Although a beverage preference might reveal a few things about a coffee drinker, personality isn’t necessarily one of them.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula conducted a survey of 1,000 people. The study involved testing various personality traits — like extroversion, warmth, and perfectionism — and also asked what coffee they’d usually order. Durvasula shared the results in her book, You Are WHY You Eat: Change Your Food Attitude, Change Your Life.
Although Durvasula found a few similarities between people who share coffee preferences, she also wrote that “we are no more defined by our coffee orders than we are by our astrological signs.”
So, what exactly does your coffee order say about you? Nothing definitive, but there were some interesting findings.
Black coffee
Durvasula’s survey found that black coffee drinkers tended to be old-school and efficient but also set in their ways and prone to moodiness. They also tend to “keep things simple,” which makes sense when you consider that it’s a simple coffee order
Alternatively, you might prefer black coffee because of a dietary need or because you’re hoping to experience the health benefits of black coffee.
Lattes and cappucinos
If you like adding sugar, milk, and/or creamer to your coffee, you might be a people-pleaser, according to Durvasula’s survey.
Her survey found that latte drinkers were likely to be helpful, open, and generous. As with most people-pleasers, though, they might tend to overextend themselves and neglect their own needs.
Drinking coffee with milk also suggests that you’re not lactose intolerant — or that you are, and you’re simply risking it. Good luck with that!
Iced coffee
For blended or iced coffee drinkers, personality traits can include boldness and spontaneity, says Durvasula’s survey. Those who choose iced coffee might be childlike and imaginative, but also reckless — and they might often make unhealthy decisions.
Decaf, milk alternatives, and other specific orders
Durvasula’s survey found that participants who opted for very specific orders — such as choosing decaf coffee or milk alternatives — were more likely to be controlling, obsessive, and perfectionistic. On the upside, they were also more likely to make healthy choices.
However, there could also be a simpler explanation: they might have health conditions that require them to reduce their caffeine intake or avoid dairy.
Cooperative-grown coffee
Specialty coffee, such as those that are labeled “fair trade,” “cooperative-grown,” or “ethical,” can be more costly. A 2019 study found that extroverted and conscientious people were likelier to choose ethical coffee, even if it costs more.
On the other hand, those with higher levels of agency — that is, those who are more assertive and self-confident — had a lower willingness to pay for specialty coffee.
Instant coffee
Instant coffee drinkers tend to be laid back, according to Durvasula’s survey. However, they might also be poor planners or procrastinators.
A preference for instant coffee might be down to other variables, though — instant coffee is often cheaper and more easily accessible in certain countries, so your upbringing, thriftiness, and culture could also play a role.