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There’s a reason everyone you know has a water bottle glued to their hand, in their car cupholder, or on their office desk: Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support your health.
If you’re serious about hitting your hydration goals (you should be!), you may be wondering how other beverages—like, say, your morning cup of coffee—may affect your daily water intake. After all, according to Drive Research, 73% of people in the United States drink coffee every day, and 93% drink it at least once per week.
Does your daily coffee habit actually contribute to your hydration? Or does the caffeine cancel out the benefits?
To get to the bottom of this, we consulted two health experts: Alex Larson, R.D.N., founder and CEO of Alex Larson Nutrition, and Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews.
So, Does Coffee Count As Water?
Coffee drinkers, listen up. Both Larson and Dr. Dasgupta say yes, coffee can count toward your daily water intake.
“Even though caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect, the water in coffee usually makes up for it, especially if you’re a regular drinker,” Dr. Dasgupta says.
However, Larson adds that high amounts of caffeine might increase fluid loss for some people. This usually happens around 400 milligrams or more, or four or more cups of coffee per day.
How Much Coffee Can I Have Per Day?
Regarding how much caffeine is safe to drink, the FDA says up to 400 milligrams per day is “an amount not generally associated with negative effects.”
And of course, coffee isn’t ideal if you’re pregnant, have certain medical conditions, a caffeine sensitivity, or heart/sleep concerns.
Experts say other drinks, like tea and soda, also count toward hydration, but there are some caveats. Dr. Dasgupta says sugary, high-additive drinks, like soda and energy drinks, aren’t the best way to hydrate.
“They’re fine in moderation, but water and plain tea are better options,” he says.
Tips For Staying Hydrated While Drinking Coffee
When it comes to staying hydrated, both Larson and Dr. Dasgupta recommend pairing coffee with water.
“A good rule of thumb is to pair each caffeinated beverage with a glass of water, especially around exercise or in hot weather,” Larson says.
And how you start your day can make an impact, too.
“Starting your day with water, not just coffee, makes a big difference,” Dr. Dasgupta says. He recommends keeping a water bottle nearby to sip on throughout the day.