Why Is Breakfast Called “Breakfast”? The Historical Connection to Coffee

Have you ever stopped to wonder why we call the first meal of the day “breakfast”? The word might seem simple, but it carries a surprisingly rich history—and coffee plays a bigger role than you might think.

From ancient fasting rituals to modern café culture, breakfast has evolved into a beloved tradition. Let’s dive into the fascinating origins of the word “breakfast” and explore how coffee became its inseparable companion.

The Etymology of “Breakfast”

The term “breakfast” comes from the phrase “breaking the fast.”

This refers to the act of eating after a long period without food—namely, the hours spent sleeping. In the late Middle Ages, the term began to appear in English, combining “break” (as in to break) and “fast” (as in fasting). It literally meant the first meal that ended your overnight fast.

Back in medieval Europe, eating early in the day wasn’t always a common practice. For many, especially among the upper classes or devout religious groups, fasting until midday was the norm. However, as working conditions and daily routines changed, particularly among laborers, the need for a morning meal became more widespread.

The Rise of the Morning Meal

In the 17th and 18th centuries, breakfast started becoming more popular among the general population. This shift happened for several reasons:

• Urbanization and labor: People began working longer hours, often starting early in the day. This made a morning meal essential.
• Social changes: Dining customs relaxed, and breakfast became more socially acceptable across classes.
• Global trade: Perhaps most importantly, coffee, tea, and chocolate became accessible and fashionable thanks to increased trade with the East and the Americas.

This is where coffee comes into the story.

Coffee’s Role in the Evolution of Breakfast

Coffee was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, first gaining popularity in the Ottoman Empire and then spreading to Italy, France, and England. At first, it was seen as a luxurious and exotic drink, but its energizing effects made it ideal for starting the day.

By the 18th century, coffeehouses had become cultural and political hubs across Europe. People gathered in the morning to drink coffee, read newspapers, and discuss the issues of the day. Naturally, coffee became tied to the morning hours.

Eventually, coffee made its way into homes, solidifying its role in the emerging breakfast tradition. As this drink became more widespread, people began pairing it with simple foods—bread, cheese, porridge, or eggs—turning these into morning staples.

From Ritual to Routine: Breakfast in the Modern World

Today, breakfast is considered the “most important meal of the day” by many health professionals. Whether you’re having a bowl of cereal, a smoothie, or a full plate of eggs and toast, chances are you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee.

In fact, coffee is so ingrained in morning culture that we often equate it with waking up. Phrases like:

• “I can’t start my day without coffee.”
• “But first, coffee.”
• “Coffee is my breakfast.”

…reflect just how deeply the drink has become associated with this meal.

Coffee and Fasting: A Full Circle Moment

Interestingly, while breakfast was originally about breaking the overnight fast, intermittent fasting trends have brought the practice back into fashion. Many people now skip breakfast altogether and only have coffee in the morning—usually black coffee, since it’s calorie-free and doesn’t break the fast.

This modern return to fasting, combined with coffee’s unique ability to energize without food, has created a full-circle moment in the story of breakfast.

The Cultural Variations of Breakfast (And Coffee)

Around the world, breakfast takes on many forms—but coffee almost always finds its place:

• France: A croissant and café au lait.
• Italy: Espresso and a pastry at the bar.
• Japan: Rice, fish, miso soup—and increasingly, coffee.
• Brazil: Strong coffee (cafezinho) with pão de queijo or fruit.
• United States: Coffee with eggs, toast, pancakes, or cereal.

Though the foods vary, coffee remains a constant—a warm and energizing way to greet the day.

Why Coffee Smells Like Morning

Science tells us that the aroma of coffee is linked to over 800 volatile compounds, making it one of the most aromatic drinks in the world. That familiar scent in the morning can trigger positive emotions, increased alertness, and even better performance.

In fact, the smell alone can create a placebo effect, making you feel more awake before your first sip. No wonder it has become the unofficial scent of morning!

Final Sip: A Toast to Tradition

So, why is breakfast called “breakfast”? Because it marks the end of your nightly fast—and as we’ve learned, coffee has played a key role in shaping that ritual into the meal we know today.

From religious fasting practices to bustling coffeehouses and today’s fast-paced routines, breakfast has always been about preparing for the day ahead. And what better way to do that than with a fresh, steaming cup of coffee?

Next time you sit down for your morning brew, remember: you’re not just fueling your body—you’re participating in a centuries-old tradition rooted in culture, history, and the irresistible aroma of coffee.