Coffee is more than just a drink. It is a culture, a lifestyle, a passion, and a global phenomenon. From the ancient origins of coffee in Ethiopia to the modern innovations of specialty coffee, the beverage has transcended geographical boundaries and cultural differences to become one of the most popular and beloved drinks in the world.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Coffee Consumption in 2023
But which countries drink the most coffee per person? And how do they enjoy their coffee? In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries with the highest coffee consumption in 2023, based on data from the International Coffee Organization. We will also look at some of the unique and interesting aspects of their coffee culture and history.
1. Finland: 12 kg/26 lbs per year
Finland is the undisputed champion of coffee consumption, with an average of nearly four cups per person per day. Coffee is so ingrained in Finnish culture that workers are legally entitled to two 10-minute coffee breaks during their workday. Coffee is also a staple at social gatherings, family events, and celebrations.
Finns prefer light-roasted and filter-brewed coffee, which they often drink black or with a splash of milk. They also enjoy coffee with pulla, a sweet cardamom-flavored bread that is perfect for dipping. Coffee is also used as an ingredient in some traditional dishes, such as kahvikakku (coffee cake) and kahviostakka (coffee cheese).
2. Norway: 9.9 kg/22 lbs per year
Norway is another Nordic country that loves coffee, with more than three cups per person per day. Coffee houses are popular places to socialize, relax, and enjoy quality coffee. Unlike in some other countries, Norwegians rarely take their coffee to go or drink it while working. Instead, they savor their coffee in a leisurely and mindful way.
Norwegians also prefer light-roasted and filter-brewed coffee, which they often drink black or with a dash of cream. They also like to pair their coffee with waffles, cakes, or lefse, a thin flatbread with butter and sugar. Coffee is also an essential part of Norwegian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
3. Iceland: 9 kg/20 lbs per year
Iceland is another cold country that relies on coffee to keep warm and energized. Icelanders drink more than three cups of coffee per person per day, making them one of the top consumers in the world. Coffee is so important in Iceland that it is customary to offer any visitor a cup of coffee, regardless of the time or occasion.
Icelanders like their coffee strong and dark, often brewed with an espresso machine or a French press. They also enjoy specialty coffee, such as lattes, cappuccinos, or mochas, which they often top with whipped cream or chocolate shavings. They also like to indulge in some pastries or cakes with their coffee, such as kleinur (twisted doughnuts) or skyrkaka (yogurt cake).
4. Denmark: 8.7 kg/19 lbs per year
Denmark is another Scandinavian country that ranks high on the list of coffee consumption, with more than three cups per person per day. Coffee is an integral part of Danish culture and society, as it fosters social connections, hospitality, and coziness. The concept of hygge, which means a feeling of comfort and well-being, often involves enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or family.
Danes like their coffee light-roasted and filter-brewed, which they often drink black or with milk and sugar. They also love to have coffee with kaffeslabberas, which means an informal social gathering where coffee and cake are offered, often after dinner or on weekends. Some of the popular cakes that accompany coffee are wienerbrød (Danish pastry), lagkage (layer cake), or brunsviger (brown sugar cake).
5. Netherlands: 8.4 kg/18 lbs per year
The Netherlands is another European country that has a long and rich history of coffee consumption, dating back to the 17th century when it was one of the first countries to import coffee beans from its colonies. Today, Dutch people drink more than three cups of coffee per person per day, making them one of the top consumers in the world.
Dutch people like their coffee medium-roasted and filter-brewed, which they often drink black or with milk and sugar. They also enjoy coffee with stroopwafels, which are thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, or gevulde koeken, which are large cookies filled with almond paste. Coffee is also a part of Dutch celebrations, such as birthdays, weddings, or holidays.
6. Sweden: 8.2 kg/18 lbs per year
Sweden is another Nordic country that has a strong coffee culture and tradition, with more than three cups per person per day. Coffee is so essential in Sweden that there is a word for it: fika, which means a break or a pause to enjoy coffee and something sweet. Fika is not just a habit, but a way of life, as it promotes social bonding, relaxation, and happiness.
Swedes like their coffee light-roasted and filter-brewed, which they often drink black or with milk and sugar. They also love to have coffee with kanelbullar, which are cinnamon rolls, or kladdkaka, which is a gooey chocolate cake. Coffee is also a part of Swedish holidays, such as Midsummer or Christmas.
7. Switzerland: 7.9 kg/17 lbs per year
Switzerland is another European country that has a high coffee consumption, with more than three cups per person per day. Coffee is a popular drink in Switzerland, as it suits the diverse and multicultural nature of the country. Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most famous coffee brands, such as Nespresso and Nescafé.
Swiss people like their coffee medium-roasted and brewed with various methods, such as espresso machines, French presses, or moka pots. They also enjoy specialty coffee, such as lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos, which they often flavor with syrups, spices, or chocolate. They also like to have coffee with zopf, which is a braided bread, or birchermüesli, which is a cereal with fruits and nuts.
8. Belgium: 6.8 kg/15 lbs per year
Belgium is another European country that has a high coffee consumption, with more than two cups per person per day. Coffee is a beloved drink in Belgium, as it reflects the country’s rich and diverse culture and history. Belgium is known for its quality and variety of coffee beans, which it imports from its former colonies in Africa and Asia.
