The Ultimate Coffee Allergy Guide: Causes, Symptoms, Facts

This ultimate coffee allergy guide contains everything you need to know about coffee allergies. Get ready to learn the causes, symptoms, and facts! With this delicious java being such a popular drink, it is no wonder that there are concerns about having an allergy to something that most of us consume every day. This guide is for anyone looking to learn about coffee allergies. You may be recently diagnosed, or just curious about the symptoms because you suspect you have an allergy to coffee.

Fun Fact: Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world.

After reading this article you will have all your questions answered, and the information you need about coffee allergies. Let’s make it happen! 

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Can You Be Allergic to Coffee?

 Yes, you can be allergic to coffee. There are not many documented cases of coffee allergies, but they do exist. A true coffee allergy is extremely rare. Medical publications inform us that the allergy was first suspected when coffee processing workers had an increased prevalence of airway disorders.

These workers were exposed to green coffee beans (and their dust) while performing their duties. 

Although there are not many documented coffee allergies, there are quite a few self-reporting individuals around the world that are allergic to coffee. 

Lori K. states “I have asthma and chemical sensitivity. I am so allergic that even being near the smell of coffee gives me an asthma attack.” – Quora.com

Janet M. explains, “My nose and eyes start running, and eject mode is on – It tries to get rid of it in all ways.” – Quora.com 

What is a Coffee Allergy?

A coffee allergy is an illogical immune system response to coffee. In other words, your body thinks the coffee (allergen in this case) is a threat, so your body reacts with allergy symptoms. 

Coffee Allergy Causes 

The cause of a coffee allergy is an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the coffee. scienceofcooking.com states, coffee contains over 1000 compounds, any of which could technically cause an allergy. An allergy is your body responding negatively to a substance that is normally harmless to the body. 

Coffee Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms usually have a quick onset after being exposed to an allergen, according to NHS.uk. If you are allergic to coffee, you may have the following symptoms. 

List of Symptoms

coffee-allergy-symptoms-infographic: Sneezing Runny nose Blocked nose (congestion)  Red, itchy, or watery eyes Wheezing Coughing Itchy rash Hives (urticaria) Asthma or eczema flare-ups 

List of Severe Symptoms

severe-coffee-allergy-symptoms-infographic: Feeling lightheaded or faint Trouble breathing Moderate/severe wheezing Racing heart /fast heartbeat Feeling sick Swelling under the skin (angioedema) Stomach pain Clammy skin Confusion Anxiety Weakness/collapsing Loss of consciousness  Seek medical care promptly with these symptoms as anaphylaxis is an emergency that could become life-threatening. 
  • Feeling lightheaded or faint
  • Trouble breathing
  • Moderate/severe wheezing
  • Racing heart /fast heartbeat
  • Feeling sick
  • Swelling under the skin (angioedema)
  • Stomach pain
  • Clammy skin
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Weakness/collapsing
  • Loss of consciousness 

Seek medical care promptly with these symptoms as anaphylaxis is an emergency that could become life-threatening. 

Coffee Allergy vs Coffee Sensitivity 

coffee-allergy-coffee-sensitivity-boxing-gloves

To find the differences between a coffee allergy and a coffee sensitivity, we will break down the meaning of “allergy” and sensitivity”. 

 Allergy

  • Coffee enters your body
  • Your body mistakenly thinks coffee is a threat
  • Your immune system tries to attack the coffee/overreacts with allergy symptoms

 Sensitivity or Intolerance

coffee-sensitivity-symptoms-infographic: Dietician Catherine Rabess explains that you might have a sensitivity when you consume coffee or tea and have the following symptoms.  Coffee Sensitivity Symptoms Insomnia Anxiety Restlessness High blood pressure Functional gut issues Increased heart rate Shaky hands Headaches  

Dietician Catherine Rabess explains that you might have a sensitivity when you consume coffee or tea and have the following symptoms. 

Coffee Sensitivity Symptoms

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • High blood pressure
  • Functional gut issues
  • Increased heart rate
  • Shaky hands
  • Headaches  

In simple terms, an allergy is when your immune system gives you allergy symptoms (after drinking coffee). Sensitivity occurs when you have non-immune system symptoms (after drinking coffee). 

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor when you suspect that you are allergic to coffee or have symptoms that should be evaluated. The medical professionals will listen to your concerns, review your symptoms, and provide professional education and/or a treatment plan that fits your needs. 

Coffee Allergy Treatment

To relieve symptoms of a coffee allergy, your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. If you have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity, the best treatment option is avoidance. 

