While a thermos can be used to heat up drinks, quite a number of them have a very thin shelf life. Some drinks go bad or become harmful, or lose their nutritional value, when kept in insulated flasks. There are five drinks that health specialists tell individuals to avoid placing in thermoses.

Milk

Despite it being wholesome, milk is also very sensitive to heat. It’s secure in a fridge but in a thermos milk can attract bacteria, which grow rapidly and sour the milk. Heat can modify the protein present in milk, making it much less beneficial for health. If absolutely necessary, milk should be taken in thermos and consumed within an hour.

Herbal Medicine

Ginger, ginseng and other herbal mixes can also be acidic and alkaline as well which will react with the metals present in stainless steel thermoses, which are chromium and nickel. Some of them may even suppress the effectiveness of the medicine or constitute a harmful substance. It is safer for herbal drinks to be stored in glass or ceramic containers.

Beverages that are Acidic or Contain Bubbles

Fruit juices and carbonated drinks, for instance, have acid contents which may eat away the stainless steel lining of thermoses causing leaching of heavy metals into the liquids. Tsunami reference. Moreover, carbonated beverages create pressure in and between the walls of a thermos, which may lead to spouts and breakages. Instead, use glass or ceramic cups for these drinks.

Salt in Beverages

Salt within the drinks can corrode the coating which offers protection to the thermos, thereby leaching toxins. It is wise to refrain from placing salty drinks in thermoses due to safety concerns.

Tea

The smoothest and health-promoting taste of tea is extracted when steeping is done at around 80C, however keeping it for too long in a thermos can compromise essential oils and vitamins as well as other compounds. It creates a horrible bitterness and produces filth that is difficult to remove, hence, reducing the effectiveness and hygiene of the thermos.

To conclude, it can be said that thermoses are very helpful but some drinks are better left in different containers due to the risk of spoilage and adverse health effects.