Is It Healthy to Add Raw Eggs to Your Coffee?

We thought we’ve seen it all, but yet another food trend has surfaced that makes us question everything. Across TikTok and Instagram, more and more people are trying out an unusual protein-packed ingredient in their morning cup of coffee:raw eggs—not just cracking in, but also mashing in the shell—into their coffee, supposedly for added flavor. But while it’s new to us, content creator Jimmy Johnson explains that this viral twist actually dates back centuries.

“The origin behind this drink isn’t really what you’d expect,” he shares in his Instagram video with over 7 million views. “Some people say its roots are in Norway, others say it’s Sweden, but apparently this was huge in the American Midwest around the 1800s.” 

Johnson is referring to “Church Basement Coffee.” Hundreds of years ago, those in the Midwest United States, primarily Scandinavian Americans, would make this special coffee which consisted of one large raw egg per cup. The whole egg is stirred into the coffee grounds, and the mixture is boiled in water before strained out for a smooth drink. In fact, our friends at The Spruce Eats even have a recipe for this traditional beverage.

Eggs are a complete protein, packing 6 grams per large egg. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin D and choline, which can both help you stay energized throughout the day—a benefit that coffee drinkers may be intrigued by.

The nutrition isn’t even the standout part of the coffee, according to Johnson.

“The egg yolk and white clarify the coffee, reducing bitterness,” he explains. “And the shell minimizes acidity, resulting in a rich, smooth and creamy cup.”

But should you try this eggy concoction? We’re most concerned about raw eggs being consumed each morning. While the heat from the coffee may lightly cook the egg, drinking an undercooked egg can increase your risk of foodborne illness. In fact, there’s a Salmonella outbreak happening right now linked to eggs, causing dozens of Americans in multiple states to be hospitalized.

For this reason, we suggest passing on this recipe, but there are other ways to add more protein and creaminess to your coffee without the food safety risk factor. Pasteurized milk is a popular choice for a reason. And there are some protein powders that will deliciously mix into your coffee for an easy, nutritious boost.