The Pantry Ingredient That Makes Coffee 10x Better, According to the Experts at Cook's Illustrated

Salt in  coffee  might sound odd at first, but trust me—it's a game-changer. As someone who practically runs on  coffee (one pot a day? More like two!), I'm always looking for ways to make my brew even better. I've tried it all—Nespresso, pour-over, French press, drip coffee maker—and no matter the method, salt can work its magic. And if Cook's Illustrated says it works, you know there's something to it.

The fan-favorite food magazine known for its rigorously tested recipes and scientifically backed tips, tricks and product recommendations shared this tip on the  Cook's Illustrated Instagram account ( @cooksillustrated ) and I can't wait to give it a try!

Related: The Korean Way To Make Iced Coffee Taste 10x Better

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Why Salt Makes Coffee Better

Salt doesn't just add flavor to things. It can also create balance. When it comes to coffee, salt can cut bitterness without dulling the drink's natural complexity. While sugar and cream can also smooth out a harsh brew, they mask flavors instead of enhancing them. Salt, on the other hand, neutralizes bitterness and brings out the coffee's natural sweetness.

In the video, Steven Dunn , senior editor at Cook's Illustrated and America's Test Kitchen, found that just a pinch of salt in coffee noticeably reduced bitterness while maintaining all the deep, roasty flavors that we love. The folks at CI and ATK test everything meticulously, so if they give something a stamp of approval, I'm on board.

The science behind it is simple. Salt blocks our taste buds from picking up on bitterness, similar to how it enhances sweetness in baked goods. If you've ever salted fruit or chocolate and noticed how it made it taste even better, the same principle applies to coffee.

Related: The Surprising Trick for Making the Best At-Home Iced Coffee

How to Use Salt in Coffee

There are a few ways to incorporate salt into your coffee, depending on your brewing method and personal taste. 

Before brewing, you can sprinkle some salt directly onto the grounds. This works especially well for French press, pour-over or drip coffee because the salt dissolves evenly during the brewing process.

If you have already brewed your coffee, just stir in a tiny pinch to your cup and taste the difference. Be careful not to overdo it—too much salt can make your coffee taste, well, salty.

Cold brew is naturally less acidic than standard hot-brewed coffee, but it can still have a bit of bitterness. Add a small amount of salt to your cold brew concentrate before diluting it with water or milk to make your iced coffee even smoother.

Because espresso is highly concentrated, a tiny pinch of salt can make a world of difference. I am a die-hard espresso fan, so this tip is great for people like me! The next time you pull a shot, add a little salt before mixing in milk or water.

If you love coffee as much as I do, salt is an easy trick to take your daily brew to the next level. Whether you're using a fancy pour-over setup or just brewing a quick pot, a pinch of salt can make any coffee taste smoother and richer. It's an easy solution, so why not give it a try? 

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