Fika, originally uploaded by Tifty

Scandinavians are the world’s biggest consumers of coffee. The afternoon “fika” coffee break is a strong Swedish tradition, while American style coffee bars have also invaded Sweden. But new British research indicates that coffee may not be providing as much of a kick as previously thought:

University of Bristol researchers say the caffeine eases withdrawal symptoms which build up overnight, but does not make people more alert than normal.

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The work, presented to the British Nutrition Foundation conference, showed only people who have avoided coffee for a while will get a buzz from caffeine…

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Those who swear by their morning caffeine fix say it wakes them up, and if they missed out they would feel sluggish and unable to get on with their day.

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But the Bristol researchers, who carried out a review of previous studies into the effects of caffeine, say all the drink does is counteract the mild caffeine withdrawal symptoms people are experiencing because they have gone without the stimulant overnight.

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And those who drink a caffeinated drink first thing are no more alert than those who never consume one.

More at BBCnews.com

According to Swivel.com here is the top per capita consumption of coffee:

Norway 10.70 kg per year
Finland 10.10
Denmark 9.70
Sweden 7.80

The United States is in 12th place with 3.0 kg per year.