Espresso or Cappuccino? The Surprising Coffee Tip for Better Digestion
Coffee after a meal, it’s one of those simple rituals that feels almost universal. Whether it’s a cappuccino paired with dessert at an Italian restaurant or a quick espresso shot at home before tackling the afternoon slump, coffee and meals just go together.
But have you ever wondered if one type of coffee might actually be better for your digestion than the other?
Recently, I came across an article in the Hindustan Times where an NHS surgeon explained which coffee, espresso or cappuccino, might actually help your body more after a meal. And the answer surprised me. Let’s dig in.
Espresso vs. Cappuccino: A Doctor’s Take
According to Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and medical educator, the lighter, frothier cappuccino isn’t the best choice right after a heavy meal. Instead, he recommends reaching for an espresso.
Why? Because milk, which is the star of a cappuccino, can actually slow down digestion. An espresso, on the other hand, is quick, concentrated, and doesn’t weigh your stomach down. That makes it easier on your digestive system after eating.
It’s a fascinating perspective, and it got me thinking about the way we pair coffee with our daily rituals and how those choices affect how we feel.
My First Espresso-After-Dinner Experience
I’ll never forget the first time I tried an espresso after dinner while traveling in Europe. At first, I thought, Wait, isn’t this going to keep me awake all night? But my host assured me, “No, this helps you digest.”
Sure enough, after a rich meal of pasta and bread, that tiny, intense shot of espresso felt like the reset button my body needed. Instead of feeling sluggish, I actually felt lighter, more awake, and ready to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Looking back now, I realize that moment was less about the caffeine and more about the ritual: a shared pause, a communal sip, and a gentle reminder that coffee is more than just fuel, it’s a companion to life’s moments.
What This Means for Your Daily Coffee Ritual
So, what can we take away from Dr. Rajan’s advice?
If you love your cappuccino, enjoy it, but maybe in the morning, when the milk can double as breakfast and give you sustained energy.
If you’re looking for a post-meal pick-me-up, especially after lunch or dinner, consider an espresso. It’s lighter, quicker, and according to the doctor, friendlier to your digestion.
Of course, everyone’s body reacts differently. Some people swear by milky drinks any time of day. Others find espresso too strong. The key is to pay attention to how your body feels after each type of coffee and let that guide your ritual.
A Story From the Win Win Coffee Community
One of our longtime customers, Sarah, shared with me how she transformed her coffee routine after dinner parties. For years, she served cappuccinos to guests, thinking it was the most elegant option. But she noticed that by the end of the night, everyone felt a bit too full.
After reading about espresso’s benefits, she switched things up. Now, she serves a round of espressos with a small piece of dark chocolate. She told me, “It’s amazing, people linger longer, laugh more, and no one complains about feeling heavy after dessert. It completely changed the vibe of my dinner parties.”
That’s the magic of coffee: it’s not just about flavor, it’s about connection and how it shapes the moments we share.
Try This at Home: Espresso Rituals
If you’d like to bring this into your own life, here are a few fun ways to start:
Make it an evening ritual – Brew a single shot of espresso after dinner, pair it with a square of dark chocolate, and notice how your body feels.
Create a “coffee flight” with friends – Try serving both cappuccino and espresso after a meal, and ask your friends how each one makes them feel. It turns digestion into a conversation starter!
Experiment with timing – If caffeine keeps you awake, try your espresso after lunch instead of dinner. You’ll still get the digestive benefit without compromising sleep.
Final Sip
Coffee is personal. It’s ritual, comfort, and sometimes even medicine for the soul. What Dr. Rajan’s advice reminds us is that small tweaks, like choosing an espresso over a cappuccino after a meal, can make our coffee moments even better for our bodies.
So, the next time you’re finishing up a hearty meal, think about reaching for an espresso. Not just because it’s good for digestion, but because it’s a chance to pause, savor, and connect.
After all, that’s what coffee is really about: not just drinking, but living. ☕
Credit: This blog post was inspired by the article “NHS surgeon explains which coffee is better for digestion after a meal: Espresso or cappuccino” published by Hindustan Times.
