From Bondi to Peakhurst, our Cafe C&M baristas share the real coffee myths and facts that every Sydney coffee lover should know.
Picture this: It’s a busy Monday morning at our Bondi location, and Clinton, one of our senior baristas, is mid-pour when a regular confidently declares,
“I’ll have the darkest roast you’ve got — I need the extra caffeine today!”
Clinton smiles, knowing what’s coming next.
It’s a conversation we have almost daily across all our Cafe C&M locations, and it’s the perfect example of how coffee myths and facts often get mixed up in Sydney’s vibrant coffee scene.
Sydney’s coffee culture is world-class — but with great passion comes great misinformation. From brewing beliefs to caffeine confusion, our baristas have heard every myth there is. So today, we’re setting the record straight with real, barista-approved coffee facts.
Myth #1: Strong coffee has more caffeine
Busted: Not necessarily
“This is probably the most common myth we hear,” shares Jimmy from our Darlinghurst cafe. A “strong” taste doesn’t always mean more caffeine — it usually just means a darker roast or a more concentrated flavour.
Here’s the surprising bit: lighter roasts often contain slightly more caffeine because the longer roasting process actually breaks down some of those caffeine molecules. So if you’re chasing that real buzz, don’t judge by bitterness alone.
Barista tip from Stella at Rushcutters Bay: “If you want more caffeine, simply ask for a double shot — not a darker roast. We’re always happy to customise your order.
Myth #2: Espresso is a type of bean
Busted: Espresso isn’t a bean — it’s a brewing method.
We get this one all the time! Espresso refers to coffee made under high pressure, not a specific roast or bean variety. The same beans can be brewed as espresso, filter, or cold brew — it’s all about technique.
At Cafe C&M, we use Campos Coffee beans across all four locations (Bondi, Rushcutters Bay, Darlinghurst, and Peakhurst), which are roasted to perform beautifully under espresso pressure — smooth, rich, and balanced every single time.
Myth #3: Dark roast coffee is stronger than light roast
Busted: Darker doesn’t mean stronger — it just means bolder in flavour.
Dark roasts have that smoky, chocolatey character many people love, but lighter roasts often pack more caffeine and complexity. Want to taste the bean’s origin — those fruity notes, bright acidity, floral hints? Go lighter.
“I love describing light roasts to curious customers,” says Clinton from Bondi. “They’re almost tea-like in body, with this beautiful brightness that surprises people who’ve only tried dark roasts.”
Myth #4: Coffee dehydrates you
Busted: Moderate coffee drinking does not cause dehydration.
This myth has been around forever! While caffeine is mildly diuretic, the water in your coffee more than offsets that effect. Research shows that coffee actually contributes to your daily fluid intake — especially when enjoyed alongside water, as many of our Sydneysiders do with their morning long black.
Take Mark, one of our regulars at our harbour-side Rushcutters Bay location. He always orders his flat white with a glass of water on the side. “It’s the perfect way to start the day,” he says, often enjoying it on one of our outdoor seats overlooking the park.
Myth #5: Coffee on an empty stomach is bad for you
Busted: It’s fine for most people — but moderation matters.
Coffee can temporarily raise stomach acid levels, which may bother those prone to reflux or heartburn. But for most people, it’s perfectly safe.
If you’re sensitive, try pairing your coffee with one of our fresh gourmet bagels or breakfast bites — it balances the acidity beautifully. Our Bacon & Egg bagel or Smashed Avocado on toast are customer favourites for good reason!
Myth #6: Decaf coffee has no caffeine
Busted: It’s low-caffeine, not caffeine-free.
Decaf usually contains around 2–5 mg of caffeine per cup (compared to 70–100 mg in regular coffee). So it’s ideal for those cutting back, but it’s not completely caffeine-free.
Barista pick from Riske at Peakhurst: “Our decaf blend still delivers that full, rich flavour — it’s perfect for late-afternoon catch-ups when you don’t want to be up all night.”
Myth #7: Reheating coffee ruins it completely
Busted: It’s not ideal — but it depends how you reheat it.
“Please don’t microwave your coffee!” pleads Stella with a laugh. Microwaving can cause bitterness because it oxidises quickly. If you absolutely must, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, and it’ll taste much closer to the original brew.
That said — our tip? Drink it fresh! Great coffee deserves to be savoured at its best. This is why we pour every cup with care at Cafe C&M.
Myth #8: Milk alternatives ruin the flavour
Busted: Not anymore.
Modern plant-based milks are formulated for barista use — they steam and froth beautifully without overpowering your espresso. At Cafe C&M, Bonsoy remains a cult favourite across all our locations, while oat and almond milks add natural sweetness that many of our regulars absolutely love.
