PUBLISHED
September 12, 2024
There’s a surprising new coffee hack trending across the internet: adding salt to your coffee.
As odd as it may sound, I’ve found myself becoming a true fan of this unusual addition—perhaps even preferring it to sweeteners. And here’s my hot take: I think you might love it too! Hear me out.
I first stumbled upon this salty coffee trend while scrolling through TikTok (naturally), where content creator Eli Rallo introduced the idea. Initially, my reaction was one of pure confusion—“Why would anyone do that?”—but then curiosity took over, and I thought, “Why not give it a try?
Here’s the logic: Coffee is inherently bitter, and salt is known for neutralizing bitterness. It seemed like a natural pairing. So, I headed to the kitchen, made myself a fresh cup of coffee, sprinkled in a pinch of salt, and took a sip. The result? Delicious. I found myself hooked after just one cup and haven’t looked back since.
Though this method raises eyebrows when mentioned, there’s actually a growing community of people online who swear by it—and they’re onto something.
Who’s Adding Salt to Their Coffee?
Believe it or not, this isn’t a new concept. In fact, salting coffee has been around for ages and remains a well-known tradition in various cultures around the world.
For example, in Turkey, salt is added to coffee during marriage proposals. As part of an age-old custom, the bride-to-be serves her future husband a cup of salted coffee to test his patience and character—an important element of Turkish wedding traditions.
Similarly, in Taiwan, salted coffee has become a trendy beverage, with sea salt coffee gaining popularity. This drink combines iced coffee with a salted cream topping, balancing sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. Vietnam’s ‘ca phe muoi’ (salt coffee) is also a rising star on social media, blending sweetened condensed milk, coffee, and salted cream into a viral favorite.
How Does Salt Affect Coffee Flavor?
From a scientific standpoint, salt does indeed reduce bitterness in coffee. It interacts with taste receptors on the tongue, signaling the brain to perceive the coffee as less bitter.
Beyond reducing bitterness, salt also enhances the natural sweetness and savory notes of coffee, drawing out subtle flavors that might otherwise be missed. This can lead to a more complex and enjoyable cup of coffee where the richness of the beans really shines through.
However, whether or not this “improves” your coffee depends on individual preference. Specialty coffees with high-quality beans likely don’t need salt, and adding it may even mask some of the complex flavor profiles that roasters work hard to develop.
Which Coffees Benefit from Salt?
Adding salt is particularly helpful for lower-quality coffees—such as instant coffee or cheaper robusta blends—since it can help mask harsh or overly bitter flavors. Specialty coffees, particularly lighter or medium roasts, might not benefit from this technique as much, and it could even detract from the experience.
The popularity of salt in coffee varies from region to region, and in many places, it’s common to pair salty flavors with sweetened beverages like coffee mixed with condensed milk.
How to Add Salt to Coffee
There are many ways to incorporate salt into your coffee, with plenty of recipes available online. From TikTok’s viral salted maple latte to sea salt coffee, the options are endless.
But before you start, here’s some advice: Don’t overdo it. A small pinch of salt is all you need. Adding too much can overwhelm the flavor, leaving you with an unappealing salty brew.
The most effective method is to add a pinch of salt to your coffee grounds before brewing. This helps evenly distribute the salt throughout the coffee and reduces bitterness during the brewing process. Alternatively, you can add a small pinch of salt to your brewed coffee, adjusting the amount until the bitterness subsides to your liking.
Which Type of Salt Should You Use?
Sea salt is generally the most popular choice for salting coffee and can be a great starting point for those experimenting. Kosher salt is another solid option.
While iodized salt is technically fine to use, it’s not typically recommended because the iodine can impart a slightly metallic taste. Although the amount is small, those with sensitive palates may notice a difference.
Pros and Cons of Salting Coffee
Aside from improving the flavor, adding salt to coffee can have some unexpected health benefits. Sodium is an essential electrolyte that supports fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve transmission. For those engaging in intense physical activity, a bit of salt in your coffee could help replenish lost electrolytes.
However, as with all things, moderation is key. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. High sodium intake can also strain the kidneys and cause bloating due to water retention.
When it comes to taste, it’s really all about personal preference. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy your coffee—just what works for you. Coffee is an incredibly versatile beverage, with endless possibilities for customization, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Salt is just one of many ways to tweak your coffee and create a unique experience.