What Will Happen if I Drink Coffee with Milk? The Complete Guide

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from the University of Copenhagen, combining coffee's polyphenols with milk's proteins can double their anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells. But beyond inflammation, what will happen if I drink coffee with milk regularly in terms of digestion, calories, and overall nutrition?

Quick Summary

Adding milk to coffee can reduce acidity and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, though it increases calories and may affect digestion, particularly for those with lactose intolerance.

Key Points

Acidity Reduction: Milk helps neutralize coffee's acidity, which can reduce the risk of heartburn and acid reflux for some individuals.
Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The interaction between coffee polyphenols and milk proteins can significantly boost anti-inflammatory activity, according to lab studies.
Increased Calorie Intake: Adding milk substantially increases the calorie count of your coffee compared to drinking it black, a crucial factor for weight management.
Potential Digestive Issues: Those with lactose intolerance may experience bloating, gas, or stomach cramps when consuming coffee with dairy milk.
Controversial Antioxidant Effect: Research is conflicting on whether milk proteins inhibit or enhance the absorption of coffee's beneficial polyphenols.
Safer Temperature: Adding cold milk can lower the temperature of hot coffee, reducing the risk of esophageal burns associated with very hot beverages.
No Fasting Compatibility: Coffee with milk breaks an intermittent fast due to the added calories, unlike black coffee.

The Science Behind Your Milky Brew

When you mix coffee and milk, several chemical reactions occur that alter the drink's taste, texture, and nutritional profile. The proteins in milk, primarily casein, bind to some of coffee's bitter compounds, which mellows the flavor and creates a creamier, smoother mouthfeel. This interaction also buffers the acidity of the coffee, which can provide relief for individuals prone to acid reflux or heartburn. The fat content in milk further contributes to this richer texture and can enhance certain flavor notes, while the natural sugars (lactose) add a subtle sweetness without the need for additional sugar.

Impact on Acidity and Digestion

For many, drinking black coffee on an empty stomach can trigger stomach acid production, leading to irritation and discomfort. Milk's neutralizing effect can counteract this, making the beverage easier to tolerate. However, this isn't a universal solution. Those who are lactose intolerant may find that adding dairy milk worsens digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and cramping. In these cases, the issue lies with the body's inability to break down lactose, not the coffee itself.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

An important finding from recent research is the potential for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects when milk is added to coffee. This occurs when the antioxidant polyphenols in coffee react with the amino acids in milk proteins. This combination was shown to be twice as effective at combating inflammation in a laboratory setting compared to polyphenols alone. While these studies were conducted on cells, the results suggest a promising synergistic effect.

Additional Nutrients and Calories

Adding milk can boost your coffee's nutritional content, providing a source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D that black coffee lacks. However, this comes at a cost. A cup of black coffee contains only about 5 calories, whereas a typical cup with milk can contain around 60 calories, and much more if sugar or syrup is added. This is a key consideration for those focused on weight management.

Antioxidant Absorption Debate

One of the most debated aspects is whether milk interferes with the body's ability to absorb coffee's antioxidants, specifically polyphenols. Some older studies and reviews suggested that the binding of milk proteins to polyphenols could reduce their bioavailability. However, more recent studies have offered conflicting results, with some finding no significant impact and others suggesting that milk might even enhance the bioavailability of certain polyphenols. The outcome appears to depend on various factors, including the type and amount of milk used, and the coffee preparation method.

Risk of Esophageal Burns

Drinking very hot beverages, including black coffee, has been linked to an increased risk of thermal burns to the esophagus, which is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Adding cold milk to hot coffee significantly lowers the temperature, making the drink safer to consume without causing potential tissue damage.

