Very hot drinks may damage the esophagus and raise cancer risk

Drinks at 65°C or above may damage the lining of the esophagus and increase the risk of cancer, according to research from Oxford University published in the International Journal of Cancer.

The study analyzed data from 977,282 middle-aged men and women. It also found that consuming six or more hot drinks a day raised the risk. Adding milk may cool tea or coffee slightly, but researchers said a milky drink could still be dangerously hot.

A drink made immediately after a kettle boils can reach 100°C. Once poured into a cup, it typically cools to about 90°C or 95°C. The advice is to wait several minutes before drinking it. Cancer Research UK said it was difficult to specify an exact cooling time, but recommended waiting until the drink feels comfortable rather than consuming it while it remains very hot.

“

But if you're worried, we'd suggest just waiting until it's comfortable to drink rather than drinking it while it's still very hot.

Lead researcher Dr Keren Papier said earlier research in South America, where very hot mate is widely consumed, had found a similar link with esophageal cancer. “More research is now needed to identify the exact drink temperatures linked to this increased risk,” she said.

A separate study involving 118 young adults found that most participants considered black coffee too hot only at 70°C or above. One takeaway coffee-cup manufacturer gives 49°C to 60°C as the ideal range for hot coffee. Coffee served extra hot at a customer’s request can exceed 82°C, according to MTPak Coffee.

“

More research is now needed to identify the exact drink temperatures linked to this increased risk.