A Surprising Flavour Enhancer for Coffee

Most coffee lovers have experimented with flavour either by exploring different roasts or by adding syrups and spices. Perhaps you are one of them. But there’s an interesting addition you could make to your coffee that you may not have considered.

A somewhat unexpected ingredient is gaining attention for its ability to improve the flavour of coffee. That surprising ingredient is salt!

Yes, salt in coffee. It may sound counterintuitive, but this simple tweak has been praised by baristas, scientists, and curious coffee drinkers. Here's why adding a pinch of salt to your coffee can create a smoother, more balanced brew.

Why add salt to coffee?

The idea isn’t new. In fact, some cultures have been salting their coffee for generations. In Scandinavia, Turkey, and coastal regions where fresh water was scarce, people traditionally brewed coffee with brackish or slightly salty water. But far from being just a workaround, salting coffee has a positive impact on taste.

The key reason? Salt reduces bitterness.

Coffee naturally contains bitter compounds—especially if it's over-extracted, made with dark roasts, or brewed with hard water. Salt (sodium chloride) doesn’t just mask these compounds the way sugar does; it chemically suppresses bitterness on the tongue, allowing more subtle flavours such as nutty or chocolatey notes to shine through.

What’s the science behind salt and taste?

Our tongues perceive five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. When salt is introduced, it not only stimulates our salt taste receptors but also modulates the perception of other tastes. This interaction is why adding a pinch of salt to foods like grapefruit or dark chocolate can reduce their bitterness and bring out any sweetness.

In the context of coffee, sodium ions interact with bitter compounds, dulling their impact and balancing the flavour profile. This is especially useful for:

Overly bitter or cheap coffee

Instant coffee with a harsh edge

Strong black coffee that might otherwise require sugar

How to add salt to coffee (without overdoing it)

If you’re keen to try salting at home, remember that subtlety is key. Too much salt will make your coffee taste... well, salty. But the right amount won’t be noticeable as “salt”—it’ll just taste smoother.

Simply add a pinch (1/8 teaspoon or less) of salt to your coffee grounds before brewing. Alternatively, stir a small pinch of salt into your brewed cup, especially if it tastes too bitter.

Use kosher or sea salt for a cleaner taste, avoiding iodized salt which can have a metallic aftertaste.

Some people even add a dash of salt to cold brew or iced coffee, where bitterness can be more pronounced.

When (and why) it works best

Adding salt to coffee won’t make sense in every situation. If you're using high-quality beans with balanced acidity and complex flavours, adding salt could negatively impact that nuanced taste.

But when coffee is simply too bitter or bland and for those who wish to cut back on sugar, salt could make all the difference.

Adding salt to coffee may sound strange, but it’s rooted in science and tradition. This tiny tweak can take a cup of overly bitter coffee and turn it into something much more enjoyable—without introducing extra calories or sugar. So next time your coffee tastes harsh, try reaching for the salt instead of the sugar bowl. You might just find your new favourite way to brew.

What else could you add to your coffee?

You have probably tried a few flavour enhancers including cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. But there are other possibilities that are worth exploring.

Chocolate and orange work well together and coffee can feature chocolatey notes. Try adding orange zest to your grounds before brewing as they will lend a tasty twist to your drinks.

In Sweden, tonic water is a popular addition to iced coffee as it creates a refreshing, bubbly, and caffeine-boosted drink.

In some Nordic countries, a raw egg is added to coffee. This produces a unique flavour profile.

Finally, consider completing your coffee with a few drops of peppermint oil.

There’s much you can do to lend variety to your coffee drinking life!