Is coffee mold actually making you sick?

Is coffee mold actually making you sick?

Author: QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel March 18, 2026 Duration: 12:24

856. According to the internet, your morning brew might be hiding "mold toxins" that cause brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. But is mold-free coffee a bona fide health breakthrough, or just a clever marketing play?

This week, Monica takes a closer look at the science of mycotoxins in coffee, specifically Ochratoxin A (OTA). We separate food safety facts from "wellness guru" fiction to find out if standard coffee beans are actually undermining your health.

  • What Mycotoxins Are: Understanding the difference between visible mold and chemical compounds like Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A.
  • The Roasting Defense: Why the roasting process is your best protection against toxins and why "green coffee" products carry different risks.
  • Hazard vs. Risk: A crucial distinction in food safety—is the presence of a toxin the same thing as a threat to your health?
  • Practical Prevention: 4 simple steps to minimize exposure—from checking "roasted on" dates to proper home storage—without paying a premium for specialty brands.
  • The Big Picture: How coffee compares to tea, herbal infusions, and cocoa when it comes to OTA levels.

Related Episodes:

  • Episode #517: Aflatoxins in Peanuts
  • Episode #355: The Difference Between Hazard and Risk

New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! 

We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age

Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.

Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. 

Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.com

Nutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


You're probably tired of the constant noise around what to eat, with every headline seeming to contradict the last. Nutrition Diva cuts through that confusion. Hosted by Monica Reinagel, a seasoned expert from QuickAndDirtyTips.com, this weekly conversation feels like getting clear, practical advice from a trusted friend who actually understands the science. Instead of pushing fads, Monica takes the latest nutrition research and unpacks it in a way that makes sense for real life, separating the solid findings from the hype. She directly tackles the questions that pop up in your own kitchen, whether you're wondering about a new superfood or just trying to pack a better lunch. The goal isn't perfection, but building a sensible, sustainable approach to food that leaves you feeling informed and in control. Tuning into this podcast means replacing anxiety with actionable knowledge, so you can make choices that are right for you without the dogma. It's a grounded resource for anyone who wants to think about health and eating well, but could do without the extreme diets and scare tactics.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 832

Nutrition Diva
Podcast Episodes
What makes soy more than just another bean? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:09
How to harness the full power and benefits of of Isoflavones.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated…
What you need to know about TMAO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:34
Delving into the science behind Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its potential link to cardiovascular disease.Mentioned in this episode: Soluble Dietary Fiber Reduces Trimethylamine Metabolism via Gut Microbiota and Co-…
Can you absorb nutrients through the skin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:08
Examining whether vitamins and nutrients can really be absorbed through the skin using products like patches and creams. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes…
Are sweet proteins the new Stevia? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:28
These naturally occurring proteins can replace sugar in foods. How do these new ingredients stack up against other low or no-calorie sweeteners?Mentioned in this episode:Sweet proteins – Potential replacement for artific…
When do probiotic supplements make sense? (Reissue) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:22
US consumers are spending 3 billion dollars a year on probiotic supplements. Are they getting a good return on investment?Mentioned in this episode:Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: An evidence-…
Yogurt prevents diabetes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:08
Yogurt makers can now say that eating yogurt reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. What do know about this new “qualified claim”?Mentioned in this episode:Dairy consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes (BMS Medicine)New to…
The snack paradox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:07
How does our desire to avoid processed foods square with our out-of-control snacking habits?References:2024 Food & Health Survey - International Food Information CouncilSnacking: A cause for concern - ScienceDirectSnack…
How does a pH-balancing diet work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:50
Discussing the difference between acidic and acid-forming foods, explains how the body maintains pH balance, and evaluates the potential health benefits and misconceptions surrounding pH-balancing diets.New to Nutrition…
What’s the deal with prebiotic sodas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:44
All about prebiotic sodas including their fiber content, health benefits, and how they compare to kombucha.Mentioned in this episode:ND 412 What Apple Cider Vinegar Can (and Can't) Do For YouNutrition GPA appResearch:Hea…
All about kefir, including how to brew your own [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:06
Exploring the world of kefir, from its health benefits to its unique fermentation process. Related links:https://culturesforhealth.com/New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the…