Is Iced Coffee Good For You? The Latest Science (2024)

Hey coffee lovers, are you iced-coffee obsessed but wondering if your beloved beverage is actually good for you? Don’t worry, I’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know about the health benefits (and potential drawbacks) of iced coffee.

Is Iced Coffee Good for You?

Iced coffee can offer a refreshing and low-calorie energy boost, with proven health benefits¹ that include reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and strokes.

However, its important to be mindful of added sugars, creams, or syrups that can increase calorie intake and negate some of the benefits.

In conclusion, the answer to whether iced coffee is good for you depends on your health goals and preferences. While it can offer potential benefits, it’s important to be aware of possible pitfalls.

Does Iced Coffee Help You Lose Weight?

It’s commonly said that coffee increases metabolism, leading to weight loss. But is this true? Well, the science is mixed.

One often-cited study⁷ shows that coffee helps you keep weight off if you’re already healthy and barely helps you burn fat if you’re overweight.

Get it girl

A different study⁸ showed that drinking coffee while dieting can help reduce body fat….in men only. Sorry, ladies. The study involved 60 overweight men and women. Men who drank coffee had greater weight loss and reduce

Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew

Just to be clear, this article is about iced coffee, not cold brew. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled over ice, while cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a lengthy period to produce a smoother, less acidic coffee.

Does Iced Coffee Have More or Less Caffeine?

Hot coffee typically has more caffeine than iced coffee. A 16 oz cup of hot coffee can have anywhere from 210-360mg of caffeine, while 16 oz of iced coffee has a bit less at 165mg.

If you’re an iced coffee enthusiast but wish it had a bit more caffeine, fear not! Just ask your friendly barista to throw in a shot or two of espresso, and voila – you’ve got yourself an extra 65mg of caffeine to fuel your day.

Comparison of Caffeine Content in Different Coffee Drinks

Tips for Really Enjoying your Iced Coffee Experience

1. Make Cold-Brewed Coffee Instead

Simply put, cold brew surpasses iced coffee in terms of flavor and texture. Its rich, velvety profile and low acidity make it an excellent option for those who struggle with the acidity of hot coffee.

2. Let the hot coffee come to room temp

When making iced coffee, it’s best to use room-temperature coffee. This will reduce the amount of ice that’s melted when you pour the coffee over it.

3. Add Ice Cubes

To keep your iced coffee chilled, add ice cubes to your glass before pouring in the coffee. This method can help prevent diluting the coffee’s flavor and keep it fresh and cool.

4. Consider Adding Milk or Cream

If you prefer a creamier taste, consider adding milk or cream to your iced coffee. This addition can help balance the coffee’s acidity and add a velvety texture to your drink.

5. Use Quality Coffee Beans

To ensure the best taste and flavor, always use quality coffee beans when making iced coffee. Spirit Animal Coffee offers an excellent selection of coffee beans. You can read my full review of Spirit Animal Coffee here.

I really like these guys if you’re a fan of dark roasts. My personal favorite is Volcanica.

Volcanica Coffee Co Espresso Dark Roast $17

Brewpoint Coffee Illusionist Roast $15

FAQ:

Is cold-brewed coffee healthier than hot-brewed coffee?

If you usually drink your hot coffee black, there’s not much difference between iced and hot coffee. They’re both good for you in moderation.

Does drinking coffee lead to weight gain?

Drinking coffee can contribute to weight gain by adding sugars and creamer to your drinks. This contributes to calorie intake and potentially leads to weight gain.

Can drinking too much coffee lead to a heart attack?

While excessive caffeine consumption can lead to increased heart rate, there is no conclusive evidence linking coffee intake to a higher risk of heart attack. In fact, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

Is it okay to drink cold coffee every day?

Yes, it’s generally safe to drink cold coffee daily in moderation.

Is iced coffee better for you than Coke?

Yes, iced coffee can be a healthier option than Coke because it has fewer calories and less sugar.

What happens after drinking iced coffee?

After drinking iced coffee, you may experience a temporary increase in energy, alertness, and focus due to the caffeine content.

Does cold coffee raise cholesterol?

There’s no evidence that cold coffee specifically raises cholesterol levels.

Is iced coffee good for your skin?

While there’s no direct link between iced coffee and skin health, the antioxidants in coffee may have some skin benefits. Coffee also dehydrates you, so be sure to drink a lot of water.

1. Poole, R., Kennedy, O. J., Roderick, P., Fallowfield, J. A., Hayes, P. C., & Parkes, J. (2016). Coffee consumption and health: Umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes. The BMJ, 359. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j5024
2. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research; Marriott BM, editor. Food Components to Enhance Performance: An Evaluation of Potential Performance-Enhancing Food Components for Operational Rations. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1994. 20, Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209050/
3. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/201177
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17712848/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047279701003040?via%3Dihub
6. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-148-12-200806170-00003
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916523439044?via%3Dihub
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21938072/