What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?

A Link Between Personality and Coffee Order?

While there’s no scientifically proven relationship between personality and coffee preference, clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula ran a study and drew some conclusions from the patterns that arose in her research. Her full analysis is briefed in her book You Are WHY You Eat: Change Your Food Attitude, Change Your Life. Additionally, a human behavior expert named Darren Stanton has spoken to many reporters and published his findings on this topic. Throughout the remainder of this article, I’ll draw on their research findings almost exclusively. 

Many articles online equate people’s dispositions to the level of sweetness or bitterness in their coffee. It has been generally believed that the more bitter the coffee, the more old-school, arrogant, and resistant to change the person will be. In fact, a 2015 study conducted in Austria uncovered fascinating evidence on the correlation between bitter flavors and antisocial personality traits. It found that people who prefer bitter tastes were more likely to exhibit behaviors consistent with psychopathy. However, keep in mind that, just because you may enjoy black coffee or an Americano, it does not mean you have a personality disorder. Many psychologists are still skeptical of the meaning of this correlation, so take it with a grain of salt. On the opposite side, those who prefer sweeter drinks with additives like milk, cream, or sugar, are thought to be friendlier, more generous, and more easy-going. 

Also, remember that there are a variety of factors that influence how you learn to drink coffee – your upbringing, culture, financial situation, and dietary restrictions, to name a few. Just like learning to walk, talk, and eat, drinking coffee is a learned behavior that is a direct product of our environment. Maybe you grew up in a household where your parents only drank instant or pot-brewed coffee, so that’s all that you know. Or maybe you spent your childhood in Europe and gravitate toward cappuccinos or other espresso-based drinks. There’s no telling exactly what shapes a person’s coffee order, but there are some interesting trends that psychologists have discovered over the years.

“We are no more defined by our coffee orders than we are by our astrological signs.” –Dr. Ramani Durvasula

Black Coffee/Americano

As hinted at earlier, Durvasula’s study, in conjunction with the 2015 Austrian study, discovered that black coffee drinkers tend to be more simple, traditional, driven, and high achieving. Because black coffee and Americanos are bitter tasting, they’re also more likely to be slightly selfish or condescending in disposition. The low-calorie nature of this drink will also appeal to those who are health-conscious.

Classic Latte

A latte is one of the most commonly ordered beverages at a coffee shop. They’re milky, frothy espresso drinks that can be served either hot or cold. Because they don’t have an overwhelming flavor, they’re considered to be a drink for an average person. According to Stanton, if a classic latte is your go-to coffee order, you likely are simple, easily satisfied, and not a big risk-taker.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is considered to be a slightly more complex or adventurous version of a latte. So people who prefer to order these will likely be classy, slight risk-takers, and a lot of fun. 

Espresso

Like the drink itself, avid espresso lovers are strong and powerful in nature. They not only enjoy adventure, but they seek it out purposefully. They take no nonsense and are considered to be more well-traveled than most.

Iced Coffee/Cold Brew

While iced coffee and cold brew are perfectly acceptable summertime drinks, if you’re still ordering these into the winter months, then Stanton would pin you as someone who goes against the grain. And Durvasula’s research would indicate that these people are bolder, more spontaneous, and dislike being told what to do.

Flavored/Sweetened Coffee

If you enjoy your coffee sweetened with either syrups or flavors, then you’re more likely to be friendly, outgoing, and down-to-earth. According to Stanton’s research, flavored coffee enthusiasts also may be more creative and willing to take risks than most.

Flat White

Flat whites are similar to lattes but have less foam and a higher concentration of coffee. This makes them a stronger, more sophisticated drink, which many consider to be an acquired taste. For this reason, flat white drinkers are considered to be conceited, bougie, and often think they’re better than others. 

Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Ah, the pumpkin spiced latte, or PSL, to those familiar with this drink. If you’re a PSL lover, you’re probably someone who excels at knowing all the pop-culture trends, cares about what others think of you, and appreciates aesthetic beverages that you can post on social media. 

Decaf Coffee

If you prefer decaf coffee, you may be health-focused, cautious, a little bit obsessive, and strive for perfection. And since you’re not drinking coffee for the caffeine boost, you’re also someone who genuinely enjoys the taste. 

Tea

Tea drinkers command a lot of respect for not giving into the heavily followed coffee culture. They’re normally grounded, classy, and mild-tempered. Tea drinkers likely don’t follow the status quo, but not in the same way as iced coffee drinkers.

Hot Chocolate

Hot cocoa is one of the most delicious, sweet, and rich winter beverages you can order. Stanton hypothesizes that hot chocolate enthusiasts aim to use this beverage to feel comfort and warmth and maybe even use it to escape their current reality. 

Closing Thoughts

The association between coffee order and personality is weak at best; however, it’s still fun to hypothesize about what types of people gravitate to particular kinds of hot beverages. Perhaps a better way to understand yourself in relation to your coffee order is to reflect on your current mood when you ordered or made your coffee. Because if you’re anything like me, you may like to change up your coffee order on a semi-regular basis. Your coffee order may say less about your overall personality and more about your current emotional status. 

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