'Salt Instead of Sugar' Coffee Trend Spreading

■Salt has the effect of reducing the perception of bitterness

■Health benefits have not been proven

■"Repeated use may increase salt intake"

As the trend of adding salt to coffee spreads, experts have begun to warn of potential health risks. While the perception that salt can reduce bitterness and enhance sweetness is gaining traction, concerns have been raised that it could lead to excessive salt intake.

According to the British media outlet The Sun on December 15 (local time), the practice of adding a small amount of salt to coffee has recently gained popularity. This is driven by the belief that salt can reduce the bitterness of coffee, make it taste sweeter, and serve as an alternative to sugar consumption.

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

However, she drew a clear line, stating, "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 went on to warn, "If this practice is repeated, salt intake may increase, and this could be harmful to health, especially for people who drink several cups of coffee a day."

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 tendencies 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 no longer a novelty but a familiar sight, and this trend shows that coffee enthusiasts have taken customization to a new extreme."