Circadian Coffee: When is the Best Time to Drink Coffee?
The Science of Coffee Timing
The time you drink your coffee matters more than you think. While many people reach for their first cup immediately after waking up, this habit may not be ideal for energy levels, digestion, or long-term health. Let’s break down the best time to drink caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and how to optimize it for your body's natural rhythms.
Why You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee First Thing in the Morning
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach—whether caffeinated or decaffeinated—is not ideal. Here’s why:
-
It’s acidic – Coffee, especially on an empty stomach, can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort and digestive issues.
-
It spikes cortisol – Caffeine drives up cortisol levels, which are already naturally high in the morning. This can lead to energy crashes later in the day and increase stress on your body.
-
It disrupts digestion – Coffee alone doesn’t provide the necessary fuel for your body. Drinking it without food may cause blood sugar fluctuations, making you feel jittery or fatigued.
- It’s habit forming - Coffee and caffeine trigger a rush of feel-good hormones, creating a short-lived euphoria that reinforces the habit—but not without consequences on you long term health and long term energy.
The Best Time for Caffeinated Coffee
To get the most out of your coffee, timing is key. Ideally, you should have caffeinated coffee after eating rather than on an empty stomach. This approach:
-
Allows your body to digest food first, stabilizing blood sugar.
-
Prevents excessive cortisol spikes.
-
Helps caffeine work synergistically with other nutrients for better energy and focus.
What to Pair with Your Coffee
For optimal digestion and energy, your coffee should be consumed with complementary nutrients. Some ideal additions include:
-
Milk or butter – Helps buffer acidity and slows caffeine absorption.
-
Protein (collagen, eggs, or a protein shake) – Provides sustained energy.
-
Raw honey – Helps balance blood sugar and provides natural enzymes.
Decaffeinated Coffee: A Different Story?
Decaf coffee is lower in caffeine but still acidic. If you’re drinking decaf on an empty stomach, it’s best to include some fat, protein, or collagen to avoid irritation.
Coffee Habits: U.S. vs. Europe
Americans often drink large amounts of strong coffee first thing in the morning, but in Europe, coffee culture is different. Many Europeans consume espresso or stronger caffeinated drinks later in the morning, during breaks, or after meals rather than as a wake-up ritual. This approach aligns better with natural digestion and energy cycles.
Upgrade Your Morning Routine with UnbeetABrew
If you're looking for a coffee alternative that supports energy and endurance without the same drawbacks as regular coffee, UnbeetABrew is a powerful option. It combines organic coffee with performance-enhancing beetroot and polyphenol-rich cacao for smooth energy, nitric oxide support, and better blood flow. Unlike regular coffee, it’s designed to work with your body’s natural rhythms, making it an excellent choice for athletes and health-conscious individuals.
The Takeaway
To optimize your coffee consumption:
-
Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach, whether caffeinated or decaf.
-
Have your coffee after eating and pair it with fats, protein, or honey for balanced energy.
-
Consider alternatives like UnbeetABrew for sustained endurance and nitric oxide benefits.
-
Rethink your coffee habits—European-style coffee breaks may be better for digestion and overall health!
By adjusting when and how you drink coffee, you can improve energy, digestion, and long-term well-being. Try these strategies and see how they impact your day