Nutritional science on breakfast choices and metabolic health

Nutritional science suggests there is no single ideal breakfast, as the best choice depends on an individual's metabolic profile and daily activity. While sweet breakfasts are common, consuming only simple sugars—such as jam, refined biscuits, or fruit juice—can lead to rapid glycemic spikes followed by energy crashes and hunger. Incorporating proteins and healthy fats can mitigate this by slowing glucose absorption.

In Italy, breakfast habits vary significantly. Research from YouGov indicates that 85% of people eat breakfast every morning, though only 30% consume a complete and nutritious meal. While 44% opt for a purely sweet breakfast, a growing number of younger Italians (aged 18-35) are choosing options like pancakes. Experts emphasize that breakfast is essential for triggering hormonal mechanisms, such as cortisol and insulin, which activate the metabolism for the day ahead.