While coffee does have some medicinal properties, people primarily drink it because of its caffeine content. Caffeine is known to enhance cognitive functions, aid in weight loss, and improve overall alertness. A morning cup of coffee can effectively reduce sleepiness and provide an energy boost for the day ahead.
Recent studies have also shown that moderate coffee consumption may have various health benefits. These include potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, coffee contains antioxidants, which can combat free radicals in the body.
In America, data from the National Coffee Association suggests that more than half the population aged 18 and above drink coffee every day. Worldwide, approximately 450 Billion cups of coffee are consumed each year. The popularity of coffee varies worldwide. For instance, while many nations have coffee as an integral part of their daily routine, countries like Great Britain have a stronger inclination towards tea.
The World’s Top Coffee Consuming Countries
Coffee’s rich history began in Yemen, where it was first brewed. Historical records and archaeological evidence suggest that the natives of Yemen enjoyed coffee as a beverage as early as the 15th century.
| Country | Coffee Consumed Per Year |
|---|---|
| Canada | 13.67 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Switzerland | 17.42 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Sweden | 18 lbs (8.2 kg) |
| Netherlands | 18.52 lbs (8.4 kg) |
| Denmark | 19.18 lbs (8.7 kg) |
| Iceland | 19.84 lbs (9 kg) |
| Norway | 21.82 lbs (9.9 kg) |
| Finland | 27.5 lbs (12.5 kgs) |
How Do People Around the World Prefer Their Coffee?
You will be surprised to learn that Canada is the only non-European nation that is a close competition for the world’s top coffee consuming countries.
Canadian people drink 13.67 lbs (6.2 kg) of coffee each year.
But in this blog, we are looking only at the top 7. And you guessed it right, all of them are European countries.
Switzerland
Switzerland comes last on the list of countries that drink the most coffee. Swiss people drink 17.42 lbs (7.9 kg) of coffee each year. Espresso is the most popular coffee drink there. Moreover, “caffè crema” is another popular coffee drink in Switzerland, which is very much similar to Americano.
As breakfast, Swiss people like a cup of coffee paired with one gipfeli (croissant). Swiss people drink, on average, 3 cups of coffee every day.
Sweden
Swedish people drink 18 lbs (8.2 kg) of coffee each year. The word Hangout has many interpretations in the western world. You can go to the bar and enjoy a beer, or stay home and watch movies on Netflix. Sweden introduces us to the concept of fika. Synonymous with breaks or parties, ‘fika’ always involves coffee.
Netherlands
People of the Netherlands drink 18.52 lbs (8.4 kg) of coffee each year. The Netherlands was one of the very first European nations that obtained coffee plants. It was brought back from Mocha, Yemen, by Pieter van den Broecke. Today, it is a top supplier of coffee beans to other European nations.
In coffee shops spread throughout the Netherlands, you will find coffee being served with a cookie or cake. However, contemporary coffee shops might offer a blend of coffee and marijuana.
Denmark
On average, people in Denmark drink 19.18 lbs (8.7 kg) of coffee each year. Just like any other Scandinavian nation, Danish people include coffee in all their meals. Also, on special occasions, they serve coffee with sandwiches, cakes, and cookies.
The most popular Coffee in Denmark is Espresso. But of course, they don’t call it that. They have a special name for it, and that is bica. A cup of that will cost you $7-$12.
Iceland
In the third position for countries that drink the most coffee, we have another European country. On average, Icelanders drink 19.84 lbs (9 kg) of coffee each year. The climate in Iceland is very unpredictable, but on most days, it is cold. In summer, the temperature stays anywhere between 68–77 °F (20-25 ° C). In winter, the temperature drops to −13 to −22 °F (−25 to −30 °C).
It is no surprise that a warm cup of coffee is exactly what you need on a cold day. The streets of Iceland are adorned with small coffee shops, often close to each other. Moreover, Iceland hosts a nationwide competition to pick the best coffee roaster and brewer.
Norway
On the second spot, we have Norway. People in Norway drink 21.82 lbs (9.9 kg) of coffee each year. Coffee was made famous in the late 18th century. In the early days, coffee was mostly consumed by the wealthy. As Denmark ruled Norway at that time, they had access to a lot of cheap coffee beans.
Norwegians like coffee in the morning, as well as at night, after their supper with dessert. 80% of its entire population drinks coffee. On average, they drink 4-5 cups of coffee each day.
Finland
Lastly, Finland reigns supreme in coffee consumption. If the International Coffee Organization (ICO) excluded children from its metrics, the per capita average would soar even higher. Each Finn drinks an astounding 12 kilograms of coffee annually. Based on calculations, this translates to an annual spending of $5,040-$6,720 on coffee alone by every Finnish citizen!
Conclusion
So there you go. In this blog, we looked at the top coffee-consuming countries. The next time you are visiting any of these nations, make sure to explore their coffee culture.