At Stash Coffee, we’re always looking for ways to elevate your coffee experience, whether it’s through sourcing exceptional beans or exploring the latest in coffee science. One of the most intriguing areas of recent research has to do with something you might never have considered before: the colour of the cup you’re drinking from. Believe it or not, the shade of your mug can actually affect how your coffee tastes!
The Science Behind It
Studies from the University of Oxford, particularly those led by Professor Charles Spence, have shed light on the way visual cues—like the colour of your cup—can influence how you perceive flavour. The research suggests that our brains associate certain colours with different taste qualities, and these associations can alter the way we experience the flavour profile of a drink.
For example, darker mugs, like brown, black, or even dark blue, are more likely to make coffee taste stronger, more bitter, or more intense. This happens because darker colours are often linked to bitterness and depth, triggering a subconscious expectation that the drink will be robust and powerful. In contrast, lighter mugs, such as white or pastel colours, tend to soften the taste, creating a smoother, lighter impression of the same coffee.
The Sweetness of Pink
One of the most fascinating findings from this research is the effect of pink-coloured cups. According to a study published in the Journal of Sensory Studies, participants reported a significant increase in the perceived sweetness of coffee when drinking from a pink mug. Despite no actual change in the coffee’s sugar content, the visual cue of the pink cup caused a shift in the brain’s perception, making the coffee seem naturally sweeter.
This effect has to do with the way our brains link pink with sweetness and warmth—think of things like candy, berries, or desserts. By playing on these associations, a simple change in cup colour can make your coffee taste sweeter without a single spoonful of sugar being added.
A Colourful Experiment
If you’re curious to test this for yourself, the next time you brew your favourite Stash Coffee, try swapping your regular cup for something new. If you prefer a bold, intense cup, opt for a darker mug to enhance those rich, complex flavours. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter, smoother sip or want to bring out more natural sweetness, try using a pink, white, or pastel-coloured cup.
This research highlights just how multi-sensory coffee drinking really is. It’s not just about the beans or the brewing method, but the entire experience—from the smell of the grounds to the cup in your hands. At Stash Coffee, we love the idea that such a simple change can open up new dimensions in how you enjoy your daily brew.
So, why not experiment with the colour of your cup and see how it changes your coffee? You might just discover new notes and nuances in your favourite Stash Coffee blend that you hadn’t noticed before.