Best Coffee To Drink Black: Brands, Benefits, and Recipes

The best coffee to drink black, including long black or Americano, is made from single-origin specialty coffee beans grown at high altitudes in regions like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, or Colombia. According to Agnieszka Rojewska, the 2018 World Barista Champion, high altitudes allow coffee plants to mature slowly, developing more complex flavor profiles and luxurious tastes. For the best experience, choose coffee beans with robust flavor, roasted aroma, balanced bitterness, and full body. Avoid beans with stale notes, overpowering bitterness, flat acidity, or artificial flavorings.

Black coffee is coffee beverage brewed from roasted coffee beans without milk, syrup, or cream. It contains caffeine, trigonelline, and chlorogenic acids, which contribute to its flavor and health benefits. The main benefits of drinking black coffee include supporting healthy weight loss, enhancing the effects of intermittent fasting, helping protect against type 2 diabetes, and more. However, drinking black coffee can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and heartbeat mostly due to its caffeine content. To make the best-tasting black coffee at home, grind fresh beans, use precise water temperature, and brew with care using a pour-over for clean, balanced flavor without cream or sugar.

What is Black Coffee?

Black coffee is a brewed beverage made from ground coffee beans and served without added milk, cream, sugar, or flavorings. Black coffee excludes honey, creamer, butter, and syrups to preserve natural flavor and stay calorie-free. It has only water and coffee with low calories and high caffeine. Types of black coffee include espresso, Americano, long black, drip coffee, pour-over, French press, and cold brew. Each method uses only ground coffee and water but differs in flavor, strength, and preparation.

Black coffee is dark brown to black, tastes bitter and bold, and gives off a strong roasted aroma. Black coffee gets its dark color from compounds called melanoidins, which form during the coffee bean roasting process. These compounds form in the Maillard reaction between amino acids and sugars and give roasted coffee its deep brown color. Black coffee serves as the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos but is more often preferred plain by men and older adults. Drive Research reports 31% of U.S. males drink black coffee, compared to 13% of females.

Is Black Coffee Good for You?

Yes, black coffee is considered good for multiple reasons. Primarily, it has virtually zero carbs, sugar, or significant calories. An 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup of black coffee contains 2.4 calories, and a single espresso shot (30 ml) contains 2.7 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This minimal caloric value means it generally does not break a fast, an essential consideration for those practicing intermittent fasting. Beyond being low-calorie, drinking black coffee can enhance exercise performance. According to a 2001 study in Sports Medicine by Terry E. Graham from the University of Guelph, its caffeine may help you train harder and longer by improving endurance and effort during workouts.

What is the Best Tasting Coffee to Drink Black?

The best tasting coffee to drink black depends on your preferred flavor profiles and the quality of the beans you choose. The best black coffee uses specialty-grade 100% Arabica beans that are freshly roasted, light or medium roasted, and single-origin to highlight sweetness and complex notes of fruit, florals, or chocolate. Specialty coffee beans that grow at higher altitudes have larger screen sizes, are denser, develop slowly, absorb more nutrients, and produce a smooth, complex cup.

The best roast level for drinking coffee plain black depends on taste, brewing style, and flavor preference. Light and medium roasts highlight fruity, floral, and tea-like notes and pair best with pour-over methods like Hario V60, Chemex, or Kalita Wave. Dark roasts deliver bold flavor and work well with French press, espresso, or Moka pot. A coffee's origin and terroir shape black coffee flavor by influencing acidity, sweetness, and aroma. Factors like altitude, soil, rainfall, and climate define the profile. For example, Ethiopian coffees taste fruity and floral, while Sumatran beans offer earthy, full-bodied notes.

What are the Best Coffee Brands to Drink Black?

1. Colipse Costa Rica Perez Zeledon
2. Klatch Coffee Colombia Popoyán Cauca
3. Sweet Bloom Coffee Timana
4. JBC Coffee Roasters Wilton Benitez Pink Bourbon
5. Starbucks Veranda Blend
6. Mount Hagen Instant Coffee Organic Fairtrade
7. Bones Coffee Company Irish Cream
8. Black Insomnia Coffee Extreme Caffeine Coffee
9. Dunkin Donuts Original Blend Medium Roast
10. SF Bay French Roast OneCUP™

1. Colipse Costa Rica Perez Zeledon

Costa Rica Perez Zeledon by Colipse is a specialty coffee from San José Province, Costa Rica, made with Red Catuai and Caturra Arabica beans and roasted to a medium-light level. This is the best tasting coffee to drink plain black because it is freshly roasted to order in small batches and sourced directly from CoopeAgri farmers in the Perez Zeledon region. The beans are hand-picked at high-altitude coffee farms, graded SHB and certified to specialty coffee standards for cleaner cups with brighter acidity, deeper sweetness, and more complex flavor.

