If you’re a coffee lover and keep up with current trends, you’ve likely come across Dalgona Coffee. In this article, we’ll explore the history, preparation methods, health aspects, and much more about the exciting phenomenon known as Dalgona Coffee.
The Origin Story of Dalgona
Dalgona is not just a current trend but has a fascinating origin story. Originally known as “Dalgona Candy”, it was a popular sweet treat made from sugar and baking soda. This candy resembles toffee and has a crispy texture.
However, the story of Dalgona as a coffee beverage began only in 2020. A South Korean actor accidentally discovered a method to create a creamy coffee foam that resembled Dalgona Candy. This foam was then poured over cold milk, and thus, Dalgona Coffee was born.
Since then, Dalgona Coffee has become a viral social media trend, appearing on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Its simple preparation and striking appearance make it a favorite beverage for coffee lovers worldwide.
The origin story of Dalgona shows how tradition and innovation can meet to create something new and exciting. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a touch of creativity can spark a global phenomenon.
Ingredients and Preparation of Dalgona Coffee
To prepare this delicious Dalgona coffee drink, you only need a few ingredients that are often already in your kitchen. Here is a simple guide to making your own Dalgona.
Ingredients
- 5 tsp water
- 5 tsp instant coffee (soluble coffee powder)
- 5 tsp sugar
- Approx. 200 ml milk or milk alternative
Preparation
- Take 5 tsp instant coffee, 5 tsp sugar, and 5 tsp hot water.
- Add all the ingredients into a bowl or mixer.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a creamy foam forms.
- Fill a glass halfway with cold milk or your chosen milk alternative.
- Pour the creamy Dalgona foam over the milk in the glass.
- The foam should rest on top of the milk, creating a beautiful layering effect.
- Stir the foam gently into the milk to mix the drink and enjoy.
- Optionally, sprinkle the drink with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa to refine it.
Voilà! Your refreshing and creamy Dalgona Coffee is ready. The preparation is simple and doesn’t require any special skills, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers of all experience levels.

Dalgona Coffee: A Social Media Trend
Dalgona is not just a delicious coffee beverage but has also evolved into a viral trend across various social media platforms. Especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, Dalgona Coffee has become a popular topic shared by millions of people worldwide.
The fascination with Dalgona lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its aesthetic appeal. The creamy foam layer that forms atop the milk in the glass is highly photogenic and invites sharing with others. Many users create appealing photos and videos of their homemade Dalgona Coffee and share them with their followers.
The popularity of Dalgona on social media has led to more and more people becoming curious about this beverage and wanting to try it for themselves. Through hashtags like #DalgonaCoffee or #WhippedCoffee, users can easily find content related to this trend and draw inspiration. So, if you’re looking for a fun and tasty trend to inspire you on social media, Dalgona is definitely worth a try.
Health Aspects of Dalgona Coffee
However, one should also consider the health aspects. Although Dalgona Coffee is a delicious and popular beverage, there are some factors to take into account:
- Calories and Sugar: Dalgona Coffee typically contains sugar, which contributes to the foam’s consistency. It’s important to monitor the sugar content, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Alternatives like sweeteners or less sugar can be considered to reduce added sugar. However, it may be challenging to achieve the classic foam solely with sweeteners.
- Caffeine Content: Since Dalgona Coffee is based on instant coffee, it also contains caffeine. While this is not a problem for many people, excessive caffeine consumption can have negative effects, especially for those sensitive to caffeine or prone to sleep disturbances. It’s advisable to moderate your intake of Dalgona Coffee and consider decaffeinated options if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
- Nutritional Balance: While Dalgona Coffee is a treat, it shouldn’t form the foundation of a balanced diet. It’s important to also consume other healthy beverages and foods alongside Dalgona Coffee to ensure a well-rounded diet.
Dalgona Coffee: Variations and Creative Recipe Ideas
While the classic Dalgona Coffee is already delicious, there are countless ways to vary and get creative with it. Here are some inspiring ideas:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors to give your Dalgona Coffee a personal touch. For example, you can add cinnamon, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or even a pinch of sea salt to give your beverage an interesting twist.
- Alternative Milk Choices: Instead of traditional cow’s milk, you can use alternative milk options like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. These not only offer diverse flavor profiles but are also suitable for people with lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
- Ice Dalgona: On hot days, you can enhance your Dalgona experience by preparing Ice Dalgona. Simply pour the classic Dalgona foam over milk with ice cubes, and you’ll have a refreshing and tasty variation.
The possibilities to vary and adapt Dalgona Coffee are endless. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different ingredients and preparation methods to create your own personalized Dalgona masterpiece!