The Hot vs Iced Coffee Debate: What Experts Reveal About Your Preference

 / 

hot vs iced coffee

In the ongoing debate between hot vs iced coffee, experts have shed light on the reasons behind individuals’ strong preferences for the temperature of their favorite brew.

Recent data from the National Coffee Association’s Fall 2023 trend report reveals a notable surge in iced coffee consumption, with a staggering 64% increase since January 2023.

Hot Vs Iced Coffee: The Science and Psychology Behind

Starbucks, one of America’s largest coffee brands, reported that cold beverages accounted for a remarkable 74% of their beverage sales in the last quarter. This shift towards iced coffee has been evident for some time, as evidenced by a 2012 Dunkin’ Donuts survey indicating that 84% of their customers preferred cold coffee even during the winter months.

The popularity of coffee culture in the United States is undeniable, with coffee emerging as the nation’s most favored beverage, surpassing water, tea, soft drinks, and juice, according to the latest NCA report.

A 2022 study conducted by the University of Southern California underlines the role of coffee in daily routines, emphasizing that many individuals have established habitual coffee-drinking patterns regardless of their fatigue levels.

Notably, people’s coffee temperature preferences often persist year-round, and for some, like Maryna Gray, a coffee expert and Director of Coffee at Bean Box, this means enjoying both hot and iced coffee throughout the day. Gray points out that the choice of how to enjoy coffee can set the tone for the day and can be a ritualistic experience.

Personal preferences, as well as emotional associations with the temperature of the drink, come into play. A Yale University study from 2008 even found that individuals holding hot coffee were perceived as “warmer” people, associated with traits like generosity and trustworthiness, compared to those with iced coffee.

According to Lisa Young, PhD, an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between hot and iced coffee. Some individuals favor the refreshing and mild taste of iced coffee, while others prefer the warmth and robustness of a hot brew.

Weather and seasons can also influence these choices, with iced coffee being more appealing during hot summer months, while hot coffee provides comfort in colder weather.

Furthermore, the choice between hot and iced coffee can be linked to different moods or lifestyles. Hot coffee is often associated with relaxation and savoring the moment, encouraging individuals to slow down. On the other hand, iced coffee or cold brew is often chosen for its convenience, aligning with on-the-go lifestyles and catering to busy schedules.

Marketing campaigns and social media trends also have a significant impact on coffee choices. Coffee chains like Starbucks have successfully promoted their iced coffee offerings through various campaigns and limited-time flavors, creating excitement and novelty around cold beverages.


— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Up Next

Stress Can Lead to Cortisol Belly: Here’s How to Fix It

hot vs iced coffee

Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from our mental health to our relationships, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as โ€˜cortisol bellyโ€™. Cortisol belly, named after the stress hormone, has been widely discussed on social platforms such as TikTok, with users and experts explaining how it occurs, and theorizing what could be done about it.

While you may not have heard of the term โ€˜cortisol bellyโ€™ before, you might have heard of stubborn belly fat or stress belly, which are essentially the same thing. This is because it refers to the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue around the stomach, which has been linked to prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

What Is Cortisol Belly?

According to dietitian

Up Next

Study Reveals the Complex Relationship Between Calorie Restriction and Longevity

hot vs iced coffee

For years, scientists have speculated that consuming fewer calories might help people live longer. A recent study has shed new light on this topic, suggesting that the relationship between calorie restriction and longevity is more complex than previously thought.

“We’ve known for nearly 100 years that calorie restriction can extend healthy lifespan in a variety of laboratory animals,” stated one researcher last year to CNN.

However, the new study seems to indicate a more intricate relationship between calorie restriction and living to a ripe old age.

“There are many reasons why caloric restriction may extend human lifespans, and the topic is still being studied,” explained Waylon Hastings, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher. “One primary mechanism through which life is extended relates t

Up Next

Exercise Cuts Heart Disease Risk by Lowering Stress, Study Finds

hot vs iced coffee

New research indicates that physical activity lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, in part by reducing stress-related signaling in the brain. The study, led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that people with stress-related conditions such as depression experienced the most cardiovascular benefits from physical activity.

To assess the mechanisms underlying the psychological and cardiovascular disease benefits of physical activity, Ahmed Tawakol, an investigator and cardiologist in the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, and his colleagues analyzed medical records and other information of 50,359 participants from the Mass General Brigham Biobank who completed a physical activity survey.

A subset of 774 participants also underw

Up Next

Lack of Sleep Linked to Rising Cases of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Warns Expert

hot vs iced coffee

In a recent revelation, lack of adequate sleep has been associated with a concerning rise in cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to insights shared by medical experts. As sleep deprivation continues to plague a significant portion of the population, the implications on public health are becoming increasingly alarming.

More than a third of adults in the United States fail to attain the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night, a trend that has sparked growing concerns among healthcare professionals. The scarcity of shuteye, it turns out, can have profound effects beyond daytime fatigue and drowsiness.

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

According to Ibrahim Hanouneh, a gastroenterologist with

Up Next

Study Explores Impact of Residential Green Space on Childhood Mental Health

hot vs iced coffee

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open investigates the relationship between residential green space and externalizing and internalizing symptoms in children. Conducted in the United States, the study aims to identify potential factors that can mitigate risks associated with childhood mental health disorders.

According to the study, up to 40% of children in the US may meet the criteria for mental disorders by adulthood, with an increased prevalence of externalizing (e.g., rule-breaking and aggression) and internalizing (e.g., depression and anxiety) symptoms.

Researchers suggest that environmental factors, such as green spa

Up Next

Study Links Volatile Work Hours to Burnout and Health Issues

hot vs iced coffee

A recent study conducted by NYU Social Work professor Wen-Jui Han has shed light on the detrimental effects of volatile work hours on both physical and mental health. The research, which analyzed data spanning over 30 years, found a significant correlation between irregular work hours and increased health concerns.

The study, which examined the work schedules and sleep patterns of over 7,000 Americans, revealed that individuals working rotating shifts were more prone to health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The primary factor contributing to these issues was identified as a disruption in sleep patterns caused by inconsistent work schedules.

Jamaica Shiers, a representative from Path Behavioral Health in Salt Lake City, emphasized the prevalence of burnout among adults, attributing it to the pressure to maintain peak performance at al

Up Next

New Study Suggests Balanced Diet Better Than Vegetarian Diet for Brain Health

hot vs iced coffee

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Mental Health, researchers have shed light on the relationship between dietary patterns and brain health. The study suggests that a balanced diet, comprising various food types, may be superior to a vegetarian diet in supporting mental well-being and cognitive function.

The research, which analyzed data from nearly 182,000 participants, focused on four main dietary patterns: starch-free/reduced starch, vegetarian, high-protein/low-fiber, and balanced diet. Participants’ food preferences were examined in categories such as fruits, vegetables, starches, protein, and snacks.