Coffee is more than just a drink. But have you ever wondered which country actually drinks the most coffee? For many people around the world, it is a daily ritual, a social activity, and a major part of their culture.
You might be surprised to learn that it is not the United States or Italy. The top spot goes to a much smaller, colder country that takes its coffee very seriously.
Let’s dive into the countries that consume the most coffee and why they love it so much.
Which Country Drinks the Most Coffee?
The Top Coffee-Drinking Country in the World
The country that drinks the most coffee per person is Finland.
According to the International Coffee Organization and other global food studies, the average person in Finland drinks around 12 kilograms of coffee per year. That equals about four to five cups every single day.
Coffee is such a big deal in Finland that workers are legally given coffee breaks during the workday. It is not just a habit. It is part of the culture.
Why Do Finns Drink So Much Coffee?
There are a few reasons Finland tops the list:
- Cold weather: Coffee is warm and comforting in a chilly climate
- Tradition: Drinking coffee is common at all social gatherings
- Light roasts: Finns prefer mild, light-roasted coffee, which can be enjoyed in larger amounts
- Coffee breaks are built into daily life: Schools, offices, and even government buildings have official coffee breaks
It is also common for people in Finland to drink coffee with sweet buns or pastries, especially during visits with friends or family.
Other Countries That Love Their Coffee
While Finland leads, other countries in Northern Europe also drink a lot of coffee. Here are a few close contenders:
1. Norway
Norwegians drink about 9.9 kilograms of coffee per person per year. Like in Finland, it is a huge part of social life.
2. Iceland
Iceland is small in population but big on coffee. Most people drink several cups a day, often at home or in cozy local cafés.
3. Denmark
Denmark ranks high with around 8.7 kilograms per person per year. Coffee is enjoyed slowly, often during long conversations and breaks.
4. Sweden
Swedes enjoy a concept called “fika,” which means taking a break with coffee and something sweet. It is a cultural tradition and a daily event.
5. The Netherlands
Dutch people also drink a lot of coffee, often paired with cookies or small snacks.
What About the United States?
The United States drinks a lot of coffee in total, but not per person. Americans rank lower on the list compared to the smaller European countries.
However, the U.S. has a huge coffee culture, with thousands of coffee shops, drive-thrus, and specialty cafés. The rise of cold brew, espresso drinks, and coffee trends has made it a major player in the global coffee market.
Instant vs Fresh Coffee
In many of the top coffee-drinking countries, people prefer freshly brewed filter coffee or light roasts. Instant coffee is more common in places like the United Kingdom or some parts of Asia, but it is not the favorite in countries like Finland or Norway.
How Culture Shapes Coffee Habits
Coffee is more than caffeine. In the top-drinking countries, it is tied to lifestyle and tradition.
- In Finland, it is part of almost every gathering
- In Sweden, coffee is an excuse to slow down and connect
- In Italy, people enjoy small, strong espressos while standing at a café bar
- In the United States, coffee often fuels the on-the-go lifestyle
Wherever you are in the world, how people drink coffee says a lot about their culture.
Final Thoughts
So, which country drinks the most coffee? The answer is Finland, where coffee is not just a drink but a way of life. And if you are a coffee lover, there is no better inspiration than the countries that treat their coffee time as something special.
Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a mild light roast, there is a whole world of coffee culture to explore.
Want a guide to brewing coffee like they do in Finland or Norway? I can help with that too. Just let me know.