Inka Naturalis: Instant Grain Beverage
Inka Coffee Substitute
Inka is a Polish drink, commonly used as a coffee substitute. It’s taste resembles coffee, but it has no caffeine.
The inka drink mix made by Naturalis Inka comes in a round can similar to instant coffee. The brown powder smells woody, but has a very similar aroma to the powdered coffee brands we’re all used to. To make the inka beverage, you’re supposed to use one heaping teaspoon of the powder, mixed with boiling water or milk. I tried it with water, and the inka coffee that resulted was suprisingly black, with a white and brown foam. It does taste like a very weak coffee, but maybe that’s just because of the similarity in making it, and how it’s known as a coffee substitute.
Inka Coffee Drink
The woody smell did carry on into the drink as expected, but it tastes more nutty. It’s not bitter at all like I expected, especially for a coffee-type drink. There’s no aftertaste, except for a slight fresh feeling, (similar to mint, when you breathe in it cools your mouth). I could imagine it being a great warm drink for winter or night time, especially when you don’t want the caffeine. I imagine that it would taste great with milk as well, for a more creamy inka coffee substitute.
Inka is a grain beverage made from extremely simple ingredients: Roasted Barley, Rye, Chicory, and Beet Roots. It’s interesting, looking at the nutrition facts, that Naturalis Inka has almost no nutritional value when mixed with water. It has only one gram of carbohydrates. It’s also all natural with no preservatives, chemical additives, or caffiene.
Where can I buy, in the USA Inka coffee?
Michael,
I just added a link into the post where you can purchase Inka. It’s also now in our New Atlas Beverage Store
Great substitute for “postum”which is now unavailable. Great sub, but I also use it in making a cake called “postum cake” Now, will I call it “inka cake”?
Just ordered a case for my dad for christmas. He has drunk Postum for years and just discovered Inka. Thinks it’s the closest substitute.
I’ve been trying to cut down the coffee that I love to reduce acid. A health food friend of mine recommended Inka Grain Bev. I ordered some online in bulk, but had very low expectations. People who like a weak coffee flavor would probably love this stuff! I think it’s OK, but expect I can get used to it over time. It’s nice that it is instant. Plan to carry some in the car so that I can have some on the go – just take in my cup, get some hot water and go!