Belgians like their coffee dark-roasted and brewed with various methods, such as espresso machines, French presses, or percolators. They also enjoy specialty coffee, such as lattes, cappuccinos, or mochas, which they often pair with whipped cream or chocolate shavings. They also like to have coffee with waffles, which are crispy and fluffy pastries topped with fruits, cream, or chocolate.
9. Canada: 6.5 kg/14 lbs per year
Canada is another North American country that has a high coffee consumption, with more than two cups per person per day. Coffee is a popular drink in Canada, as it suits the country’s diverse and multicultural population and climate. Canada is home to some of the world’s most famous coffee chains, such as Tim Hortons and Starbucks. Canadians like their coffee medium-roasted and brewed with various methods, such as drip machines, French presses, or single-serve pods. They also enjoy specialty coffee, such as lattes, cappuccinos, or frappuccinos, which they often flavor with syrups, spices, or whipped cream. They also like to have coffee with doughnuts, which are sweet fried pastries filled or glazed with various toppings.
10. Brazil: 6 kg/13 lbs per year
Brazil is the only South American country that makes it to the top 10 list of coffee consumption, with more than two cups per person per day. Coffee is not only a drink but also an economic powerhouse in Brazil, as it is the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee beans. Brazil produces about one-third of the global coffee supply. Brazilians like their coffee dark-roasted and brewed with various methods, such as espresso machines, French presses, or moka pots. They also enjoy specialty coffee , such as lattes, cappuccinos, or mochas, which they often sweeten with sugar or condensed milk. They also like to have coffee with pão de queijo, which are cheese breads, or bolo de fubá, which is a cornmeal cake.
Conclusion
Coffee is a universal drink that connects people across the world. It is also a diverse and versatile drink that reflects the culture and preferences of each country. Whether you prefer your coffee light or dark, black or creamy, plain or flavored, there is a coffee experience for you. The next time you sip your coffee, you can appreciate the history and tradition behind it, and maybe even try something new.
FAQ
Q: Which country drinks the most coffee per person in 2023?
A: Finland drinks the most coffee per person in 2023, with 12 kg/26 lbs per year.
Q: Which country produces the most coffee in 2023?
A: Brazil produces the most coffee in 2023, with 58.2 million bags of coffee.
Q: What is the most popular type of coffee in the world?
A: The most popular type of coffee in the world is Arabica, which accounts for about 60% of the global coffee production.
Q: How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
A: The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee depends on various factors, such as the type of coffee beans, the brewing method, and the serving size. On average, a cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.
Q: Is coffee good or bad for your health?
A: Coffee has both benefits and risks for your health. Some of the benefits include improving alertness, mood, and cognitive function, as well as reducing the risk of some diseases, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Some of the risks include causing insomnia, anxiety, and heartburn, as well as increasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The effects of coffee vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed.
Q: How do you make the perfect cup of coffee?
A: There is no definitive answer to how to make the perfect cup of coffee, as it depends on your personal taste and preference. However, some general tips include using fresh and high-quality coffee beans, grinding them right before brewing, using filtered water at the right temperature, measuring the right ratio of coffee to water, and choosing the best brewing method for your desired flavor and strength.
Q: What are some of the different types of coffee drinks?
A: Some of the different types of coffee drinks are:
- Espresso: A strong and concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure.
- Americano: A diluted espresso with hot water added to reduce its intensity.
- Latte: A milky espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top.
- Cappuccino: A frothy espresso with equal parts of steamed milk and foam on top.
- Mocha: A chocolatey espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder added.
- Macchiato: A marked espresso with a small amount of steamed milk or foam on top.
- Flat white: A smooth espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam on top.
- Frappuccino: A blended iced espresso with milk, ice, and various flavors and toppings added.
Q: What are some of the best coffee brands in the world?
A: Some of the best coffee brands in the world are:
- Lavazza: An Italian brand that offers a variety of blends and roasts for different tastes and occasions.
- Starbucks: An American brand that is known for its specialty coffee drinks and global presence.
- Nespresso: A Swiss brand that offers single-serve capsules for convenient and consistent espresso at home or in the office.
- Peet’s: An American brand that focuses on quality and freshness by roasting small batches of beans daily.
- Blue Bottle: An American brand that sources organic and fair-trade beans from around the world and roasts them within 48 hours before delivery.
Q: What are some of the best places to visit for coffee lovers?
A: Some of the best places to visit for coffee lovers are:
- Ethiopia: The birthplace of coffee, where you can experience the traditional ceremony of roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee over a fire.
- Colombia: The third-largest producer of coffee in the world, where you can visit scenic plantations and taste some of the finest Arabica beans.
- Italy: The home of espresso, where you can enjoy authentic and delicious coffee drinks at cozy cafes and bars.
- Vietnam: The second-largest producer of coffee in the world, where you can try unique and flavorful coffee drinks such as ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) or ca phe trung (egg coffee).
- Australia: The land of specialty coffee, where you can find some of the best baristas and cafes that offer innovative and quality coffee drinks.
Q: How do you store coffee beans to keep them fresh?
A: The best way to store coffee beans to keep them fresh is to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid exposing them to heat, light, moisture, or oxygen, as these can degrade the flavor and aroma of the beans. Also, avoid storing them in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause condensation and affect the texture and taste of the beans.