We all know there's nothing better than a delicious cup of coffee, but did you ever think about how the cup you use could affect the taste and aroma?

The first thing we notice when we grab a cup is the smell of freshly brewed coffee, followed by the satisfying taste that lingers in our mouths. But have you ever wondered how the shape, size, and material of the cup might impact your coffee experience?

Different cups, whether they're mugs or glassware, can affect the flavor and fragrance in ways you might not expect.

Mark Vecchiarelli, co-founder and marketing director of KRUVE, a company known for developing coffee sifters to ensure the perfect grind, recently introduced a product that brings new insight into the relationship between coffee and cups: the KRUVE EQ. This dual-layer glass cup is designed to preserve the aroma and flavor of your coffee. Mark and his team spent considerable time researching how the type of cup influences coffee flavors. So, let's dive into how we can choose the right cup for a better coffee experience.

What Makes a Good Coffee Cup?

Typically, a coffee mug is designed with one thing in mind: to safely hold hot drinks and prevent us from burning our hands. But in terms of enhancing the tasting experience, a basic mug doesn't do much. Many people don't consider the effects of the cup on their coffee experience, but studies and coffee experts have shown that things like the cup's shape, size, and material can significantly alter the flavor profile of the coffee.

Mark mentions, "Sometimes we see people using glassware designed for other drinks, like drinks or whiskey glasses, to drink coffee. While these glasses may look nice, they don't necessarily enhance the coffee experience." A coffee cup should be more than just a vessel—it plays a vital role in amplifying the taste and aroma of the coffee inside.

The Science Behind Coffee Cups

Research has shown that the material, shape, size, and even color of a coffee cup can influence how we perceive the flavor of the drink. In 2017, one study found that narrower cups were associated with stronger aromas, while short cups were linked to more bitter and intense flavors. In contrast, wider cups enhanced the perception of sweetness.

Another study in 2016 explored how the surface patterns of a cup could influence our taste perception. When participants drank coffee from cups with 3D-printed patterns, the bitterness increased by 27%. But when they drank hot cocoa from cups with round patterns, the sweetness was heightened by 18%.

Additionally, research by Fabiana Carvalho found that pink and circular cups tend to enhance the perception of sweetness, while tulip-shaped cups can amplify the coffee's aroma. So, what does this mean for us when selecting our perfect coffee cup?

What Can the Right Cup Add to Your Coffee?

We now know that the shape and design of a cup are important factors in our coffee experience. But what specific role does a cup play in enhancing the coffee's flavors? The ideal cup can influence the following:

• Shape and Aroma: The top space and angle of the cup affect how the aroma is experienced.

• Shape and Flavor: The surface area that the liquid contacts in the mouth influences the flavor.

• Size and Aroma: The amount of space at the top of the cup affects the dispersion of aromatic molecules.

• Material and Temperature: The cup's material can influence the stability of the coffee's temperature and contribute to a more comfortable drinking experience. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.

Cup Shape and Size

The space at the top of the cup is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in enhancing the coffee's aroma. According to Carvalho's research, the narrower the cup, the less surface area there is for the coffee to come into contact with the air, which in turn can diminish the aroma experience. If the cup has a wider opening, there's more space for the aroma to gather and reach our nose. This is why cups with a wider opening can enhance the aroma, while narrow cups focus the scent.

The angle at which you tilt the cup also affects your experience. When you tilt a cup with a wider opening, the coffee moves closer to your nose, allowing you to inhale the fragrance. If the cup is too small or narrow, there won't be enough space for the aroma to reach you. However, this doesn't mean narrow cups are always a bad choice—they can still be ideal for certain types of coffee.

Cup Size and Surface Area

The size of the cup also plays a role in the flavor perception. A larger surface area means the coffee has more contact with the air, which speeds up the oxidation process and softens the acidity of the coffee. This type of cup works well for medium to dark roasts or coffees with lower acidity. On the other hand, smaller cups with less surface area preserve the coffee's fruity acidity, making them a better fit for lighter roasts, such as African coffees.

Material and Temperature

The material of the cup is just as important as its shape and size. Different materials, such as ceramic or glass, can influence how well the coffee retains its heat. A well-insulated cup will keep the coffee at the ideal temperature for longer, enhancing your overall drinking experience. Additionally, a sturdy material like ceramic can make the drinking experience more comfortable, while also helping maintain the coffee's warmth.

Now that we understand how different factors impact the coffee experience, it's clear that the cup we choose can make a big difference in how we taste and smell our coffee. Next time you're enjoying a cup of coffee, think about the shape, size, and material of the cup you're using. A well-chosen cup can enhance your coffee's aroma, flavor, and overall enjoyment.

Lykkers, do you have a favorite cup for your coffee? Maybe you've noticed how different cups change the way your coffee tastes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Video by Lifestyle Lab