Khaberni - In the latest food trends sweeping social platforms, the "egg coffee" drink has taken the trend by storm, sparking a wave of admiration and controversy simultaneously.
While some describe it as "the most delicious cup of coffee ever," others consider it a weird and unappetizing experiment, leaving the most important question: Is it safe from a health standpoint?
From Hanoi to the world
This unusual beverage originates from Vietnam, where it is known as "cà phê trứng," or "egg coffee." It is prepared by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, then pouring the creamy mixture over strong Vietnamese coffee, giving it a foamy texture akin to marshmallow or candy.
Although the recipe dates back to the 1940s, it has resurfaced strongly thanks to Instagram and TikTok videos, where it has garnered millions of views and interactions.
Risk of Salmonella
However, behind this rich taste lie health warnings not to be ignored. Dr. Sujatha Reddy explained that using raw egg yolks in the drink could expose consumers to the risk of salmonella infection, especially since the eggs are not cooked enough to kill the bacteria.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
The risk of this infection is higher among pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems
What about its nutritional benefits
Nutritionally, the protein in raw eggs is no different from that in cooked eggs, but the problem lies in that consuming it raw may hinder the absorption of certain important vitamins such as "biotin." Also, the condensed milk used in the recipe is very high in calories, making the drink more like a "rich dessert" than a regular cup of coffee.
How to consume it safely?
For those who love to experiment and want to taste "egg coffee," experts recommend:
using pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of contamination, being cautious not to overindulge due to the high calories, and avoiding it altogether if you are among the most at-risk groups.
