Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with over 400 billion cups consumed every year. Many people enjoy starting their day with a fresh cup of coffee. However, coffee can impact your throat and voice in different ways depending on whether you drink it hot or cold.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about hot and cold coffee:
- Cold coffee is gentler on your throat than hot coffee.
- Hot coffee can irritate and inflame your throat, especially if you drink it too quickly.
- Cold brew coffee has lower acidity than hot coffee, making it less harsh on your throat.
- Adding milk or creamer to hot coffee can help soothe your throat.
- Iced coffee with ice cubes can be hard on your throat as the cold temperature constricts blood vessels.
Acidity Levels in Hot and Cold Coffee
One of the biggest factors impacting your throat is the acidity level in coffee. Coffee contains organic acids that can irritate and inflame mucous membranes in your throat and voice box. This may make your throat feel scratchy or cause your voice to become hoarse.
Hot coffee tends to be more acidic than cold coffee. The hot water used for drip coffee brings out more acids from the beans. As coffee cools down, it becomes less acidic. Iced coffee and cold brew coffee have lower acidity levels, making them less harsh on your throat.
Here’s a comparison of the acidity levels in different coffee preparations:
| Coffee Type | Acidity Level |
|---|---|
| Hot drip coffee | High |
| Hot espresso | High |
| Iced coffee | Medium |
| Cold brew coffee | Low |
As you can see, hot coffee has the highest acidity, while cold brew coffee is the least acidic. Lower acidity equals a gentler impact on your throat.
Temperature Effects on Your Throat
Aside from acidity, the temperature of your coffee also affects your throat. Very hot or very cold temperatures can irritate and inflame the sensitive tissues in your throat.
Drinking scalding hot coffee can damage your throat. If a beverage is over 65°C (150°F), it may scald your esophagus and cause throat pain. The heat causes inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes. This irritation can make it uncomfortable to swallow and talk.
On the other end of the spectrum, very cold coffee with ice can constrict blood vessels in your throat. This reduces blood flow to the tissues, temporarily paralyzing vocal cords. The cold may also numb your throat, making it harder to feel when you need to clear your throat or cough.
The optimal temperature that is gentlest on your throat is between 60-65°C (140-149°F). This avoids the risks of burning or over-chilling your throat while still allowing you to enjoy your coffee.
Tips for Drinking Hot Coffee
If you prefer to drink hot coffee, here are some tips to minimize irritation to your throat:
- Wait at least 5 minutes for your coffee to cool slightly after brewing or ordering.
- Sip slowly instead of gulping large mouthfuls.
- Add milk, cream or non-dairy creamers to help soothe your throat.
- Avoid holding hot coffee in your mouth before swallowing.
- Rinse your mouth with water after finishing your coffee.
Tips for Drinking Cold Coffee
For cold coffee drinkers, here are some suggestions to reduce throat irritation:
- Use cold brew coffee instead of hot brewed coffee that has been cooled.
- Ask for less or no ice if drinking iced coffee from a cafe.
- Avoid drinking ice cold coffee too quickly as this can shock your throat.
- Use milk or non-dairy alternatives to help minimize acidity.
- Drink slowly and sip throughout the day rather than chugging a large iced coffee.
Cold Brew Coffee May Be Best for Your Throat
When comparing hot versus cold coffee, cold brew coffee seems to be the most throat-friendly option.
Here’s a recap of the benefits of cold brew coffee:
- Up to 70% less acidic than hot coffee.
- Low bitterness means less irritation of throat tissues.
- The cold temperature is less shocking than hot.
- Naturally smooth and mellow flavor.
- Easier to drink slowly as ice dilutes it less quickly.
The process of cold brewing makes the coffee naturally sweet and smooth by avoiding the high heat of drip methods. The lower temperature of brewing reduces acidity and bitterness. Many people who experience heartburn or reflux from hot coffee find that cold brew is gentler on their throat.
Cold brew can be enjoyed straight or with milk/creamers added. You can even heat up cold brew coffee to drink it hot but retain the smooth flavor. Just be sure not to make it scalding hot.
Other Tips for Protecting Your Throat
Beyond your coffee order, here are some other tips for keeping your throat healthy if you drink coffee regularly:
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water before, during and after consuming coffee to counteract the diuretic effects.
- Avoid excessive caffeine – More than 4 cups of coffee daily may irritate your throat and dehydrate you.
- Watch your dairy intake – Too much milk and cream can cause excess mucous production.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking severely irritates your throat and worsens any inflammation from hot drinks.
- Treat reflux – See your doctor if you have frequent heartburn as this can damage your throat over time.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to minimizing irritation of your throat, cold coffee is better than hot coffee. The lower temperature and acidity in cold brew and iced coffee create less inflammation. Drinking coffee slowly, adding milk/creamers, and proper hydration also help reduce throat discomfort.
Listen to your body’s signals about what feels soothing and irritating. You may find that switching your coffee temperature, trying cold brew, or adding more milk allows you to keep enjoying your coffee without throat discomfort.