Finland is known for its coffee culture. It’s no secret that Finns love their coffee, and the country has even been named one of the top coffee-drinking nations in the world. In fact, they love their coffee so much that it’s actually law to have a minimum of 2 coffee breaks during employment! But what makes Finland’s coffee culture so unique? Why are Finns so passionate about their coffee? In this Finland coffee culture guide, we are going to cover everything you need to know!
In Finland ‘Kahvi’ means coffee.
The culture of coffee in Finland is actually very similar to Iceland’s coffee culture in many ways.
Finland’s Coffee History
Finland is a country known for its coffee culture. The country has one of the most popular coffee chains in the world, Espresso House. The history of Finnish coffee can be traced back to the 17th century when it was first introduced by Swedish settlers who brought their coffee beans from central Europe. The settlers also brought with them a method of roasting them over an open fire, which is how Finnish coffee gets its unique taste and flavor.
In the early days, coffee was mostly consumed by the upper class and was seen as a luxury item. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that coffee became more widely available and affordable for the average Finn. This was thanks to advances in technology and transportation, which made it easier to import coffee beans from abroad.
Before long, coffeehouses were established in Helsinki and other major cities. Today, coffee is a part of Finnish culture and a staple of social life. It’s not uncommon to see people gathered around a coffee table, enjoying a cup of coffee and some good conversation.
How the Coffee Culture in Finland is Different from Elsewhere
Coffee is an important part of Finnish society and culture. It is a drink that people consume every day and it is also a social occasion. Finns are passionate about their coffee and they take great pride in its quality.
There are several things that make Finnish coffee culture unique. One of the most notable differences is the way that Finns brew their coffee. Most people in Finland use a drip coffee maker, which produces a strong and flavorful cup of coffee. This is in contrast to other countries, where espresso is the more popular choice.
Another difference is that Finnish coffee is typically drunk black. This is because Finns believe that milk and sugar mask the flavor of the coffee. If you want to try a traditional Finnish cup of coffee, be sure to order ‘kahvi maitona’, which means coffee with milk.
Finnish coffee culture is also unique because of the way that coffeehouses are designed. In Finland, coffeehouses are often cozy and inviting places where people can gather to relax and socialize. They are not typically places where people go to work or study. Instead, they are meant for a leisurely conversation and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
The importance of coffee in Finland can be seen in the amount of time, effort, and money that goes into making this drink. There are more than 100 coffee shops in Finland with up to 70% being owned by independent businesses.
To the locals of Finland, coffee is not seen as a drink or a must-have for caffeine, it is their culture and tradition, a way of life, that has been embedded into society through many centuries.
If you’re interested in experiencing Finnish coffee culture for yourself, there are a few things you should know. Be sure to order your coffee ‘kahvi maitona’ if you want it with milk as we mentioned above. Take some time to enjoy the atmosphere of a Finnish coffeehouse. It’s the perfect place to relax and chat with friends. Don’t say no to a coffee if you visit someone’s house as it could be considered rude!
Coffee Finns Prefer
Generally, drip coffee is the go-to option for people in Finland. Black coffee with some sugar and added milk to remove the bitterness is also a common choice. Unlike European counterparts that drink milk-based coffees such as the latte.
Finns are passionate about coffee, and they take great pride in its quality. The type of coffee that is most popular in Finland is called ‘korvapuusti’, which means “cinnamon bun.” This type of coffee is made with a special cinnamon pastry and it has a rich and flavorful taste.
Finland has one of the highest rates of baristas per capita.
Whereas most other countries prefer darker roasts, the majority of coffee consumed in Finland is (still) light-roasted. This preference for lighter roasts is a relatively new development, as Finns have only begun to appreciate darker roasts in the past 10 years or so. The vast majority of coffee is brewed using a drip/filter coffee machine, as mentioned previously, and it is mainly consumed in cafés.
During the summer months, you will find iced coffees in Finland. Although it is still not a popular beverage of choice, with Finns drinking up to 10 cups a day, it’s nice to have some variation!
Did you know that Finland is home to over 25,000+ coffee shops, and around 2,000 coffee roasting companies? In case you were wondering, Finland cannot produce coffee and it must be important, therefore roasters are integral to developing coffee for consumption.
Social Norms of Coffee in Finland
First and foremost, one of the key rules of coffee is that when you invite someone into your home, you must offer them a coffee. It is considered very rude not to offer and equally to refuse. This is usually served as a very small coffee, but you will be offered more ‘Santsikuppi’. It is also a custom in some families for the person hosting not to drink coffee before the guest.
In some instances, Finns will have their own special coffee cups for specific occasions or for everyday use. The common one is “pyhäkupit” (holy cups).
If you’re invited out for coffee by a Finn, it’s also important to know that they may not be looking for a leisurely chat over a few cups. In fact, it’s quite common for people to have just one cup of coffee and then move on with their day. It’s also common to be completely silent and just enjoy the coffee.
Some common social norms for coffee also include:
- “läksiäiskahvit” (farewell coffee)
- “mitalikahvit” (for winning a medal)
- “matkakahvi” (coffee for travel).
- “vaalikahvit” (election coffee)
A native Finn will actually base most of their day around having coffee and breaks to enjoy that coffee, this includes in the workplace too. Some even have coffee before going to bed, although the effects of caffeine are probably irrelevant given how much coffee they drink!
Some popular coffee norms here include:
- “aamukahvi” (morning coffee)
- “päiväkahvi” (day coffee)
- “iltakahvi” (evening coffee)
- “saunakahvi” (sauna coffee)
Coffee is an important part of Finnish culture, and it plays a significant role in social interactions. If you’re visiting Finland, be sure to take some time to experience this unique aspect of the country’s culture.