Taste: Colipse Costa Rica Perez Zeledon feature bright acidity and a smooth, medium body. They offer a clean mouthfeel with warm brown spice, sweet brown sugar, hints of lemon, and dark chocolate that develop as you sip. The best way to drink black coffee from Colipse is with pour-over, AeroPress, espresso, and super-automatic machines like the Breville Barista Express, De’Longhi Magnifica, and Philips 3200 Series. Enjoy this coffee as a Long Black, Americano, or espresso shot, and pair it with buttery croissants, dark chocolate, or spiced biscotti for a balanced and satisfying experience.

About Black Coffee Brand: Colipse Coffee is an online specialty store with the best black coffee based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Availability: Colipse Costa Rica Perez Zeledon is available online in 12 oz to 5 lb bags through Colipse’s website, with grind options including whole, coarse, medium, and fine. Prices start at $21.50 USD for 12 oz and include free U.S. shipping and volume discounts. Beans are roasted on demand, shipped same day, and delivered in 3–5 days in vacuum-sealed, recyclable bags.

Pros: Fresh roasted to order, specialty grade, free shipping, multiple grind sizes for various brewing methods.

Cons: More expensive than other black store-bought coffee brands.

Recommendation: Colipse Costa Rica Perez Zeledon is the best option for people who drink black coffee at home and want a smooth, vibrant cup.

2. Klatch Coffee Colombia Popoyán Cauca

Klatch Coffee Colombia Popayán Cauca is grown on small, high-altitude farms in Popayán, Cauca, Colombia, with volcanic soil. This medium roast is ideal for black coffee drinkers and offers consistent flavor across pour-over, French press, and espresso machines. The best way to enjoy black coffee from Klatch Coffee is as a ristretto, café crème, or lungo, depending on your taste and brew method. It has a clear aroma, lively acidity, medium body, and subtle finish. It is sold on Klatch Coffee’s website and Amazon in 12 oz bags for $17.95 with free shipping on subscriptions, though prices vary. It is reliable and high-quality but may be too lively for people who drink black coffee and prefer low acidity.

3. Sweet Bloom Coffee Timana

Timana Coffee by Sweet Bloom Coffee is among the best black coffees for its natural sweetness, vibrant acidity, and rich, chocolatey body that delivers a clean, complex cup without any additives. The beans are premium Arabica sourced from Huila, Colombia. The best way to enjoy black coffee from Sweet Bloom Coffee is by grinding the beans fresh and brewing with espresso machines or super-automatic bean-to-cup machines like Jura, DeLonghi, or Philips. It has a strong aroma and uniform body with a lasting finish. It is sold on Sweet Bloom’s website in 10 oz whole bean bags for around $22.00. Timana Coffee by Sweet Bloom Coffee is high-quality from a popular region but is not available in ground format, so it is not suitable for French press, cold brew, or Moka pot use without a grinder.

4. JBC Coffee Roasters Wilton Benitez Pink Bourbon

Wilton Benitez Pink Bourbon by JBC Coffee Roasters is a Colombian medium-light roast from Pink Bourbon beans, a Yellow and Red Bourbon hybrid. This coffee ranks among the best black coffee for pour overs because of its precise extraction and anaerobic yeast fermentation. This coffee earned 98 points and the #1 spot at Coffee Review in 2023. The best way to drink this coffee is plain black using pour-over coffee makers like the Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or Chemex. It offers flavors like pink bubblegum, strawberry blossom, and blackberry buttercream. It is sold on JBC’s website in 8 oz bags for $28, with varying grind sizes. This is a real treat for black coffee drinkers due to its unique bean and fermentation, but it is expensive.

