Which Country Is the World Leader in Coffee Consumption?

Coffee consumption has increased greatly across the UK in recent years. The annual coffee consumption per capita in the UK is now approximately 2.9 kilograms. This translates to about 2 cups of coffee per day. Consumption in the UK is particularly high among older generations and is now close to that of tea.

Coffee could soon replace tea as our national drink!

Despite our growing taste for coffee, we still drink significantly less than coffee lovers in many other countries.

You might think that coffee consumption is at its highest in Italy or the United States and so it could surprise you to hear that it is the people of Finland that drink the most coffee.

How high is coffee consumption in Finland?

Average annual coffee consumption in Finland is a staggering 12kg per capita. That’s around double the levels found in Italy and North America. Indeed, Nordic countries occupy the top four places in the coffee consumption hit parade.

Why is coffee so popular in Finland?

There are several reasons why coffee is the go-to drink in Finland:

1. Cultural tradition

Coffee is deeply embedded in Finnish social culture. “Kahvitauko” (coffee break) is a cherished ritual. Coffee is typically served at almost all social events, from weddings to funerals.

2. Workplace norms

Finnish labour law mandates official coffee breaks during the workday. It’s common to have 2–3 coffee breaks per day in offices and factories.

3. Climate

Long, dark, and cold winters make comforting and energizing hot drinks incredibly appealing. Coffee serves as a psychological and physical boost during gloomy months.

4. Mild coffee preference

Finns mostly drink light-roasted filter coffee (as opposed to stronger espresso or dark roasts). The mild flavour and low bitterness make it easier to drink large quantities of coffee.

5. Early exposure

In Finland, coffee is introduced early in life.  It’s seen as a non-elite, everyday beverage, unlike in some cultures where it is more of a luxury or speciality.

How do the Finns brew their coffee?

Drip brewing methods are favoured over espresso machines, but espresso is rising in popularity. The most popular coffees in Finland are light roasts and these lend themselves to filter methods of brewing.

Pot coffee, also known as boiled coffee, is a traditional brewing method that is used across Scandinavia. Here, coffee is made by simply adding coarse grounds to a pot of boiling water. The pot is then removed from the heat and left to stand for five minutes. The coffee isn’t filtered prior to pouring.

When travelling in Finland, it is also possible to stumble across Finnish egg-cleared pot coffee. This involves adding an egg, including the shell, to the dry coffee grounds and mixing thoroughly before adding the resulting mixture to the pot. The result is clearer and less bitter coffee - allegedly.

How do Finnish people take their coffee?

Traditionally, Finnish homes have multiple sets of coffee cups. These include one set for everyday use, one for serving visiting family or friends (regular visitors), and a more elegant set that is reserved for special occasions. The latter is referred to as “holy cups”.

What’s the future of coffee in the UK?

Will we ever consume coffee at a rate of 12kg per capita in the UK? Coffee boasts numerous health benefits which are now widely known and understood. Those benefits could see coffee rise further in popularity, but we have a long way to go before we can rival the Finns!