Does Drinking From a Copper Cup Offer Any Health Benefits?

Copper cups have long garnered appeal, whether as trendy cocktail mugs or the health-forward ayurvedic vessel known as a tamra jal. Recently, copper cups have been having a moment in wellness circles thanks to their ability to infuse water with small amounts of this essential mineral.

While it’s true that the human body requires trace amounts of copper, too much of it can lead to health issues.

So is drinking from a copper cup actually healthy — or harmful?

Copper vessel enthusiasts are circulating many health claims online about these cups, suggesting, among other things, that they can boost immunity, support digestion, and enhance iron absorption.

Although the mineral copper can help to support these bodily functions, there isn’t robust human data to suggest that drinking from a copper cup will have the same effect, says Sandra Zhang, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

“There is very little evidence that drinking water from a copper cup provides meaningful health benefits for most people,” Zhang says. “Copper is an essential mineral involved in energy production, iron metabolism, and connective tissue formation, but most adults get adequate copper through foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and shellfish.”

“Although copper is an antioxidant, there is only a trace amount that will be absorbed [from a copper vessel], therefore it likely has few effects” in the body, says Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Copper deficiency also isn’t common in people. “A true copper deficiency is rare,” Dr. Alan says.

Leaving water in a copper cup for longer periods of time can cause excess minerals to accumulate. Hot or acidic drinks can also cause more copper to leach out into a beverage. “This isn’t a cup to sip iced coffee out of all day,” Alan says.

It’s unlikely that you will develop copper toxicity from drinking out of a copper cup here and there, Alan says. But there is a “very slight risk” if you drink from a copper cup all day, every day. “You would have to work very hard to achieve this,” Alan says.

Alan suggests being mindful of how often you drink from a copper cup and for how long. “You should make sure to drink your beverage in a reasonable amount of time,” Alan adds.

Unlined copper cups should never hold acidic drinks like kombucha, citrus juices, or hot liquids — the heat and acid can cause excessive copper to leach into the drink, Alan says. It can also make your drink taste bad. “Unlined cups taste like pennies,” Alan says.

“Ginger beer is really what is leaching out the copper,” Alan explains.

Copper consumption can be a concern for people with a rare condition known as Wilson’s disease, along with those who have preexisting organ damage.

Beyond that, Alan says, “Anyone can drink from a copper cup.” Even if you have those conditions, Alan says you’re likely okay to drink from a copper cup occasionally. “I just would not use this as my only cup,” she says.

Alan recommends choosing copper cups labeled “food grade” — these are considered safe for direct food and beverage contact.

“You can buy low-quality mugs, so just check your mug carefully,” Alan says.

If you plan to drink room-temperature water from a cup, an unlined cup may be fine — just don’t let it sit for long periods, Alan says. For any drink other than water, however, use a lined cup to prevent excessive copper leaching.

Copper mugs also need to be washed by hand. Going in the dishwasher could accidentally dislodge the copper, increasing the risk of unsafe copper levels, she explains.

“The cup should be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions and not be heavily corroded or damaged,” Zhang says.

“The biggest takeaway is that copper cups are largely a cultural or personal preference, rather than a proven health recommendation,” Zhang says.

As far as risks, Alan doesn’t recommend being worried about drinking from a copper mug — she just suggests doing it mindfully.

“Many times, people have copper pipes in their house, and there are generally no health issues,” she says. “Yes, you can have more copper in the beverage if you have an acidic beverage or a hot beverage, but unless you are doing this very consistently or have significant health issues, this isn’t really a problem.”