Celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo said cappuccinos should not be consumed after 11 a.m., arguing the milk in frothy coffee slows digestion. The 48-year-old Italian-born television cook and author made the claim in a TikTok video that has been viewed about 2.4 million times.
D'Acampo distinguished between espresso and milk-based coffees, saying espresso can be drunk "any time" because the caffeine speeds blood circulation and helps digestion, while cappuccinos and other milk-containing drinks are traditionally reserved for the morning. "The milk in the cappuccino after a meal goes into your stomach, [and] it will do the opposite of the espresso [to] slow down your digestion system," he said in the clip, adding that timing is therefore "everything."
The view reflects a long-standing Italian culinary preference that frames milk as a breakfast food. In many parts of Italy, people typically pair a cappuccino with a morning pastry but switch to milk-free coffees such as espresso or macchiato after breakfast, partly to avoid feeling heavy or bloated after a meal.
D'Acampo, who moved to London in his 20s and has become a household name in the United Kingdom through television appearances and cookbooks, has frequently discussed Italian food customs on social media. He is scheduled to present a new travelogue, An Italian in Malta, in which he said he plans to showcase local restaurants, recipes and food traditions. He also said he is working on an acting project in Ireland.
The TikTok video prompted a mix of agreement and pushback from viewers. Some followers played along with the cultural rule, joking about the inconsistency of banning cappuccino after meals while allowing dairy-based desserts. Others rejected the idea of strict rules altogether, saying they drink what they want whenever they want.
Nutrition experts and dietary guidelines note that reactions to milk and dairy products can vary by individual. Some people experience discomfort from milk later in the day due to lactose intolerance or personal sensitivity, while others tolerate dairy without issue. D'Acampo framed his advice as part of Italian culinary tradition rather than a universal medical directive.
His comments highlight how food customs and science can intersect in public conversation, especially when delivered by high-profile chefs with large followings. In this case, D'Acampo's explanation of why Italians typically avoid cappuccinos after midmorning drew attention to broader differences in how cultures approach coffee and post-meal habits.
Whether one follows the Italian convention or not, the exchange underlined the enduring role of coffee rituals in national and personal identities and the way those rituals are discussed on global social platforms.