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

Coffee. It’s the fuel behind every productive meeting, the saviour of early mornings, and the glue that holds office culture together. But for something so beloved, it’s amazing how many myths surround it. From caffeine misconceptions to snobbery about instant coffee, there’s a lot of misinformation out there.

Time to set the record straight. Here are some of the most common coffee myths—well and truly busted.

Myth #1: “The Darker the Roast, the Stronger the Coffee”

It’s a common belief that dark roast coffee is stronger than its lighter counterpart. After all, it tastes bolder, right? Not exactly. The strength of coffee actually comes from the coffee-to-water ratio, not the roast level.

In fact, light roast coffee often has slightly more caffeine than dark roast. Why? Because the longer beans are roasted, the more caffeine they lose. But the difference is small, so it’s more about flavour than caffeine.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a caffeine kick, don’t judge by colour alone. Choose a coffee that suits your taste preferences, whether that’s bold and smoky or light and fruity. At Vending Superstore, we’ve got a variety of blends to keep your team buzzing.

Myth #2: “Freshly Ground Coffee is Always Better”

Yes, grinding your beans just before brewing gives you that amazing fresh coffee aroma, but it’s not the only way to get a great cup. It all comes down to storage. If beans aren’t stored properly, they’ll go stale whether they’re ground or whole.

Pre-ground coffee can be just as good as long as it’s stored in an airtight container away from light and heat. That’s why our Nescafe Gold Blend and Nescafe Original tins come with resealable lids to keep the flavour locked in.

Best For: Offices that need convenience without compromising on taste.

Myth #3: “Instant Coffee Isn’t Real Coffee”

There’s a lot of snobbery around instant coffee, but here’s the truth: it’s made from 100% real coffee beans. The difference is that it’s brewed, dehydrated, and turned into powder or granules for convenience.

Not all instant coffee is created equal, though. At Vending Superstore, we stock premium instant coffees like Nescafe Azera that deliver rich flavour and aroma without the hassle of brewing. Perfect for busy offices where speed is key.

Myth #4: “Decaf Coffee is Completely Caffeine-Free”

If you think “decaf” means zero caffeine, think again. Decaf coffee does contain a small amount of caffeine—usually about 2-5 mg per cup compared to around 95 mg in a regular cup.

It’s enough to satisfy a coffee craving without the buzz, making it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t keep you up all night.

At Vending Superstore, we offer a range of tasty decaf options:

• Nescafe Original Decaf: Available in a 500g tin or as individually wrapped coffee sticks. It’s naturally decaffeinated with water, keeping all the flavour without the caffeine overload.
• Nescafe Gold Blend Decaf: A smooth, rich blend with just a hint of caffeine, perfect for unwinding.
• Taylors of Harrogate Decaf Coffee Bags: Individually wrapped for freshness, these compostable bags give you the taste of a freshly brewed cafetière without the hassle.

Myth #5: “Strong Coffee is Always Bitter”

This one’s a biggie. People often think that stronger coffee means bitter coffee, but that’s not the case. Strength actually refers to the coffee-to-water ratio, not the flavour profile.

Bitterness comes from over-extraction (brewing too long) or using low-quality beans. For a strong but smooth cup, use high-quality beans and the right grind size for your brewing method.

Pro Tip: Our Lavazza Expert Range and Amber Coffee Co. Brazilian Blend are perfect for vending machines and bean-to-cup systems, delivering bold flavours without bitterness.

Myth #6: “You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee After 3 PM”

Okay, this one’s half true. Caffeine affects everyone differently. Some people can have a cup in the evening and sleep like a baby, while others get jittery after one morning espresso.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine but still want an afternoon treat, go for a decaf option like Nescafe Original Decaf or a calming herbal tea from our range, including Peppermint, Camomile, and Lemon & Ginger.

Tip: For a gentle energy boost without the jitters, try our Tenzing Natural Energy Drinks, made with plant-based caffeine and electrolytes.

Myth #7: “Coffee Dehydrates You”

Despite popular belief, coffee doesn’t actually dehydrate you. While caffeine is a mild diuretic, the water content in coffee more than makes up for it, so your cup of coffee contributes to your daily hydration.

But balance is key. For those looking to mix things up, we also stock Radnor Splash Flavoured Water and Juiceburst Orange and Apple Juice—perfect for a caffeine-free refreshment.

Myth #8: “All Tea is Caffeine-Free”

Think again! While herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free, traditional teas like Black Tea and Green Tea do contain caffeine, though in smaller amounts than coffee.

We offer a great selection of individually wrapped teas, including:

• Black Tea: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Everyday Tea from Tetley, PG Tips, Twinings, Birchall, and Clipper.
• Green Tea: From Twinings, Tetley, Clipper, and Birchall, perfect for a gentle caffeine boost.
• Herbal Infusions: A variety of flavours from Twinings, Tetley, Birchall, and Dorset Tea, all naturally caffeine-free.
• Decaf Tea: From Tetley, Twinings, Birchall, Clipper, and Yorkshire Tea for those who want the taste without the buzz.

The Truth About Office Coffee

Coffee myths are everywhere, but at Vending Superstore, we believe in keeping it simple, delicious, and convenient. From bold espressos and premium instant blends to smooth decaf options and refreshing teas, we’ve got everything you need to keep your team fuelled and happy.

Ready to discover the truth behind your daily brew? Browse our selection today and see how we can transform your workplace coffee breaks.

Ready to Bust More Myths?

Explore our full range of coffee and tea options today and let Vending Superstore help you create the perfect coffee corner for your workplace.

Emma Hurst

Customer Service Specialist

If you’ve browsed the Vending Superstore website, chances are you’ve already “met” Emma – she’s the friendly face in many of our photos. As part of our dedicated customer service team, Emma is all about delivering exceptional support and ensuring every interaction leaves a positive impression. Passionate about good coffee, she believes the perfect brew can brighten anyone’s day. When she’s not helping customers find their favourite blend, she’s probably enjoying a cup herself, savouring every drop like the true coffee lover she is.