Since coffee has been around for thousands of years, countless myths and misconceptions have emerged about how it should be brewed, consumed, and even its effects on health. Many of these claims have been passed down without scientific backing, only a firm belief in their veracity. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common coffee myths and uncover the truth behind your morning cup of coffee.
1. Dark Roast Has More Caffeine Than Light Roast
Verdict: Myth
This is one of the most common misconceptions we come across. Dark roast coffee beans have a bolder flavor, but that doesn’t mean more caffeine. In fact, light roast beans tend to retain slightly more caffeine per bean because caffeine burns off slightly during the roasting process. However, since dark roast beans are less dense, measuring by volume (e.g., a scoop), dark roast could have slightly less caffeine, whereas measuring by weight makes the difference negligible.
In general, an 8 ounce cup of coffee contains about 65mg-120mg of caffeine, and a 2 ounce shot of espresso has about 60mg. If you’re looking for a greater caffeine boost, consider adding a shot of espresso into your morning coffee.
2. Freezing Coffee Beans Keeps Them Fresher
Verdict: Partially True
Freshness is important when it comes to brewing good coffee. You get to enjoy the maximum flavor and aroma experience when you use freshly ground coffee beans, no matter what brewing method you choose. Ideally, you should grind only the amount of coffee you need right before brewing, but that’s not always the most convenient option.
Freezing coffee beans can help preserve freshness if done correctly, particularly when stored in an airtight container with minimal moisture exposure. However, repeatedly taking beans in and out of the freezer can cause condensation, which can degrade both the flavor and aroma of the beans. If you store beans long-term, freezing in small, portioned batches can help maintain freshness for each and every cup.
3. Espresso Beans Are a Different Type of Coffee Bean
Verdict: Myth
Many people think espresso beans are a unique type of coffee bean, but in reality, there is no separate “espresso” coffee bean. There isn’t even a true espresso roast. Though dark and medium roasts are the usual choices for espresso, you can also use light roasts for a brighter flavor.
Instead, the distinction comes down to the brewing method. Espresso is brewed using an espresso machine, where pressurized water is forced through finely ground coffee in an espresso machine. A fine grind allows proper extraction under high pressure, creating the signature crema on top of the shot.
Learn more: How to Enjoy Espresso: The Complete Guide to Drinking Espresso for Beginners
4. You Should Always Use Boiling Water to Brew Coffee
Verdict: Myth
Many people think that coffee should be brewed with boiling water (212°F / 100°C) to extract the best flavor, but this is actually a misconception. Using water at or above the boiling point can scorch the coffee grounds, leading to over-extraction, which pulls out excessive bitter compounds and ultimately results in a bad cup of coffee. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is actually between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). This range allows for balanced extraction, where the desired tasting notes and body are fully developed without drawing out too many bitter elements.
Different brewing methods also play a role in temperature control. Manual brewing techniques like pour-over or French press allow for very precise water temperature adjustments, while drip coffee makers limit your control. If boiling water is your only option, it's best to let it sit for about 30 seconds after boiling before pouring it over your coffee grounds.
5. Coffee is Dehydrating
Verdict: Myth
Many people believe that drinking coffee leads to dehydration due to its caffeine content, but that’s another misconception. While caffeine does have mild diuretic properties, the water content in coffee more than makes up for it. Research has shown that moderate coffee consumption does not lead to significant fluid loss or dehydration. In fact, coffee contributes to your daily hydration needs much like water does.
Studies comparing coffee to water have found that drinking up to four cups of coffee per day has no greater dehydrating effect than drinking the same amount of water. The body effectively absorbs and utilizes the water in coffee to stay hydrated. However, excessive caffeine intake could lead to a slight increase in fluid loss. That said, for the average coffee drinker, having a cup of coffee won’t dry you out.
6. Coffee is Bad for Your Heart
Verdict: Myth (for most people)
For years, coffee has been wrongly blamed for being bad for heart health, but scientific research tells a different story. Moderate coffee consumption, typically 3 to 5 cups per day, is not linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, numerous studies suggest that coffee may offer cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing the risk of stroke, improving blood vessel function, and providing anti-inflammatory effects. The antioxidants found in coffee may also help support heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
However, coffee's impact on the heart can vary depending on individual sensitivity to caffeine. Some people experience temporary increases in blood pressure after consuming coffee, particularly if they are not regular coffee drinkers or have a sensitivity to caffeine. While this effect is usually mild and short-lived, individuals with hypertension or heart conditions should monitor their caffeine intake and consult a doctor if necessary.
