Love your morning coffee, tea, or maybe a cozy yerba mate? While these hot beverages are a daily ritual for millions, some research suggests that how you sip them might matter for your health—specifically, your cancer risk. The concern isn’t necessarily the drink itself but its temperature. Let’s dive into the science, unpack the risks, and share practical tips to keep your sipping safe without ditching your favorite brew.
The Heat Is On: Why Temperature Matters
Drinking piping-hot beverages—think above 149°F (65°C)—has been flagged as a potential cancer risk, particularly for esophageal cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified beverages consumed at these temperatures as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) in 2016. This came from studies linking scalding-hot drinks to higher rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, especially in regions where super-hot tea or mate is a cultural staple.
How Does It Work?
- Thermal Injury: Repeatedly sipping drinks hotter than 149°F can burn the delicate lining of your esophagus. Over time, this triggers chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and cell changes that may lead to cancer.
- Synergy with Other Risks: Hot drinks amplify harm when paired with smoking or heavy alcohol use, which already stress the esophagus.
- Specific Drinks? The risk isn’t tied to one beverage (coffee, tea, or mate) but to any drink served too hot. Coffee and tea, for instance, are generally safe at moderate temps and even show protective effects against some cancers due to antioxidants.
The Evidence: Studies That Raised Eyebrows
Let’s break down the key findings that put hot beverages in the hot seat:
2016 IARC Review: Analyzed over 1,000 studies, focusing on regions like China, Iran, and South America, where drinking tea or mate at 158°F (70°C) or higher is common. Esophageal cancer risk was 2-4 times higher in heavy consumers of ultra-hot drinks vs. those sipping cooler ones. For example:
In Golestan, Iran, drinking tea at ≥140°F (60°C) within 2 minutes of pouring doubled esophageal cancer odds.
South American mate drinkers (often >149°F) showed a 1.6-2.2-fold risk increase.
2018 China Study (JAMA Oncology): Tracked 450,000+ adults over 9 years. Those drinking scalding-hot tea plus smoking or drinking alcohol had a 5-fold higher risk of esophageal cancer compared to non-hot-drinkers. Hot tea alone? Less conclusive, but still risky at extreme temps.
2020 Meta-Analysis (Esophagus Journal): Pooled 20 studies and found a 1.8-fold increased risk of esophageal cancer for drinks above 149°F, with stronger effects in men and in squamous cell carcinoma (vs. adenocarcinoma).
Other Cancers? Limited data links hot drinks to oral or throat cancers, but the esophagus takes the biggest hit due to direct exposure.
Good news? Cooling your drink to below 140°F (60°C) slashes the risk significantly. Most studies found no cancer link at these safer temps.
Your Favorite Drinks: Coffee, Tea, and More
Let’s talk specifics about your go-to hot beverages and what the science says:
- Coffee: The IARC cleared coffee as not carcinogenic (2016), with some studies showing it may lower risks for liver and endometrial cancers due to compounds like chlorogenic acid. But serving it scalding-hot (like some espresso bars do) could still irritate the esophagus. Average serving temp? Around 140-160°F, so let it sit a bit.
- Tea (Black, Green, Herbal): Rich in polyphenols, tea often shows anti-cancer perks (e.g., reducing colorectal cancer risk). But in places like northern Iran, where tea is drunk near-boiling, esophageal cancer rates are among the world’s highest. Green tea at 120-140°F is safer and retains its antioxidant punch.
- Yerba Mate: Popular in South America, mate is traditionally sipped at 158-176°F through a metal straw, which concentrates heat. Studies in Argentina and Brazil link very hot mate to a 2-3-fold esophageal cancer risk. Cooler mate? No clear harm, and its antioxidants may even be protective.
- Hot Chocolate or Broths: Less studied, but the same temp rule applies. Anything above 149°F could theoretically pose a risk with chronic consumption.
Other Factors to Consider
Hot drinks aren’t the whole story. Here’s what else might amplify or mitigate your risk:
- Smoking and Alcohol: These are major esophageal cancer drivers. If you smoke or drink heavily, cooling your beverages is even more critical.
- Frequency and Volume: Gulping multiple cups of near-boiling liquid daily ups exposure. Sipping one cup that’s had time to cool? Much less worrisome.
- Esophageal Health: Conditions like GERD or Barrett’s esophagus already stress the esophagus, so hot drinks could pile on damage.
- Cultural Habits: In some cultures, drinking scalding-hot beverages is a norm (e.g., mate in Uruguay or tea in Turkey). Awareness and small tweaks can make a big difference.
How to Sip Safely: Practical Tips
You don’t need to swear off your favorite brew—just sip smarter. Here’s how:
- Let It Cool: Wait 4-5 minutes after pouring boiling water (212°F). Most drinks drop to 120-140°F, a safer zone. Use a thermometer if you’re curious!
- Test the Temp: Can’t sip comfortably without burning your tongue? It’s too hot. Aim for “pleasantly warm.”
- Use Insulated Mugs Wisely: They keep drinks hot longer, so pour into a regular cup to cool faster or add a splash of cold milk/water.
- Cut Other Risks: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and manage GERD to lower your baseline esophageal cancer risk.
- Enjoy the Benefits: Coffee and tea have antioxidants that may protect against other cancers. Stick to moderate temps to maximize perks without the burn.
The Bottom Line
Your hot beverage isn’t the enemy—it’s all about how hot and how often. Drinks above 149°F (65°C) may raise esophageal cancer risk, especially if you’re also smoking or drinking alcohol. The fix is simple: Let your coffee, tea, or mate cool to a comfy temp (below 140°F), and sip without worry. No need to ditch your ritual—just give it a minute to chill.
Got a favorite hot drink or a cooling trick to share? Drop it in the comments! And if you’re worried about your risk, chat with a doctor for personalized advice.