Which Country Drinks the Most Coffee? ☕🌍 (And Why It’s Not Who You Think!)

Coffee is more than just a drink, it’s a global ritual, a cultural identity, and for some, a downright necessity. But have you ever wondered which country actually drinks the most coffee?

Spoiler: it’s not Italy (despite the espresso pride) and it’s not even the UK - although we’re definitely catching up. 

Fun Fact: The UK now drinks more coffee than tea! 

Let’s dive into the coffee-loving world and find out where people are guzzling the most caffeine, why certain nations lead the pack, and what that means for coffee culture globally.

📊 The Stats: Who Tops the Global Coffee Consumption List?

When you measure total coffee consumption per capita (per person per year), the leader is crystal clear - and it’s Finland. YES, Finland drink more coffee per person than anywhere else in the world. 

According to the International Coffee Organization (ico.org)

🇫🇮 Why Finland Drinks More Coffee Than Anyone Else

If you’re imagining chic coffee bars on every corner, think again. Finland’s coffee obsession is rooted in home brewing and social rituals. Just like us here at RISE coffee box. We love the odd cafe trip for a cup of coffee, but we are obsessed with drinking great coffee at home. 

A few reasons why Finland drink so much coffee. 

• Kahvitauko (coffee break) is a legally mandated part of many Finnish workdays.

• The coffee is almost always filter coffee, light roasted, mild, and sipped throughout the day.

• Most Finns have two to three coffee breaks every single day.

Fun fact: Finland’s love for coffee is so deep that until recently, weddings often included mandatory coffee service before alcohol!

❄️ Why Cold Climates Love Hot Coffee

It’s no coincidence that the top coffee-drinking nations are mostly in Northern Europe. Cold weather makes warm, comforting drinks a daily habit and coffee offers both warmth and a caffeine kick.

In countries like Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, coffee is tied to fika and is a cultural pause in the day where friends, family, or colleagues gather for coffee and something sweet.

☕ Coffee Culture Around the World

Here’s how coffee drinking habits differ across the globe:

Italy 🇮🇹

• Average coffee consumption is lower than you’d think at just 1.5 cups/day.

• Italians favour espresso shots, often drunk standing at the bar.

• It’s quality over quantity.

USA 🇺🇸

• Americans drink more total coffee than any other country (because of population), but per person they average around 2 cups/day.

• Drip coffee and to-go culture dominate, but specialty coffee is on the rise.

UK 🇬🇧

• Traditionally a tea nation, but coffee is growing rapidly.

• The average Brit drinks around 2 cups/day, and specialty coffee subscriptions (like RISE Coffee Box 😉) are fuelling the trend.

• Flat whites, lattes, and cold brew are especially popular.

Brazil 🇧🇷

• The largest coffee producer in the world and locals drink plenty of it.

• Brazilians enjoy cafezinho, a small, strong, and sweetened black coffee, often offered as a gesture of hospitality.

🌍 Surprising Coffee Facts by Country

1. Finland – More coffee is consumed at home than anywhere else. Coffee machines are standard kitchen appliances.

2. Norway – Coffee drinking is deeply social, often part of long conversations with friends.

3. Netherlands – Coffee is often served with biscuits or cake at home in an afternoon coffee is a ritual.

4. Canada – Tim Hortons’ dominance means coffee is more than a drink it’s part of the national identity.

5. Japan – Coffee culture is booming, especially canned coffee sold in vending machines.

💡 Why This Matters for the Coffee Industry

Understanding where and how coffee is consumed helps coffee producers, roasters, and ethical brands (like us at RISE) tailor their sourcing, marketing, and packaging.

For example:

• Subscription models work well in countries with strong at-home brewing traditions (hello, Finland!).

• Single-origin specialty coffee resonates in markets that value quality and traceability (UK, USA, Japan).

• Ethical sourcing is a global talking point and consumers in Canada, the UK, and Northern Europe are increasingly seeking FairTrade and B Corp brands.

📈 The UK’s Coffee Growth Story

While we don’t make the top 10 yet, the UK coffee market is booming. In 2025:

• The UK coffee shop market is worth over £4.5 billion.

• At-home coffee brewing sales are surging thanks to better equipment and subscription services like RISE coffee box

• Specialty coffee is becoming a household staple, a far cry from instant coffee dominance 20 years ago.

And as more Brits swap tea for coffee, our per capita consumption is climbing fast.

🔮 Future Coffee Trends to Watch

• Plant-based lattes (oat, almond, pistachio) becoming mainstream.

• At-home barista gear sales continuing to soar.

• Sustainable coffee taking centre stage - certifications, regenerative farming, and brands giving back.

• Cold brew & ready-to-drink expanding beyond summer months.

🏆 Final Brewdown: The Coffee Crown

If we’re talking per person? Finland wins. Hands down. Four cups a day, every day, and they’re not slowing down.

If we’re talking total coffee volume? USA takes it, simply due to size.

And if we’re talking fastest growing coffee market in Europe? The UK is coming for that title and brands like RISE Coffee Box are making it happen, one ethical, flavour-packed subscription box at a time.