Iced Coffee Addiction: Experts Explain Why Some People Could Be Addicted to This Caffeine Boost

There's a reason why some people cannot get enough of an iced coffee boost.

Some people cannot get rid of their iced coffee fix even when temperatures plummet.

Why Some People Can't Get Enough of Iced Coffee

The simplest answer and explanation for this addiction is how iced coffee may have become a daily morning fixture.

Dr. Deborah Gilman, a psychologist, explained that similar to several routines, they end up becoming ingrained. If iced coffee becomes part of a person's regular ritual, they could end up sticking to it out of their own habits.

The psychologist also added that making the same decisions each day could save mental energy for other decisions and tasks. Dr. Gilman noted further that routinely offers a sense of stability in a world that is largely unpredictable. Knowing what they could expect could make people feel less anxious and more secure.

Moreover, studies have also discovered that caffeine in cold or hot java may impact one's mood positively. However, excess amounts could end up leading to anxiety.

One of coffee's deterrents is its unique and sharp taste, which not everyone may like. When coffee is hotter, its flavor is more intense. This is due to how high Java temperatures could open up the TRPM5 channels, which are the taste buds' temperature-sensitive proteins.

However, these TRPM5 channels get diminished in cold temperatures, making iced coffee more popular for individuals who are more sensitive to the natural acidity and bitterness of coffee.

Moreover, people may feel more refreshed and alert with a cold cup of coffee, even when the weather is cold. On the other hand, a hot beverage could be more relaxing.

Barista and coffee connoisseur Johny Morrisson explained that, on top of taste factors, ice coffee provides an appeal to a lifestyle that resonates with consumers who are younger.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and is the world's most commonly used drug. Its benefits include higher concentration, energy, and alertness. It may also help with sports performance, brain function, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and memory.

However, the stimulant could also result in headaches and insomnia. It may also pose risks involving depression, blood sugar, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and gout.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has considered caffeine a food additive and drug. Their guidelines recommend a maximum daily intake amounting to 400 mg. Such levels are not linked to negative effects.

When it comes to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages children and adolescents from consuming caffeine and other kinds of stimulants.

An eight-ounce cup of coffee may contain 95 to 200 mg of caffeine, while an eight-ounce cup of tea may contain 14 to 60 mg of caffeine.

While decaffeinated soft drinks and cola do not have caffeine, decaffeinated coffee is not totally free of caffeine.

Across the US, over 90% of adults regularly use caffeine. Average daily consumption has amounted to over 200 mg of caffeine.

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