5. Starbucks Veranda Blend

Starbucks Veranda Blend is a light roast coffee from Latin American regions. It is a top black coffee from Starbucks and is enjoyable without milk or sugar. It offers a smooth body, bright acidity, light aroma, and clean, lasting finish. It is available in whole bean for super-automatic and espresso machines, and in medium ground for drip coffee makers, but it’s not ideal for French press or cold brew. It is sold on Starbucks’ website, in supermarkets like Target, Kroger, and Safeway, and on Amazon, Walmart, and North American Starbucks cafés in 12 oz whole bean bags for around $14.99, though prices vary. It is consistent in quality but lacks detailed processing information, roasting date, and grind size options.

6. Mount Hagen Instant Coffee Organic Fairtrade

Mount Hagen Organic Fair Trade Instant Coffee is made from medium-roast Arabica beans from Papua New Guinea. It is the best instant coffee for drinking black with a light aroma, soft acidity, medium body, mild sweetness, and smooth finish. It is certified Organic and Fair Trade, uses a freeze-dried process, and supports 100 million coffee workers, though less than 10% of coffee value remains in producing regions. It is ideal for quick preparation with hot water. It is sold on Mount Hagen’s website, Amazon, Walmart, and select U.S. and European supermarkets in 3.53 oz and 7.05 oz packages, though prices vary. It is ethical and high-quality but lacks freshness as reguler whole bean coffee.

7. Bones Coffee Irish Cream

Bones Coffee Irish Cream is a medium roast infused with sweet, creamy Irish-cream flavoring to mimic classic liqueur taste without alcohol, made from low-acid, ethically sourced Arabica beans. This is the best flavored coffee for drinking black with a smooth, balanced taste. It is suitable for drip makers, French presses, but not for espresso machines as flavored oils can clog espresso equipment and alter pressure-based extraction. It has a pleasant aroma, gentle acidity, full body, and smooth, lingering finish. Great for people new to drinking black coffee. It is a low-acid, reliable flavored coffee to drink straight without milk, sugar, or cream, but it lacks multiple grind sizes and a visible roast date. Bones Coffee Irish Cream is sold on Bones Coffee’s website in 12 oz bags for $16.99 USD, though prices vary.

8. Black Insomnia Coffee Extreme Caffeine Whole Bean Classic Roast Coffee

Black Insomnia Coffee Extreme Caffeine is the best strong black coffee for energy because it delivers an exceptionally high caffeine content without bitterness. This dark roast coffee is made from premium Arabica and Robusta beans, available in whole bean or ground form, and contains up to 1,105 mg of caffeine per 12 oz cup. The best time to drink black coffee from Black Insomnia is before morning workouts, during overnight shifts, or before study sessions when focus and alertness are most needed. It is compatible with Nespresso and Keurig coffee makers for convenient brewing. It offers a clear aroma, balanced acidity, full body, moderate sweetness, and clean finish. It is sold on Black Insomnia’s website, Amazon, Walmart, and few U.S. cafés and stores in 1lb bags with free U.S. shipping on subscriptions, though prices vary. It provides intense energy but lacks clear roast date.

9. Dunkin Donuts Original Blend Medium Roast

Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans in a medium grind. It is a top supermarket black coffee with a smooth, balanced taste and no extreme acidity or bitterness. It is consistent and ideal for drip machines and automatic brewers but less suitable for French presses, cold brewing or espresso. It offers a warm aroma and steady texture with a clean finish. It is sold on Dunkin’s website, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and BJ’s Wholesale in 12 oz or 30 oz cans, though prices vary. It is reliable and beginner-friendly but lacks specific origin, varietal, and clear roasting date details.

How to Pick the Best Coffee Beans for Black Coffee?

To pick the best coffee beans for black coffee, follow the 8 steps below.

