Many people use a cup to sip their favorite coffee.

The enjoyment of drinking coffee increases when the aroma wafts towards the face before taking a sip.

But what if the choice of cup or glass could actually influence the taste of the coffee? Whether it enhances the flavor or makes it worse, it can have an impact!

1. Temperature Retention

The material of your cup plays a key role in how well your coffee retains heat. Cups made from materials like ceramic or porcelain tend to retain heat longer, keeping your coffee at an ideal temperature for a longer time. On the other hand, thinner materials like glass may allow heat to escape more quickly, causing the coffee to cool down faster and potentially affecting the flavor, as cooler temperatures can mute the taste.

2. The Science Behind the Ideal Coffee Cup

Research after research has shown that the texture, size, shape, and even color of a drinking vessel can influence consumers' perception of the flavor of the beverage inside. This was proven in a 2017 study that examined the relationship between cup shape and the taste of the coffee served in it.

The findings revealed that participants tended to associate cups with a narrower opening with stronger aromas, shorter cups with stronger and more bitter coffee, and larger-cupped vessels with sweeter coffee flavors. Additionally, a study by van Rompay et al. in 2016 explored how taste perception differs when drinking bitter beverages (like coffee) compared to sweet ones (like hot chocolate).

This study found that participants drinking from cups with 3D angled surface patterns reported a coffee that was 27% more bitter. Meanwhile, those drinking from cups with a wider surface reported their drink to be 18% sweeter. Most of these studies focus on the impact that the shape and texture of the coffee cup have on the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Based on the research, it's clear that the size, texture, and shape of the cup indeed have an effect.

3. Shape and Size of the Coffee Cup

There are several types of coffee cups commonly found in cafes, one of which is the headspace cup. The headspace, or the volume between the liquid and the top of the cup, plays a significant role in creating space for the coffee’s aroma to flow into the air.

This flow of aroma reinforces Carvalho's research, which found that aroma is a key contributor to taste perception. The headspace is also closely related to the angle of the cup. A larger angle brings the nose closer to the coffee, enhancing the olfactory experience.

For example, if the coffee cup is too narrow and difficult to fill, the angle tends to be steeper. This limits the space for the coffee’s aroma to escape, making it harder to smell. However, a narrow cup is not always a bad thing, as its negative impact can also be influenced by factors like the coffee itself.

4. Material of the Coffee Cup

No matter the material of the coffee cup—ceramic, wood, metal, plastic, or glass—it can all affect the heat retention and temperature stability of the coffee. The type of material directly influences how quickly the coffee cools down. While some people may choose their coffee cup based on its aesthetic appeal, this may not always be the best choice for maintaining the coffee’s flavor.

Some cups, for example, may be made from materials that are not thick enough to retain heat effectively. On the other hand, cups made with thick glass may hold onto heat for too long, potentially altering the coffee’s ideal drinking temperature. While the flavor and aroma of coffee ultimately depend on factors like the type of beans, grind size, and brewing method, choosing the right coffee cup can complement these elements and make the coffee taste even better.

Therefore, if you want to enhance your coffee experience, avoid cups with excessively thick walls, a narrow angle, small surface area, or a shape not designed to bring out the coffee’s flavor. Mark explains, "It's not about which cup is the best for coffee, but about choosing a cup that enhances or softens the characteristics you want."

Remember, it’s not just the coffee that matters—it’s the cup that holds it. Whether you're savoring a quiet moment with a rich espresso or enjoying a warm latte, the right cup can elevate the experience. Choose wisely, Lykkers, and enjoy every sip!

The Chemistry of Coffee Taste: Why Coffee Tastes Worse in Certain Cups

Video by Vitruvius