Can you mix colostrum with coffee? The Truth About Heat and Bioactives

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to scientific studies, bovine colostrum is rich in bioactive compounds like immunoglobulins and growth factors that are sensitive to high temperatures. This fact is critical to consider when asking, "Can you mix colostrum with coffee?"

Quick Summary

Mixing colostrum with hot coffee is not recommended, as high heat can destroy beneficial bioactive components. For maximum potency, add colostrum to cold brew or other cool liquids. Alternative consumption methods are also effective.

Key Points

Avoid hot liquids: The heat in hot coffee can destroy the beneficial bioactive compounds like immunoglobulins in colostrum.
Choose cold coffee: Mixing colostrum powder with cold brew or iced coffee is a safe and effective way to combine it with your daily caffeine.
Empty stomach is best: For optimal absorption and gut benefits, take colostrum on an empty stomach, about 20-30 minutes before a meal.
Know the benefits: Colostrum is rich in nutrients that support immune function, gut health, and muscle recovery.
Consider alternative methods: If coffee isn't an option, mix colostrum powder into smoothies, yogurt, or simply take it as a capsule with cool water.
Monitor for side effects: Mild gastrointestinal issues are possible, especially for those with dairy sensitivities or allergies.

Can You Mix Colostrum with Hot Coffee?

While technically you can mix colostrum with hot coffee, it is not recommended if you want to maintain its full health benefits. Bovine colostrum contains delicate bioactive components, such as immunoglobulins and growth factors, essential for immune and gut support. High temperatures, typically around 165°F in home coffee makers, can damage these proteins through a process called denaturation, reducing or eliminating their effectiveness. Some brands suggest temperatures below 145°F, but experts often advise avoiding hot liquids entirely for optimal results.

Why Heat Damages Colostrum

Heat causes the protein molecules in colostrum to unfold and lose their structure and biological function. This denaturation means that the immune and gut benefits you seek are compromised when mixed with hot beverages.

Colostrum: A Breakdown of Benefits

Bovine colostrum, often called "liquid gold," offers numerous health advantages due to its rich nutrient profile:

Immune System Support: Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin help regulate the immune response.
Gut Health: Growth factors promote the healing of the intestinal lining.
Athletic Performance: IGF-1 supports muscle growth and recovery.
Anti-Inflammatory: Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation.
Skin and Hair: Growth factors can stimulate collagen production.

Mixing Colostrum with Coffee: Hot vs. Cold

Here's a comparison of adding colostrum to hot versus cold coffee to illustrate the difference in effectiveness:


Feature	Hot Coffee Method	Cold Coffee Method
Potency of Bioactives	Significantly reduced.	Preserved and maximized.
Health Benefits	Diminished.	Full benefits retained.
Taste and Texture	Can clump, potentially becoming grainy.	Blends smoothly for a creamy texture.
Convenience	Requires cooling time.	Simple to add to cool liquids.
Recommended By Experts?	Generally not recommended.	Endorsed by many.

Best Practices for Taking Colostrum Supplements

To maximize the benefits of colostrum, consider these recommended methods. For optimal absorption, it is often suggested to take colostrum on an empty stomach.

Mix with Cold Water or a Smoothie: Simple and recommended method for preserving bioactives.
Try a Cold Brew Latte: Combine cold brew with colostrum blended into milk for a cool, effective option.
Consume in Capsule Form: A convenient method taken with cool water, ideally on an empty stomach.
Direct Ingestion (Dry Scoop): May enhance contact with mucosal surfaces for potential faster absorption.
Mix with Yogurt or Overnight Oats: A food-based option for a steady release of nutrients.

Conclusion

While it's tempting to add colostrum to hot morning coffee, the heat can damage its beneficial components. To preserve the potent immune and gut-healing properties, mixing colostrum with cold brew or iced coffee is a far more effective approach. By being mindful of temperature, you ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your supplement. For further information on colostrum's benefits, consult authoritative sources such as the review from ScienceDirect.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Bovine colostrum is generally safe, but there are potential considerations:

Dairy Allergy: Avoid if you have a cow's milk allergy.
Lactose Intolerance: May cause mild digestive issues in some individuals.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Nausea, gas, or bloating can occur, especially when starting supplementation. Begin with a low dose.
FDA Regulation: Supplements are not strictly regulated by the FDA. Choose high-quality, third-party tested products.

The Importance of High-Quality Colostrum

Selecting a high-quality colostrum supplement is crucial for receiving full benefits. Look for products from grass-fed cows, processed with minimal heat, and third-party tested for purity and potency. This ensures the supplement is effective and free from contaminants.

By following these guidelines and prioritizing supplement integrity, you can successfully integrate colostrum into your routine for enhanced immune function, gut health, and overall vitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it may not become completely useless, mixing colostrum with hot coffee significantly reduces its effectiveness. The high heat can denature delicate proteins and immunoglobulins, diminishing the primary immune and gut-supporting benefits.

Yes, adding colostrum to iced coffee or cold brew is perfectly acceptable and recommended. The cold temperature does not harm the bioactive compounds, allowing you to get the full benefits while enjoying your coffee.

For best results, colostrum should be mixed with cool or lukewarm liquids. For some brands, a temperature of 145°F or less is acceptable, but mixing with a cool liquid is the safest bet to preserve all bioactive compounds.

To ensure maximum absorption, some experts recommend waiting at least 20 to 30 minutes after taking colostrum on an empty stomach before consuming a hot beverage.

The easiest way for many is to simply add a scoop of colostrum powder to a morning smoothie or mix it into a glass of cool water. Capsules also offer a convenient, no-prep option.

It is not advisable to mix colostrum with other proteins in coffee, as it can potentially reduce its effectiveness. It is best taken separately, on an empty stomach with cool water.

No, people with a cow's milk allergy should avoid bovine colostrum. It is a dairy product and can cause severe allergic reactions.