The World’s Biggest Coffee Drinkers: Ranked

How do you stack up with coffee drinkers around the world? Here, we’ll explore the statistics for the world’s biggest coffee drinkers.

World's Biggest Coffee Drinkers
Scandanavian countries are on top when it comes to most coffee consumed

When traveling, many people notice that coffee culture is different around the world. From when people drink coffee to the types of drinks available in coffee shops, different cultures have different “rules” around enjoying a cup of joe. 

Citizens of some countries may drink just one cup per day, while others seem to sip on espresso all day long. 

After consulting a few sources, it’s clear: Scandanavian countries come out on top when it comes to most coffee consumed. 

Which Country Has The World’s Biggest Coffee Drinkers?

1. Finland

In Finland, approximately 24.45 pounds of coffee are consumed per capita. “Khavi” is a way of life for Finnish people, and many workers’ unions require coffee breaks throughout the day. 

Citizens of Finland tend to drink coffee all day, every day. Decaf seems to be non-existent in Finland, and citizens use caffeine to boost their already intense work ethic. In addition to enjoying coffee in the morning and afternoon, Finnish people also enjoy coffee in the sauna and even have a word — “saunakahvi” — for enjoying an extra steamy cup. 

In Finland, citizens enjoy very light roasts. Coffee is made Turkish-style — by bringing water and coffee grounds to a boil repeatedly. 

2. Norway

At 21.82 pounds per capita, citizens of Norway aren’t far behind the Finnish in their coffee consumption. Like other European countries, coffee became popular in Norway in the 1700s. Like many areas of the world, Norway underwent a period of prohibition in which alcohol was illegal. Citizens needed a new brew to enjoy socially, and coffee houses were the answer. 

Norwegian citizens enjoy “kaffe” with breakfast and after dinner. Invitations to come over specifically for coffee are common, and many Norwegians drink four to five cups of coffee each day. 

3. Iceland

a place somewhere in Iceland
Iceland hosted many coffee competitions in creating the most delicious cup of joe

Many Icelandic citizens love warming up with a hot cup of kaffi from one of the many independent coffee shops scattered across the nation. At 19.84 pounds of coffee per capita, it’s clear that Icelandic people love getting their morning (and evening) caffeine boosts from a hot cup. 

Coffee is serious business in Iceland — the country hosts many coffee competitions in which coffee bean roasters and professional baristas challenge each other to create the most delicious cup of joe. Big chains like Starbucks are nearly non-existent in Iceland, and citizens rely on small local coffee houses to get their daily fix. 

4. Denmark

Danish citizens average 19.18 pounds of coffee per capita, or nearly one and a half cups of coffee per person, per day. 

In most areas of Denmark, coffee is served with each meal. It’s also the focal point of special occasions. Coffee in Denmark is high-quality (and expensive), which may stop Danish citizens from enjoying an endless supply of joe. 

5. Netherlands

The Dutch enjoy 18.52 pounds of “koffie” per capita. Amsterdam’s coffee houses aren’t just known for serving up powerful brew — they’re also known for serving up edible delicacies that aren’t legal in many other locations

Usually, Dutch citizens enjoy coffee with cookies and cakes (a Northern Netherlands tradition) or sweet pie (a Southern Netherlands tradition). At-home baristas brew coffee in a large pot to serve friends and family. 

6. Sweden

Swedes typically consume 18 pounds of coffee per capita. Citizens of Sweden even have a word that means “to have coffee” — “fika.” 

While some Swedish people enjoy coffee at home, many prefer to enjoy the drink as a part of social interaction. Both independent coffee shops and chains dot the streets of major cities in Sweden. Some reports show that Sweden is even higher on this list, ranking close to Finland and Norway. 

7. Switzerland

a place in Switzerland
Swiss people consume 17.42 pounds of coffee per capita annually

Residents of Switzerland also enjoy having “kafi” as a social activity with friends. Swiss people consume 17.42 pounds of coffee per capita per year and are fond of espresso-based drinks (much like their Italian neighbors to the South). If you find yourself in a Swiss restaurant, you’ll get to enjoy a small cup of strong black coffee at the end of your meal. 

Much like Denmark, coffee is expensive in Switzerland, with a cafe-served cup of coffee costing as much as $4.64 (USD). 

8. Belgium

The citizens of Belgiumconsume about 15 pounds of koffie per capita, and are serious about enjoying a nice piece of chocolate alongside their hot brew. 

Coffee shops are everywhere in Belgium, and often serve the large, fluffy waffles the country is known for alongside cups of joe. If you enjoyed this post, you may be interested in learning if Cuban coffee is stronger than espresso.

The Final Word On The World’s Biggest Coffee Drinkers

It’s clear — Scandinavian countries come out on top when it comes to throwing back the most cups of joe in the world. While people around the globe love their brewed coffee and espresso-based drinks, it makes sense that those in the coldest climates would highly depend on jitter juice to warm up and get moving. 

FAQs On The World’s Biggest Coffee Drinkers

Which city drinks the most coffee in the world?

It’s likely that Helsinki, Finland residents consume more coffee than any other city in the world. In the United States, Seattle residents come out on top for enjoying the most cups of joe on a daily basis. 

How much coffee is consumed by people in the United States?

Annually, Americans drink about 146 billion cups of coffee each year. 

Which country drinks the most tea?

Turkey has the highest tea-drinking-rate, with the average citizen consuming nearly seven pounds of the steamy beverage per year.

Author

  • Amanda Berkey

    Amanda has an M.S.Ed degree from the University of Pennsylvania in School and Mental Health Counseling and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. She has experience writing magazine articles, newspaper articles, SEO-friendly web copy, and blog posts. Find Amanda on LinkedIn.