{"id":11528,"date":"2026-03-29T11:46:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T10:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/institutdemusiquedeparis.com\/?p=11528"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:52:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T12:52:41","slug":"how-certain-foods-and-drinks-affect-the-voice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/institutdemusiquedeparis.com\/en\/how-certain-foods-and-drinks-affect-the-voice\/","title":{"rendered":"How Certain Foods and Drinks Affect the Voice"},"content":{"rendered":"

The crucial question: what should singers eat, and what should they avoid?<\/p>\n

What should you drink before a performance? How can you keep your voice well hydrated and healthy?<\/p>\n

Most singers focus a great deal on these questions.<\/p>\n

Will caffeine dry out my vocal cords? <\/p>\n

Will milk prevent me from singing? Will spicy foods affect my overall vocal health? <\/p>\n

The answers to these questions are not as straightforward as one might hope. <\/p>\n

Let us focus on a few key categories that often raise many questions. <\/p>\n

\"Dairy<\/p>\n

Dairy Products<\/h2>\n

Milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt. Singers are often advised to avoid these products, as they are thought to create a sensation of a \u201cblocked voice\u201d or a sticky feeling in the throat. <\/p>\n

If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, it is probably easy for you to avoid these products. <\/p>\n

For others, this can raise concerns, especially before a performance and because of worries about mucus. <\/p>\n

Mucus is a viscous substance found in the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as in the eyes and ears. <\/p>\n

It plays an important role in helping to eliminate fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other harmful particles.<\/p>\n

One might therefore assume that dairy products increase mucus production because they contain bacteria. <\/p>\n

However, it has been shown that they only create the sensation of increased mucus, without actually increasing its production. <\/p>\n

Oat milk and soya milk can create a similar sensation. <\/p>\n

If you consume dairy products and your voice feels irritated afterwards, this may be due to acid reflux or lactose intolerance. <\/p>\n

However, if you have never experienced this type of problem, dairy products are unlikely to affect your singing.<\/p>\n

Another important point: if your throat feels tighter or less flexible after consuming them, pay attention to their temperature.<\/p>\n

Was it cold? Was it hot? Cold drinks or foods \u2014 whether water, tea, or dairy products \u2014 are often responsible for this sensation of tension.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, every singer is different, and each body reacts differently to dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant or prone to acid reflux, it is best to avoid them.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, there is no reason to be concerned about increased mucus production \u2014 so feel free to enjoy them! <\/p>\n

\"Tasse<\/p>\n

Caffeine<\/h2>\n

It is common to hear, both among singers and vocal teachers, that coffee \u201cdries out\u201d the vocal cords. <\/p>\n

Caffeine is generally recognised as having a dehydrating effect, but does it really affect the voice?<\/p>\n

Several studies have been carried out on this subject. <\/p>\n

One such study, conducted by the University of Cambridge, asked eight volunteers to consume 250 mg of caffeine (the equivalent of two cups of coffee, and slightly more than a single espresso). <\/p>\n

Before and after consumption, they were asked to sing \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d. <\/p>\n

Their voices were analysed using a laryngograph (a non-invasive device that measures the activity of the vocal cords in the larynx). <\/p>\n

Significant changes in vocal frequency were observed. <\/p>\n

This suggests that caffeine can affect the voice. <\/p>\n

However, the study concludes that the negative effects of caffeine on vocal quality remain largely anecdotal. <\/p>\n

It mainly demonstrates a short-term effect while the caffeine is active. <\/p>\n

Much like hands trembling after too much coffee, the voice may react in a similar way.<\/p>\n

However, it is important to mention another study, published by the US National Library of Medicine, which tested sixteen participants using only 100 mg of caffeine (approximately one cup of coffee). <\/p>\n

This study concluded that caffeine had no impact on vocal acoustics.<\/p>\n

It can therefore be concluded that caffeine may influence the voice \u2014 but above all that the amount consumed makes all the difference.<\/p>\n

Given its dehydrating effect, and considering that dehydration can impair the quality of phonation, it would seem reasonable to assume that caffeine has a direct negative impact. <\/p>\n

However, a 2023 report reviewing five studies did not reach a definitive conclusion. <\/p>\n

The subject still requires further research.<\/p>\n

My advice? Drink water, and perhaps avoid coffee just before singing on stage! <\/p>\n

Unless, of course, your artistic vision calls for a faster vibrato \u2014 in which case a large coffee with three shots of espresso might do the trick! <\/p>\n

\"Homme<\/p>\n

Spicy and Acidic Foods<\/h2>\n

Everyone has a different relationship with spicy foods, shaped by both culture and biology. <\/p>\n

In general, spicy and acidic foods often appear on the list of items singers are advised to avoid. <\/p>\n

However, the reality is more nuanced. <\/p>\n

Chilli peppers, hot sauces, and curry can irritate the throat and trigger acid reflux, leading to discomfort and unpredictable vocal control\u2026 but the key issue here is acid reflux.<\/p>\n

Let us look at this more closely: gastro-oesophageal reflux (its scientific name) occurs when the muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus relaxes at the wrong moment, allowing stomach acid to rise upwards. <\/p>\n

This causes a burning sensation and can make singing uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

It can be triggered by many factors: spicy and acidic foods, of course, but also onions, garlic, chocolate, fizzy drinks, tomato-based sauces, and fried or high-fat foods.<\/p>\n

Each person has a different sensitivity to these foods.<\/p>\n

\"Homme <\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The most important lesson regarding vocal health and diet is this: whatever the circumstances, it is essential to stay well hydrated.<\/p>\n

To keep the vocal cords well hydrated, it is essential to drink water.<\/p>\n

However, drinking water immediately before going on stage is not very effective. <\/p>\n

The effects of hydration are only felt at least four hours after drinking. <\/p>\n

Water must first pass through the digestive system and hydrate the entire body.<\/p>\n

You can also stay hydrated by drinking tea and eating low-acid fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n

Remember that every body is different, and each person reacts differently to food and drink.<\/p>\n

In general, everything is acceptable in moderation. Simply make sure to stay well hydrated and get enough sleep.<\/p>\n

Experiment to discover what works best for you. <\/p>\n

You can carry out your own \u201cscientific experiments\u201d: try different foods and drinks and observe their effects. <\/p>\n

In doing so, you will obtain the most valuable results \u2014 those that relate directly to your own voice! <\/p>\n

Citations :<\/strong><\/p>\n