• Choose Specialty Coffee: Buy top quality beans by choosing single-origin coffee picked from the same fields on the same day. Test beans from different regions to find what suits your taste like Costa Rica, Colombia, or Ethiopia. Avoid commercial coffee because it’s often burnt from rushed roasting methods. Burnt beans lose their oils and flavor, leaving you with a bitter, charcoal-like drink. Coffee should be roasted slowly to preserve its richness.
• Try Flavored Black Coffee: Start with naturally flavored types of coffee beans like hazelnut, chocolate, or vanilla if you're not used to black coffee. These are still black coffee, infused with flavor oils after roasting, so they contain no sugar or cream but offer a smoother, more approachable taste. Choose high-quality flavored beans from roasters who use natural flavorings and fresh roasts.
• Pick Fresh Roasted Beans: Buy freshly roasted coffee beans from micro-roasters like Colipse Coffee, who roast in small batches at low temperatures to preserve flavor-rich oils. These oils provide antioxidants, caffeine, aroma, and taste, all essential for a smooth, vibrant cup. Coffee roasted within days delivers peak freshness, full aroma, and a clean finish. In contrast, mass produced coffee oxidizes after months in storage. Its oils degrade, acidity disappears, bitterness increases, and the flavor becomes flat or stale regardless of how it's brewed.
• Go for Light or Medium Roasts: Choose lighter roasts like Light City or Half City to enjoy natural flavors, acidity, and origin clarity. These roasts preserve fruity and floral notes that dark roasts burn away. If your goal is to appreciate coffee without sugar or cream, light to medium is the best starting point. Dark roasts tend to taste bitter and smoky, masking what makes each bean unique.
• Know the Processing Method: Pick washed or natural processed beans depending on your flavor preference. Washed coffees are clean and bright with citrus-like acidity, while natural coffees are bold, fruity, and sweet. Both styles are excellent black but deliver different taste experiences. Avoid poorly processed coffee—it can taste fermented, moldy, or dirty, especially when consumed black.
• Match Brewing Style to Your Taste: Pick a brewing method that balances strength and smoothness in black coffee. Use espresso or Moka pot for bold flavor. Try an Americano or Long Black diluted with hot water to reduce bitterness. Choose cold brew or French press for a smoother, sweeter, and less acidic cup. Use pour-over methods like V60 or Kalita for clarity and fruity notes with more control.
• Understand Single Origins vs. Blends: Single-origin black coffee comes from one farm or region and delivers distinct flavors like citrus, florals, or berries, revealing terroir but varying by batch. Blends mix beans from different regions for balanced body, acidity, and sweetness like Colombian for chocolatey smoothness, Brazilian for body, and Ethiopian for bright fruit. Choose single origin for variety, blends for consistency.
• Buy from Reputable Brands: Choose coffee from roasters who publish sourcing info, roast profiles, and tasting notes. Look for brands that offer transparency and consistency, so you know what to expect. Good roasters dial in their batches and often roast to order. Skip supermarket coffee from unknown sources—it’s likely stale, mass roasted, and stripped of its character.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans for Black Coffee?

You can buy the best coffee beans for black coffee from specialty brands like Colipse, which offers fresh roasted-to-order beans for full flavor and aroma. We specialize in light and medium-light roasts, including Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Prices range from $19.95 to $24.95 per 12 oz bag, with blends from $19.95 and single origins from $22.50. Each bag comes with free shipping on all orders and up to a 40% discount on larger bags. You can explore all our coffee beans for black coffees on our collection page.

What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee?

The six main health benefits of drinking coffee plain black are listed below.

1. Drinking black coffee support healthy weight loss.
2. Black coffee can enhance the effects of intermittent fasting.
3. Drinking black coffee may protect against type 2 diabetes.
4. Drinking black coffee helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
5. Regular black coffee may help support healthy cholesterol levels.
6. Antioxidants in black coffee may support liver function.

1. Drinking Black Coffee Support Healthy Weight Loss

Black coffee is recognized for helping with weight loss by supporting fat reduction and body composition, both important for overall health and wellness. A 2016 study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Dina Icken of Hannover Medical School found that black coffee supports weight loss, especially during the maintenance phase. People who drank more coffee lost more weight than average. Other studies show black coffee boosts metabolism and fat oxidation to promote fat loss. A 2017 research review by Matthew M. Schubert from Auburn University at Montgomery found that drinking dark roast black coffee 30 minutes to 4 hours before meals may support weight loss by suppressing energy intake.

A 2019 meta‑analysis of 12 studies by Ariel Lee published in Nutrients found that drinking more black coffee without sugar slightly reduces body fat, especially in men. Each additional cup was linked to a small drop in BMI and waist circumference. A 2020 Nutrients Journal study by Teruhide Koyama (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine) suggests that drinking black coffee more than once a day may reduce visceral obesity (excess fat around the abdominal organs) and metabolic syndrome in Japanese populations compared to those who did not drink coffee. In a 2005 trial led by Margriet S Westerterp-Plantenga from Maastricht University, high caffeine consumers lost 5.9 kg of body weight compared to low consumers during a 4-week diet intervention.

