Who Drinks Most Coffee In The World?
According to the National Coffee Association of USA, over 150 countries consume coffee, with each having its own distinct culture and preferences when it comes to drinking this beverage. But which country consumes the most coffee?
Top 5 Countries by Coffee Consumption
Surprisingly, the top countries by coffee consumption vary widely. The top consumer is Finland, with an astounding 12kg per capita per year, followed by Norway with 9.9kg. The third spot is taken by Denmark with 9.5kg, followed by the Netherlands 8.7kg and Sweden at 8.2kg. These figures lead the race for coffee consumption worldwide, with an average of 3.2kg / year for the entire planet.
What Drives Finland to Consume the Most Coffee?
Finland’s high coffee consumption has a lot to do with its culture. Coffee is perceived as part of a social ritual among Finns, in which friends share quality time with one another and chat over a cup of coffee. The weather and the long winters of this Nordic country also contribute to the Finns’ increase in coffee consumption as a way to stay warm and cozy. In general, drinking coffee in Finland is looked upon as a leisurely activity that is enjoyed after work or on weekends.
Is Coffee Consumption Increasing?
Yes. Over the past decade, coffee consumption has significantly grown globally. More and more people all over the world are becoming aware of the abundance of coffee options available and are likely to continue to purchase and try different types. This trend is mostly present in developed countries and it is expected to bring an even greater increase in coffee consumption as it continues to spread.
What Are the Benefits of Coffee Consumption?
Harvard Medical School states that coffee consumption is associated with many potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and cardiovascular diseases. Coffee is also a natural source of antioxidants and caffeine, substances known for their role in providing energy and mental alertness to those who consume them. Furthermore, coffee is known to reduce stress, improve alertness, endurance, and physical performance.
What Are Some Tips for Enjoying Coffee?
Although coffee is the world’s favorite and most consumed beverage, it is important to consider that coffee consumption should be done in moderation and with a balanced diet and exercise routine. Here are some tips for enjoying coffee:
-Choose organic: Coffee beans that are organic are free from pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals.
-Keep sugar intake low: Look for coffee options that contain no sugar or contain low amounts of sugar.
-Balance coffee consumption with water: Drinking adequate amounts of water alongside coffee can help to hydrate the body and reduce the frequency of coffee consumption.
-Explore the various coffee roasts: Different coffee roasts can provide unique taste profiles for coffee enthusiasts all over the world.
What Are Some Ways to Reduce Coffee Consumption?
Although drinking coffee in moderation is healthy, some people find themselves drinking too much coffee or they may want to reduce their intake. Here are some practical ways that can help people reduce their coffee consumption:
-Set limits: Creating limits on the amount of coffee consumed can be a helpful way to track and manage the intake.
-Drink alternatives: There are many caffeine-free alternatives to coffee that can provide a nice change of pace or an occasional break from coffee. These include herbal teas or hot chocolate.
-Substitute part of the coffee with decaf: Decaffeinated coffee is a great substitute for anyone wanting to reduce the amount of caffeine they consume.
-Use cold brew: Cold-brewed coffee is known to be easier to digest, so it is a good alternative for anyone wanting to reduce their coffee intake.
What Other Alternatives Are There to Regular Coffee?
Regular coffee is the go-to option for many people, but there are several other alternative drinks that can provide different flavors and health benefits. Here are some other alternatives:
-Iced coffee: Iced coffee is prepared by simply pouring regular or cold-brewed coffee over ice or by cooling brewed coffee in the refrigerator.
-Cold brew: Cold brew is made by soaking coffee beans in cold-to-room-temperature water for a long period of time.
-Espresso: Espresso is created by forcing hot water through fine-grinded coffee beans and served as a concentrated beverage.
-Cappuccino: Cappuccino is a combination of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
-Latte: Latte is made by combining espresso and steamed milk.
What Side Effects Are Associated With Too Much Coffee?
When consuming too much coffee, it can lead to many side-effects such as headaches, anxiety, dizziness, jitters, and stomach problems. To reduce the risk of any side-effects, it is important to be mindful of how much coffee is being consumed on a daily basis and never exceed the recommended amounts.
What Is the Link Between Coffee and Weight Gain?
Although coffee itself is low-calorie, it is important to know that some of the ways to enjoy the beverage, such as adding cream, sugar, and syrups, can add calories and contribute to weight gain. If people are looking to have coffee but are trying to lose weight, it is important to avoid adding anything caloric to the beverage and make sure to monitor the intake.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Coffee?
Here are some interesting facts about coffee:
-Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, only behind oil.
-The world consumes around 2.25 billion cups of coffee every day.
-One coffee tree produces approximately 2 pounds of coffee per year.
-More than 400 chemical compounds are found in coffee, with caffeine being the main component.
-Coffee plants can live up to 100 years and produce fruit for up to 50 years.
-Most coffee is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
What Are the Different Ways to Brew Coffee?
Brewing coffee is a largely personal experience and everyone has their own preference as to how they like their coffee. Here are some common ways to brew coffee:
-French press: French press coffee is made by pouring boiling water onto coffee grounds and letting them steep for about four minutes before pressing the grounds to the bottom of the mug.
-Pour-over: Pour-over coffee is made by slowly pouring boiling water onto coffee grounds that are placed in a filter.
-Drip coffee: Drip coffee is the most common way of brewing coffee. It is made by placing ground coffee into a filter, pouring boiling water onto the grounds and letting it drip through the filter into a mug.
-Espresso: Espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee.
-Cold brew: Cold brew coffee is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time.
-Aeropress: Aeropress coffee is created by placing coffee grounds into a cylinder where air pressure then forces water through the grounds.
Conclusion
Coffee is the world’s favorite beverage, with 208 billion cups consumed every year. Different countries and cultures have established distinct coffee-drinking rituals as a way to relish the beverage and use it as a part of their leisure activities. Moreover, health benefits related to coffee consumption are undeniable, as long as coffee intake is moderate and in combination with a balanced diet and exercise routine. With coffee comes many options for brews and flavors, which allows people to always experiment and explore with new ways of drinking their favorite beverage.
