Is Mold in Coffee Real? What to Know About Coffee Mycotoxins

Could there be mycotoxins in your coffee?
The short answer is yes.

At Revive Health, we frequently see mold-related illnesses in our functional medicine practice. While environmental mold in the home or workplace is often the first place we look, an overlooked source of mold toxins is something that many people consume daily—coffee.

Coffee is one of the largest sources of mycotoxins, which are toxins produced by certain types of mold. Though drinking a single cup of coffee isn’t likely to cause harm, the real concern lies in the accumulation of these toxins over time. Our bodies differ in how we handle mycotoxins, and some individuals are more sensitive to mold exposure. For those with autoimmunity, gut imbalances, or specific genetic predispositions, it’s wise to take precautions and avoid additional toxins when possible.

Luckily, avoiding all coffee isn’t necessary. There are high-quality, mold-tested coffee options available, and several strategies you can employ to reduce your exposure to mycotoxins while still enjoying your daily cup.

Here’s everything you need to know about mold in coffee and how to mitigate your risk.

How Mold Grows in Coffee

Not all mold in food is visible or a clear sign of spoilage. Mycotoxins—poisonous substances produced by mold—are found in a wide range of foods, including rice, nuts, dried fruit, alcohol, and yes, coffee.

Coffee beans are naturally high in moisture and are often grown in humid, wet climates, making them susceptible to mold growth. Mold can proliferate during the cultivation, processing, storage, and even roasting stages of coffee. Though roasting is thought to kill off a large portion of the mold, it doesn't eliminate it entirely. For instance, studies have shown that approximately one-third of coffee samples still contain ochratoxin A (OTA) after roasting.

The two most common and concerning mycotoxins in coffee are ochratoxin A and aflatoxin B1.

What Are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold, and they can be found in various foods, including coffee. These toxins are known to trigger inflammation and can exacerbate multiple health conditions.

While the amount of mycotoxins in coffee is typically small, the cumulative exposure over time can be significant. When we consider the total toxic load our bodies accumulate from various sources daily—air, cleaning products, self-care items, and, yes, coffee—the impact becomes clear. Even minuscule amounts of toxins can accumulate and lead to chronic issues such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, and autoimmune reactions.

The ability to detoxify from these mycotoxins varies from person to person. Factors like methylation impairments, autoimmunity, and gut issues can make it more difficult for some individuals to process and eliminate mold toxins efficiently. So while drinking coffee itself may not be the issue for many, those with compromised detox pathways may need to be more cautious.

How to Avoid Coffee Mycotoxins

Coffee has long been associated with health benefits. It contains potent antioxidants, helps reduce inflammation, boosts cognitive function, protects against disease, and may even support longevity. (4) But if you’re concerned about mycotoxins in coffee, don’t worry—you can still enjoy your cup while mitigating the risk.

Here’s how:

Choose Mold-Free Coffee Brands

Not all coffee is created equally. Select a high-quality, organic coffee brand that specifically tests for mycotoxins. Some top recommendations include Bulletproof Coffee and Purity Coffee, which are both mold-tested and free from harmful toxins. Opting for these brands ensures that you're not only avoiding mycotoxins but also chemicals like herbicides and pesticides.

Opt for Coffee Grown at High Altitudes

Coffee grown at higher altitudes tends to have drier conditions, which reduces the likelihood of mold growth. When shopping for coffee, look for those grown at higher elevations for a lower risk of mycotoxin contamination.

Proper Storage of Coffee

Even after buying high-quality, mold-free coffee, how you store it matters. To prevent later-stage mold growth, store your coffee in an airtight container, away from moisture, light, and excessive heat. This will help preserve the freshness and prevent mold from developing.

Keep Your Coffee Maker Clean

Coffee makers, especially those left damp for long periods, can become breeding grounds for mold. Make sure to clean your coffee maker regularly—daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your usage. A clean coffee machine reduces the risk of mold growth and ensures a healthier brew.

Skip the Sugar

Mold thrives on sugar, so ditch the sugar in your coffee. Besides, avoiding excess sugar in your diet is beneficial for overall health. By reducing sugar, you can also avoid promoting the growth of yeasts and molds in your body.

Be Cautious with Decaf + Instant Coffee

Decaffeinated coffee is more likely to contain mycotoxins than regular coffee. This is because caffeine acts as a natural deterrent to mold growth. Instant coffee, too, tends to have higher levels of mycotoxins, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.

Ask About Your Coffee at the Café

If you drink coffee at local coffee shops, ask your barista about the coffee you’re drinking. Many specialized local shops use high-quality, organic coffee beans that are less likely to be contaminated with mycotoxins. Larger coffee chains, however, may not offer the same level of transparency.

Support Your Body’s Detox Capabilities

The key to minimizing the impact of mycotoxins isn’t just limiting exposure but also supporting the body’s natural detox processes. Some strategies to help support detoxification include:

• Eating leafy greens, wild-caught fatty fish, and healthy fats to promote liver health and detoxification.

• Regular sweating through exercise, sauna use, or other practices that stimulate detox.

• Detox-supportive supplements, including those that help support liver function and gut health.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you’re concerned about mycotoxin exposure, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of mold toxicity or mycotoxin-related illness. These can be difficult to pinpoint since they often mimic symptoms of other conditions, but common signs to watch for include:

• Chronic fatigue

• Brain fog

• Respiratory issues (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath)

• Mood imbalances and irritability

• Digestive concerns (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea)

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

• Skin issues (rashes or itchiness)

• Immune system dysregulation

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, speaking with a functional medicine practitioner like Dr. Eason at Revive Health could help identify the root cause, including mold toxicity.

Restore Your Health Naturally

We work with patients affected by mold toxicity and other environmental stressors every day. We’re dedicated to helping you reduce your toxic load, restore balance to your body, and support your detox pathways so you can feel your best. By taking a holistic, whole-body approach, we can help you manage mycotoxins and other sources of toxicity that may be affecting your health.

For personalized guidance on detoxifying from mold, addressing mycotoxin buildup, and supporting your body’s natural healing process, reach out to Dr. Eason at Revive Health today.