Coffee Culture at Work in Finland
Coffee culture is deeply intertwined with workplace culture in Finland. It’s not uncommon for people to drink several cups of coffee per day, and many workplaces have coffee machines available for employees to use. Often, coffee is embedded into the day such as morning, break, lunch, break, and even the end of the work coffee.
In some workplaces, it’s also common for employees to take breaks together to enjoy a cup of coffee. This is seen as a way to improve team morale and foster a sense of camaraderie.
If you’re invited to a meeting or presentation in Finland, it’s also common for coffee to be served. This is seen as a way to help people relax and feel more comfortable.
In general, coffee is seen as a way to improve concentration and productivity. It’s not uncommon for people to drink coffee while working, and many workplaces have coffee machines available for employees to use.
Coffee culture in Finland is also evident in the way that Finnish companies market themselves. Many companies use coffee as a way to differentiate themselves from their competitors. For example, some companies offer free coffee to their employees, while others offer discounts at local cafes.
If that’s not enough, you will also find that it is in the labor agreement of companies to offer employees at least two coffee breaks during their workday.
Finland Coffee Superstitions
Finns are a superstitious bunch when it comes to coffee. There are many rules and traditions that Finns follow religiously when it comes to coffee. These have been passed on through many generations and still exist in some households today.
Here are some of the most common Finnish coffee superstitions:
- If you spill coffee, it means someone is coming to visit.
- If you put your coffee cup down and the handle is pointing towards you, it means you will have bad luck.
- If you put your coffee cup down and the handle is pointing away from you, it means you will have good luck.
- If you drink coffee while standing up, it means you will never get married.
- If a pregnant woman drinks coffee, her child will be born with a birthmark in the shape of a coffee bean.
- You shouldn’t drink coffee in the dark.
- Don’t take the first sip from your own cup.
- If you spill coffee you will never find true love.
- Never use salt on coffee grounds or pour milk into the coffee.
All of these superstitions are taken very seriously by Finns, and they often dictate people’s behavior when it comes to coffee. If you end up visiting a house, ask first if they have any superstitions, and then just be sure not to spill your coffee!
How is Coffee in Finland Made
Finnish coffee is made using a method called “pulled coffee”, which is also sometimes called “stovetop coffee”. This method involves heating water in a pot on the stove and then adding coffee grounds. The mixture is then stirred and allowed to simmer for a few minutes, before being served.
Drip coffee makers are also popular in Finland, and many Finnish households have one. Although different brewing styles, both of these methods produce straight black coffee which is the preferred drink – no espresso or milk-based coffees here.
The coffee that is made using the pulled coffee method is often stronger and more flavourful than drip coffee. It’s also common for Finns to add sugar or other sweeteners to their coffee. This is because the traditional Finnish diet is quite heavy on sweets, usually as a source of energy in the cold winter months
What Does Coffee in Finland Taste Like?
The coffee in Finland is some of the best in the world. It has a rich, intense flavor that many people love. Generally, the coffee is blended with milk and creates a unique and pleasant flavor, removing the bitterness by combining the sweetness of milk and perhaps sugar.
What is the Most Popular Coffee in Finland?
The most popular coffee in Finland is the ‘kaffeost’, which is a coffee with cheese. It is made by adding a piece of Finnish bread to the coffee. The bread soaks up the coffee and gives it a unique flavor. Many people enjoy this type of coffee because it is not as bitter as a traditional coffee. That is the most popular in terms of tradition and culture.
The most popular and most trusted coffee brand in Finland is Juhla Mokka, which can be found in almost every store and many cafes.
What is the Finland Coffee Consumption Per Day?
Finland’s coffee consumption per day is roughly 8-10 cups, which is seen as completely normal – to cope with the cold weather and keep warm with enough energy throughout the day. This accounts for all types of coffee.
The average coffee consumption in Finland is about 2.9 cups per day. This is higher than the average coffee consumption in most other countries. However, there are many factors that can affect this number, such as the type of coffee consumed and the amount of milk or sugar added to it.
In KG of coffee beans, Finns consume up to 8kg of coffee per capita for the year, which is a very high amount and puts them among the top coffee consumers in the world.
Popular Finland Coffee Brands
There are many popular coffee brands in Finland, but the most popular and trusted brand is Juhla Mokka. This coffee can be found in almost every store and many cafes. Other popular brands include Paulig and Kimbo. These brands offer a variety of different coffees, all of which are high quality and have great taste.
What is the Cost of Coffee in Finland
The cost of coffee in Finland is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other countries. A cup of coffee at a cafe will usually cost between 3 and 5 Euros. However, the price of coffee can vary depending on the type of coffee, the size of the cup, and whether or not you add milk or sugar.
At home, a bag of coffee beans will usually cost between 10 and 15 Euros. This is a great option if you want to make your own coffee and have control over the quality and taste.
Finland Coffee Facts
There are many fascinating facts about coffee in Finland, here are some of them:
- Finns drink an average of 2.9 cups per day, some Finns drink up to 9 cups per day.
- Finland is in the top 3 coffee-consuming countries per capita.
- In Finland ‘Kahvi’ means coffee.
- It’s law in Finland to have 2 coffee breaks at work.
- Coffee is generally enjoyed black or with milk and sugar.
- It’s rude to refuse a coffee or not offer a coffee in a home.
- Coffee is part of every Finn’s life and culture, not just a drink.
The Final Sip
When it comes to Finland’s coffee culture, you can see that it is clearly embedded into everyday life. With coffee breaks required by law, traditions in the home to offer guests coffee, and the fact that Finns can go out and enjoy a coffee together in silence. If you get the chance, go to Finland and experience the unique culture around coffee for yourself.