The Best Time of Day To Drink Coffee
Coffee is a beloved beverage of so many around the world because on top of it being a delicious, comforting beverage, it also comes with added benefits. One of the main reasons most people pour themselves a cup is for the extra energy it gives them to get through the day.
So then the question is: what time of day is best to drink coffee, for optimized benefits?
The answer is scientific, specific, and has a lot to do with the body’s endocrine system. The answers also vary based on your goals. Do you want to know when the extra jolt of energy will help you the most? Do you want a healthier alternative pre-workout? Do you want to get through the day without disrupting your sleep patterns too much?
There are four main recommendations when it comes to timing out when you drink coffee:
- Wait until 90 minutes after you wake up
- Before workouts
- Avoid afternoons after 3pm
- Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach
Ultimately, how you decide to drink coffee is based on your routines, your body’s reaction to coffee, and your personal preferences.
Wait Until 90 Minutes After You Wake Up
Experts recommend waiting at least an hour or two after waking up to have your first cup of coffee.
When you first wake up, your body’s cortisol levels are at their highest level to help you feel awake and alert. Consuming a caffeinated beverage like coffee during this time would disrupt your natural cycle and potentially blunt your natural cortisol response, which could reduce the effectiveness of caffeine.
For effective timing of your caffeine, you want to wait until your cortisol levels start to naturally drop, which occurs around 90 minutes after waking. Then the caffeine will give you the jolt of energy you need to keep going.
Drink Coffee Before Your Workout
Coffee makes the perfect pre-workout for people who want a little boost of energy for their exercise. Drinking black coffee before a workout has shown to help enhance performance, boost energy and focus, increase fat burning, and more.
We cover this more in our article, Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee Before A Workout.
Avoid Afternoons After 3pm
Many people experience the post-lunch dip in energy around 1-2pm, making it a great time to have a cup of coffee. It’s important to not consume any coffee much later than 3pm in the afternoon, though.
It’s generally recommended not to consume caffeine 6-8 hours before you go to sleep. Otherwise, the stimulant properties of coffee could disrupt your sleep patterns, potentially leaving you feeling more tired the next day.
Avoid Drinking Coffee On An Empty Stomach
Coffee is a naturally acidic beverage, although the acidity levels may vary based on roast and brew method. Coffee typically holds a pH between 4.85 and 5.10, not quite as acidic as vinegar or citrus, but still acidic enough to affect sensitive stomachs.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can potentially irritate your stomach lining and lead to acid reflux. For this reason, pair your coffee with a meal for better digestion.
Drinking coffee with food also comes with the added benefit of stimulating your metabolism1.
Quick Tip:
If you’re more sensitive to the acidity of coffee, choose a dark roast because there is less acidity. You can also cold brew your coffee for an even greater reduction in acidity and for a smoother taste.
Time Your Coffee For Optimized Benefits
Based on your goals and listening to your body, you can find the best time to consume your coffee throughout the day. If you’re looking to get the most out of your cup, waiting 90 minutes in the morning and avoiding drinking coffee after 3pm is generally your best bet.
Whatever your preference, Segafredo is here for you. You can even subscribe and receive bags monthly so you never run out, making sure you have the best coffee at the best time.
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Acheson, K. J., Anantharaman, K., Jéquier, E., Pittet, P., Zahorska-Markiewicz, B. (1980). Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7369170/