Slovakia sees surge in iced coffee sales as doctors advise caffeine limits

Internal data from the German coffee chain Tchibo shows that sales of iced coffee and tea roughly double during the summer months in Slovakia. The company’s Coffee Report 2026, based on a survey of 1,500 consumers aged 18‑75, also highlights that coffee remains a daily ritual for many: 49 % of respondents drink it as a break, 53 % for pleasure and 31 % to combat fatigue, while 56 % say they need a favourite cup.

Psychologist Karol Kováč explains that regular coffee or tea rituals help structure the day and provide predictable moments that can reduce stress. He notes that the context in which the drink is consumed influences whether it feels like a pause or a performance boost.

Doctor Tomáš Kaštovský advises that up to four espresso shots a day are generally safe and may even offer health benefits such as reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. He warns against sugary syrups that turn coffee into a calorie bomb, recommends only a small amount of milk, and cautions that caffeine can impair sleep if consumed after the early afternoon. He also notes that people taking thyroid medication or iron supplements should wait at least an hour before drinking coffee.