Coffee and Personality: Are Espresso Drinkers More Type A?

Ever wonder if your coffee order says something about your personality? You’re not alone. From baristas to behavioral scientists, plenty of people have tried to decode what your go-to brew reveals about you. One of the most intriguing questions to pop up lately is: Are espresso drinkers more Type A?

It’s a fun (and oddly accurate) theory—especially when you consider how specific, intense, and focused espresso lovers tend to be. But is there real psychology behind your morning cup, or are we just projecting personality traits onto caffeine habits? Let’s dive into what the research (and the barista counter) says.

First, What Is a Type A Personality?

Before we point fingers at the espresso crowd, let’s break down what it means to be “Type A.”

People with Type A personalities are typically:

• Highly driven and competitive
• Goal-oriented and organised
• Time-conscious (some would say impatient)
• Easily stressed by delays or inefficiency

They’re the ones who show up early, live by calendars, and get itchy if their coffee order takes longer than 90 seconds. You’ll often find them juggling two phones, sipping espresso in one hand while typing furiously with the other.

Espresso: The Type A Choice?

Let’s be honest—espresso is not a casual drink. It’s intense, concentrated, and no-nonsense. The kind of person who orders a double shot of espresso isn’t looking to sip leisurely—they want that caffeine kick fast and strong. That alone already screams Type A, right?

Espresso drinkers tend to be:

• Minimalist (no fluff, just caffeine)
• Focused and goal-driven
• Confident and assertive
• Slightly impatient (because who has time for a pour-over?)

As a barista, I’ve served hundreds of espresso lovers, and there’s definitely a pattern. Espresso fans usually know exactly what they want. No indecision, no menu scanning—they walk in, say “double espresso, no sugar,” and go. They treat coffee the same way they treat their schedule: efficient, sharp, and optimised for performance.

What Science Says About Coffee and Personality

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all psychology model for coffee drinkers, there have been some interesting studies.

A 2015 study by clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula looked into the link between coffee preferences and personality types. Her findings? People who preferred stronger, more bitter coffee options (like black coffee or espresso) tended to be more assertive, focused, and sometimes more resistant to change.

Another fun fact: black coffee and espresso drinkers were also linked with traits like independence, straightforwardness, and self-control—classic Type A traits.

While we shouldn’t overgeneralise, the correlation is certainly worth raising an eyebrow at (or sipping thoughtfully over an espresso shot).

Latte Lovers vs. Espresso Enthusiasts

To contrast, let’s take a look at the latte crowd. Latte drinkers are typically seen as more easygoing, approachable, and comfort-seeking. They love the balance of espresso and milk, the creamy texture, the Instagrammable latte art.

They often enjoy sitting down to sip, relax, and chat—while espresso drinkers tend to grab and go.

Of course, plenty of high-functioning Type A folks love a good flat white or oat latte, but when it comes down to pure caffeine efficiency, espresso is the power move.

Can Coffee Shape Your Mood—or Reflect It?

Here’s another angle: what if our coffee doesn’t just reflect our personality, but actually reinforces it?

Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than most coffee styles. That intense jolt can amplify already high-energy tendencies, especially in people who are already wired for productivity. So that double espresso before your 9AM pitch? It might not just help you be sharp—it might help you feel even more Type A.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who’s naturally mellow, your preference might lean toward a milky cappuccino or cold brew with a splash of oat milk—something smooth and sippable.

What About Cold Brew, Flat Whites, and Kopi?

In multicultural cities like Singapore, where kopi (local Nanyang-style coffee) reigns supreme alongside third-wave espresso bars, the psychology of coffee gets even more fascinating.

Cold brew drinkers tend to be the trend-conscious, experimental types—open to trying new things and always hunting for a caffeine fix that tastes good without being too harsh.

Flat white fans are often meticulous and stylish. They like balance, appreciate quality, and prefer a bit of refinement in their cup.

Kopi lovers, on the other hand, might be nostalgic, practical, and down-to-earth. They stick to tradition and know exactly what works for them.

Each style comes with its own vibe, and while personality profiling through coffee isn’t an exact science, it sure is fun to observe.

So… Are Espresso Drinkers Actually More Type A?

Short answer? Often, yes—but not always.

Espresso does seem to attract people who:

Like their caffeine strong and fast Prefer no-frills, results-driven choices Are usually on-the-go or juggling packed schedules Appreciate bold flavors and clarity (no sugar, no fluff)

But that doesn’t mean every espresso lover is a Type A boss. Some just genuinely love the ritual, the aroma, or the espresso machine they’ve mastered at home.

Likewise, not every Type A person drinks espresso. Some are tea drinkers. Some are drip coffee purists. Some—brace yourself—don’t even like caffeine. (Shocking, I know.)

Final Pour: What Your Coffee Order Says About You (Maybe)

At the end of the day, your favourite coffee might say a little something about your vibe, your lifestyle, or your mood—but it’s not the full story. Still, if you always reach for an espresso before tackling your to-do list, chances are you’re not the type to take things slow.

So, are espresso drinkers more Type A? Probably. But that’s part of what makes them who they are: bold, driven, and never late to the meeting.

And if you’re reading this while sipping a long black or an iced latte with oat milk, don’t worry—we see you too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly is a “Type A” personality?
A “Type A” personality is generally described as someone who is highly driven, goal-oriented, punctual, organised, and a bit competitive. They often prefer efficiency and dislike inefficiency or long delays. In the context of coffee, people with Type A traits tend to reach for stronger, faster drinks—like espresso—because it delivers a quick and intense experience.

2. Are there any scientific studies proving that espresso drinkers are more Type A?
Yes, there are a few studies that suggest a correlation. For example, one study by Dr. Ramani Durvasula observed that people who prefer stronger and more bitter coffees (including espresso or black coffee) are more likely to show traits like assertiveness, focus, and resistance to change. But correlation is not causation — personality is complex, and many factors influence what you drink.

3. Does choosing a latte or milky coffee say something different about your personality?
Possibly — according to the article, milky or sweeter drinks like lattes are often associated with being more relaxed, comfort-seeking, creative, or sociable. These preferences might reflect mood or lifestyle rather than a fixed personality. Many people drink both depending on the time of day or their mood.

4. Can my coffee choice really shape my personality or just reflect it?
It’s probably a mix of both. Your preferred coffee style can reflect your routine, energy needs, or even how you see yourself (e.g. “I need something fast and strong” vs “I want to linger and enjoy”). Over time, drinking stronger coffee consistently might amplify traits like alertness or urgency. But your personality isn’t defined solely by what you drink.

5. What about kopi (local Nanyang-style coffee) — does it align with any personality traits?
In the article’s context, yes. Kopi drinkers are described as nostalgic, practical, and down-to-earth. Kopi tends to be strong, sweet, and comforting — traits that appeal to people who value tradition, familiarity, and community as much as flavour. Again, this isn’t a stereotype that fits everyone, just patterns many people notice.

6. If I like both espresso and lattes, what does that say?
That’s totally normal and doesn’t mean mixed personality traits! Many people enjoy espresso’s efficiency and strength when they need energy, and turn to lattes or milky drinks when they want comfort or relaxation. The ability to enjoy both styles can suggest flexibility — appreciating “strength when needed” and “comfort when wanted.”

7. Should I change my coffee order if I want to be more productive or appear more “Type A”?
Not necessarily. Coffee is personal. If drinking espresso makes you feel more focused, then great. But being productive and organized has more to do with habit, mindset, and environment than your beverage of choice. Don’t feel pressured to change your order for personality reasons — rather, choose what genuinely feels good and serves your needs in each moment.