2. Black Coffee Can Enhance the Effects of Intermittent Fasting

Black coffee can enhance intermittent fasting by supporting metabolic health. Its minimal calories make it suitable during fasting periods, as it doesn’t break the fast. A 2021 study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN by Christina M. Sciarrillo at Oklahoma State University found no changes in fasting triglyceride or glucose levels when participants drank black coffee before blood work. The results suggest black coffee during fasting does not affect test accuracy or post-meal levels.

A 2020 study by Derrick Johnston Alperet at the National University of Singapore found that drinking 4 cups of black coffee daily for 24 weeks led to a 3.7% fat mass reduction and lower urinary creatinine levels, indicating benefits beyond fasting. A 2020 meta-analysis by Rey Juan Carlos University confirmed that caffeine intake—equal to 1 to 3 cups of black coffee, or 2 to 7 mg/kg of body mass—significantly increases fat oxidation during exercise.

3. Drinking Black Coffee May Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking black coffee helps protect against type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar and insulin resistance. A 2014 study by Shilpa N Bhupathiraju from Harvard School of Public Health showed that drinking 3–4 cups of black coffee per day was associated with a 25% lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes compared to consuming none or less than 2 cups per day. Prospective cohort studies suggest that drinking black coffee improves insulin sensitivity and lowers diabetes risk, benefiting both men and women across diverse backgrounds.

A 2021 study published in Nutrients by Hubert Kolb at the University of Duesseldorf found that drinking regular black coffee lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes across all demographics. The benefit is not due to short-term glucose or insulin changes but from long-term cellular effects similar to those of dietary phytochemicals. A 2006 large Finnish prospective study published in International Journal of Obesity from the National Public Health Institute in Helsinki found that adults who drink at least 7 cups of black coffee daily have half the risk of type 2 diabetes compared to non-coffee drinkers. This protective effect holds true for both men and women.

A 2009 study by the University Medical Centre Utrecht, published in Diabetologia, found that drinking 4–6 cups of black coffee per day may reduce diabetes risk by 42%. This effect was similar to black tea and not explained by caffeine, minerals, or blood pressure changes. While there's no definitive proof that black coffee prevents, stops, or causes diabetes, regular consumption seems to offer some protective benefits. The following table summarizes studies showing that drinking 3 to 7 cups of black coffee daily is consistently linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes across diverse populations.

4. Drinking Black Coffee Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels

Drinking black coffee can have complex effects on blood sugar levels. It can raise blood sugar briefly after consumption but may improve blood sugar levels over time. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine titled “Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: a systematic review of clinical trials,” by Caio E. G. Reis found that long-term intake over 2–16 weeks is linked to better glucose control.

Interestingly, a 1970 study by D. J. Naismith at Queen Elizabeth College found that drinking decaffeinated black coffee for two weeks significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, despite no change in sugar intake. Similarly, a 2006 crossover trial by Danielle S. Battram at the University of Guelph showed that decaffeinated black coffee lowered glucose response by about 50% during a glucose tolerance test compared to a placebo, indicating improved glucose metabolism beyond caffeine’s effects.

5. Regular Black Coffee May Help Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Drinking black coffee can influence cholesterol levels, a vital lipid that supports cell structure, hormone production, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. A 2020 study published in Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare from Li-Shin International Hospital in Taiwan found that drinking 5 or more cups of plain black coffee per week significantly increases HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol vital for heart health, compared to drinking less. However, Research from the Arctic University of Norway in the Tromsø Study involving over 21,000 adults found that drinking 3–5 cups of espresso daily slightly raises cholesterol by 0.09 to 0.16 mmol/L. Boiled coffee raises cholesterol more, while filtered coffee has a smaller effect.

6. Antioxidants in Black Coffee May Support Liver Function

Black coffee supports liver health by lowering levels of liver enzymes linked to damage or inflammation. A 2006 study by Arthur L. Klatsky at Kaiser Permanente found reduced concentrations of ALT, AST, and GGT in regular black coffee drinkers. This is good news for heavy coffee drinkers and people with chronic liver conditions, as black coffee improves hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and lowers the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. A 2014 review by Filomena Morisco at the University of Naples found that coffee intake is inversely related to liver enzyme activity in at-risk individuals. The review suggests black coffee boosts antioxidant capacity by raising glutathione and modulating inflammation. While not proven as treatment, moderate daily intake may support liver health.

