Why Combining Fried Dough Sticks and Coffee May Not Be Healthy

Every morning, millions of people reach for familiar comfort foods—like fried dough sticks (youtiao) and a hot beverage. But a recent experiment by two middle school students in China suggests that what you pair with your fried dough sticks could significantly impact your aluminum intake. Their surprising finding? Coffee might reduce aluminum more than the traditional pairing with soy milk. But should you really swap your soy milk for coffee with your next breakfast stick?

Yes—but with caveats. The student experiment showed that while soy milk reduces aluminum content in fried dough sticks by around 20%, coffee reduces it by over 50%. However, both nutritionists and health experts caution that neither pairing makes fried dough sticks a healthy breakfast choice overall.

What’s the Deal with Fried Dough Sticks and Aluminum?

Fried dough sticks, a staple of northern Chinese breakfasts, are known for their crispy texture and fluffy interior. But achieving that signature crunch involves a key ingredient: alum (potassium aluminum sulfate), commonly called in Chinese. This additive helps the dough puff and stay crisp but also introduces significant amounts of aluminum into the final product.

Long-term excessive intake of aluminum is linked to potential neurological damage, including an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. That alone makes frequent consumption of fried dough sticks a concern from a health perspective.

The Student Experiment: Soy Milk vs. Coffee

In a science project, two middle school students tested how different beverages affect the aluminum content in fried dough sticks. Their results were clear:

• Soy milk reduced aluminum content by approximately 20%.
• Coffee reduced aluminum content by more than 50%.

That means if you’re trying to minimize aluminum exposure from your youtiao, drinking coffee with it does a better job than the more traditional soy milk pairing—at least according to this small-scale experiment.

But Is Coffee + Fried Dough Sticks Actually Healthier?

Not necessarily. According to Xia Mingqi, director of the Nutrition Department at Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital, fried dough sticks are problematic on multiple fronts—even without considering aluminum.

• They are deep-fried, leading to high calorie and fat content. Eating just two can exceed the daily recommended oil intake.
• The oil used for frying is often reused, which can produce harmful compounds when repeatedly exposed to high heat.
• Even without coffee, the aluminum issue remains unless steps are taken to mitigate it.

Nutritionally, the classic pairing of fried dough sticks with soy milk is actually superior. Soy milk helps cut through the grease, may aid in lipid metabolism, and has a positive effect on blood lipids. Coffee, on the other hand, is frequently consumed with added sugar, which can significantly increase the total calorie and sugar load of your breakfast.

What Should a Truly Healthy Breakfast Include?

According to general nutritional guidelines, a balanced breakfast should include foods from at least four categories:

• Grains (e.g., bread, rice, or cereal)
• Animal-based foods (e.g., eggs, meat, or dairy)
• Milk or dairy products
• Vegetables or fruits

Breakfasts covering three of these categories are considered “moderately adequate,” while those with only two or fewer fall short. Most traditional Chinese breakfasts, unfortunately, lack fresh vegetables and often miss other important food groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coffee really reduce aluminum in fried dough sticks?

Yes, according to a student experiment, coffee reduced the aluminum content in fried dough sticks by over 50%, compared to around 20% reduction by soy milk. However, this was a small-scale test and not a peer-reviewed study.

Is it safe to eat fried dough sticks regularly?

No, fried dough sticks are not recommended for regular consumption. They are high in calories and fat, often fried in reused oil, and contain aluminum from the use of alum, which can be harmful in excess and is linked to neurological risks.

Why is alum used in fried dough sticks?

Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) is used to make fried dough sticks crisp and fluffy. It helps the dough rise and maintain texture during frying, but it introduces aluminum into the food, which can be unhealthy in frequent or large amounts.

Is coffee with sugar worse than soy milk for breakfast?

Yes, if you add sugar to your coffee, it increases your calorie and sugar intake, often making the total breakfast less healthy than pairing fried dough sticks with unsweetened soy milk, which also offers some lipid-lowering benefits.

What should I eat instead of fried dough sticks for breakfast?

A healthier breakfast includes a mix of grains, protein (like eggs or dairy), fruits or vegetables, and a source of healthy fats. Options could be oatmeal with fruit, whole grain toast with eggs, or yogurt with nuts and berries.

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