Moderate coffee and tea consumption does count to your daily water intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily water intake of 3.7 liters (about 15.5 cups) for adult men and 2.7 liters (about 11.5 cups) for adult women. This includes all fluids consumed from drinking water, beverages, and food. Studies suggest that, in moderation, coffee and tea can be part of this daily fluid intake and contribute to overall hydration.
For example, a 2014 crossover study published in PLoS One by experts at the University of Birmingham found no significant differences in hydration markers between coffee and water consumption in 50 male coffee drinkers. The study showed that drinking 800 mL (about 3.5 cups) of coffee (containing 200-450 milligrams of caffeine) provided similar hydrating qualities to water in the same quantity. Similarly, a 2011 randomized controlled trial published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that "Black tea is not significantly different from water in the maintenance of normal hydration in human subjects."
Whether coffee is a good source of water for you depends on several factors, including your caffeine tolerance, the amount of coffee you drink per day, the caffeine content per cup, your total daily fluid intake, and individual metabolism. High-quality specialty decaf coffee can provide the taste and aroma of regular coffee without the caffeine, making it an excellent option for those sensitive to caffeine or seeking hydration in the evening. Discover the hydrating benefits of our specialty decaf coffee at Powerbean Coffee – enjoy a delicious cup without worrying about caffeine's diuretic effects, day or night.
Does Drinking Black Coffee Count as Water Intake?
Yes, drinking black coffee in moderation (2-3 cups per day) does contribute to your daily water intake, particularly if you are a regular coffee drinker. A 2014 study from the University of Birmingham found that for habitual coffee drinkers, moderate consumption (four 200 mL mugs of instant black coffee with approximately 300 mg of caffeine) was as effective in hydration as the same amount of water.
However, while black coffee can be hydrating for regular coffee drinkers, it might not be a perfect substitute for water, especially for those who don't drink it habitually. A 1997 clinical trial at Justus Liebig University showed that non-habitual coffee drinkers experienced a significant increase in urine output (753 mL) along with the loss of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, leading to a negative fluid balance and temporary dehydration after consuming six 8-ounce cups of black coffee in one day.
Similar findings were reported in a 2003 research review in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, which found that 2-3 cups of coffee (250–300 mg of caffeine, equivalent to 5–8 cups of tea) in non-coffee drinkers led to a short-term increase in urine output. Interestingly, this diuretic effect was diminished in regular tea or coffee consumers, further supporting the idea of caffeine tolerance development.
Although a cup of brewed black coffee is primarily water (about 98-99%), the level of hydration you get from coffee depends on your caffeine tolerance, which is when your body becomes less responsive to the effects of caffeine due to regular consumption. A 2017 crossover trial by Adam D Seal from the Hydration Science Laboratory at the University of Arkansas found that plain black coffee with a low caffeine content (3 mg/kg body weight) did not disturb fluid balance and could be considered a good source of water. In contrast, the same study also observed that high caffeine content (6 mg/kg) in black coffee significantly increased urine output, reducing its hydrating benefits and enhancing its diuretic effects.
This table shows a range of studies that have investigated the effects of caffeine on hydration status.
| Study | Caffeine Dose (mg) | Caffeine Source | Participants | Diuretic Effect (Increased Urine Output) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurourology and Urodynamics (2005) | 4 mg/day | Caffeine tablet | Regular coffee drinkers | Yes (only on the first day) |
| International Journal of Sports Medicine (1997) | 490-680 (8.7 mg/kg) | Powder in carb/electrolyte drink | Non-coffee drinkers | Yes |
| Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (1997) | 642 | Caffeinated coffee | Non-coffee drinkers | Yes |
| International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2005) | 452 | Caffeine tablet | Regular coffee drinkers | No |
| Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1970) | 300 | Caffeine tablet | Regular coffee drinkers | No |
| Journal of Clinical Investigation (1981) | 250 | Caffeine beverage | Non-coffee drinkers | Yes |
| Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (1990) | 250 | Caffeine tablet | Non-coffee drinkers | Yes (only during the first hour) |
| Amino Acids Journal (2006) | 240 | Caffeine beverage | Regular coffee drinkers | Yes |
| International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2005) | 226 | Caffeine capsules | Regular coffee drinkers | No |
| British Journal of Nutrition (2011) | 168, 252 | Caffeinated tea | Non-coffee drinkers | No |
| Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2000) | 114-253 | Various caffeinated drinks | Regular coffee drinkers | No |
| Clinical Science (1987) | 45, 90, 180 | Caffeine tablet | Not specified | No |
These findings suggest that for regular coffee and tea drinkers, moderate coffee consumption can indeed contribute to daily hydration needs.
Does Drinking Tea Count as Water Intake?
