John Cena may be celebrated worldwide for his legendary WWE career and Hollywood success, but there’s another side to the multi-talented star — his love for coffee. At 48, Cena isn’t just a casual drinker; he takes his coffee seriously, especially when it comes to judging the elusive perfect flat white.
On Thursday, August 21, the actor sat down with Bon Appétit for a coffee taste test, where he explained how he evaluates cafés across the globe.
Why Flat White Is Cena’s Coffee Test
As soon as he was handed a cup, Cena quickly identified it as an American-style flat white. His reasoning?
- The cup was too large.
 - There was too much milk.
 - The milk hadn’t been properly steamed.
 
For Cena, a flat white is more than just a drink — it’s a benchmark of whether a café is truly “coffee first.” He explained, “Coffee is a universal language throughout the world,” emphasizing that the drink should highlight the coffee itself, not be overshadowed by milk or sweeteners.
Cena’s Honest Critique
When told that the flat white came from Condé Nast’s in-house café, Cena didn’t hold back. He noted that a proper flat white should be served in a smaller cup — around five to six ounces, not eight. Smiling, he recalled that the best flat whites he has ever tasted were in Melbourne, Australia, a city he praised as being truly “coffee-first.”
Cena also explained why the drink is his go-to test for coffee shops. Unlike a latte that’s loaded with milk, a flat white allows coffee lovers to judge quality with just a glance before taking a sip.
Breaking Down the Perfect Flat White
After tasting the cup, Cena described it as “a little too milk forward,” pointing out that it was likely a single shot of espresso with eight ounces of milk. He then highlighted the golden rule: a proper flat white should be made with a double shot of espresso to create a stronger coffee taste with just the right balance of milk.
Holding up his hand, he compared the ideal flat white size to a cappuccino cup, joking that it should “disappear” in his grip.
Fans React to Cena’s Coffee Knowledge
The clip quickly sparked buzz online, with fans surprised — and amused — by Cena’s detailed coffee breakdown. Comments ranged from playful jokes to genuine admiration for his passion:
- “Wow how pretentious. I agree with everything he said.”
 - “We need a whole series of Cena reviewing coffee shops worldwide.”
 - Of course, his iconic catchphrase wasn’t far behind: “So confused, I don’t see anyone in this video!”
 
From Wrestling to Coffee Conversations
Whether it’s dominating the wrestling ring, starring in blockbuster films, or critiquing coffee, John Cena continues to show that he throws his heart into everything he does. His unexpected expertise on the flat white proves that passion can be found in even the simplest daily rituals — and fans seem eager to follow him on this new journey, one cup at a time.
