Coffee at breakfast: Italian and foreign habits compared

A short, thoroughly Italian breakfast

We have been working with coffee for more than fifteen years, and one of the differences we notice most easily between Italian habits and those of other countries concerns the very first cup of the day.

A traditional Italian breakfast is generally simple and quick: an espresso or a cappuccino, often with something sweet on the side. At the bar it can be over in a few minutes, sometimes standing at the counter, while at home it tends to become a calmer moment.

The cornetto, Italy's answer to the croissant, along with biscuits, fette biscottate (crisp, lightly sweet rusks) and other sweet baked goods have long been the stars of the Italian breakfast, and they pair naturally with the taste of coffee.

The size of the drink itself is also typical of our habits. Italian espresso is short, concentrated and meant to be finished in a few sips, quite unlike the large mugs of coffee found in the traditions of other countries.

Of course there is no single Italian breakfast: habits, timing and preferences change from person to person. That is exactly what makes it interesting to compare the way we start the day with the way other cultures do.

The cappuccino tradition

Whenever Italian habits come up, sooner or later someone mentions the famous "rule" that cappuccino should not be drunk after eleven in the morning.

More than an actual rule, it is a cultural habit. In Italy cappuccino is traditionally tied to breakfast, so it is mostly enjoyed during the first hours of the day.

After lunch or in the afternoon, it is far more common to order an espresso, a caffè macchiato (an espresso with a dash of milk) or other smaller drinks. This does not mean, of course, that a later cappuccino is forbidden: at the bar you are welcome to order one whenever you like.

From the point of view of taste, milk changes the perception of coffee considerably. A more intense, full-bodied blend generally holds on to its character better once milk is added.

That is why, if you regularly prepare both cappuccino and espresso at home, you may also choose different blends depending on the drink you want to make.

If you would like to improve your cappuccino at home, we have gathered some advice in our dedicated guide.

How the rest of the world has breakfast

Looking at other cultures reminds us that there is no single way to have breakfast: the foods change, and so do the portions, the timing and, of course, the way coffee is drunk.

In several countries of Central Europe, larger breakfasts are common and may include savoury foods as well. Coffee is often served in bigger quantities than our espresso and enjoyed at a slower pace.

In the Nordic countries, filter coffee plays an important part in daily habits and may be drunk several times over the course of the morning. Roasting profiles can also differ from those traditionally associated with Italian espresso.

In the English-speaking world, very different habits live side by side: tea, filter coffee, espresso and large milk-based drinks are now part of an extremely varied offering.

In Turkey and the countries of the Middle East we find different traditions again, in which tea and coffee take on distinct moments and roles throughout the day.

And that is precisely the interesting point: coffee has adapted to the eating habits of every culture, taking on different forms, quantities and rituals.

What to put next to the cup

Pairing coffee with breakfast is above all a matter of personal taste, but some combinations have become true classics.

The cornetto, plain or filled, is probably the most iconic companion of breakfast at an Italian bar. The contrast between its sweetness and the character of espresso creates a pairing familiar to everyone by now.

At home we often find dry biscuits, fette biscottate and other baked goods, which also suit a longer coffee or a milk-based drink very well.

Hazelnut and pistachio creams, or other particularly rich treats, can instead be paired with a fuller-bodied coffee, one able to hold its own next to very sweet and intense flavours.

In our delights and sugar section you can find several specialities to enjoy with the first cup of the day.

Our breakfasts change during the holidays too: panettone and other traditional sweets often take centre stage at the table, and a good coffee remains one of the most natural companions. You can discover our selection in the section dedicated to panettone and artisan products.

Coffee on an empty stomach

Drinking coffee right after waking, before eating anything, is a very common habit. How the body responds, however, can vary from person to person.

Some people drink coffee on an empty stomach without noticing any discomfort at all, while others may experience a burning sensation, acidity or other digestive complaints.

If you find that coffee on an empty stomach causes you discomfort, you can try having it after eating something, or adjust the quantity and the brewing method to see whether things change.

The characteristics of the coffee and the way it is prepared can also influence individual perception and tolerance, but there is no blend that is universally better suited to everyone.

If the discomfort is frequent or persistent, it is always best to speak to your doctor: general advice about coffee cannot replace a professional assessment.

Building your own breakfast

You do not need strict rules to find the breakfast that best suits your habits. A few simple steps are enough to get started.

First: choose the amount of coffee you prefer. If an espresso feels too intense, you can try a more balanced blend; if, on the other hand, a longer coffee loses too much character, try reducing the amount of water slightly.

Second: experiment with pairings. An intense espresso goes well with a sweeter breakfast, while an aromatic, delicate coffee can be pleasant with simpler foods.

Third: if you love both cappuccino and espresso, you can also keep two different blends at home: a fuller-bodied one that stands out in milk, and a more balanced one to enjoy on its own.

In our coffee beans and ground coffee section you will find several profiles to choose from, depending on your taste and on how you prefer to drink your coffee.

If you would like advice on the blend that best suits your breakfast, please get in touch: the Maracatú team is always happy to help you find the right one.