Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?
Updated - Team Colipse
Coffee stimulates bowel movements by triggering colonic contractions through the gastrocolic reflex. Coffee acts as a natural laxative by stimulating colon contractions and releasing digestive hormones like CCK and gastrin, which activate gallbladder and colonic movement, causing the urge to defecate. In some individuals, this effect begins within approximately four minutes. Decaffeinated coffee also stimulates bowel activity, though with reduced intensity.
The four main compounds in coffee that stimulate bowel movements are caffeine, chlorogenic acids, N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides, and melanoidins. Milk, sugar, cream, creamer, olive oil, coconut oil, and cinnamon can make you poop when added to coffee. The best coffee that doesn't make you poop is a dark roast made from low-acid Arabica beans or a Swiss Water decaf. To reduce coffee’s laxative effect, drink one small cup daily after eating, avoid milk if lactose intolerant, and hydrate with water before and after coffee.
Why Does Coffee Make You Poop?
Coffee makes you poop by triggering the gastrocolic reflex, which signals the colon to contract and push waste forward. The gastrocolic reflex activates the intestines after just one 150 ml cup of black coffee, as shown in a 1990 study titled "Effect of coffee on distal colon function." The study surveyed 99 healthy young adults to measure how beverages affect bowel habits. The questionnaire showed that not everyone poops instantly after drinking coffee. Only 29% of participants reported coffee caused the urge to defecate. Most people who reported a bowel response to coffee were female.
This digestive response occured with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee intake. Dr. Steven Brown, a coloproctology specialist at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, describes the gastrocolic reflex as a normal physiological mechanism. Interestingly, hot water did not alter rectosigmoid motor activity in any study participant. This finding helps explain why coffee is much more effective at stimulating the bowels than drinks like soda or tea.
Many people anecdotally report that even smelling coffee triggers the urge to poop, as seen in online discussions. Some experts link the urge to poop after coffee to classical conditioning (Pavlovian response). Repeated pairing of morning coffee and bowel movements conditions the brain to associate coffee’s smell with defecation, triggering a reflex before consumption. However, no scientific studies confirm that smelling coffee causes a bowel movement. Research on coffee’s laxative effects focuses on drinking it.
Are Coffee Poops Healthy?
Yes, coffee poops are generally healthy because they indicate active digestion, support regularity, and help prevent constipation in people with healthy digestive systems. In fact, coffee is considered an effective, enjoyable, and cost-efficient way to boost bowel movements. According to a 2023 study from Cukurova University Balcali Hospital, coffee could become part of rapid recovery protocols to help patients with bowel movement difficulties.
However, those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sensitive stomachs may experience negative results from drinking coffee. A 2024 observational study by Egbert Clevers published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences specifically linked caffeinated coffee consumption to diarrhea, loose stools, and increased bowel movements in individuals with IBS. A 2021 cross-sectional study from Maragheh University of Medical Sciences further reported a connection between caffeine intake and IBS prevalence, particularly in women and overweight or obese individuals.
Is Coffee a Laxative?
Yes, coffee acts as a natural laxative by stimulating colon contractions and triggering the release of digestive hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin, which stimulate gallbladder contraction and colonic motor activity, contributing to the urge to defecate. These processes work together to move waste through the digestive tract shortly after consumption.
- Drinking Coffee Increases Gastrin Production: Regular coffee increases bowel movements by stimulating gastrin release, according to a 1999 study by Paul Boekema published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Gastrin stimulates gastric acid release, activating muscle contractions throughout the digestive system. The effect occurs rapidly, with rectosigmoid motor activity increasing within 240 seconds. The effect mimics the colon-stimulating impact of a 1000 kcal meal. Although the exact coffee or caffeine amount varies, its effect on gastrin release and gut motility lasts several hours.
- Coffee Consumption Stimulates Cholecystokinin: Drinking 400 ml of regular coffee makes you poop more because it enhances the release of cholecystokinin, according to a 1990 clinical trial by Bruce R. Douglas from Leiden University Medical Center. Cholecystokinin triggers digestive contractions, moves food waste through the intestines, and signals the urge to defecate. A study found that regular coffee raised plasma CCK levels by 2.8 pmol/L, while decaffeinated coffee raised them by only 1.8 pmol/L.
- Drinking Coffee Stimulates the Colon: A 1990 study by Steven Brown published in Gut Journal examined how coffee intake affects the lower digestive tract. The research found that both hot and cold coffee stimulate the distal colon. This stimulation increases rectosigmoid motility. The findings suggest that non-caffeine compounds in coffee drive this colonic effect.
Dr. Steven Brown reported in a 1990 Gut Journal study that naturally occurring coffee compounds influence digestive activity. The research identified chlorogenic acids as important contributors to bowel stimulation. These bioactive substances act independently of caffeine.
Does Caffeine Make You Poop?
Yes, caffeine does make you poop by reducing the time to the first bowel movement. The stimulant increases bowel movements according to a 2022 meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials by Tzu-Wei Yang. The research shows that coffee or caffeine use lowers the need for stool-softening medicine by about 36%. Patients who drink coffee or caffeine after surgery also leave the hospital about one day earlier.
