5 Foods You Should Never Pair with Your Coffee—Avoid These at All Costs

Coffee is a beloved beverage that energizes many in the morning and enhances break times. However, certain foods can negatively affect your coffee experience. Here are five foods to avoid for a more enjoyable coffee enjoyment.

1. Dairy Products

Caffeine caffeine can interfere with the body’s calcium absorption from dairy products. This is especially crucial for older people who need to maintain bone density. Also, some people may experience digestive issues when combining coffee with dairy products, including milk, cream, and yogurt.

2. Chocolate

Like coffee, chocolate contains caffeine, and consuming both can lead to excessive caffeine intake. This can cause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and an elevated heart rate. Besides, the high sugar content in chocolate can intensify coffee’s stimulating effects, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels. This includes dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate cake.

3. Orange Juice

Combining coffee with orange juice can lead to excessive stomach acid production, which can strain your digestive system. This pairing may cause heartburn or indigestion due to the combined acidity of both beverages, further irritating the stomach. Fresh orange juice, packaged orange juice, and other citrus juices are included here.

4. Alcohol

Combining coffee and alcohol can lead to dehydration and upset your body’s fluid balance. The stimulating effects of coffee may also mask the sedative effects of alcohol, potentially encouraging increased alcohol consumption. This includes all types of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and cocktails.

5. Spicy Foods

Pairing coffee with spicy foods can increase stomach acid production, resulting in digestive issues such as heartburn. Since spicy foods already irritate the stomach, combining them with coffee can further strain your digestive system. Spicy tacos, chili sauce, and dishes with hot sauce are examples to avoid.

Avoiding certain foods and choosing healthy snacks that complement your brew is wise when savoring your coffee. With a bit of effort, you can enhance both the enjoyment and nutritional value of your coffee experience.