Italian Breakfast Food

Breakfast, or Colazione, as it is called in Italy, is quite unique. Italian breakfast food is not terribly healthy and some experts have even said that Italians have very bad breakfast habits.

Italian breakfast foods are all very sweet. Cakes and cookies are traditional fare, as are breads with sweet jams and honey. These sweet treats paired with a glass of milk, or a steaming hot cup of cappuccino is a typical morning meal.

Eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, and steak are not typical Italian breakfast foods, and are thought to be reserved only for lunch or dinner. Even fruit is not considered for breakfast. Cereal is available in Italy, but is rarely consumed in the morning. This product is typically reserved as a mid-afternoon snack.

When eating breakfast at home, most Italians simply have a hot coffee beverage and a few cookies, biscotti, or a small piece of cake. It is believed that this quick sugar rush provides plenty of energy to make it through the day until having lunch in the early afternoon. If having breakfast out, Italians will stop by local bars that serve cups of cappuccino and brioche. This quick meal is eaten quickly while standing at a counter.

While Italian breakfast food does not vary a great deal, and may not be exceptionally healthy, most Italians do make time for an early morning meal. Experts in Milan have done studies that show individuals that skipped the morning meal had a much higher chance of being over weight, less active, smokers, or abusing alcohol. As in most other countries around the world, Italy does tout breakfast as the most important meal of the day. The quick burst of energy helps to get them moving and keep them focused until a much larger and more formal meal is consumed mid-afternoon.