Is Postum Healthy? A Complete Nutrition and Health Guide

What is Postum?

Postum is a caffeine-free powdered beverage mix made from roasted wheat bran, wheat and molasses. It was created in 1895 by C.W. Post as a coffee alternative and is marketed as a natural health beverage. Postum contains no actual coffee beans and is free of caffeine.

To prepare Postum, you mix the powder with hot water or milk. This produces a beverage with a coffee-like flavor but without the caffeine content. Some people enjoy Postum as a substitute for coffee due to caffeine sensitivity or to avoid caffeine later in the day. Postum comes in a few flavor varieties, including original, maple nut and cocoa.

Nutrition Facts of Postum

The main ingredients in Postum are:

• Wheat bran
• Wheat
• Molasses
• Maltodextrin
• Corn syrup solids
• Natural and artificial flavors

The nutritional value of Postum depends on how it is prepared. In general, a 8 ounce (240 ml) serving of Postum prepared with water contains about:

• 6070 calories
• 1415 grams of carbohydrates
• 24 grams of fiber
• 810 grams of sugar
• 2 grams of protein

When prepared with milk instead of water, Postum will contain more calories, protein, calcium and other nutrients from the milk. Keep this in mind if you are tracking your calorie or carbohydrate intake.

Health Benefits of Postum

Here are some of the potential health benefits associated with drinking Postum:

Caffeine-Free

Unlike coffee, Postum is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it a good option for people who are sensitive to caffeine or want to avoid it later in the day for sleep purposes.

May Promote Heart Health

Postum is made from whole wheat bran and wheat germ, both of which contain compounds linked to heart health. These include dietary fiber, antioxidants and phytosterols.

Contains Some Important Nutrients

Postum provides a small amount of certain vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese.

Non-Acidic

Postum has a neutral pH, unlike coffee which is acidic. This makes Postum a good choice for people with reflux or other conditions aggravated by acidic foods and drinks.

May Aid Digestion

The wheat bran in Postum is a good source of dietary fiber, providing 2-4 grams per serving. Consuming enough fiber promotes regularity and healthy digestion.

Downsides of Drinking Postum

Despite the potential benefits, there are some downsides to keep in mind with Postum:

Contains Added Sugars

While Postum does not contain artificial sweeteners, it does have around 8-10 grams of sugar per serving. The sugar comes from molasses and corn syrup solids. This is something to be mindful of if youre limiting added sugars.

May Cause Gas or Bloating

Since Postum is a good source of fiber and contains wheat, some people may experience gas, bloating or digestive discomfort after drinking it.

Contains Natural and Artificial Flavors

Postum includes unspecified natural and artificial flavors. People avoiding certain food additives may want to keep this in mind.

Not Actually a Health Drink

While Postum is caffeine-free and contains some nutrients, it isnt an amazing source of vitamins and minerals. Plain coffee likely has similar micronutrient levels. So Postum shouldn't be viewed as a health drink.

Postum and Diabetes

Many people with diabetes opt for Postum as an alternative to coffee since it's caffeine-free. But is Postum a healthy choice for people with diabetes?

Heres what you should know about Postum if you have diabetes:

Contains Carbs That Impact Blood Sugar

Although Postum does not contain sugar itself, it does have around 14-15 grams of carbohydrates per serving. These carbs are broken down into blood sugar, which requires insulin to control.

May Cause Blood Sugar Spikes

The carbs in Postum are mainly from wheat and molasses, sources that tend to impact blood sugar faster. This means drinking Postum could lead to blood sugar spikes soon after consumption.

Must Fit Into Carb Limits

People with diabetes need to monitor total daily carb intake. The carbs in Postum should fit into your personalized carb goals and eating plan.

Doesnt Impact Blood Sugar as Much as Coffee with Sugar

Although Postum itself contains carbs and sugar, it likely impacts blood sugar less than coffee with added sugar or sweeteners. So it may be a better option than sweetened coffee drinks.

Overall, people with diabetes can drink Postum in moderation as part of a healthy diet. But the carbs must be accounted for and balanced with medications or insulin.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Postum?

While Postum can be part of a healthy diet for most people, there are some individuals who may want to avoid or limit it:

• People monitoring sugar and carb intake - Postum contains around 8-10 grams of added sugar and 14-15 grams of carbs per serving.
• Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity - Postum is made from wheat and contains gluten.
• Anyone with a wheat allergy.
• People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or digestion issues - The wheat bran and fiber content may exacerbate symptoms.
• Children under 6 years old should not consume Postum according to the label.

As with any food or drink, its wise for individuals to determine if Postum seems to aggravate any health conditions before consuming it regularly.

How to Drink Postum as Part of a Healthy Diet

Postum can be incorporated into a healthy diet in moderation by:

• Limiting intake to 1-2 servings per day max.
• Balancing it with low sugar, whole food options for other meals and snacks.
• Enjoying it alongside a source of protein and healthy fats to balance out the carbs.
• Combining it with whey protein powder or collagen peptides for an extra nutrition boost.
• Avoiding adding additional sugars like honey, maple syrup or sucrose.
• Opting for unsweetened dairy or dairy alternatives like almond milk.

Overall, Postum can be a tasty, caffeine-free beverage choice as part of an otherwise balanced and low sugar diet. Those with diabetes or on a carb-conscious eating plan should account for the carbs and sugars when making it fit into daily limits.

The Bottom Line

Postum is a roasted grain beverage promoted as a healthy coffee alternative. However, its nutritional value is debatable. While Postum contains some fiber and nutrients, it also includes added sugar and carbs that impact blood sugar levels.

People can enjoy Postum occasionally as part of an overall healthy diet, but it should not be viewed as a nutritional powerhouse. Those with diabetes will need to be mindful of the carb content and monitor blood sugar levels carefully after drinking it. Overall, Postum can be an acceptable coffee swap when consumed in moderation and balanced with low sugar, whole food choices.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.