Why Finnish people love coffee?
Finnish people love coffee because it is like the fuel of their engine. They need coffee to start their day especially in morning coffee is mandatory for them. As there is harsh cold weather which dips into even -40C in Finland a cup of hot coffee is something incredible which helps them to cope up with the environment and makes their body active throughout the day. Coffee makes their good mood and the energy to survive the day. And that is why they drink coffee after few hours to feel energetic.
Meanwhile, during the short but hot summers, iced coffee steps in to satiate the cravings for caffeine.
Iced coffee brings out your beauty. Although we’re fond of hot coffee too, this Finnish saying adds a unique twist. Finns hold the title for the world’s most avid coffee drinkers, sipping more than 3 cups per day (with 9 cups being a typical amount).But it’s not just about the numbers. The Finnish fondness for coffee has deep historical and climatic roots. However, the real reason behind the Finnish love for coffee might catch you off guard.
Finnish Coffee Culture
Coffee holds a central place in Finnish culture, a fact often realized only upon experiencing Finland firsthand. With an average yearly consumption of 10 kg per person, Finns top the charts for coffee consumption globally. While some attribute this habit to the cold and dark winters, coffee serves a deeper social function beyond mere caffeine intake.
In Finnish culture, coffee breaks are integral social rituals, leading many newcomers, including international students, to embrace the local coffee culture. These breaks are often enjoyed in silence, a practice that might seem unusual to outsiders but is perfectly comfortable for most Finns. For students, meeting friends and classmates for coffee is a common occurrence, whether it’s before class, after lunch, or during a mid-afternoon study break. While coffee is the beverage of choice for these breaks, alternatives like tea are also welcomed, emphasizing the social aspect over the drink itself.
While some Finns do drink coffee alone, it’s primarily viewed as a social activity. Coffee shops serve as popular meeting spots, and it’s customary to offer coffee when visiting someone’s home. Even unexpected guests can expect a pot of coffee to be brewed as it’s considered impolite to leave before everyone finishes their drink.
Coffee has a special place in their heart
The affinity between Finns and their coffee has endured for over a century. Early 20th-century Finnish novels, paintings, and essays all attest to the significance of this beverage.
Even in contemporary times, Finns often share anecdotes about their ancestors’ relationship with coffee. Maria Oiva, a Finnish coffee enthusiast, fondly recounts a story about her grandfather. “He was a theatre director in Helsinki,” she says. “When he was working, his cup of coffee always had to be full. One day, he had some health problems. The doctor asked him how many cups of coffee he drank every day. He had no idea! So he started to count. He reached 35 cups a day. That’s huge!”When Maria shares this story with her Finnish friends, she notes their initial surprise. “But then they think for a while and say, ‘Well, yes, maybe that could happen to us, too.’”
Lasse Vidman, an acclaimed Finnish barista, emphasizes the emotional connection Finns have with coffee. “Coffee is also linked with our best memories,” he explains. “For instance, when I was a child, I loved to go ice-fishing in the winter, with a thermos full of good, hot coffee in my bag. I am also sure that every Finn remembers where he or she was when he had his or her first taste of coffee.”
Coffee also plays a vital role in social interaction in Finland, as noted by Korhonen in her workplace. “Coffee breaks the ice,” she observes. “During the coffee break, my colleagues and I talk about other things than work. We get to know each other. And all this thanks to coffee. Can you believe it?”
How Finnish people like or drink their coffee?
In Finland, it’s typical to enjoy light roasted coffee. While you can still find dark roasts or espresso in cafes, they’re less prevalent. Many Finns prefer their coffee black or with just a splash of milk. In self-serve cafes, you’ll often find three milk options: regular, lactose-free, and oat milk. If you like your coffee sweetened, sugar is usually available near the milk station, although in smaller cafes, you might need to ask the barista as most Finns don’t add sugar to their coffee.
Moreover, in Finland, coffee is nearly always accompanied by cake. There’s even a Finnish term for this tradition: “kakkukahvi,” which translates to “coffee and cake.” A popular choice to pair with coffee is a sweet bun topped with vanilla icing, known as “pulla.”
More national coffee chains than multinationals!
It might appear peculiar that multinational coffee chains haven’t gained traction in Finland, with Starbucks being present only in Helsinki and its airport. The straightforward reason is their lack of necessity – Finland boasts an abundance of national chains, independent cafes, and corner shops that brew coffee to perfection.