What Are the Effects of Black Coffee on the Body?

The positive effects of black coffee on the body include a reduction in fatigue, increase in metabolism, higher satiety, and temporary pain relief.

1. Black Coffee Reduces Tiredness: Drinking black coffee makes you less tired by increasing alertness and reducing fatigue, although it doesn't directly give you energy. A 1992 study published in the Brain Research Reviews Journal showed that caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, blocks adenosine receptors in your brain, tricking your body into feeling less tired and more alert.
2. Black Coffee Increases Metabolism: A 1980 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that caffeine in coffee boosts metabolism and fat burning, with effects more pronounced in normal-weight individuals than in obese individuals. A 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition further supported these findings, suggesting that doubling caffeine intake led to significant reductions in weight (22%), BMI (17%), and fat mass (28%).
3. Black Coffee Affects Appetite: In a review by Matthew M. Schubert and colleagues (Auburn University at Montgomery and Griffith University), coffee consumed 3-4.5 hours before a meal had minimal impact on food intake. However, caffeine ingested 0.5-4 hours before a meal may reduce how much you eat during that meal, according to evidence from the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition.
4. Black Coffee Ease Pain: In 2014, a University of Oxford review analyzed 20 studies (involving 7,238 participants) and found that adding one cup of black coffee (equivalent to 100 mg of caffeine or more) to common pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen increased the likelihood of significant pain relief by 5% to 10%. This effect was consistent across different pain types, including headaches, and was supported by high-quality evidence.
5. Black Coffee Helps with Headaches: Caffeine, found in black coffee, acts as an analgesic adjuvant, enhancing the efficacy of pain medications by 40%, according to a 1991 study from the University of Washington. Studies suggest that even low doses of caffeine, equivalent to the amount found in two to three cups of black coffee, may have intrinsic analgesic properties for headaches, similar to common over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen.

What Are the Misconceptions About Black Coffee?

The most common misconceptions about black coffee are that it breaks a fast, disrupts ketosis, causes weight gain, or that decaf is harmful—none of which are supported by scientific evidence.

Does black coffee break a fast? No, drinking black coffee during a fast does not impact triglyceride or glucose levels. A 2021 study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN by Christina M. Sciarrillo and colleagues at Oklahoma State University found that 8 oz of black coffee before blood work showed no significant difference in metabolic markers compared to water.

Does black coffee break ketosis? No. A 2017 study in Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology by Camille Vandenberghe from Université de Sherbrooke found that caffeine can actually increase ketone production by 88–116%, supporting ketosis rather than disrupting it.

Does black coffee cause weight gain? No. A 2023 Harvard study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Matthias Henn found that drinking one extra cup of unsweetened coffee daily reduced weight gain by 0.12 kg over four years, while adding one teaspoon of sugar increased weight gain by 0.09 kg. Black coffee may support weight management.

Is decaf black coffee bad for you? No. Drinking black decaf coffee still provides antioxidants like chlorogenic acids, which help reduce inflammation and support glucose metabolism. A 2014 study by Bondia-Pons confirmed these benefits match regular coffee. Modern decaf methods like the Swiss Water Process are safe. A 2020 review by Poole et al. supports its safety, especially for people avoiding caffeine. Decaf contains only 2–5 mg of caffeine per cup, making it ideal for caffeine-sensitive individuals.

Apart from the aforementioned positive effects and misconceptions, black coffee does have some disadvantages and side effects.

What Are the Side Effects of Drinking Black Coffee?

The side effects of black coffee, primarily caused by its caffeine content, are listed below.

1. Black coffee can disrupt sleep patterns.
2. Black coffee may increase feelings of anxiety.
3. Drinking black coffee can lead to a faster heartbeat.
4. Overconsumption of black coffee might trigger migraines.
5. Black coffee can cause feelings of nausea in some individuals.
6. The acidity in black coffee can irritate the stomach lining.
7. Black coffee's diuretic effect can lead to more frequent urination.
8. Black coffee may have a laxative effect for some.

A potential drawback of black coffee is tooth staining. Studies from Fraunhofer (2022) and Akdeniz University (2021) confirmed that coffee exposure causes visible discoloration. Akdeniz also found that soaking teeth in cola or orange juice first leads to even more severe staining.

How to Make the Best Tasting Black Coffee?

To make the best tasting black coffee at home, follow the steps below.

