Egg Coffee Is Percolating on TikTok, but May Pose Serious Health Risks

# Egg Coffee Is Percolating on TikTok, but May Pose Serious Health Risks

Egg coffee, a Vietnamese specialty drink made by whisking raw eggs with sweetened condensed milk and topping it over hot coffee, has exploded in popularity on TikTok. The creamy, custard-like texture appeals to viewers, but health experts warn parents to keep this trend away from their children.

The primary concern centers on raw eggs. Raw and undercooked eggs carry salmonella risk, a bacterium that causes serious food poisoning. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and anyone with compromised immunity face the highest danger.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) specifically advises against consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs. While salmonella infection rates have dropped in recent decades due to food safety improvements, the CDC still recommends cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate any bacterial threat.

TikTok trends often bypass safety considerations in favor of aesthetic appeal. The viral egg coffee videos showcase the drink's beautiful presentation and smooth texture, but they typically do not mention food safety warnings. Parents scrolling alongside their teens may not realize the health trade-off their children are considering.

Families who love coffee shop beverages have safer alternatives. Baristas can prepare silky, egg-free drinks using steamed milk, cream, or plant-based options like oat or coconut milk. Many coffee shops now offer cloud foam made from pasteurized ingredients, which replicates the luxurious texture without the salmonella exposure.

If someone in your household wants to try egg coffee safely, pasteurized eggs exist specifically for recipes requiring raw consumption. These eggs undergo heat treatment to kill bacteria while keeping the texture intact. Home c