“I’ve seen so many customers make the switch and never look back,” notes Jimmy. “The quality of alternative milks has come so far.”
Myth #9: Coffee helps you sober up
Busted: Sadly, no.
Coffee might make you feel more alert, but it doesn’t speed up alcohol metabolism. Only time does that. Still, a post-night-out flat white at our Bondi location might help you feel human again — especially paired with one of Chef Joseph’s fresh breakfast bagels.
Myth #10: Instant coffee is ‘real coffee’ too
Busted: Technically, yes — but it’s a different experience.
Instant coffee is brewed and dehydrated for convenience, but it lacks the freshness and aroma of freshly ground beans. If you’ve only ever had instant, we’d love to welcome you to any of our four locations and show you what a difference a freshly pulled espresso makes.
“I always tell people — once you taste properly extracted espresso with perfectly textured milk, there’s no going back,” says Clinton.
How Cafe C&M Can Help You Enjoy Better Coffee
Understanding these coffee myths and facts is just the beginning. At Cafe C&M, we’re passionate about helping Sydney coffee lovers discover their perfect cup.. At Cafe C&M, we’re passionate about helping Sydney coffee lovers discover their perfect cup. Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway before work or settling in for a leisurely weekend brunch, our baristas across Bondi, Rushcutters Bay, Darlinghurst, and Peakhurst are always happy to chat about coffee and help you find what suits your taste.
Looking for the perfect coffee pairing? Our gourmet bagels complement every brew beautifully. Try our Smoked Salmon bagel with a smooth flat white, or our Halloumi Fried Egg bagel with a bright long black.
Planning an event? Our catering service brings that same quality coffee and food to your office, party, or special gathering. We offer everything from fresh breakfast platters to our famous bagel selections — with free delivery on orders over $150.
Want to learn more? Drop by any location and have a chat with our team. We love talking coffee almost as much as we love making it.
Great Coffee is Always better with Great Bagels in Sydney
Ready to discover why Sydney locals choose Cafe C&M and BagelsXBrew for the ultimate coffee and bagel combination? Visit any of our five locations:
- Bondi – Perfect pre-beach fuel
- Rushcutters Bay – Urban oasis experience
- Darlinghurst – Cultural district energy
- Peakhurst – Suburban community vibes
- Kirrawee – Fresh innovation at Bagels X Brew
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Don’t just take our word for it – taste why everyone’s calling us the best coffee and bagels Sydney has to offer. Whether you’re after your new morning routine or weekend indulgence, we’ve got the perfect pairing waiting for you.
Visit Cafe C&M and BagelsXBrew today and discover what the best coffee and bagels Sydney experience really means!
How Cafe C&M Can Help You Enjoy Better Coffee
Understanding these coffee myths and facts is just the beginning. At Cafe C&M, we’re passionate about helping Sydney coffee lovers discover their perfect cup.. At Cafe C&M, we’re passionate about helping Sydney coffee lovers discover their perfect cup. Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway before work or settling in for a leisurely weekend brunch, our baristas across Bondi, Rushcutters Bay, Darlinghurst, and Peakhurst are always happy to chat about coffee and help you find what suits your taste.
Looking for the perfect coffee pairing? Our gourmet bagels complement every brew beautifully. Try our Smoked Salmon bagel with a smooth flat white, or our Halloumi Fried Egg bagel with a bright long black.
Planning an event? Our catering service brings that same quality coffee and food to your office, party, or special gathering. We offer everything from fresh breakfast platters to our famous bagel selections — with free delivery on orders over $150.
Want to learn more? Drop by any location and have a chat with our team. We love talking coffee almost as much as we love making it.
Final Sip: What We’ve Learned About Coffee Myths and Facts
Sydney’s coffee culture is built on passion — and a good dose of friendly debate. But the truth is, coffee is both art and science, and learning the facts makes every cup more enjoyable.
Take Angela, our unofficial social secretary at Bondi, who used to insist dark roast had more caffeine. Now she’s converted to lighter roasts and regularly brings friends in to try them. “You’ve changed my whole coffee experience,” she told Clinton recently.
So next time someone tells you a coffee myth, you can smile, sip, and set the record straight.
Your local baristas at Cafe C&M and Bagels X Brew are always here to answer your coffee questions — one perfectly crafted cup at a time. Whether you’re in Bondi, Rushcutters Bay, Darlinghurst, Kirrawee or Peakhurst, we’re ready to welcome you into our coffee-loving family.
Visit us today and taste the difference that knowledge, passion, and quality beans make.