Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and for good reason. It’s delicious, energizing, and has a variety of health benefits. But can coffee make you sick?
Food poisoning can be a nasty experience, making you feel ill for days on end. But did you know that coffee can also cause food poisoning? It might sound surprising, but there are several ways that coffee can make you sick.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the links between coffee and food poisoning, and we’ll also provide some tips on how to stay safe. Read on to find out more.

Can You Get Food Poisoning from Coffee?
Coffee is not only a delicious beverage, but it’s also a tempting source of food poisoning. While most food experts are concerned with meats, dairy, and cooked meals, coffee can be contaminated by ochratoxin and mold.
Coffee is a popular drink around the world for many reasons. It’s delicious, energizing, and has a variety of health benefits. However, despite its many positives, coffee can also make you sick in some ways. One common form of food poisoning that is linked to coffee consumption is botulism.
Botulism is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which is found in soil and water. The bacteria can get into coffee beans during the roasting process, and it can also contaminate grinders and brewing equipment. When these contaminated products are used to make coffee, the bacteria can end up in the final drink.
If you consume coffee that has been contaminated with botulism bacteria, you may start to experience symptoms within 18 to 36 hours. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, botulism can lead to paralysis and even death.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from botulism poisoning.
First, make sure you only buy coffee from reputable sources.
Second, clean your coffee grinder and brewing equipment regularly.
Finally, don’t forget to boil your water before using it to make coffee.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep yourself safe from botulism and other forms of food poisoning.
While botulism is the most serious form of food poisoning that can be caused by coffee, it’s not the only one. Another common illness that is linked to coffee is stomach flu.
Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is a condition that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This can lead to a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, stomach flu can also lead to dehydration.
Like botulism, stomach flu is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or drink. Coffee grinders and brewing equipment can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Additionally, make sure you always boil your water before using it to make coffee.
Another important step you can take to protect yourself from stomach flu is to wash your hands frequently. This will reduce the risk of bacteria from contaminated surfaces infecting your food or drink.
So if you want to enjoy the many benefits of coffee without worrying about getting sick, make sure you take some simple precautions. Buy your coffee from reputable sources, clean your brewing equipment regularly, and always boil your water before using it to make coffee.
Can I Get Sick from Drinking Old Coffee?
While it’s unlikely that you’ll get sick from drinking coffee that’s a few days past its expiration date, there are some potential risks associated with consuming old coffee.
When coffee beans are left out or stored incorrectly, they can develop mold or other contaminants. These substances can cause allergic reactions in some people and are potentially dangerous for others. Additionally, coffee beans contain a chemical compound called chlorogenic acid, which can break down over time and lead to harmful chemicals being produced.
So, while it’s generally safe to drink coffee that’s a few days old, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw away any coffee that you’re unsure about. Additionally, be sure to store your coffee beans in a cool, dry place to prevent them from going bad too quickly.
Just be sure to follow the tips below to keep your coffee safe
– Only buy coffee from reputable sources. Make sure the beans are fresh and roasted properly.
– Avoid reheating coffee. Reheating can increase the risk of food poisoning.
– Don’t leave coffee sitting out for too long. Bacteria can grow in coffee that isn’t kept hot.
– If you’re using a coffee maker, clean it regularly. Bacteria can build up in coffee makers and contaminate the coffee.
– Drink coffee promptly after brewing. Once the coffee is brewed, it should be consumed within 30 minutes.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your coffee without having to worry.
Can Old Coffee Give You Diarrhea?
It is possible that old coffee can give you diarrhea. This is because coffee beans contain a chemical compound called chlorogenic acid, which can break down over time and lead to harmful chemicals being produced.
Additionally, coffee beans may develop mold or other contaminants if they are left out or stored incorrectly. These substances can cause allergic reactions in some people and are potentially dangerous for others.
So, while it’s generally safe to drink coffee that’s a few days old, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw away any coffee that you’re unsure about. Additionally, be sure to store your coffee beans in a cool, dry place to prevent them from going bad too quickly.
Conclusion
It’s important to know that coffee is not a major source of food poisoning. However, there are some risks associated with drinking coffee. These risks can be minimized by taking a few simple precautions. So, if you’re enjoying your morning cup of coffee, don’t worry – it’s not likely to make you sick. Just be sure to follow the tips above to keep your coffee safe.