How to Enjoy Coffee During Fasting Without Wrecking Your Stomach
If you’re anything like me, the smell of freshly ground beans is more than just a wake-up call, it’s a ritual. There’s something comforting about that first sip of coffee before the day officially begins. But here’s a question I get from our Win Win Coffee community all the time: Is it okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach, especially if I’m fasting?
Recently, I came across an article in The Independent titled “5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Have Coffee on an Empty Stomach”. It highlights some surprising health effects that made me rethink my own habits and I want to share those insights with you.
Why Coffee on an Empty Stomach Can Be Tricky
The Independent outlines five key reasons why that beloved pre-breakfast cup might not be doing us any favors:
Cortisol Spikes – Coffee first thing can ramp up your stress hormone levels, leaving you jittery.
Acid Reflux – Its acidity can irritate your stomach lining when there’s no food to buffer it.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations – Coffee alone may make your blood sugar swing more dramatically.
Digestive Discomfort – Think bloating, cramping, or that uncomfortable “burn.”
Nutrient Absorption Issues – Drinking coffee without food might reduce how well your body absorbs certain nutrients.
Now, before you panic and swear off your morning brew, let’s pause. Coffee isn’t the villain here, it’s about timing and context.
My Own Empty Stomach Lesson
I’ll confess: I used to down a double shot of espresso the second I rolled out of bed. It was quick, it was comforting, and it got me out the door. But one morning, after skipping breakfast entirely, I found myself battling heartburn during a meeting. Not exactly the power boost I was aiming for.
Since then, I’ve made small changes, like pairing my morning cup with a slice of toast or waiting until after a light breakfast. And guess what? Coffee feels less like a rollercoaster and more like the steady friend it’s meant to be.
But What About When You’re Fasting?
Here’s where things get interesting. Many of us use intermittent fasting as a wellness practice, and coffee often feels like a loophole. Technically, black coffee contains almost no calories, so it won’t break your fast. But physiologically, it can still trigger some of those stomach and cortisol issues mentioned above.
Think of it this way: your fasted body is like a calm lake at dawn. Adding coffee is like tossing a stone, it creates ripples. For some people, those ripples are manageable. For others, they turn into waves. The key is listening to your own body.
A customer named Rachel from Seattle shared that she used to drink coffee every morning during her 16-hour fast but felt anxious by noon. After switching to having her Win Win pour-over with a small handful of nuts, she said, “It’s like my body finally sighed in relief.”
Tips for Coffee During Fasting (or Anytime)
If you love your coffee while fasting or before breakfast, here are a few gentle tweaks that can make the experience kinder to your body:
Go black, go gentle: Stick to black coffee to keep your fast intact, and choose a smooth, low-acid bean like our Guatemala Huehuetenango.
Hydrate first: Drink a glass of water before your cup to help your stomach handle the acidity.
Time it smartly: Consider waiting an hour after waking to let natural cortisol settle before adding caffeine.
Test your limits: Try small adjustments like adding a splash of milk or shifting your coffee to after your first meal and notice how you feel.
Coffee as a Ritual, Not Just Fuel
Here’s the truth: coffee is more than caffeine. It’s about ritual, connection, and comfort. Whether you sip yours while journaling at sunrise, sharing a pot with your partner, or, like one of our customers, brewing a pour-over at the top of a Colorado trail, coffee anchors us to the moment.
And that’s why we believe at Win Win Coffee that how you enjoy it matters just as much as what’s in your cup.
The Bottom Line
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach or while fasting doesn’t have to be off-limits. But knowing the potential downsides gives you the power to make it work for you, not against you. Pairing it with food, hydrating, or adjusting timing can help you enjoy all the flavor and focus without the side effects.
So tomorrow morning, as you cradle your cup of Win Win, ask yourself: Am I fueling my day, or am I just fueling habit? Then savor that sip with intention. Because coffee, like life, is best when enjoyed mindfully.
Credit: This post was inspired by The Independent’s article, “5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Have Coffee on an Empty Stomach”.
