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
537 - Are Probiotics Safe for Your Immune System? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:12
Although their benefits may be limited, probiotic supplements are generally safe for healthy people. But there are some situations where beneficial bacteria (either from foods or supplements) can post a threat to the hos…
536 - Can Tart Cherries Reduce Arthritis Pain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:56
Tart (or sour) cherry juice has developed quite a reputation as an arthritis cure, anti-inflammatory agent, even an insomnia cure. Is there enough evidence to support adding tart cherry juice to your day?Read the transcr…
535 - Can the GAPS Diet Heal Your Brain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:17
The GAPS diet has been proposed as a treatment for conditions including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and ADHD. But is there evidence to support the use of this extreme protocol? Read the transcript at https://quick…
533 - Pros and Cons of Oat Milk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:37
Is oat milk good for you? Are there any dangers of drinking oat milk? What's the bottom line on nutritional value? Nutrition Diva has the scoop on the hottest new nondairy alternative.Read the transcript at https://quick…
473 - Is The Beyond Burger Healthy for You? (Reissue) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:18
A new generation of plant-based products are taking veggie burgers to a whole new level. This week, a look at the Beyond Burger and how it compares with beef and other meat-free options.Read the transcript at https://www…
531 - Personalized Nutrition: The Latest on DNA-Based Diets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:14
What can our genes tell us about which diet will work best for us? Before you send off your DNA sample, here's new research you need to know.Read the transcript at https://quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/dna-driven-…
530 - Wellness Is Not the Enemy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:55
Novelist Jessica Knoll argues that we should "Smash the Wellness Industry." Has our toxic dieting culture co-opted wellness? Is it possible to be happy AND healthy?Read the transcript atCheck out all the Quick and Dirty…
528 - Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good for High-Heat Cooking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:25
There's new research on the best oils to cook with. Here's Nutrition Diva's take!Check out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows:www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcastsFOLLOW NUTRITION DIVAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/QDTN…
445 - Is Being Overweight Unhealthy? Reframing the Debate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
While new science suggests there's no such thing as 'healthy obese,' think of it this way: It’s not that your weight doesn’t matter. It’s just that it’s not the only thing that matters. Read the transcript at http://www.…
527 - Secrets of Successful Habit Change with Gretchen Rubin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:47
Get more Nutrition Diva at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-divaCheck out all the Quick and Dirty Tips shows:www.quickanddirtytips.com/podcastsFOLLOW NUTRITION DIVAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/QDTNutriti…