Egg Coffee Trends on TikTok: Health Risks and Safer Alternatives

Egg Coffee Goes Viral on TikTok

Egg coffee, a creamy and sweet beverage made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, is gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. The drink is typically prepared by whisking egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a rich, custard-like foam, which is then layered over a strong cup of coffee or espresso.

Is Egg Coffee Safe? Experts Warn of Health Risks

While egg coffee has been around for decades—including variations like Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng), Swedish egg coffee, and Italian zabaglione al caffè—its recent surge in popularity has raised concerns among health experts. One of the primary risks is the potential for Salmonella contamination from raw or undercooked eggs.

Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, highlights the danger: “Consuming egg coffee using raw or undercooked yolk does carry a salmonella risk that shouldn’t be ignored.” She adds that hot coffee alone is usually not hot enough to safely cook the egg and reduce contamination risk.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection, which can appear within hours to days after exposure, include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, the infection can be severe for older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

Nutritional Concerns: High Sugar and Saturated Fat

Beyond food safety, egg coffee may also pose nutritional challenges. The drink is typically made with sweetened condensed milk and added sugar, significantly increasing its calorie and sugar content. Additionally, egg yolks and condensed milk contribute to a high amount of saturated fat.

Routhenstein explains, “We want to be mindful of the saturated fat content that this can add into your day. Egg yolks and condensed milk can carry several grams of saturated fat, and depending on what else you are eating, this can raise apoB and LDL cholesterol levels.” Elevated LDL cholesterol is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

How to Make Egg Coffee Safer and Healthier

Despite these risks, egg coffee can still be enjoyed with some modifications. Experts recommend the following tips to reduce health concerns:

• Pasteurize the eggs: Heat the egg yolks to at least 160°F (71°C) to kill potential Salmonella bacteria before adding them to the coffee.
• Use less sugar: Opt for unsweetened condensed milk or reduce the amount of added sugar to lower calorie and sugar intake.
• Choose healthier fats: Consider using low-fat dairy alternatives or reducing the amount of condensed milk to cut down on saturated fat.
• Moderation is key: Limit consumption to occasional treats rather than daily drinks to minimize health risks.

Historical Background of Egg Coffee

Egg coffee has roots in various cultures, including:

• Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng): Originated in Hanoi in the 1940s, made with robusta coffee, egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk.
• Swedish egg coffee: A traditional drink made by brewing coffee with egg shells to clarify the brew.
• Italian zabaglione al caffè: A dessert-like coffee beverage made with egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine.

While these variations have been enjoyed for generations, the modern TikTok trend emphasizes the need for food safety awareness.