Traditional Italian breakfast: what Italians really eat in the morning

If you’ve ever visited a café, hotel, or anywhere that serves breakfast, you’re likely to have been offered a continental breakfast. That’s a selection of pastries, orange juice, and a coffee.

 However, is that really what they eat on the continent? The truth is, it’s different depending on where you go. If you want to embrace the Italian feeling, it’s time to see what a traditional Italian breakfast consists of.

Fortunately, we’re here to help.

What is a traditional Italian breakfast?

The traditional Italian breakfast is surprisingly light. It’s designed to be simple, flavourful, and fulfilling. The typical Italian breakfast is also meant to be efficient; Italians like to be ready for the day ahead with minimal fuss.

Naturally, the typical Italian breakfast varies depending on the region you’re in. The north of the country generally favours dairy-based treats. Southern Italy enjoys sweeter foods, such as fette biscottate with jam or these traditional Gentilini biscuits. Italian breakfast pastries are very popular.

Whichever way you look at it, Italian jam is a must at breakfast and considered part of a traditional Italian breakfast.

Typical Italian breakfast foods

As mentioned, Italian breakfast foods vary by region. Surprisingly, despite the use of traditional Italian breakfast foods and Italians’ love of social interactions, it’s usually a solitary affair. You’ll find individuals stood at bars across the country enjoying an espresso with a slice of artisan plumcake filled with chocolate cream or a simple pastry and tamgerine jam.

Classic Italian breakfast pastries: cornetti, sfogliatelle, and more

Coffee, generally espresso, is a vital part of any Italy traditional breakfast menu. It’s often paired with Italian breakfast pastries, such as: 

•  Cornetti – think croissants but more buttery and flakier. 

•  Sfogliatelle – a shell-shaped pastry with a creamy filling. They must be sweet.

Biscuits and bread: a simple and common choice

Typical Italian breakfast foods for those with less of a sweet tooth are breads and biscuits. The following are particularly popular:

Brioche - this sweet, soft bread is often seen as an essential part of typical Italian breakfast foods.

Fette biscottate – it’s a twice-baked bread which Italians love with butter and jam.

Virtually any type of Italian biscuit can be consumed when trying an Italian breakfast, traditional style. However, they should be crunchy.

Yogurt, cereals, and healthier options

The Italians don’t just do Italian breakfast pastries. As mentioned, northern Italy favours dairy products and many modern Italians like a healthier choice. This includes:

•    Natural yoghurt – it’s okay to add a little jam.

•    Chocolate-infused cereals – there are plenty to choose from. You can enjoy them with milk or yoghurt.

•    Fruit, such as bananas, kiwis, oranges, figs and, if you really want a healthy Italian breakfast, traditional style, choose locally-sourced seasonal berries. They are delicious when mixed with yoghurt.

What about a savoury Italian breakfast?

A traditional Italian savoury breakfast would consist of thin slices of meat, bread, egg, and a selection of cheese. The most common meats are salami, mortadella, and prosciutto.

However, savoury breakfasts are uncommon. It’s estimated that under 10% of Italians have a savoury breakfast.

Is breakfast big in Italy?

As the Italians have a love of eating and social occasions, it’s only fair to wonder is breakfast big in Italy?

Impressively, Italian breakfasts don’t involve large amounts of time or big groups of family and friends.

However, it is still seen as a very important part of the day. Specifically, Italians will have a fast and efficient breakfast in a local bar. This allows some social interaction.

In short, the aim is to enjoy the quality of your breakfast, not the quantity.

Conclusion

The traditional Italian breakfast is generally a sweet affair, involving pastries, brioche, biscuits, and jam. IT won’t leave you feeling heavy and slow at the start of the day.

That’s why it’s a light and fast treat to help you get fired up for the day ahead. It works; try your own traditional Italian breakfast and see the results.