Flat white

The flat white scored highly with our experts, with three out of seven voting it their all-time favourite.

“In a coffee shop I love nothing more than a standard flat white,” says nutritional therapist Becca Meadows. “Coffee gets a bad rap, but it is full of antioxidants and has been shown to improve physical performance and concentration. Unless you have a milk allergy or intolerance, dairy is nothing to be feared either. It’s a rich source of protein, fat, B12, B2 and calcium. Women need fat to make hormones and absorb fat-soluble vitamins – so go ahead and enjoy your coffee!”

Nutritionist GQ Jordan is also evangelical about it: “In my opinion, a whole milk flat white is the best tasting, most well-balanced option.” But, she says, she only ever has one after breakfast. “Upon waking, our bodies are naturally more alert due to high cortisol levels. If I were to have my coffee straight away, the caffeine wouldn’t have its full effect because my body’s already in high gear, while adenosine, the neurotransmitter that makes us feel sleepy, is at its daily low.

“Caffeine works by blocking the adenosine receptors in our brain, preventing us from feeling tired. By carefully considering the timing of my coffee and understanding the interactions between our stress hormones and caffeine, I can optimise my energy levels and support quality sleep.”

7 nutrition experts on their go-to coffee shop order – and when they drink it