Comparison Table: Milk Coffee vs. Black Coffee


Feature	Milk Coffee	Black Coffee
Flavor	Creamier, milder, and less bitter. Notes are often complemented or masked by milk.	Strong, bold, and pure. Highlights the natural flavor profiles of the coffee bean.
Acidity	Lowered due to milk's neutralizing effect. May be gentler on the stomach for some.	Higher acidity, potentially irritating for those with sensitivity or acid reflux.
Calories	Higher. Can vary significantly depending on the type and amount of milk and any added sweeteners.	Minimal. An 8-ounce cup has very few calories.
Digestion	Can aid those sensitive to coffee's acidity, but may cause issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.	Can stimulate stomach acid and cause discomfort on an empty stomach for some.
Antioxidants	Absorption may be controversial, with some studies suggesting minimal interference and others showing enhancement or reduction.	High concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols. Absorption is not affected by additives.
Fasting	Breaks a fast due to added calories from milk's fats and sugars.	Does not break a fast, assuming no sweeteners or other caloric additives are included.

Navigating Your Coffee Choices

If you love your coffee with milk, the conflicting evidence on antioxidant absorption is not a reason to stop. The key is to listen to your body and consider your overall health goals. For those with digestive sensitivities, there are several ways to enjoy a creamy cup without discomfort.

Tips for enjoying coffee with milk:

Try plant-based alternatives: Oat milk is popular for its creamy texture and frothing ability, while almond milk offers a nutty flavor. Many are fortified with calcium.
Choose a low-acid roast: Lighter roasts tend to be less acidic than darker roasts, which can further benefit those with sensitive stomachs.
Drink with or after a meal: Consuming your coffee alongside food can help buffer the stomach-irritating effects of both caffeine and acidity.
Watch the extras: Added sugars and syrups can contribute significantly to the calorie count and may also cause digestive upset for some individuals.

For those observing intermittent fasting, black coffee is the only option that won't break the fast. However, if that is not a priority, enjoying coffee with milk can offer a satisfying and flavorful beverage experience with additional nutritional benefits. The balance between taste, health, and personal preference is what ultimately determines the right choice for you.

For more technical information on the interactions between milk and coffee, review the research in sources like the Taylor & Francis Online journal, which offers a comprehensive look at the controversial effects of milk addition.

Conclusion: Your Personal Preference Reigns Supreme

There is no single right or wrong answer to drinking coffee with milk. The combination offers clear benefits like reduced acidity, anti-inflammatory potential, and enhanced flavor. However, it also adds calories and may cause issues for individuals with lactose intolerance or specific health goals like intermittent fasting. The research on its effect on antioxidant absorption is complex and not entirely conclusive. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual health needs, dietary preferences, and what makes your coffee ritual most enjoyable. By understanding the science, you can confidently decide how you prefer to brew your next cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those with lactose intolerance, coffee with milk can cause digestive issues like bloating and gas. However, for people sensitive to coffee's acidity, milk can neutralize it and improve digestion.

No, it does not cancel them out entirely. The effect of milk on coffee's antioxidant absorption is debated, with some studies suggesting a masking effect while others find no significant impact or even enhancement. The caffeine benefits remain unaffected.

The healthier option depends on your specific health goals. Black coffee has virtually no calories and is better for weight loss and fasting. Coffee with milk adds nutrients like calcium and protein and can be gentler on the stomach for some.

It is generally not recommended to drink coffee with milk on an empty stomach, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems, as it can increase stomach acid production and lead to indigestion or heartburn.

Coffee with milk has significantly more calories than black coffee, especially if sugar or syrup is added. Regular consumption, without accounting for these extra calories, could contribute to weight gain over time.

If you have a sensitive stomach due to lactose intolerance, switching to a lactose-free or plant-based milk alternative like oat or almond milk is often recommended. These milks still add creaminess without the lactose.

Adding milk to coffee can help prevent teeth staining. The proteins in the milk bind to the tannins in coffee, which are the compounds responsible for staining, and prevent them from adhering to your teeth.

No, you cannot. Intermittent fasting requires you to consume no calories during your fasting window. The calories from milk's fat and lactose will break your fast.