1. Measure and Grind Your Coffee: Use a digital scale to measure 20g of coffee beans per serving and grind them just before brewing. A burr grinder produces a consistent medium-fine grind, like table salt, for even extraction.
2. Heat Your Water: Use fresh water heated to 195–205°F (90–96°C). An electric gooseneck kettle provides precise temperature control and steady pouring, both essential for pour-over brewing.
3. Prepare Your Filter and Brewer: Rinse the paper filter with hot water to remove papery taste and warm the brewer and cup. Discard the rinse water before adding ground coffee to the filter.
4. Start the Bloom: Pour a small amount of hot water—about twice the weight of the grounds—to saturate the coffee evenly. Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds to release trapped gases and improve extraction.
5. Continue the Pour: Slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion while keeping a consistent flow. Keep the coffee bed evenly saturated and target a total brew time of 2.5 to 3.5 minutes based on grind size and dose.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the water drains, discard the filter, swirl the brewed coffee to mix, and serve it black. No cream or sugar is needed to enjoy its clean, complex flavor.

Agnieszka Rojewska, the 2018 World Barista Champion, shares tips for making black americano coffee. She recommends filling a glass with hot water, grinding fresh beans, and extracting a double espresso. After stirring, adjust the water-to-espresso ratio to your liking.

How to Make Black Coffee Taste Good?

The following list shows how to make black coffee taste good.

1. Start With Fresh Beans: Only use coffee roasted within the past 2–4 weeks. Freshness preserves flavor complexity and eliminates the stale, flat taste often mistaken for “bitterness.”
2. Use Filtered Water: Coffee is mostly water, so bad water = bad taste. Use clean, filtered water free from chlorine or off-odors to bring out the bean’s natural clarity.
3. Dial In Your Brew Method: Brew black coffee using a method that highlights clarity, like pour-over or AeroPress. Adjust grind size, water temperature, and dose gradually until the flavor feels smooth, not sharp.
4. Train Your Palate: Taste multiple coffees side by side or attend a cupping session. This helps you notice fruity, floral, or nutty notes that sugar would normally mask.
5. Drink at the Right Temperature: Don’t sip immediately. Let your coffee cool slightly to around 130–150°F (55–65°C)—this brings out more sweetness and less acidity.
6. Try the “Salt Trick” (Optional): Add a pinch of salt to reduce bitterness without sweetening. It won't make your coffee salty—it can round out harsh edges and enhance body.
7. Break the Habit Gradually: If you’re used to sugar and cream, reduce them gradually over several weeks. Begin with half the amount, transition to well-brewed light roasts, and then remove additives entirely.

How to Drink Black Coffee?

The following list shows how to drink black coffee.

1. Before sipping, inhale deeply to identify the coffee’s aroma and prepare your palate for what’s to come.
2. As you drink, try to name specific flavor notes—fruity, nutty, floral, or earthy—just like you would during a cupping session.
3. Keep a tasting journal where you jot down each coffee’s origin, processing method, and what flavors you perceived.
4. Swish the coffee lightly across your tongue to detect sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and body in different parts of your mouth.
5. Compare your impressions with flavor wheels or tasting guides to sharpen your vocabulary and calibrate your taste memory.

Interestingly, a 2021 study from Northwestern and Harvard Universities published in Scientific Reports by Marilyn C Cornelis found that people with genetically inferred caffeine sensitivity prefer the taste of black coffee, tea, and dark chocolate more than those genetically inclined toward bitterness.

How Long Does Black Coffee Stay Fresh?

Black coffee stays fresh for about 30 minutes after brewing at room temperature. After that, it begins to lose flavor due to oxidation. If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can stay drinkable for up to 24 hours, but its taste will significantly decline.

What is the Best Time to Drink Black Coffee?

The best time to drink black coffee is in the morning to boost alertness and cognitive function, as caffeine blocks sleep-promoting adenosine receptors. However, a 2020 study by Harry A Smith from the University of Bath found that drinking 2–3 cups after disrupted sleep can raise glucose by 9.27% and insulin by 31.91%, impairing how the body processes food.

What is the Difference between Black Coffee and Drip Coffee?

The main difference between black coffee and drip coffee is that black coffee refers to any coffee served without milk or sugar, while drip coffee is a specific brewing method where hot water filters through ground coffee. Drip coffee can be black, but black coffee includes other brew types like espresso or French press.