journey of dalgona coffee from a South Korean TV show to an international coffee craze.
The rise of dalgona coffee can be traced back to January 2020, when South Korean actor Jung Il-woo appeared on a TV show in Macau. He ordered a whipped coffee at a café and compared its taste to dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee. From that moment on, the name stuck.
But the real explosion happened in March 2020, when people stuck at home during COVID-19 lockdowns started sharing their own versions of dalgona coffee on social media.
The hashtag #DalgonaCoffee quickly gained millions of views on TikTok, with users posting time-lapse videos of themselves whipping coffee into a thick, fluffy foam. The trend soon spilled over to Instagram, where beautifully layered dalgona coffee shots dominated feeds.
✔ Short-form videos made the whipping process engaging.
✔ People challenged each other to make the best dalgona coffee.
✔ Minimal ingredients and equipment made it accessible for everyone.
💡 Did You Know? The #DalgonaCoffeeChallenge became one of the biggest food trends of 2020, inspiring millions of people to try their hand at whipping coffee.
Dalgona coffee became more than just a viral trend—it symbolized creativity, resilience, and community during a time of global uncertainty.
☕ A Home-Friendly Café Experience – With cafés closed, people recreated barista-style drinks at home.
👩🍳 A Fun DIY Activity – The hands-on nature of whipping coffee made it a satisfying experience.
🌎 A Global Connection – People from different cultures participated, sharing unique spins on the drink.
💡 Dalgona coffee was more than just a caffeine fix—it was a way for people to feel connected despite being physically apart.
This viral trend wasn’t just a passing fad—it had lasting effects on coffee culture.
More people started experimenting with homemade coffee drinks, leading to:
✔ A surge in home espresso machine sales.
✔ Greater popularity of alternative brewing methods (e.g., French press, AeroPress).
✔ The rise of DIY coffee bar setups at home.
Dalgona coffee paved the way for new whipped beverages like:
✔ Matcha dalgona (whipped green tea).
✔ Milo dalgona (whipped chocolate malt drink).
✔ Strawberry dalgona (whipped fruit milk).
💡 The whipped drink trend isn’t going anywhere—it’s evolving into even more creative forms!
Due to its popularity, some cafés started serving gourmet versions of dalgona coffee with unique toppings like:
✔ Caramel drizzle
✔ Crushed cookies
✔ Flavored syrups
💡 Some high-end cafés even used espresso instead of instant coffee to create a richer, more complex flavor!
Here’s how dalgona coffee took over social media by the numbers:
| Platform | Views/Hashtags |
|---|---|
| TikTok | Over 4 billion views for #DalgonaCoffee |
| Over 3 million posts with #DalgonaCoffee | |
| YouTube | Thousands of tutorials with millions of views |
| Google Trends | 5000% increase in searches for “Dalgona coffee” in 2020 |
💡 Dalgona coffee became one of the biggest viral food trends in internet history!
While the hype has died down since its peak in 2020, dalgona coffee remains a beloved drink in many households.
✔ People still enjoy it as a quick and easy coffee fix.
✔ New variations keep emerging, keeping the trend fresh.
✔ It left a lasting impact on home coffee culture.
💡 Even though it’s no longer viral, dalgona coffee has earned its place as a classic homemade coffee treat!
Dalgona coffee is simple to make, but many people still have questions about the process, ingredients, and variations. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you perfect your homemade whipped coffee.
No, regular ground coffee will not work the same way as instant coffee. The drying process of instant coffee gives it natural foaming agents that help create the fluffy texture. If you only have ground coffee, try making a strong espresso shot and whipping it with sugar and hot water, but it won’t achieve the same level of fluffiness.
💡 Tip: If you don’t have instant coffee, try using instant espresso powder for a similar effect.
If your coffee mixture isn’t whipping into a thick foam, here are the possible reasons and solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrong coffee type (ground coffee instead of instant) | Use only instant coffee or instant espresso powder. |
| Not enough whisking | Whisk for at least 3–5 minutes (by hand) or 2 minutes (electric mixer). |
| Not enough sugar | Sugar stabilizes the foam—use a 1:1 ratio with coffee. |
| Cold water instead of hot | Use boiling hot water (195°F or 90°C) to dissolve ingredients properly. |
| Too much liquid | Stick to equal parts (1:1:1 ratio) of coffee, sugar, and water. |
💡 Tip: Use a hand mixer if whisking by hand is too tiring. It speeds up the process!