Avoidance

coffee-allergy-avoidance-infographic: For individuals that have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to coffee, it may be best to avoid the following.  Foods to Avoid Raw coffee beans Roasted coffee beans Ingredients  Java Mocha Cappuccino Espresso Coffee Arabica Robusta Liberica Excelsa Coffee flavored foods Cholocate Ice cream Energy drinks energy bars  Candy Beer Creamer Protein powder Cake

For individuals that have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to coffee, it may be best to avoid the following

Foods to Avoid

  • Raw coffee beans
  • Roasted coffee beans
  • Ingredients 
    • Java
    • Mocha
    • Cappuccino
    • Espresso
    • Coffee
    • Arabica
    • Robusta
    • Liberica
    • Excelsa
  • Coffee flavored foods
    • Cholocate
    • Ice cream
    • Energy drinks
    • energy bars 
    • Candy
    • Beer
    • Creamer
    • Protein powder
    • Cake

Coffee Substitutes

You may want to look into coffee substitutes if you have an allergy, or if you are just trying to cut back on consuming java altogether. Let’s be honest, substitutes are just trying to act like coffee but are not coffee, but that doesn’t mean they don’t taste good!

Here are a few substitutes to try out for getting your coffee fix. 

Capomo Herbal Coffee Substitute 

Quick Facts: 

  • Gluten-free
  • Caffeine-free 
  • Made from Capomo (Maya Nut)
  • Allergy-friendly
  • No alkaloids

Crio Bru Ecuador French Roast

Quick Facts

  • USDA organic 
  • Gluten-free
  • 100% pure ground cacao 
  • Natural mood enhancer
  • Packed with nutrients

RASA Cacao – Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee Alternative 

Quick Facts: 

  • Vegan
  • Keto
  • Whole 30
  • Adaptogens (relieves stress) 
  • USDA organic
  • Grain-free
  • Multiple flavors 

Coffee Allergy Testing 

Currently, there is no reliable test on the commercial market.  One issue is there is no specific coffee allergen identified by scientists. There is one blood test that has been developed, which tests the three coffee species, C. arabica, C. canephora, and C. liberica.

Unfortunately, this test is not very accurate due to various preparation, and sourcing issues.  

Scientists have studied using coffee extracts for allergy testing but discovered some substantial issues with this method. Coffee extracts contain caffeine and histamines.

Caffeine and histamines pose an issue because both of these agents can create false-positive tests, and/or anaphylactic symptoms. With these potential false positives, there is no true way to know if the potential allergy is caused by coffee, caffeine, or increased histamine levels in the body. ,

What is in Coffee? 

what-is-in-coffee-infographic: According to,  A Detail Chemistry of Coffee and Its Analysis, coffee’s ingredients are broken up by main components and chemical ingredients.  Main components (constituents) of coffee:  Caffeine Tannin Fixed Oil Carbohydrates Lipids Acids Minerals  Proteins Oil Wax  Main chemical ingredients found in coffee:  Caffeine Tannin Thiamin Xanthine Spermidine Guaiacol Citric acid Chlorogenic acid Acetaldehyde Spermine Putrescine Scopoletin 

According to,  A Detail Chemistry of Coffee and Its Analysis, coffee’s ingredients are broken up by main components and chemical ingredients. 

Main components (constituents) of coffee: 

  • Caffeine
  • Tannin
  • Fixed Oil
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Acids
  • Minerals 
  • Proteins
  • Oil
  • Wax 

Main chemical ingredients found in coffee: 

  • Caffeine
  • Tannin
  • Thiamin
  • Xanthine
  • Spermidine
  • Guaiacol
  • Citric acid
  • Chlorogenic acid
  • Acetaldehyde
  • Spermine
  • Putrescine
  • Scopoletin 

Coffee Allergy FAQs 

Can I be allergic to my coffee?

Yes, you can be allergic to coffee, but coffee allergies are extremely rare. Depending on your symptoms you may have an intolerance or caffeine sensitivity instead. 

How common is a coffee allergy? 

A coffee allergy is extremely rare, as there are only a few documented cases in the world. 

How long does a coffee allergy last?

You may notice symptoms immediately, or up to two hours after consumption. A second wave of symptoms is possible one to four hours after the initial reaction, explains foodallergy.org.

Can a coffee allergy go away?

Yes, coffee allergies can go away. The immune system is constantly adjusting, so the allergy could go away, although this is uncommon. Additionally, symptoms will go away when you stop consuming coffee. 

How do you test for a coffee allergy?

A blood test, or skin prick test is available to test for a coffee allergy. Unfortunately, more test advancements need to be made to improve their accuracy. 

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