Research from Oxford University suggests that drinking beverages at 65 degrees Celsius or above may damage the food pipe and increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
Key facts
- •The study defines "very hot" drinks as those served at 65 degrees Celsius or above.
- •Data for the research was drawn from a study population of 977,282 middle-aged men and women.
- •Cancer Research UK recommends waiting until a drink is at a comfortable temperature rather than consuming it while very hot.
- •A separate study found that young adults typically perceive coffee as too hot only when it reaches 70 degrees Celsius or higher.
- •Takeaway coffee is ideally served between 49 and 60 degrees Celsius, according to manufacturer MTPak Coffee.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer by Oxford University identifies drinks served at 65 degrees Celsius or higher as "very hot" and potentially hazardous. Researchers analyzed data from 977,282 middle-aged individuals and found that consuming six or more hot drinks daily is associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
By the numbers
Temperature and Consumption Habits
Tea prepared immediately after boiling can reach temperatures of 90 to 95 degrees Celsius once poured into a cup. While adding milk may lower the temperature, researchers note that milky coffee or tea can still remain at dangerous levels. Experts advise waiting a few minutes for beverages to reach a comfortable, safer temperature before consumption.
Industry Standards and Research Context
A separate study of 118 young adults found that most participants only considered black coffee to be "too hot" if it reached 70 degrees Celsius or higher. According to MTPak Coffee, a manufacturer of takeaway cups, the ideal temperature for coffee is between 49 and 60 degrees Celsius, though "extra hot" requests can result in temperatures exceeding 82 degrees Celsius. Lead researcher Dr. Keren Papier noted that while links between hot beverages and cancer have been observed in South American populations consuming mate, further research is required to pinpoint exact temperature thresholds.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Health.
