I’ve never consumed coffee in large amounts—mainly because I prefer to rely on quality sleep and balanced meals for energy. Over the years, I’ve noticed something curious in myself and I know I’m not alone. Despite being an infrequent coffee drinker, I’ve observed that on the days I do enjoy a cup—whether it’s instant or from a cafetière—it often stimulates my appetite. Even when I’ve had a full meal, I’m left feeling peckish shortly after. This observation got me thinking: Is coffee actually making me hungrier? I notice it doesn’t suppress my appetite like some might expect. In fact, it seems to do the opposite.
I’m always interested in the “why” behind how we feel and behave around food. However, researching the direct impact of coffee on hunger in humans is challenging. Human studies are tricky—there are so many variables to control: sleep, stress, meal timing, insulin sensitivity, caffeine tolerance, and more. That said, it’s a fascinating topic I’d love to explore further. And if anyone is keen to partner up and research this further or even fund a study do reach out.
What Does the Research Say?
The relationship between coffee, hunger, and fullness is complex—and findings are somewhat mixed.
Here’s a snapshot of what current research shows:
- Caffeine and Appetite Suppression (Short-Term):
- Some studies show that caffeine can act as a short-term appetite suppressant, especially in people who don’t consume it regularly.
[Source: International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 2017; DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2017.1311840]
- Some studies show that caffeine can act as a short-term appetite suppressant, especially in people who don’t consume it regularly.
- Blood Sugar, Insulin, and ‘The Crash’:
- Coffee, particularly when consumed with or after meals, may stimulate a rise in blood sugar and insulin, especially in people with insulin resistance or when drinking it with sugar. This can lead to a “coffee crash”—a rapid drop in blood sugar that may trigger hunger or low-energy symptoms. Which the majority of us seem to experience.
[Source: Lane et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2008; DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/88.2.395]
- Coffee, particularly when consumed with or after meals, may stimulate a rise in blood sugar and insulin, especially in people with insulin resistance or when drinking it with sugar. This can lead to a “coffee crash”—a rapid drop in blood sugar that may trigger hunger or low-energy symptoms. Which the majority of us seem to experience.
- Cortisol and Hunger Signals:
- Caffeine also increases cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol fluctuations can interfere with hunger-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, potentially making you feel hungrier.
[Source: Lovallo et al., Psychosomatic Medicine, 2005; DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000174175.72880.50]
- Caffeine also increases cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol fluctuations can interfere with hunger-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, potentially making you feel hungrier.
The answer seems to depend on several factors:
- Your caffeine tolerance
- When you drink it (with food vs. on an empty stomach)
- Your blood sugar regulation
- Whether you drink it with added sugar or milk
- Your general stress or sleep levels
Share Your Experience: Take the Poll!
I’d love to know what your experience is. Does coffee increase your appetite?
[yop_poll id=”1″]