Coffee has been a big part of many people’s lives since it has been discovered. Its popularity across the world is undeniable, with more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed every day. But not all countries consume the same amount of coffee. Some countries drink more coffee than others, but who drinks the most coffee per capita? Who has the highest coffee consumption rate?
According to Statista.com, the world’s top coffee consuming countries per capita are Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands. The Finns top the list with a staggering 12 kg of coffee consumed per person per year. This is significantly higher than the other two countries on the list with Norway at 9.9 kg and the Netherlands at 9.2 kg. Other countries that have higher coffee consumption include Denmark, Sweden and Latvia. Brazil, being the world’s largest producer of coffee, surprisingly does not make the list at all, meaning consumption levels are relatively low.
Experts have attributed Finland’s high consumption rate to its culture. Coffee has been a staple in Finnish gatherings and meetings for centuries, and it is still an integral part of their culture and daily life. Coffee plays an important role in their social activities and connections. Furthermore, Finns are known for preferring darker roasts, so strong and robust coffees that contain higher caffeine content are favoured, which could be a contributing factor to their large consumption rate.
It is worth noting that these countries also contain higher populations of tea drinkers and thus, could be considered to have a positive correlation with their overall coffee consumption. People in these countries regularly alternate between tea and coffee but high lovers of both are still present.
However, it is observed that the traditional consumption of hot drinks is in decline in all of these countries, as consumers have started to opt for cold and ready-to-drink versions. Sales of frozen, chilled and canned coffee are increasing throughout all these countries, with the strongest sales volume in Norway and Finland. With the rising popularity of alternative beverages, it is uncertain how this will affect the per capita consumption rate of these countries.
Does Coffee Impacts People’s Health?
The effects of coffee on one’s health has always been a debatable subject. While some sources claim that it contains certain health benefits, others suggest the opposite. In any case, consuming too much coffee can have adverse effects on the body. Finns, being the top coffee drinking nation, are thus more vulnerable to these health risks. The European Food Safety Authority states that an average of 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for the general public. Beyond that, it can lead to negative consequences such as insomnia, headaches, nausea, and more.
Drinking coffee in moderation has been linked to various health benefits such as increased energy, improved focus and concentration and lowered risk of heart diseases. Research conducted by the British Heart Foundation reveals that drinking four to five cups of coffee every day reduces a person’s risk of heart failure by up to 11%. More recent studies demonstrate that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of type two diabetes, while also frustrating the development of cancer. Moderate coffee drinking is also believed to lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease, a debilitating neurological disorder.
While it cannot be determined yet whether coffee benefits one’s health or not, it is essential to understand that moderation is key. Heavy coffee drinkers, such as the Finns, need to remain aware of the risks of exceeding the caffeine limit, and practice self-restraint in order to reap the possible health benefits that coffee offers.
Coffee and Anxiety: Is There a Connection?
Controversy also surrounds the relationship between coffee and anxiety. Some studies have shown that the effects of caffeine can act as a stimulant and increase levels of anxiety. On the other hand, some believe that the soothing aroma of coffee can help people relax, which then reduces anxiety. This can be confusing for people who are uncertain how coffee will affect them.
Interestingly, some research has revealed that coffee can actually improve anxiety symptoms in people who are fond of the beverage. It appears that people who consume coffee on a regular basis, build a tolerance to the caffeine in it. This allows them to be able to handle more caffeine and therefore consume more coffee with out feeling the side effects such as increased levels of anxiety.
Even more interestingly, studies indicate that coffee drinkers tend to experience lower levels of stress compared to non-coffee drinkers. This is believed to be partly caused by the fact that people associate coffee drinking with relaxed social interaction. Therefore, when they consume coffee, they subconsciously give themselves a break from the stress of daily life.
In conclusion, it is difficult to separate coffee from stress and anxiety. Due to the conflicting information available, it is difficult to determine whether one should drink coffee to reduce their anxiety or if its caffeine content could actually worsen it. Therefore, it is best to assess how coffee affects you personally and make an informed decision.
Coffee in Other Countries
In 2013, the Middle East and North Africa region had the highest absolute growth rate of over 6 million tons of coffee. This growth was mainly attributed to countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Morocco. When compared to countries with the highest per capita consumption, coffee consumption in these countries is much lower. However, coffee consumption has increased significantly in recent years due to an increase in global awareness of the beverage.
The fast-growing coffee cultures in these countries have also resulted in a higher number of speciality coffee cafes, with franchised outlets such as Starbucks and Caribou Coffee springing up in numerous cities all around the region. With the booming café and speciality coffee culture, the consuming habits of people in the region are changing, and the availability of quality coffee is gradually increasing.
It remains to be seen how this shift in drinking culture will affect the per capita consumption rate of countries in the Middle East and North Africa region in the coming years. But it is clear that the global coffee market is ever expanding, and that coffee will likely remain a popular beverage for many years to come.
The Coffee Trade and Its Economics
In terms of economics, the coffee trade is a very dynamic and lucrative one. Coffee is usually grown in areas with warm climates and high altitudes, and it is then exported to countries around the world. Almost all of the coffee beans consumed in countries with the highest per capita consumption are imported from the producing nations.
In the countries with the highest consumption, the price of coffee is impacted by several factors. This is largely due to the fact that the cost of production, transportation, grading and taxation all vary from country to country. Furthermore, the increased demand for speciality coffee means that the costs of these products are higher than regular ‘high street’ coffee.
Coffee is a huge business and it is an industry which brings in a lot of revenue. The countries with the highest consumption are integral in the economics of the coffee trade, and they often help regulate the price of coffee beans in the global market.
The World and Its Coffee-Drinking Habits
When it comes to the world’s coffee-drinking habits, the differences are apparent. In countries with the highest per capita consumption, such as Finland and Norway, coffee is often seen as a social activity that binds people and brings them together. This allows for a deeper understanding of the significance of coffee in these countries, and the importance of moderation when it comes to consumption.
In the countries with fast-growing coffee cultures, the traditions are still relatively new and are mostly influenced by the foreign cultures and customs that these countries have adopted. However, what is certain is that coffee has become a staple in many countries around the world, and that its popularity is ever-growing.
Coffee is a beloved beverage in many countries, and it is clear that its worldwide appeal is not going anywhere anytime soon. Its availability and accessibility has improved the lives of many, and it has become an integral part of the morning routines of many people across the globe.