Is it the coffee or caffeine that makes you poop? According to the 2024 study by Sascha Vaghiri from University Hospital Duesseldorf, both caffeinated coffee and isolated caffeine improved bowel recovery. The analysis finds that decaffeinated coffee also supports bowel recovery to a lesser extent. The authors conclude that caffeine is a primary driver of the effect, while other coffee compounds also contribute.
Does Decaf Coffee Make You Poop?
Yes, decaf coffee can stimulate bowel movements through compounds like polyphenols, chlorogenic acids, serotonin, and melanoidins. These substances affect the gastrocolonic reflex and colonic motility even without high caffeine levels.
A 2023 prospective study from Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children examined how caffeine, caffeinated coffee, and decaffeinated coffee affect colonic motility in children with chronic constipation. The study showed that caffeinated coffee triggered bowel movements in 81%, caffeine tablets in 56%, and decaffeinated coffee in 50%. The study suggests decaf coffee still contains some caffeine, but non-caffeine compounds like polyphenols also contribute to its laxative effect.
Decaf coffee does cause bowel movements, but regular coffee is generally more effective. Both decaf and caffeinated coffee increase colonic motor activity, but caffeinated coffee produces stronger, more sustained effects. A 2020 human study by Amaia Iriondo-DeHond examined coffee’s gastrointestinal effects using colonic manometry. That research titled "Effects of Coffee and Its Components on the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Brain–Gut Axis" showed caffeinated coffee increased colonic motor activity by about 60% compared with water. The same study found regular coffee raised colonic activity by roughly 23% more than decaf.
The following table, sourced from 1990 study "Effect of coffee on distal colon function." compares how regular and decaffeinated coffee stimulate bowel activity.
| Factor | Regular Coffee | Decaf Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulates desire to defecate | Yes | Yes |
| Increases colonic motor activity | Yes – 60% higher than water | Yes – 23% higher than water |
| Compared to a meal (1000 kcal) | Similar effect | Weaker effect, more localized |
| Effective duration | 1–1.5 hours | Shorter and less potent |
| Mechanism suspected | Neurohumoral + caffeine effect | Neurohumoral (non-caffeine) |
What Compounds in Coffee Makes You Poop?
The four main compounds in coffee that stimulate bowel movements are listed below.
- Caffeine
- Chlorogenic acids
- N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides
- Melanoidins
1. Caffeine
Caffeine refers to a natural stimulant in coffee that activates the central nervous system and stimulates muscle contractions in the colon. This stimulation can trigger bowel movements by increasing peristalsis, the process that moves waste through the digestive tract. A 2024 study by Yulong Kang of Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital found that adults consuming 86 to 303 mg of caffeine per day had a 28% to 38% lower risk of constipation compared to those consuming 10 mg or less daily.
2. Chlorogenic acids
Chlorogenic acid stimulates stomach acid production and increases gastric motility. In coffee, chlorogenic acids contribute to bowel movements by increasing stomach acidity, speeding up digestion, and triggering the release of hormones such as gastrin, which promote colon activity, according to a 2021 narrative review by Amaia Iriondo-DeHond published in Nutrients. The combination of these effects can lead to an increased urge to have a bowel movement shortly after drinking coffee.
3. N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides
N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides (C5HTs) are compounds found in coffee that stimulate gastric acid secretion, according to a 2010 study by Veronika Somoza published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. This increase in acid may indirectly contribute to digestive activity, including bowel movement stimulation. The researchers found that C5HTs in coffee stimulate stomach acid secretion, with concentrations ranging from 65–144 µg/L in filtered coffee to 3500 µg/L in French press.
4. Melanoidins
Melanoidins are compounds formed during the coffee roasting process that stimulate colon activity. Melanoidins in coffee function as dietary fiber and stimulate bowel movements by improving gut motility and increasing stool bulk. Roast level affects digestion because darker roasts contain more melanoidins and soluble dietary fiber, which enhance bowel stimulation. Higher roasting increases maillardized fiber, which supports digestive stimulation.
What Added Ingredients in Coffee Make You Poop?
Milk, sugar, cream, creamer, olive oil, coconut oil, and cinnamon can make you poop when added to coffee. These ingredients may trigger digestion or bowel movement by irritating the gut, stimulating bile release, or causing mild laxative effects, especially in people sensitive to lactose, sugar alcohols, or fats.
- Milk: Drinking coffee with milk can cause bowel movements in people with lactose intolerance because it contains lactose, a sugar that can trigger gas, bloating, or diarrhea when undigested in the gut.
- Sugar: When added to coffee in large amounts, sugars or sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol can cause loose stools or diarrhea by drawing water into the intestines or irritating the gut lining.
- Cream: Cream can make you poop if you're lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, as it may trigger diarrhea. For others, high fat and low fiber in cream may contribute to constipation instead.
- Creamer: Creamer can make you poop, especially if it contains lactose, sugar alcohols, or thickeners like carrageenan. These ingredients may irritate the digestive tract, particularly when combined with coffee’s natural laxative effect.
