Coffee Myths — Busted

Separating Fact from Fiction, One Strong Brew at a Time

America’s history is steeped in coffee — from the revolutionary days when patriots dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to today’s all-day caffeine missions across the nation. But for all the pride and passion we pour into our mugs, coffee has been fighting an enemy on the home front: misinformation.

Some of these myths are older than your granddad’s percolator, others are just leftover nonsense from half-baked “studies” and old wives’ tales. Either way, it’s time to take aim and roast these falsehoods until they surrender.

Myth #1: Coffee Will Stunt Your Growth

Nope. Not a chance. This myth dates back to decades-old confusion about caffeine’s effect on bone density. Turns out, it was all smoke and no fire. Science has confirmed over and over: coffee won’t keep you from reaching your full height. So, drink your morning cup knowing your posture’s safe—unless you’re hunching over that French press like it’s classified intel.

Myth #2: Dark Roast Packs More Caffeine

We get it—dark roast tastes bolder, richer, and a little more dangerous. But caffeine content? Not necessarily higher. The longer you roast a bean, the more its mass decreases (hello, bean shrinkage), which can slightly lower caffeine per scoop compared to lighter roasts. So if you’re chasing the ultimate caffeine kick, it’s more about bean origin and brew method than roast shade. Still, a dark roast will deliver that “punch in the mouth” flavor that makes you feel battle-ready.

Myth #3: Coffee Dehydrates You

Sorry, myth… but you’re all wet. While coffee is mildly diuretic, it’s still mostly water—and that hydration counts. If you’re sipping responsibly (and not just knocking back triple espressos on an empty stomach), you’re staying hydrated while fueling your day. So no, your coffee isn’t secretly plotting against your water bottle.

Myth #4: Strong Coffee = More Caffeine

Strength is a flavor thing, not a caffeine guarantee. “Strong” often just means more grounds, a finer grind, or a longer brew time, all of which intensify flavor—but not necessarily the caffeine load. You want more caffeine? Try a high-caffeine bean variety like robusta or simply brew a larger ratio.

Myth #5: Coffee Is Bad for Your Health

If coffee was bad for you, the Founding Fathers wouldn’t have survived those long Continental Congress debates. Studies now show coffee is rich in antioxidants, may boost metabolism, protect against certain diseases, and keep your brain sharp. In other words, coffee’s not the villain—just don’t turn it into a sugar-loaded dessert in a cup and call it breakfast.

Myth #6: You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee in the Afternoon

Look, caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person. Some patriots can drink a mug at 10 p.m. and fall asleep like a baby. Others can’t have it after lunch without staring at the ceiling all night. It’s about knowing your own limits. But there’s no universal “coffee curfew” set in the Bill of Rights.

Myth #7: Coffee Is Addictive Like Hard Drugs

While coffee contains caffeine, which can cause mild dependence, it’s nothing like the serious addictions people associate with harder substances. What you have is a “habit” — and in America, starting your day with a steaming cup of freedom is one habit worth keeping.

The Bottom Line

Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a culture, a fuel source, and in many ways, a symbol of American resilience. Myths will come and go, but the truth is simple: brewed right, coffee is good for you, good for morale, and absolutely essential for starting revolutions—or just Monday mornings.

Freedom Trail Coffee — Brewing Truth, One Cup at a Time.