Coffee Myths Every Coffee Lover Should Know

Myth #1: Coffee dehydrates you

False. Coffee does have a mild diuretic effect, but it still contributes to your daily fluid intake. With regular consumption, the body adapts and the diuretic effect becomes even weaker.

Myth #2: Dark-roasted coffee contains more caffeine

False. Light roasts generally contain more caffeine because some caffeine breaks down during longer roasting. Choose roast level based on flavor:

• Light roast – fruity and floral notes
• Medium roast – balanced flavor
• Dark roast – caramel and chocolate notes with more pronounced bitterness

Myth #3: Coffee is bad for your stomach

Not for most people. While coffee can stimulate stomach acid production, it does not damage the stomach lining. If you have a sensitive stomach, opt for blends with lower acidity, filter coffee, cold brew, or drink your coffee after a meal.

Myth #4: You should bring coffee to a boil multiple times

False. Reboiling intensifies bitterness and creates a burnt taste. For the best Turkish coffee, remove the pot from heat as soon as the foam rises and use freshly ground coffee.
Ratio: 7–8 g of ground coffee per 100 ml of water.

Myth #5: Espresso has more caffeine than filter coffee

True — per milliliter, espresso is “stronger”, but a full cup of filter coffee contains more total caffeine.

• Espresso (25–30 ml): approx. 60–80 mg caffeine
• Filter coffee (250 ml): approx. 120–150 mg caffeine
  Caffeine content varies by bean type, roast level, dose, and extraction time.

Myth #6: Coffee stunts growth

There is no scientific evidence that coffee affects the growth of children or adults. Moderate consumption (2–4 cups per day, up to 400 mg caffeine) is considered safe for most healthy people.

Myth #7: Instant coffee is the same as “real” coffee

Partly true. Instant coffee is made from real coffee beans, but it is industrially processed and often made from lower-grade robusta. It’s convenient, but in flavor and aroma it can’t match freshly ground coffee.

Myth #8: You shouldn’t drink coffee after 5 p.m.

Truth: it depends on the individual. Some people can drink an espresso at 10 p.m. with no impact on sleep, while for others even half a cup can keep them awake.
If coffee affects your sleep, avoid caffeine 6–8 hours before bedtime or switch to decaf in the afternoon.

Myth #9: Decaf coffee contains no caffeine

False. Decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine (2–12 mg per cup), but significantly less than regular coffee.

Myth #10: Coffee will make you grow a tail

The only thing that grows is enjoyment. Coffee lifts your mood with its aroma, flavor, and energy — but no tail comes with it.

How to Choose the Perfect Coffee for Your Taste

Your choice of bean and roast level directly shapes flavor:

• Arabica – mild, aromatic, lower in caffeine
• Robusta – stronger, more bitterness, higher caffeine
• Light roast – highlights fruity and floral notes
• Dark roast – emphasizes chocolate and caramel aromas
• Espresso – creamy and intense
• Filter – clean and light
• Turkish coffee – fuller body

How Much Caffeine Is in Your Cup?

• Espresso (30 ml): 60–80 mg
• Filter coffee (250 ml): 120–180 mg
• Turkish coffee (100 ml): 50–90 mg
• Decaf (250 ml): 2–12 mg