Hey, friend! Ol’ Man Dilworth here—pull up a chair, grab your favorite mug, and let’s chat about coffee. We all hear things about coffee—some are true, some are… let’s just say, way off. Today, we’re busting the most common coffee myths that might be sneaking into your daily brew routine.
Myth 1: Dark Roast Has More Caffeine Than Light Roast
Truth: Scoop for scoop, light roasts actually pack more caffeine because the beans are smaller and denser—so you’re getting more beans (and more caffeine) per scoop. But if you measure by weight, like grams instead of scoops, the caffeine levels start to even out. So, it’s really about how you measure your coffee, not just the color of the roast.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: Don’t let that dark bean intimidate you—it’s all flavor punch, not a caffeine contest. Scoop smart, sip happy!
Myth 2: Espresso Has More Caffeine Than Drip Coffee
Truth: Not really. An espresso shot is small, so it feels intense, but a regular 12 oz cup of drip coffee usually packs more caffeine overall than a shot (1 ounce) of espresso. It’s all about volume vs. concentration.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: One shot of espresso will wake you up, sure—but don’t underestimate your morning mug of joe.
Myth 3: Coffee Stunts Your Growth
Truth: This one’s ancient folklore. Coffee doesn’t stunt growth, period. Bones, height, or puberty aren’t on the line here.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: Drink up, kids—just maybe hold off on the triple shots before math class.
Myth 4: You Should Only Drink Coffee in the Morning
Truth: Coffee’s best enjoyed whenever you need it. Timing matters for sleep cycles, but enjoying an afternoon cup won’t send most people into hyperdrive… unless it’s your third or fourth.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: If coffee didn’t exist in the afternoon, how would one get through office meetings?
Myth 5: You Can’t Brew Good Coffee at Home
Truth: Absolutely you can. With good beans, a solid grind, and a bit of technique, home coffee is fantastic. Tools like pour overs, French presses, AeroPresses, or even a simple drip machine can make incredible cups. Check out our Brew Guides to learn how to brew with various methods from your kitchen.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise—your kitchen counter is a café if you say it is.
Myth 6: Coffee Dehydrates You
Truth: Coffee is mostly water, so it counts toward hydration. Sure, caffeine is a mild diuretic, but regular coffee drinkers rarely get dehydrated from it alone.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: Hydrate, brew, sip, repeat. That’s the mantra.
Myth 7: Instant Coffee Is Garbage
Truth: Instant coffee has come a long way. Some high-quality brands produce surprisingly tasty instant options, perfect for camping trips, office mornings, or “I need coffee yesterday” emergencies.
Ol’ Man Dilworth’s Take: If it gets you caffeinated without making you cry, it’s doing its job.
Bottom Line from Ol’ Man Dilworth
Coffee myths shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying a great cup. Whether you’re a pour-over perfectionist, an espresso adventurer, or a French press fan, know the truth, sip confidently, and don’t let bad advice ruin your morning.
Pro Tip: Want to master your home coffee game? Check out our Dilworth Coffee Classes for Home Brewers — hands-on, no fluff, just better coffee.
