Hot vs. Cold Coffee: Which One’s Better for Your Health?

Hot or cold: which coffee is better for your health? Let’s break it down.

Americano, the poster child for hot coffee, is a simple yet beloved drink made by diluting espresso with hot water. It’s a cafe staple across the U.S., with a devoted following.

On the other hand, cold brew is the cool kid on the block. It is precisely what it sounds like—coffee brewed with cold water. Due to its unique brewing process, most coffee shops only serve it over ice.

However, Americano takes the lead with its higher antioxidant content regarding health benefits. These powerful compounds help fight stress and inflammation in your body, potentially warding off cell damage and reducing the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and even cancer.

A joint study by Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia’s Dell Technologies found that Americano packs an antioxidant punch with an average score of 23.77, outshining cold brew’s 17.9.

This isn’t a one-off finding. A 2018 study in Scientific Reports backed up these results, confirming that hot coffee extracts more of the beans’ good-for-you compounds.

But before you swear off cold brew, listen up! If you have a sensitive stomach, the cooler option might be your best friend. Hot coffee tends to be more acidic, which can be trouble for your tummy. Cold brew’s gentler extraction process results in a smoother, less acidic drink that’s easier on your digestive system.

Professor Niny Rao, a chemistry whiz from Thomas Jefferson University, suggests trying a cold brew made with dark roast beans after a low-acid brew.

So, what if you sip the same coffee at different temperatures? Hot coffee is the best option for stress relief.

Hot coffee’s stronger aroma and flavor can help reduce stress. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that hot coffee drinkers significantly improved their fatigue and stress levels.

Dr. Majid Basit from Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital in Texas explains that the steam from hot coffee releases more of those mood-boosting aromas, potentially helping you feel more relaxed.