New analysis from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) has revealed more than one million searches for coffee health myths in the last year (search figures are based on global Google search volumes) as misleading content relating to nutrition, wellbeing and coffee consumption continues to increase on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. 

 According to the ISIC, there are now more than 20 million posts related to coffee and caffeine on TikTok, while searches for “coffee” have increased by 40% over the last five years. As much as 98% of nutrition content on TikTok could be inaccurate when compared to public health guidelines, and with one in five people now turning to social media for health information, viral trends can spread rapidly and shape health behaviours regardless of whether they are supported by scientific evidence. 

 By analysing social media channels, ISIC identified several of the most common myths about coffee: 

• Myth: Coffee is bad for your heart — Recent studies show no association between coffee intake and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Research suggests that a moderate intake of coffee may reduce incidences of CVD and CVD mortality risk. 

• Myth: Decaffeinated coffee is pointless — Decaffeinated coffee still contains many compounds found in coffee, including polyphenols, chlorogenic acids, antioxidants and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have also been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. 

• Myth: You should not drink coffee on an empty stomach — There have been over 250,000 searches relating specifically to coffee and gut health, with a 50% increase in searches for “coffee empty stomach” compared to last year. Research shows that moderate coffee consumption (3-5 cups per day) stimulates the release of gastric acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes, along with digestive hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), which help to break down food, especially fats, during digestion. Research also suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a healthy gut microflora. 

• Myth: Coffee makes you dehydrated — Scientific studies have demonstrated that coffee consumption contributes to fluid balance and does not lead to dehydration. Research shows that when coffee is consumed in moderation, it contributes to fluid balance and does not negatively affect hydration, since it is composed of more than 95% water.. 

Commenting on the rise of misinformation online, Kate Hilton, a registered dietician and head of nutrition and dietetics at Diets Debunked, said, “there are so many coffee myths on social media. Many of them are based on grains of truth that have been exaggerated or taken out of context, while others are simply not supported by the evidence.” 

 She added that “from the best time to drink coffee, to its impact on your heart health, digestion, and sports performance, it can be difficult for people to separate credible health information from viral trends. That’s why it is so important to look critically at what we see online, check where information is coming from, and rely on qualified health professionals and reputable, science-backed sources when making decisions about diet and health.” 

There have been myriad studies purporting the health benefits of coffee. For example, a recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition (which I wrote about last month: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/blog/39811/coffee-identified-as-a-major-source-of-polyphenols-in-breast-cancer-survivorship/) reveals that dietary polyphenols are increasingly being explored for their potential role in breast cancer outcomes, and coffee is a significant supplier of these vital polyphenols.   

In response to the rise of coffee-related misinformation, the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee has worked with Hilton to address some of the most common coffee health myths circulating online. The new video and social media content aims to help viewers identify credible nutrition advice and better understand the current evidence around coffee and health. 

For more evidence-based information on coffee and health, visit: coffeeandhealth.org/. 

• Vanessa L Facenda is the editor of Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. She may be reached at: [email protected].