Gino D'Acampo Reveals Italian Coffee Rules: When to Drink Cappuccino and Espresso

Italian Chef Gino D'Acampo Clarifies Coffee Etiquette for Enthusiasts Renowned Italian chef Gino D'Acampo recently offered insights into traditional Italian coffee consumption, distinguishing between the appropriate times for enjoying a cappuccino versus an espresso. In a video shared on social media, D'Acampo emphasized that, for Italians, a cappuccino is exclusively a morning beverage. "Cappuccino should only be drunk in the morning and never after a meal," D'Acampo stated, explaining that the milk in a cappuccino can slow down the digestion system if consumed post-meal. He highlighted the importance of this cultural norm, suggesting that adhering to it is key to being a "proper Italian." In contrast, D'Acampo clarified that espresso is suitable for consumption throughout the day, particularly after lunch or dinner. He explained the physiological benefit, noting, "Caffeine makes your blood circulation faster, so the faster your blood circulates around the body, the better your digestion system will be. And that's why Italians eat espresso after meals." D'Acampo humorously concluded by reiterating the strict 11 AM cut-off for cappuccino, urging viewers to follow these guidelines to truly embrace Italian coffee culture.