Is Drinking Espresso on an Empty Stomach Good? What the Experts Say

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Up to 9 out of 10 daily coffee drinkers have their first cup in the morning, often before eating. The practice of drinking espresso on an empty stomach, however, is a subject of debate among health professionals and is largely dependent on individual tolerance.

Quick Summary

For most, drinking espresso without food is not harmful, though sensitive individuals may experience jitters, acid reflux, or anxiety due to rapid caffeine absorption and increased stomach acid. Eating beforehand can mitigate negative effects.

Key Points

Individual Tolerance: The effects of drinking espresso on an empty stomach vary significantly based on a person's individual sensitivity to caffeine and stomach acidity.
Rapid Absorption: Consuming espresso without food leads to faster caffeine absorption, which can cause heightened jitters and anxiety in some individuals.
Digestive Discomfort: Espresso increases stomach acid production, and without a food buffer, this can cause heartburn, reflux, or general stomach irritation, particularly for those with pre-existing gut issues.
Balanced Benefits: While coffee boosts metabolism and performance, these effects can often be achieved with or without food. Drinking it with a meal can provide a more stable energy release.
Mitigation Strategies: If you experience negative side effects, try eating a small meal, adding milk, or drinking water beforehand to reduce acidity and slow caffeine absorption.

The Appeal of Morning Espresso

For many, a strong shot of espresso is the perfect start to the day. The concentrated caffeine delivers a rapid, powerful boost of energy and focus that can help kickstart both physical and mental performance. The ritual is especially popular for those who don't have much time in the morning, as a small espresso is quicker to consume than a full mug of drip coffee and doesn't require a sit-down meal. However, the effects of this ritual vary drastically from person to person, and understanding the potential downsides is crucial for making an informed choice for your health.

Potential Downsides of Empty-Stomach Espresso

While many people can tolerate espresso on an empty stomach without issues, others may experience negative effects related to digestion, anxiety, and hormone levels.

Digestive Issues

Espresso is acidic and stimulates stomach acid production. Without food to act as a buffer, this can irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to heartburn, acid reflux, or exacerbating conditions like gastritis or IBS. Darker roasts may be less acidic than lighter ones, but individual sensitivity varies.

Increased Anxiety and Jitters

Drinking espresso on an empty stomach leads to faster caffeine absorption and a quicker spike in energy, which can cause jitteriness, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate in some individuals. This rapid peak is often followed by a crash, leaving a person feeling more fatigued.

Cortisol and Blood Sugar

Some experts suggest that caffeine consumed when morning cortisol levels are already high could cause an excessive temporary spike, potentially affecting sleep patterns. However, regular coffee drinkers may have a reduced cortisol response. Caffeine can also temporarily decrease insulin sensitivity, leading to a temporary rise in blood sugar, which is usually not a concern for healthy individuals but can be for those with diabetes.

How to Drink Empty-Stomach Espresso Safely

If you experience negative effects, consider these tips:

Drink water first: This can help dilute stomach acid.
Have a snack: Eating something small can slow caffeine absorption and buffer stomach acid.
Add milk: Milk can reduce espresso's acidity.
Adjust timing: The Cleveland Clinic suggests waiting until later in the morning (around 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM) when cortisol levels naturally dip.

Comparing Consumption Methods


Aspect	Espresso on an Empty Stomach	Espresso After a Meal/Snack
Caffeine Absorption	Faster, more rapid absorption	Slower, more gradual absorption
Energy Effect	Intense, fast kick, with potential for a crash	Milder, more sustained energy boost
Digestive Impact	Higher risk of heartburn and irritation	Food acts as a buffer, reducing gastric upset
Anxiety/Jitters	Higher potential for jitteriness and anxiety	Slower absorption mitigates this risk
Blood Sugar	Potential for a quick spike followed by a crash	Meal helps regulate blood sugar response
Nutrient Absorption	Minimal effect, as there is no food to interact with	Can slightly interfere with the absorption of iron

Conclusion

Drinking espresso on an empty stomach is generally safe for most healthy people, with minor, temporary side effects if any. However, those with digestive issues, anxiety, or caffeine sensitivity may benefit from eating beforehand or adjusting their routine. Paying attention to your body's response is key. For more information, the Cleveland Clinic offers further insights.

The Takeaway: Listen to Your Body

If empty-stomach espresso feels good and provides the desired energy and focus, it's likely fine. If you experience discomfort or jitters, simple adjustments like eating first can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy individuals, it is not inherently bad, but the effects depend on your individual tolerance. People with sensitive stomachs may experience discomfort like acid reflux or jitters.

Yes, for some people. The acidity in coffee and its effect on stomach acid production can irritate the stomach lining and cause or worsen heartburn, especially without food to buffer the acid.

Yes, drinking espresso on an empty stomach allows for faster caffeine absorption. This can result in a more intense and rapid stimulant effect, potentially causing increased jitteriness and anxiety.

If you frequently experience digestive discomfort or anxiety after drinking espresso, eating a small meal or snack beforehand can help. Food slows down caffeine absorption and reduces the impact of stomach acid.

Signs include heartburn, acid reflux, jitters, increased anxiety, stomach discomfort, or a rapid energy crash shortly after consumption.

Yes, adding milk or a plant-based milk alternative can help reduce the acidity of the espresso, making it less likely to irritate a sensitive stomach.

Some evidence suggests that drinking coffee when cortisol levels are already high in the morning can cause an additional temporary spike. However, this effect is less pronounced in regular coffee drinkers.