Is Coffee Safe for Teens? Here’s What You Should Know Before Saying No

When I was growing up, I remember my aunt saying, “Don't drink too much coffee, you’ll stop growing!” She’d wag her finger while I stared longingly at her creamy cup of morning bliss, wondering if I’d ever be tall enough to ignore her advice.

Fast-forward a couple decades, and now I’m in the coffee business, pouring brews for people of all heights, and all ages, too. But the question still lingers, especially among concerned parents and teens eager to taste their first latte:

Does coffee stunt your growth?

Let’s clear that up once and for all, with a warm mug in hand and some facts (and fun stories) to go with it.

So... Does Coffee Really Stunt Growth?

Short answer: No, it doesn’t.
There’s no scientific evidence that coffee affects your height or stops you from growing. This long-standing myth likely came from older studies that linked caffeine to decreased calcium absorption. But newer, more accurate research shows that any calcium loss from coffee is minor, and can easily be offset with a balanced diet.

In fact, according to the Harvard Health Blog and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the real concern isn’t about growth—it’s about how much caffeine is appropriate for younger people, especially preteens and teens.

So while your 12-year-old probably shouldn’t be downing triple espressos before school, a lightly brewed, milk-forward iced latte? Probably fine on occasion. The key is moderation and timing.

When’s the Right Age to Start Drinking Coffee?

Most medical professionals agree that it's best to wait until around 18 years old before making coffee a regular habit. That’s mainly because teens are more sensitive to caffeine, and too much can interfere with sleep, mood, and even school performance.

But here's the thing: in many cultures, kids sip coffee way earlier, think of café au lait in France or sweet milky brews in the Philippines or Latin America. These aren't hard-hitting dark roasts. They're social drinks, shared in kitchens and family gatherings. That’s a far cry from the cold brews with four espresso shots some adults down just to function.

In my house, we had “coffee days” growing up. On special Sundays, my mom would let me dip pan de sal (a Filipino bread roll) into her mug of instant coffee mixed with condensed milk. I wasn’t drinking it by the cup, but I was definitely savoring the ritual—and building a lifelong love for coffee.

Let’s Talk Coffee and Calcium

If you’re still worried about calcium (especially for kids or young adults still growing), here’s the good news:
The average person loses only about 4–6 milligrams of calcium per cup of coffee. To put that in perspective, a tablespoon of milk has more than enough calcium to make up for it.

So if you enjoy your coffee with milk, oat milk with added calcium, or pair it with breakfast, you're golden.

The Real Questions We Should Be Asking

Instead of “Will coffee stunt your growth?”, maybe the better question is:

“What role do we want coffee to play in our lives?”

For many of us, it’s more than a drink, it’s a ritual, a moment of calm, a community builder.

At Win Win Coffee, we’ve seen all kinds of morning routines:

• One of our customers drinks her brew while journaling by her window each morning, "It's my quiet before the chaos," she says.

• A father and teenage daughter come in every Friday for “latte chats.” He orders a flat white; she gets a decaf honey cinnamon latte with oat milk.

• A couple in their 70s visits us every Sunday after church. They've been sharing one cup of coffee—two straws—for over 40 years. (I asked if it was romantic or economic. They laughed and said, "Both!")

Coffee creates space. Whether you’re 15 or 75, it invites you to pause, connect, and savor.

Final Sips of Truth

Here’s what we know:

• Coffee doesn’t stunt your growth.

• Age matters more for caffeine sensitivity than height.

• Balance and moderation are your best brew buddies.

If you’re a parent, think of coffee the same way you’d introduce other adult routines, slowly, intentionally, and with an eye on overall wellness. And if you’re a young adult curious about brewing your first cup, welcome to the club, we’re glad you’re here.

Because whether you’re sipping slowly or diving deep into bean origins and brew methods, one thing’s for sure:

You’re never too young or too old for a meaningful coffee moment.