[OPINION] Coffee in Hand, Nutrition Neglected
Every morning, the lines at coffee shops seem increasingly long, especially in bustling city centers. Drinks like palm sugar coffee or iced latte are no longer considered occasional treats, but have become part of the daily routine, seemingly symbols of productivity and a modern lifestyle.
Unfortunately, behind this trend, a worrying phenomenon has emerged: many young people are skipping a nutritious breakfast and replacing it with high-sugar drinks like coffee with milk. Data from the Ministry of Health and various recent national surveys show that Indonesian breakfast habits continue to decline. In 2024, the Ministry of Health recorded that approximately 65% of school-aged children did not regularly eat breakfast. Meanwhile, national media outlets such as iNews reported on February 24, 2025, that approximately 70% of Indonesians skip breakfast, leaving only around 30% regularly eating breakfast every morning.
On the other hand, coffee consumption has actually increased significantly, particularly instant coffee with milk and coffee-based drinks high in sugar. According to a 2025 Katadata report, more than half of respondents (53%) regularly consume instant coffee with milk, making it a convenient option that often replaces breakfast. Statements such as “I didn’t have time to eat, but I had coffee” clearly illustrate this shift in consumption patterns.
Even more concerning, breakfast habits among teenagers and young adults show a significant decline. Based on data from the Ministry of Health and various national surveys, only around 30% of Indonesians regularly eat breakfast every day, and even 65% of school-age children are known to skip breakfast. A 2023 field study in Bandung also noted that only 32% of high school students ate breakfast before going to school, while the majority replaced breakfast with caffeinated drinks like coffee with milk.
Amidst this trend, coffee consumption has actually increased sharply. A 2023 Jakpat survey showed that 66% of Gen Z in Indonesia drink coffee daily, and 37% of them consume 2–3 cups per day. Their favorite type of coffee is instant coffee with milk, followed by black coffee and iced coffee from coffee shops. The trend of replacing breakfast with drinks high in sugar and caffeine has certainly raised new concerns, particularly regarding its impact on nutritional intake, energy, and concentration in the younger generation.
Globally, data from the National Health Service (NHANES) in the United States shows that adolescents aged 12 to 17 consume an average of 83 to 85 milligrams of caffeine per day. This amount is nearly the safe limit recommended by Health Canada, which is 100 milligrams per day. This figure is equivalent to one cup of black coffee, not including intake from other beverages such as sweet tea or energy drinks.
The combination of high caffeine, excess sugar, and the habit of skipping breakfast can have long-term health impacts. Research from various health journals suggests that this consumption pattern can trigger metabolic disorders, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased concentration. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health notes that approximately 28.7% of the population consumes sugar, salt, and fat above safe limits, and the trend of adolescent obesity continues to rise.
Furthermore, social media contributes to sometimes misleading lifestyle perceptions. Many people are more concerned with the aesthetic appearance of coffee on their Instagram feed than its nutritional value. Drinks that look pretty on screen can actually pose health risks if used as a substitute for daily meals. Campaigns like “Isi Piringku” (My Plate) have been running, but they haven’t been able to compete with the massive promotions from sugary drink brands that sell lifestyle and instant comfort.
However, breakfast doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. A plate of rice, eggs, and vegetables is enough to provide balanced energy in the morning. If you prefer something lighter, whole wheat bread, fruit, or oatmeal are also good options. The key isn’t the luxury of the menu, but the consistency of maintaining a sensible and nutritious diet.
For young people, reducing coffee consumption doesn’t mean eliminating the habit entirely. The important thing is to pay attention to the composition and frequency. For example, reduce added sugar, choose coffee without excessive toppings, or limit it to one cup per day. Also, start developing a breakfast habit, even if it’s just a small portion.
Our bodies are more than just appearances. They are systems that depend on what we consume each day. A healthy lifestyle can’t be judged solely by our Instagram stories or feeds or the trends we follow, but by small, conscious choices. If we’re now used to replacing breakfast with sweetened coffee, don’t be surprised if our bodies start giving us warning signs in a few years.
So, are you still convinced you want to call daily coffee is a form of self-care, if it turns out that one’s own body is being secretly sacrificed?
By: Raisa Syifa Adzkia, Statistics student, ULM
Published in Radar Banjarmasin, December 16, 2025
