Black coffee, cappuccino, or decaf: Tell me what kind of coffee you drink, and I’ll tell you who you are

From black coffee to iced lattes, from instant coffee to decaf: clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula studied the habits of more than 1,000 people, uncovering surprising links between favorite coffee and personality.

There are those who can’t open their eyes without a strong espresso, those who always order a frothy cappuccino, and those who swear eternal loyalty to iced coffee, even in winter. What if we told you that this seemingly automatic choice says a lot about you? It’s neither magic nor astrology—it’s psychology.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, conducted a survey of more than 1,000 people, having them take a series of personality tests that were cross-referenced with their eating and drinking habits (including coffee). The results, published in her book You Are Why You Eat: Change Your Food Attitude, Change Your Life, revealed surprisingly consistent patterns. More recent studies in the fields of consumer psychology and food personality profiling continue to demonstrate that our taste preferences are a true reflection of our character.

A quick note for purists: the original survey didn’t focus on authentic Italian espresso, but on classic black coffee. If you’re a fan of the Italian coffee maker or coffee at the counter, choose the category that’s closest (or have fun with your second favorite choice).

Black coffee (filter or Americano)

This is the choice for those who get straight to the point. People who prefer black coffee tend to be direct, efficient, and minimalist: no frills, no complications. They organize, plan, and simplify. The flip side? They can come across as a bit rigid and moody, and sometimes lack patience with those who don’t move at the same pace.

Macchiato and cappuccino

According to Dr. Durvasula, adding milk to coffee is a revealing gesture: people who do so tend to be open, generous, and people-oriented. They like to take care of those around them—sometimes even a little too much. Their weakness? A certain tendency toward indecision and a need for external approval, with the risk of putting their own needs on the back burner.

Iced coffee and cold brew

Cold coffee has become a true global cultural phenomenon, and those who choose it have a well-defined personality. Iced coffee lovers are bold, spontaneous, and eager to try new things: they’re the first to embrace trends, both in life and on the menu. As for those who prefer cold brew or plain iced coffee, they display more creative and imaginative traits, with a touch of boldness and a healthy dose of originality.

Decaf

Beyond health reasons (which obviously exist and are entirely valid), people who choose decaf purely out of preference tend, according to the profile established by the study, to want to stay in control. They are perfectionists and very detail-oriented. In some cases, this attention to detail can border on obsession, but it’s also what makes them so reliable.

Organic and Fair Trade coffee

Choosing coffee is also a matter of values. Those who opt for organic, fair-trade, or traceable coffee do so not just for the taste: they are generally more conscientious than average, mindful of the impact their choices have on the planet and on society. Dr. Durvasula’s study also describes them as more extroverted and socially engaged, and the most recent data on responsible consumption seem to support her findings.

Instant Coffee

Convenient, quick, and no-fuss. According to the survey, people who choose instant coffee are among the most relaxed and least prone to stress. They don’t get bogged down in a multitude of details and know how to enjoy the moment, even if they tend to procrastinate and aren’t the best at long-term planning. Their philosophy? “It’ll work out, don’t worry.”

Of course, as with any popularized psychological test, these results should be taken with a grain of salt: we’re complex beings, and no cup of coffee can contain our entire personality. But if your profile made you smile and you found yourself thinking , “But how does she know that?”… there might be a grain of truth to it.