Dalgona coffee foam can last 30–60 minutes at room temperature. However, after a while, it starts to deflate. To make the foam last longer:
✔ Use more sugar – It stabilizes the foam.
✔ Chill the bowl before whisking – This helps trap air better.
✔ Whip it to stiff peaks – If it’s too soft, it will deflate faster.
✔ Refrigerate before serving – Cold foam holds better than warm foam.
Yes, but the foam will not hold as long. Sugar helps stabilize the air bubbles, making the foam thick and creamy. If you want a sugar-free version, try these alternatives:
✔ Stevia or monk fruit sweetener – Use the powdered version for best results.
✔ Honey or maple syrup – They work but may slightly affect the texture.
✔ Skipping sweetener completely – The foam will be weaker and deflate faster.
💡 Tip: If avoiding sugar, whip extra long to trap as much air as possible.
Yes! If you want to make the foam ahead of time, you can store it:
✔ In the fridge – Lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container.
✔ In the freezer – Lasts up to a week (but may need re-whipping).
💡 Tip: Before using stored foam, give it a quick whisk to refresh its fluffiness.
Absolutely! To make keto-friendly dalgona coffee, use:
✔ Unsweetened almond or coconut milk as the base.
✔ Erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia instead of sugar.
✔ Heavy cream for extra richness.
💡 Tip: Keto versions tend to whip faster, so check the foam consistency often!
If you want to customize your dalgona coffee, try adding these ingredients to the whipped coffee mixture:
✔ Cocoa powder – For a mocha dalgona coffee.
✔ Pumpkin spice or cinnamon – Perfect for a fall-inspired latte.
✔ Vanilla extract – Adds a smooth, sweet depth.
✔ Coconut milk & toasted coconut flakes – For a tropical twist.
✔ Caramel drizzle – Enhances sweetness & richness.
💡 Tip: Sprinkle sea salt on top for a salted caramel dalgona coffee! 🍮
Yes! Iced dalgona coffee is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this drink.
✔ Fill a glass with ice cubes.
✔ Pour in cold milk.
✔ Spoon the whipped coffee foam on top.
✔ Stir & enjoy!
💡 Tip: If you want it extra cold, shake everything together in a cocktail shaker for a blended iced dalgona.
There are two ways to enjoy it:
☕ Layered & Sipped: Leave the whipped coffee on top and sip it gradually, mixing naturally as you drink.
🥄 Mixed & Blended: Stir the foam into the milk before drinking for a creamy, fully blended experience.
💡 Tip: For a more latte-like consistency, mix the foam thoroughly before drinking.
Yes! Dalgona coffee works well with dairy and non-dairy milks:
✔ Dairy Options: Whole milk (rich & creamy), skim milk (lighter).
✔ Plant-Based Options: Almond, oat, soy, coconut, cashew milk.
💡 Tip: Oat milk is the best dairy-free option for a creamy, rich texture.
Yes! You can make whipped tea variations by replacing instant coffee with:
✔ Matcha Powder – For a Matcha Dalgona.
✔ Chai Tea Powder – For a spiced chai dalgona.
✔ Milo Powder – For a chocolate malt dalgona.
💡 Tip: For matcha, use heavy cream or aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of water to create a thick foam.
If you want a healthier dalgona coffee, here’s how:
✔ Use plant-based milk (almond, oat, coconut).
✔ Replace sugar with a natural sweetener (stevia, monk fruit).
✔ Use less coffee to reduce caffeine content.
✔ Choose unsweetened cocoa for a mocha version.
💡 Tip: Blend in a scoop of collagen or protein powder for an extra nutrition boost!
Dalgona coffee started as a simple three-ingredient recipe, but it quickly became a global coffee phenomenon. From its origins in South Korea to its viral explosion on TikTok and Instagram, this whipped coffee drink captivated millions, turning everyday kitchens into mini cafés.
But dalgona coffee is more than just a social media trend—it represents creativity, comfort, and connection. During a time when people were isolated, whipping up this frothy, aesthetically pleasing drink became a shared global experience.
✔ Why is it still loved today?
Beyond its viral moment, dalgona coffee left a lasting impact on coffee culture. It introduced many to the joy of making homemade coffee drinks, sparking interest in DIY coffee creations.
💡 Whether you enjoy it classic, iced, or with a twist, one thing is certain: dalgona coffee has earned its place as a timeless homemade treat.
☕ Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite way to enjoy dalgona coffee? Share your thoughts, tips, and flavor variations below! 🚀✨
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