How Does Coffee Affect Your Height? Science Weighs In

Quick Sips on Coffee & Stunting Growth

·         There is no evidence to support that coffee stunts growth.

·         Part of this myth may have originated from sleep disruptions (sleep being important for physical growth) due to caffeine consumption late in day.

·         Minimal coffee (about one cup a day) is recommended for ages 12-18, and not at all under age 12.

·         Coffee can in fact have many health benefits (antioxidants, neuro-protective properties); extra points for choosing Organic, Fairtrade coffee to reduce exposure to unnecessary pesticides. 

Does Coffee Stunt Growth? The Truth Behind This Age-Old Myth

For decades, many well intentioned parents and teachers have passed down the warning: “Don’t drink too much coffee — it’ll stunt your growth!”

Whether you’re a teen curious about your growth, a parent worried about your child’s habits, or simply a coffee lover who enjoys debunking myths, this article will set the record straight.

Does Coffee Stunt Growth? What Science Actually Says

The short answer: No. Coffee does not stunt growth.

Height is decided almost entirely by genetics and influenced somewhat by nutrition and health factors during childhood and adolescence.  Consuming a balanced diet, whole foods, getting key nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium, essential to bone building all contribute to height and proper physical development.  No credible scientific evidence shows that drinking coffee has any impact on how tall someone becomes.

Why this Idea Hangs Around

Even though research has debunked the claim, this myth sticks around for a few reasons:

• Caffeine affects sleep. Since teens need quality rest to support growth and development, poor sleep caused by too much caffeine can indirectly affect health. But that’s not the same as stunting growth.
• Confusion with bone health. Early studies suggested caffeine might interfere with calcium absorption. People linked bone strength with growth, and the myth grew legs.  Get it, grew legs?  High coffee consumption (6-8 cups plus a day) coupled with a poor diet lacking essential nutrients for growth, MAY cause a bit of a calcium deficiency.  However, teens and young children should not be consuming anywhere close to that amount of coffee (zero for children under age 12, approx. 1 cup a day for teens).  By default, this situation is unlikely to occur.

What Experts Say

The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation and other health authorities agree moderate coffee consumption is safe for bone health as long as you get enough calcium and vitamin D from food or supplements.

So, unless someone is drinking 6–8 cups a day without a balanced diet, coffee is not a bone-health villain.

Does Coffee Affect Teenagers Differently?

While coffee doesn’t stunt growth, caffeine can affect teenagers differently than adults.

• Sleep Disruption: Sleep is super important for growth during the teen years and younger (often needing 8-10 hours per night).  Already facing challenges of busy schedules and electronic distractions (think phone, games, etc.) caffeine later in the day can compound, causing added sleep disruptions during a time when extra sleep is needed. 
• Increased Sensitivity: Teens may be more sensitive to caffeine’s stimulating effects, including jitters or rapid heartbeat.
• Habit Formation: Early coffee drinking can turn into a long-term reliance on caffeine, especially if used to compensate for poor sleep.  As the body develops, exposure to substances can often have exponential effects, compared to exposure later in life. 

How Much Coffee Is Safe for Kids and Teens?

Health experts generally recommend limiting caffeine intake in children and adolescents.

• Ages 12–18: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no more than 100 mg of caffeine per day (about one small cup of coffee).
• Under 12: Caffeine is not recommended for younger children at all.  Ever have a five and seven year old in the house?  Our daily living supports this recommendation; they don’t need more energy.  Though our five year old does enjoy the taste and ever so small sip of Joe’s House Blend when he asks (begs?) for it. 

This doesn’t mean one sip will cause harm — it just means moderation is key. And for teens, avoiding coffee in the late afternoon or evening is important to protect healthy sleep.

Coffee and Adult Growth: Is There Any Impact?

By the time someone reaches adulthood, growth plates in the bones have closed. At that point, nothing you eat or drink — coffee included — can change your height.  Bone growth (think height) typically ends around age 18, while bone density can continue to increase until around age 30.

Coffee Myths vs. Facts

Let’s tackle some related myths that often get bundled with the idea that coffee stunts growth.

Myth 1: Coffee Prevents You from Sleeping at Night

Fact: Coffee can disrupt sleep if consumed too late in the day, but timing matters more than the beverage itself. For most people, avoiding caffeine 6–8 hours before bed prevents problems.

Myth 2: Coffee Makes You Shorter Over Time

Fact: Height is genetic. Coffee doesn’t shrink people or keep them from reaching their natural height potential.

Myth 3: Coffee Is Bad for Kids, Period

Fact: While it’s not ideal for children, an occasional small serving won’t cause harm. The main concern is caffeine dependence and sleep disruption.  Following the recommendations earlier in article (no coffee under age 12, approx. one cup a day/ 100 mg ages 12-18), sets them up for success.

Myth 4: Coffee Leaches Nutrients from the Body

Fact: Caffeine has a small effect on calcium excretion, but it’s not enough to cause deficiencies if you eat a balanced diet and don’t consume large amounts of coffee (6-8 cups plus a day).

The Benefits of Coffee (When consuming recommended amounts)

While we’ve proven coffee doesn’t stunt growth, let’s also keep in mind the positive benefits of coffee too!

• Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet.  Antioxidants serve to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn support healthy aging, brain health, immune strength and reduce overall inflammation. 
• Supports Brain Function: Caffeine improves alertness, memory, and concentration.
• Boosts Physical Performance: Athletes often use caffeine to enhance endurance.
• Linked to Longevity: Studies show moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even some cancers.

For adults. 3-4 cups of coffee a day is considered safe. 

How to Enjoy Coffee Without Worry

If you’re concerned about caffeine’s effects but still want to enjoy coffee, here are some tips:

1. Choose Organic, Fairtrade Coffee
   Not only is it better for the environment and farmers, but organic coffee also reduces exposure to pesticides.
2. Mind Your Timing
   Drink coffee earlier in the day to protect your sleep.
3. Consider Decaf
   If caffeine is a concern, decaf offers all the flavor with less of the stimulant.  Plus, our Swiss Water & Mountain Water Process Decaf also reduce exposure to added chemicals. 
4. Watch Portion Sizes for Kids and Teens
   If your teen wants to try coffee, keep servings small and limit caffeine to morning hours.

Final Sips on Coffee Consumption and Stunting Growth

Does coffee make kids shorter?

No. Coffee does not affect height in children; sleep disruption is a concern due to caffeine as the teen years and younger are vital time for added sleep due to growth (8-10 hours per night recommended).

Can caffeine stop you from growing taller?

Caffeine does not interfere with growth. Genetics and nutrition are the only significant factors.

At what age is it OK to drink coffee?

Experts recommend limiting caffeine before age 12. Teens can have small amounts (up to 100 mg/day). Adults can safely enjoy 3–4 cups daily.

Why do people think coffee stunts growth?

The myth came from outdated studies on calcium absorption and was reinforced by marketing campaigns and parental caution.