Energy Boosts from Coffee
Coffee is well known for its ability to give a person an energy boost and mental alertness, making it a popular drink among the espresso lovers and early-risers of the world. As coffee became a staple for many people’s daily routine, some companies started to explore the idea of consuming coffee through a straw. The idea of straws and coffee is something worth exploring as it could help to reduce the risk of staining teeth or hurting tongues by burning. But first, one should consider the risks and benefits of drinking coffee using a straw.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee with a Straw
Firstly, drinking coffee with a straw helps to prevent teeth from staining. Coffee contains tannins, a compound found in tea and wine, and it can stain one’s teeth. The second benefit is preventing the tongue from getting burned. Since the hot coffee does not directly touch the tongue, it reduces the risk of the tongue being burned. The third benefit is that it prevents the user from drinking too much coffee at once, as the straw slows down the rate of drinking and reduces the chances of developing stomach issues or an accelerated heart rate due to an overdose of caffeine.
Drawbacks of Drinking Coffee with a Straw
Although there are some potential benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to using a straw to consume coffee. Firstly, straws are often made of plastic and require additional waste. If the straw is not made of reusable material it could mean producing additional amounts of waste and consuming more energy for production. Secondly, coffee often has a strong flavour that can be hard to ignore. Drinking the coffee through a straw may not allow the full taste to be experienced, making the coffee experience less enjoyable. The third drawback is that the coffee will cool down quicker, because a larger surface area will be exposed to air. This could ruin the taste of the coffee if it is not consumed quickly enough.
The Verdict
Overall, the idea of drinking coffee with a straw has benefits and drawbacks that one should consider before deciding to try it out. The straw could potentially reduce the risk of staining teeth or burning the tongue, while also reducing the risk of consuming too much coffee at once. However, the amount of plastic waste created and the potential of a less intense coffee experience could be a hindrance, depending on the individual. Therefore it ultimately comes down to personal preference, and there are pros and cons to either option.
Consider Alternatives
For those who are keen to avoid staining or burning their teeth or tongue, there are some alternative options. Firstly, using a wide-brimmed ceramic mug or glass rather than a paper cup could offer better insulation and prevent the tongue from being burned. Secondly, having multiple short breaks during drinking sessions may reduce the risk of drinking too much coffee and ensure the taste is still enjoyed and appreciated.
Too Much Caffeine
Whilst coffee consumption does offer energy boosts, it is important to remain aware of the effects of too much caffeine in each cup. Too much caffeine can quickly lead to side effects such as headaches and jitters, which can be uncomfortable to say the least. Therefore, one should always pay close attention to the menu when ordering and remember to exercise caution when ordering. Furthermore, an individual’s tolerance level may be different to others and one should be aware of their personal caffeine limit.
Changes in Taste
When drinking coffee with a straw, one should also take note of the taste and texture changes the straw may cause. Straws can sometimes alter the way the coffee tastes and it is important to take that into account when making a decision. It may be worth testing out drinking with a straw before making the choice to stick with it or not.
Reusable Options
One should also consider the type of straw that is being used to consume the coffee. Plastic straws can create a lot of waste, which can be damaging to the environment. Reusable and eco-friendly options exist for those concerned about the amount of waste being left behind and these should be actively sought after if opting for a straw.
Instructions from Experts
When it comes to drinking coffee with a straw, there are some important tips to remember. Firstly, experts suggest that for maximum enjoyment, one should place the straw two inches away from the top of the cup and slowly drink the coffee. Secondly, it is recommended to sip the coffee delicately and slowly to avoid burning the tongue or to reduce the chances of drinking too much at once. Finally, the straw should be wiped between uses to keep it clean and to reduce the risk of any potential contaminants.
