Office Coffee Myths Busted: What You Didn’t Know About Your Daily Brew

Ah, coffee. It’s the magical elixir that powers our mornings, fuels brainstorming sessions, and keeps us going through those mid-afternoon slumps. But for something so beloved, coffee sure does have its fair share of myths and misconceptions.
From caffeine chaos to coffee snobbery, there’s a lot of nonsense floating around about everyone’s favourite brew. So, let’s set the record straight once and for all. Here are the top office coffee myths, well and truly busted.
Myth #1: “Dark Roast Coffee Has More Caffeine”
You’d think the stronger, bolder flavour of a dark roast would mean more caffeine, right? Nope! The truth is, the longer you roast a coffee bean, the more caffeine it loses.
Light roast coffee actually packs more of a caffeine punch because it’s roasted for a shorter time. But before you start swapping your favourites, remember that the difference is minimal—it’s more about the flavour than the caffeine content.
Myth #2: “Freshly Ground Coffee is Always Better”
Sure, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly ground coffee. But here’s the kicker—it’s not necessarily better. The freshness of your coffee depends on the beans, not just the grind.
If the beans weren’t fresh to begin with, grinding them won’t make a difference. In fact, pre-ground coffee can be just as good, as long as it’s stored properly.
Myth #3: “Instant Coffee Isn’t Real Coffee”
Instant coffee gets a bad rap, but it’s actually made from 100% real coffee beans—just brewed and dehydrated for convenience. Not all instant coffees are created equal, though.
Our range of Nescafe Catering Coffee Tins including Nescafe Original, Gold Blend, and Azera, offer a smooth, rich taste that’s perfect for busy offices. And for those on the go, our individually wrapped coffee sticks provide the same great flavour with no mess or fuss.
Myth #4: “Decaf Coffee is Completely Caffeine-Free”
If you think decaf means zero caffeine, you’re not alone—but it’s not quite true. Decaf coffee does contain a small amount of caffeine, just significantly less than regular coffee.
For example, a cup of decaf usually has about 2-5 mg of caffeine, compared to 95 mg in a regular cup. It’s enough to satisfy a coffee craving without the buzz.
At Business Beverages, we offer a range of delicious decaf options:
Nescafe Original Decaf: Available in a 500g tin or as individually wrapped coffee sticks. Naturally decaffeinated with water, keeping the full flavour without the caffeine overload.
Nescafe Gold Blend Decaf: Smooth, rich, and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t keep you up at night.
Taylors of Harrogate Decaf Coffee Bags: Individually wrapped and compostable, these coffee bags deliver a rich, malty caramel flavour without the caffeine kick.
Myth #5: “Strong Coffee Means Bitter Coffee”
Not necessarily! Strength refers to the coffee-to-water ratio, while bitterness comes from over-extraction (brewing too long) or using low-quality beans.
For a strong but smooth brew, use high-quality beans and the right grind size for your brewing method. Our Lavazza Expert Range and Amber Coffee Co. Brazilian Blend are perfect for bean-to-cup machines, delivering a full-bodied flavour without the bitterness.
Myth #6: “You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee After 3 PM”
Okay, this one’s half true. Caffeine does stay in your system for hours, but everyone metabolises it differently. Some people can have a cup of coffee in the evening and sleep like a baby, while others get the jitters just thinking about it.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine but still want an afternoon treat, opt for a decaf option like our Nescafe Original Decaf or a calming herbal tea from our extensive range, including Peppermint, Camomile, and Lemon & Ginger.
Myth #7: “All Tea is Caffeine-Free”
Don’t be fooled by the calming reputation—some teas are packing a caffeine punch! Black tea and green tea both contain caffeine, though less than coffee. On the other hand, herbal infusions like Peppermint, Camomile, and Red Berry are naturally caffeine-free.
At Business Beverages, we offer a fantastic selection of individually wrapped teas, including:
Black Tea: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Everyday Tea from Tetley, PG Tips, Twinings, Birchall, and Clipper. Shop the range here.
Green Tea: Pure green tea from Twinings, Tetley, Clipper, and Birchall. Shop the range here.
Herbal Infusions: A variety of flavours from Twinings, Tetley, Birchall, and Dorset Tea, perfect for a relaxing, caffeine-free break. Shop the range here.
Decaf Tea: From Tetley, Twinings, Birchall, Clipper, and Yorkshire Tea for those who want the taste without the buzz. Shop the range here.
Myth #8: “Coffee is Dehydrating”
While coffee is a mild diuretic, it doesn’t dehydrate you. The water content in coffee actually contributes to your daily hydration. So, don’t feel guilty about reaching for that second (or third) cup.
But balance is key. For those who want to switch things up, we offer a refreshing selection of Radnor Splash Flavoured Water and Juiceburst Orange and Apple Juice. Perfect for staying hydrated without the caffeine.
The Truth About Office Coffee
From caffeine content to flavour myths, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to coffee. But one thing’s for sure—quality matters. At Business Beverages, we’re all about bringing the coffee shop experience to your workplace, with a range of premium coffee and tea options that cater to every taste and preference.
Ready to discover the truth behind your daily brew? Browse our selection today and see how we can transform your workplace coffee breaks.