Why Does Milk in Tea or Coffee Not Count Towards My Water Intake?Updated 2 months ago

Why Does Milk in Tea or Coffee Not Count Towards My Water Intake?

Adding milk to tea or coffee does not count towards your water intake because of how the body processes liquids. While tea and coffee contribute to hydration, milk is considered more of a food than a hydrating liquid due to its composition.

Here’s why:

• Milk Contains Nutrients That Require Digestion: Unlike water, milk contains proteins, fats, and sugars that the body needs to digest, which slightly reduces its hydrating effect.
• Hydration Guidelines Focus on Pure Fluids: Water intake recommendations are based on beverages that provide direct hydration. Drinks with a high water content, such as plain water and black tea or coffee, are more effective for hydration.
• Milk Alters the Hydrating Properties of Drinks: When added to tea or coffee, milk changes the drink’s composition, making it less effective at hydrating the body compared to plain water or milk-free beverages.

For optimal hydration, it’s best to count drinks like plain water, black tea, or black coffee towards your daily intake. If you do enjoy tea or coffee with milk, simply ensure you're also drinking enough plain water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.

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