Coffee has long been controversial due to high levels of acidity, and, of course, because of the caffeine. The acidity can be harmful for some people with digestive problems, while caffeine is essentially an “upper” that can cause heart palpitations for some people when they drink large amounts. Some studies in fact show that drinking large amounts of java (some studies say more than five cups a day) can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and other cardiac problems.

That said, other studies do show that it can help to prevent a large range of diseases and health problems. Studies have shown that it helps to prevent everything from Alzheimer’s Disease to some forms of cancer, as well as diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease.  Some studies looked at decaf while others looked at caffeinated coffee; some studies involved ingesting large amounts of java….so it’s hard to draw any conclusive results from many of the studies.

I have to wonder if the effects of caffeine vary widely from person to person given that some people are up all night with tremors after only a cup, while other people drink it black, practically by the gallon, with no ill effects.

So, coffee…health food or foe? Is it, like many things, good in moderation?  I hope so!

I still enjoy a good cup of coffee…for me, it’s more comforting than drinking tea, despite the fact that I get jitters if I drink too much of it.  But, I also get pickier about coffee as I get older.  Too many places serve up really bitter coffee that tastes of burnt beans, while other places serve up watery brown liquid.  So when I find a coffee or espresso-based drink that I love, I’m really hooked.

Such is the case with Soufflés in Newburyport.  They’re located in downtown Newburyport and, while small, they use their space well to display the kitchen essentials and gadets, cookbooks, and other kitchen supplies that they sell.  They also sell some wonderful coffee drinks to go at the registers.  I’m sure they’re all good, but I’m so addicted to the iced mochaccinos there that I have yet to try anything else, though I’m sure I will expand my espresso horizons and try their hot drinks come winter.  They also offer several baked goods by the register including cookies, bars, and biscotti that are typically very good, and taste fresh (many are made by local bakeries).

Souffles’ iced mochaccino is a perfectly balanced blend of chocolate, espresso and milk so that the result is creamy, slightly sweet, with a pleasant espresso flavor.  They only come in one size but  you can order it with one or two shots of espresso.  Even with low-fat milk (they don’t usually offer skim) the result is rich and creamy – the perfect way to start a weekend day!

I particularly enjoy Starbucks’ specialty drinks.  Their regular coffee is simply too bitter for me.  Every once in awhile I give it another try, I ask them to leave me a lot of extra room for milk or cream, but I still end up dumping half of the coffee in the trash so that I can mask the bitterness with milk/cream and sugar.  Palates differ greatly, though - my husband can drink (and enjoy) their coffee black.

On this visit to Starbucks I was hoping for a new seasonal coffee drink; I love the seasonal concoctions – Pumpkin Lattes, Eggnog Lattes, and possibly my all-time favorite, the Leprechaun Lattes.  When I want less caffeine and more comfort, I love the new Signature Hot Chocolates.  In the summer, I drink light Frappucinos.  So, I was surprised to walk into Starbucks after several weeks of Starbucks withdrawal to find that not only were there no new specialty coffee drinks but that the coffee menu had been taken over by (gasp!) teas.

Don’t get me wrong – I like tea.  But it’s generally not why I go to Starbucks.  I do occasionally order a chai tea latte, but like their coffee, it tastes as if it was overbrewed and the strong black tea flavor overwhelms the spices that make chai special.  The new menu at Starbucks features several Tazo tea latte drinks and tea infusions.  I will probably try one of these at some point, but I’m hugely disappointed to see tea taking over the menu.

Several hours after my Starbucks excursion I discovered that Starbucks is facing financial troubles and may be closing as many as 300 more locations (they closed several in 2008 already).  Which leads me to think…perhaps Starbucks should stick to what they do best?