Top 12 Myths About Coffee You Still Believe

If you drink coffee every day, chances are you’ve heard a few things about it that made you stop and wonder Is this actually true? I used to think coffee stunted growth and dehydrated the body. Turns out, a lot of what we believe about coffee is just old info or stuff passed around without facts.

So let’s clear the air. These are some of the biggest myths about coffee I’ve heard and believed until I started digging deeper.

1. Coffee Dehydrates You

Nope. It’s a mild diuretic, but not enough to cancel out the water in the coffee itself. If you’re drinking your usual 2–3 cups a day, you’re still hydrating.

2. Coffee Stunts Your Growth

There’s zero science backing this one. I drank coffee through most of high school and still ended up taller than my dad. Genetics matter not your morning brew.

3. Dark Roast Has More Caffeine

Actually, light roast usually has a little more caffeine. The darker the roast, the more it loses during the process. Surprised me too.

4. Espresso Has More Caffeine Than Drip Coffee

Espresso feels strong, but drip coffee usually packs more caffeine in a full cup. Espresso’s just more concentrated in a tiny shot.

5. Coffee Causes Insomnia

Only if you drink it too late. If you have it in the morning or early afternoon, most people are fine. But yeah, maybe skip the 9pm latte.

6. Instant Coffee Is Fake

It’s still real coffee, just brewed and dried to powder. Not always great tasting but it’s not some weird synthetic formula either.

7. Coffee Is Bad for Your Heart

Moderation is key. Studies show 2 to 3 cups a day may actually lower heart disease risk. Just don’t overdo it or load it with sugar and cream.

8. Adding Milk Destroys Antioxidants

The effect is minimal. If you enjoy milk in your coffee, keep doing it. You're still getting most of the health perks.

9. Coffee Is Highly Addictive

It’s habit-forming, sure, but not in the same way as serious drugs. You might get a headache if you skip a day that’s about it.

10. Pregnant Women Must Avoid Coffee

Most guidelines say moderate caffeine (around 200mg a day) is safe. Always talk to your doctor, but a cup or two usually isn’t banned.

11. Coffee Helps You Sober Up

It doesn’t. You’ll feel more awake, but your body still takes time to clear alcohol. Coffee isn’t a fix for being drunk.

12. Freshly Ground Coffee Is Always Better

Not always. It depends on the grinder, the beans, and how fast you use them. Pre-ground coffee can still taste great if stored properly.

Final Sip

Coffee myths stick around because they sound believable or just get repeated a lot. But it’s worth checking what’s actually true. The more I learn, the more I appreciate each cup — not just for the flavor but for how misunderstood it can be.

So next time someone says coffee’s bad for you, just smile and sip.