"Adding Salt to Your Coffee?"... Why Experts Say 'Absolutely Not' as the Trend Spreads

Concerns Over Excessive Sodium Intake in Effort to Reduce Sugar
"No Scientific Evidence That It Benefits Health"

As the new trend of adding salt to coffee spreads, experts are warning of potential health risks. While there is a growing perception that salt can reduce bitterness and enhance sweetness, concerns have been raised that this practice could lead to excessive sodium intake.

An episode from the MBC sitcom "Unstoppable High Kick" where a vice principal visiting a family was served coffee with salt instead of sugar. Screenshot from MBC YouTube.

An episode from the MBC sitcom "Unstoppable High Kick" where a vice principal visiting the home was served coffee with salt instead of sugar. Screenshot from MBC YouTube.

According to The Sun, a UK media outlet, on December 15, the practice of adding a small amount of salt to coffee has recently gained popularity. This is due to the belief that salt can mitigate the bitterness of coffee, make it taste sweeter, and serve as an alternative to reducing sugar consumption.

On this subject, Dr. Eleanor Bryant, a psychologist at the University of Bradford in the UK, explained, "Salt can reduce the perception of bitterness from caffeine, enhance the flavor, and as a result, make coffee taste sweeter."

However, she clarified, "Some people think that using salt instead of sugar is healthier, but there is no scientific evidence that adding salt to coffee is beneficial for health." She further warned, "If this practice is repeated, sodium intake may increase, and it could be harmful to health, especially for those who drink several cups of coffee a day."

Coffee image to aid understanding of the article. Pexels

Dr. Bryant also explained that the way people enjoy coffee is related to individual genetic factors. She said, "Preference for bitterness is influenced by dominant and recessive genes related to taste perception," adding, "People are born with a tendency to either like or dislike bitter flavors."

She continued, "While many people become accustomed to bitterness over time, those who add something to their coffee are making a choice to 'adjust' the taste to suit their own preferences."

Meanwhile, coffee machine manufacturer Philips commented, "Complex coffee orders are now a familiar sight rather than something new, but this trend shows that coffee enthusiasts have taken customization to a new extreme."