Yes, drinking tea does count as water intake, according to a 2011 randomized controlled trial by Carrie H Ruxton, published in the British Journal of Nutrition. The study found no significant differences in hydration levels between participants who drank black tea and those who drank water. Twenty-one healthy men consumed either 4 to 6 cups of black tea or an equivalent amount of water, leading to the conclusion that tea offers similar hydrating properties to water and can be included in daily fluid intake.
Similarly, a 2013 review of numerous clinical and epidemiological studies published in Current Pharmaceutical Design by researchers from Department of Dermatology at the University of Wisconsin found that tea, particularly green and black tea, contributes to daily hydration needs. The study highlighted that the polyphenolic compounds in tea, such as catechins and theaflavins, do not significantly impair hydration status, indicating that tea can be a valuable part of one's fluid intake.
Not only does tea contribute to daily hydration needs, but it may also be beneficial for those who are mildly dehydrated. A 2023 randomized crossover study from experts at the Department of Environmental Health at Nara Women's University, published in the European Journal of Nutrition found no significant differences in fluid balance, urine output, or electrolyte excretion between mildly dehydrated individuals who consumed 700 ml of water, green tea, or caffeinated water.
This graph shows the comparative effects of water, green tea, and caffeine on fluid balance, evaporative water loss, estimated ABV, and plasma sodium concentration over a period of time.
How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?
Daily fluid intake recommendations vary slightly between organizations, with the National Academy of Medicine suggesting 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women, and the European Food Safety Authority recommending 2.5 liters for men and 2 liters for women.
Proper hydration, achieved by consuming adequate fluids daily, is vital for numerous bodily functions. Daily fluid intake, including spring water, mineral water, fruit-infused water, herbal tea, filter coffee, and other beverages, supports the transport of nutrients, waste removal, and facilitates chemical reactions within cells. Adequate hydration is essential for physical performance, cognitive function, and preventing chronic diseases.
Hydration needs vary depending on physical activity, climate, diet, and individual health conditions. Strenuous exercise, high temperatures, and certain health conditions increase water loss through sweat and respiration, necessitating higher fluid intake to maintain euhydration.
This table compares the recommended daily water intake across different life stages and sexes according to US and EU standards.
| Life Stage & Sex | Age | US Standards (ml/day) | EU Standards (ml/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants | 0–6 months | 700 | 680 via milk |
| Infants | 6–12 months | 800 | 800–1000 |
| Children | 1–2 years | 1300 | 1100–1200 |
| Children | 2–3 years | - | 1300 |
| Children | 4–8 years | 1700 | 1600 |
| Boys | 9–13 years | 2400 | 2100 |
| Girls | 9–13 years | 2100 | 1900 |
| Boys | 14–18 years | 3300 | 2500 |
| Girls | 14–18 years | 2300 | 2000 |
| Adults - Men | >18 years | 3700 | 2500 |
| Adults - Women | >18 years | 2700 | 2000 |
| Pregnant Women | ≥19 years | 3000 | 2300 |
| Lactating Women | ≥19 years | 3800 | 2600–2700 |
| Elderly | same as adults | same as adults | same as adults |
Can Coffee Cause Dehydration?
No, moderate coffee consumption does not cause dehydration. Drinking up to 3-6 cups of coffee daily, which contains around 400 mg of caffeine, has been shown to hydrate similarly to water and does not significantly affect fluid balance. The idea that coffee dehydrates you is a common coffee dehydration myth that has been debunked by multiple studies.
How Much Water Should You Drink with Coffee to Stay Hydrated?
To stay hydrated while drinking coffee, you should ideally drink a 240 ml (8 oz) of water for each cup of brew that you make, although the exact coffee to water ratio should be mainly based on your brewing method and personal taste preferences, not on hydration goals. Black coffee is the best type for hydration as it does not contain additives like sodium, sugar, and some artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol that can have a laxative effect and indirectly contribute to dehydration.
What Is the Best Water for Coffee to Stay Hydrated?
The best water for coffee to stay hydrated is filtered water, as it provides clean, impurity-free water that enhances the taste of coffee and contributes effectively to daily hydration needs. The following list shows what are the best types of water for coffee to stay hydrated.
- Tap Water
- Filtered Water
- Bottled Water
- Mineral Water
- Spring Water
- Distilled Water
- Alkaline Water
- Sparkling Water
- Artesian Water
- Well Water
How Does Decaf Coffee Impact Your Hydration Levels?
Decaf coffee, contrary to popular belief, does not dehydrate you. A typical 8-ounce cup contains only 2 to 6 milligrams of caffeine, an amount too low to cause dehydration. In fact, decaf coffee retains the hydrating properties of regular coffee, which is 90-99% water, without the significant diuretic effect caused by higher caffeine levels. Studies show that caffeine free coffee, like other non-caffeinated beverages, contributes to your daily fluid intake and does not negatively impact hydration.
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