Overall, for most people, coffee is not harmful to the heart when consumed in moderation. As with anything, balance is key–too much caffeine can lead to palpitations, jitters, or sleep disturbances, which may indirectly affect heart health. But for the average coffee drinker, a daily cup (or three) is more likely to support heart health rather than harm it.
Learn more: Health Benefits of Coffee: Why Your Morning Brew is Better Than You Think
7. Pregnant People Can’t Drink Coffee
Verdict: Myth
It’s a very common belief that pregnant people should completely avoid coffee. While excessive caffeine intake can pose risks during pregnancy, most medical experts, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), state that moderate coffee consumption is generally safe. ACOG recommends keeping caffeine intake below 200 mg per day, which is roughly one 12-ounce cup of coffee.
It’s also important to remember that caffeine is found in other sources, like tea, chocolate, and sodas. Pregnant individuals who consume multiple sources of caffeine should be mindful of their total daily intake. Ultimately, while cutting back on caffeine is recommended, there is no need to completely eliminate coffee–moderate amounts can still be enjoyed safely with proper guidance.
8. Decaf Coffee is 100% Caffeine-Free
Verdict: Myth
While decaffeination removes most of the caffeine from coffee beans, it does not eliminate it entirely. A typical cup of decaf coffee contains about 2–5 mg of caffeine, compared to 80–100 mg in a regular cup. Although this amount is significantly lower, it is not zero.
The most common decaffeination techniques–Swiss Water Process, solvent-based methods, and carbon dioxide processing–remove at least 97% of caffeine, but a small amount remains. Because of this, those who are extremely sensitive to caffeine may still experience mild effects if they drink large amounts of decaf coffee.
9. Coffee Should Only Be Brewed with Filtered Water
Verdict: Partially True
Some serious coffee fanatics believe only filtered water should be used for brewing coffee, but the truth is more nuanced. While filtered water can enhance coffee’s flavor, completely removing all minerals from water isn’t ideal. Minerals like magnesium and calcium play a crucial role in coffee extraction, helping to draw out flavors and create a well-balanced cup. Using distilled or overly soft water, which lacks these essential minerals, can result in flat, dull-tasting coffee.
That said, water quality does matter. Tap water that contains high levels of chlorine, heavy metals, or other impurities can negatively impact the taste of coffee, leading to off-flavors or bitterness. The best water for brewing coffee is clean, fresh, and slightly mineralized, with a balanced pH and moderate hardness. If you use a filtration system, make sure it doesn’t strip away all minerals.
10. Pre-Ground Coffee Tastes Just as Good as Freshly Ground Coffee
Verdict: Myth
Some people believe that pre-ground coffee delivers the same flavor experience as freshly ground coffee, but this isn’t the case. Coffee begins to lose its freshness as soon as it is ground, as exposure to oxygen causes the aromatic oils and flavorful compounds to break down. The finer the grind, the faster this degradation occurs, leading to a duller, less complex cup.
While pre-ground coffee is convenient, it often lacks the vibrant flavors and aromas that freshly ground beans provide. To get the best-tasting coffee, it's ideal to grind whole beans just before brewing. Proper storage in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture can help preserve pre-ground coffee for longer, but nothing beats the freshness of grinding your own beans right before making your cup.
Learn more: Fresh Ground Coffee vs. Pre-Ground: Which is Best for Your Brew?
Coffee Myths Uncovered
While coffee myths have been around for generations, science tells a different story. Understanding the truth about coffee can help you make better choices and enjoy your favorite brew with confidence. So the next time you hear one of these myths, you’ll know exactly what’s real and what’s just coffee folklore.
One thing we know for certain is that freshly roasted whole beans make great coffee. At Methodical, we’re proud to provide blends and single-origin coffees from around the world, roasted in small batches for maximum enjoyment. Grab a bag today and discover just how delicious coffee can be.
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