Morning Duo: TikTok's Latest Aloe-Coffee Trend

A new trend has hit the TikTok feed for those seeking a reduction in bloating and clear, smoother skin. Here's a rundown of the two-part drink and why users are having a frenzy over the recipe.

The Morning Duo beverage combines Aloe vera and coffee, which users claim detoxifies and cleanses the body, as well as aids in digestion and weight loss, and serves as an energy booster. As you can gather from the name of the drink, the "duo" part means that this is a two-part drink, consumed in two steps with two different ingredients.

Jess Wireman, a gut-health influencer on TikTok, said Morning Duo changed the game in her journey towards weight loss and bloating. "This is my holy grail," she writes.

Others are picking up on the trend as well, rejoicing over the 20 pounds they've lost, their acne clearing up, and their nails growing stronger and longer.

With over 841.9k views on TikTok, we looked at what this popular trend is all about.

Benefits of coffee and Aloe vera

Aloe vera has long been linked to skin and digestive health, but it can also benefit your dental and hair health as well. It's known to be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and can heal wounds. Many people may associate it with a gel form, which is typically used after a sunburn.

The ingredient used for the Morning Duo drink is an Aloe vera concentrate, which has a hazy color and slight aroma.

While Aloe vera concentrate may be easy to get your hands on — they can be purchased in a store or online — they usually contain very little Aloe. In fact, they may contain less than 10% of Aloe and may not have all of the properties that you would typically get fresh from the plant.

If you'd like to make your own concentrate, it's possible to do it at home. Purchase an Aloe vera leaf at your local grocery store and take the gel from the leaf after you cut it open. Blend the gel pieces in a blender and add a few tablespoons of water. Now, your Aloe concentrate is ready and can be stored for up to three days.

Side effects of Aloe vera, both topical and oral, include:

• Skin irritation.
• Hives.
• Cramping.
• Diarrhea.

As for coffee, the benefits of this drink include an increase in energy levels, weight loss, and protection against chronic diseases.

If you drink two to five cups of coffee a day, you may reap the benefits of lowering your chances of having type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver cancer, Parkinson's disease, and depression. According to several studies, coffee may reduce early death.

A 2020 study found that cold brew is even more beneficial than your regular cup of joe. It shares many of the same benefits as regular coffee, without the bitter taste and 65% less acidity because hot water is not involved in the process. As a result, cold brew drinkers can protect their stomachs from any sensitivities and enjoy an easier and smoother taste.

How to make the viral Morning Duo drink

Making the Morning Duo drink is easy, and it only requires a few simple ingredients. The drink is meant to be consumed in two glasses, and the Aloe vera and coffee are not mixed together but are instead consumed separately, one after another.

1. Fill a glass (120 ml or 4 oz) with cold water.
2. Mix in a spoonful of aloe vera concentrate.
3. Drink the aloe vera concentrate on an empty stomach.
4. Now, create cold brew coffee and add it to a larger glass (220 ml of water 8 oz). Add creamer, but avoid sugar.
5. Stir, and drink.

If either drink is too strong, dilute with water.

This isn't to say that the beverage doesn't come without concerns. A recent controversy is that many people believe it to be a part of a pyramid scheme. In almost every popular TikTok video for Morning Duo, influencers are urging viewers to head to one place for their Aloe concentrate — a company called It Works, which is a nutrition multi-level marketing company that has been outed as a pyramid scheme.

Is Morning Duo a pyramid scheme?

A pyramid scheme is a type of investment in which a person recruits other participants with returns that are given to early participants. In many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, pyramid schemes are illegal, and unfortunately, many health hacks fall under this type of scam.

One TikTok user, KatandCleo, created a video that said, "It Works = pyramid scheme that glorifies eating disorders," and called this type of investment "extremely predatory."

Nevertheless, finding out if Morning Duo is part of a pyramid scheme is still under review.

And remember, the drink isn't scientifically proven to clear your skin and help you lose weight. It's a social media health trend that may or may not contribute to any of the alleged benefits. With certain controversies in the process, be aware of the risks, both financially and physically.