- Olive oil: When added to coffee, olive oil can help you poop by acting as a mild laxative. It softens stool, lubricates the intestines, and stimulates bowel movements through the release of bile and activation of the gastrocolic reflex.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that stimulate digestion and soften stool. When added to coffee, coconut oil can act as a mild laxative by lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon refers to a spice made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. When added to coffee, cinnamon can help make you poop by promoting digestion, stimulating intestinal movement, and enhancing coffee’s natural laxative effect. Its prebiotic properties also support gut health and reduce inflammation in the intestines.
How Long Does it Take for Coffee To Make You Poop?
Coffee can make you poop within 4 to 20 minutes, according to a 1999 review titled "Coffee and gastrointestinal function: facts and fiction" published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement. This effect occurs in some individuals and mimics the impact of a one thousand kilocalories meal, despite coffee having no calories.
Similarly, in a 1990 study from Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, both regular and decaffeinated coffee increased the motility index within four minutes and sustained this effect for at least 30 minutes. This effect is fastest with caffeinated coffee, which stimulates colonic motor activity more than decaf.
What is the Best Coffee that Doesn't Make You Poop?
The best coffee that doesn't make you poop so much is a dark roast made from low-acid Arabica beans or a Swiss Water® decaf. Dark roast coffee reduces colon stimulation by containing less caffeine and lower acidity.
A 2014 randomized crossover study by Malte Rubach from the University of Wisconsin published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, found that dark roast Arabica coffee stimulated gastric acid secretion less than medium roast coffee, despite having similar caffeine content. Arabica beans are also easier to digest and lower in chlorogenic acid than Robusta.
Swiss Water® decaf such as Colipse Decaf Espresso removes caffeine without chemicals and can reduce bowel movement triggers while preserving flavor. Choose French or Italian roast, avoid sugar alcohols, and add milk to reduce acidity. Use brewing methods like cold brew or French press to limit digestive stimulation.
How To Stop Coffee from Making You Poop?
To stop coffee from making you poop, follow the eight steps below.
- Cut back to one small cup daily to reduce caffeine's laxative effect on your gut.
- Drink coffee after a solid meal to buffer stomach acid and slow digestion.
- Choose dark roasts like French roast to reduce acidity and irritation in your digestive tract.
- Select Arabica beans for lower acidity and a smoother flavor without harsh stimulation.
- Switch to decaf or half-caff blends to keep your coffee habit without the colon jolt.
- Avoid milk or cream if lactose intolerant and use black coffee or oat milk instead.
- Drink a full glass of water before and after coffee to prevent dehydration and reduce bowel urgency.
- Brew with a French press or cold brew to extract less acid and enjoy smoother coffee.
Where to Buy Coffee that is Easy on the Stomach?
Buy coffee that’s easy on the stomach from Colipse Coffee, an online store specializing in low-acid, Swiss Water® decaf coffee. At Colipse Coffee, our low-acid, Swiss Water® decaf blends support sensitive digestion without sacrificing flavor. We roast after you order, seal for freshness, and ship free in the U.S. Our coffee suits people with acid reflux, IBS, or caffeine sensitivity, offering smooth, chemical-free brews in various roasts and grind sizes. Our prices for low-acid decaf coffee start at $19.99 for a 12-count pod pack and range up to $23.99 for whole bean or ground bags.
What Kind of Coffee Makes You Poop the Most?
Hot caffeinated coffee makes you poop the most because it strongly stimulates colon activity. This effect was demonstrated in a 1990 clinical trial conducted by Satish Sanku Chander Rao, Chief of Gastroenterology at Augusta University’s Digestive Health Center. A clinical study measured how coffee affected digestion in 12 healthy adults. Researchers gave one group 240 ml of black Colombian coffee at 45°C with 150 mg of caffeine. The comparison group received 240 ml of black decaffeinated coffee served at 45°C. Caffeinated coffee triggered a 23% stronger colonic response than decaffeinated coffee.
Does Iced Coffee Make You Poop?
Yes, iced coffee can make you poop like other coffees because it stimulates the colon through caffeine and digestive hormones like gastrin and CCK.
Does Espresso Make You Poop?
Yes, espresso, like other coffee, can make you poop because it stimulates colon muscle contractions (peristalsis). This effect occurs quickly, especially in the morning, and can happen with both regular and decaf espresso.
Does Mushroom Coffee Make You Poop?
Yes, mushroom coffee can make you poop by combining caffeine’s gut-stimulating effects with mushroom-based prebiotics that support digestion. Its laxative impact is milder than regular coffee, but it can promote bowel movements and improve regularity, especially as the body adjusts to the added fiber.
Is Coffee Good for Constipation?
Yes, coffee can help relieve constipation by stimulating colon contractions and boosting digestive hormones like gastrin. Both caffeinated and decaf coffee work, but excessive caffeine may cause laxative effects. For best results, drink coffee for constipation in moderation and combine it with adequate water intake and light physical activity.