There are those who cannot open their eyes without a short espresso, those who always order a frothy cappuccino and those who swear eternal loyalty to iced coffee even in the middle of winter. But what if we told you that that seemingly automatic choice tells you something profound about you? It’s not magic or astrology: it’s psychology.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, conducted a survey of over 1,000 people, subjecting them to a series of personality tests cross-referenced with their eating and drinking habits — including coffee. The results, published in his book “You Are Why You Eat: Change Your Food Attitude, Change Your Life”revealed surprisingly consistent patterns. More recent studies in the field of consumer psychology and food personality profiling continue to support the idea that our taste preferences are faithful mirrors of our character.
Small note for cup purists: in the original survey DOC Italian espresso does not appear, but black filter coffee. If you love mocha or your local bar, choose the closest category – or indulge yourself with your second favourite!
Black coffee (filter or American)
It’s the choice of those who get straight to the point. People who prefer black coffee tend to be direct, efficient and minimalist: no frills, no fuss. They organize, plan, simplify. The downside? They can be a little stiff and moody, with little tolerance for those who don’t go at the same speed.
Coffee latte and cappuccino
Adding milk to coffee is, according to Durvasula, a revealing gesture: those who do it tend to be open, generous and other-oriented people. He loves to take care of those around him — sometimes too much. The weak point? A certain tendency towards indecision and the need for external approval, with the risk of always putting one’s own needs in the background.
Iced coffee and cold brew
Iced coffee has become a global cultural phenomenon, and those who choose it have a very specific personality. Iced coffee lovers are bold, spontaneous and lovers of novelty — the first to embrace trends, in life and on the menu. Those who prefer cold brew or straight cold coffee show more creative and imaginative traits, with a slightly reckless streak and a good dose of originality.
Decaffeinated coffee
Beyond health reasons (which obviously exist and are very valid), those who choose decaffeinated coffee out of pure preference tend, according to the profile that emerged from the study, to be a person attentive to control, perfectionist and very oriented towards attention to detail. In some cases, this focus can border on obsessive — but it’s also what makes them so trustworthy.
Organic and fair trade coffee
The choice of coffee also tells the story of values. Those who opt for organic, fair trade or traced supply chain coffee don’t do so just for the taste: they tend to be more conscientious than average people, attentive to the impact of their choices on the planet and on society. Durvasula’s study also describes them as more extroverted and socially involved — and the latest data on mindful consumption seems to prove her right.
Instant coffee
Practical, fast, without ceremony. Those who choose instant coffee are, according to the survey, among the most relaxed and least prone to stress of the group. They don’t get lost in a thousand details and know how to enjoy the moment — even if they tend to procrastinate and aren’t the best long-term planners. Philosophy? “It’ll work out, don’t worry.”
Naturally, like any popular psychological test, this should be taken with the right amount of lightness: we are complex beings and no cup of coffee can contain our entire personality. But if your profile made you smile with a “but how does he know?”… maybe there is some truth to it.
