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Which country has the highest dairy consumption per capita and why?

Jeane Laingmaid

Based on recent studies, we can see that Finland has the highest dairy consumption per capita in the world. On average, a Finnish person consumes approximately 361.19 kg of dairy per year, which is almost 100 kg more than the average European citizen.

One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the country's strong tradition of dairy farming, with over 70% of Finnish farms operating in this sector. This has created a deeply rooted culinary culture that revolves around milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

Dairy is a vital component in Finnish cuisine, with many traditional meals and snacks incorporating it. An excellent example is 'piirakka,' a pastry that commonly includes milk, and 'kalakukko,' a fish pie that contains a generous quantity of butter. The Finnish pastry, 'pulla,' is famous worldwide and is made with milk and butter. Furthermore, cheese is a fundamental ingredient, with many delicacies, such as 'leipajuusto' and 'juustoleipa,' that are only found in Finland.

Apart from traditional dishes and cultural influences, Finland's climate and geography also play a crucial role in dairy consumption. The country's northern location means that the winters are harsh, and fresh fruits and vegetables are not readily available. This has lead to the development of a winter diet rich in protein and calcium, where dairy products are a staple.

Another critical factor has been the government's encouragement of dairy farming. Finland's agricultural policies have been designed to protect and promote domestic dairy production, providing subsidies to dairy farmers and investing in research and development. This has been important in making dairy accessible and affordable to the population.

However, it's worth noting that while dairy consumption has been on the rise in Finland, some health professionals have voiced concerns about the impact this trend is having on public health. Dairy can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease in some studies. For this reason, some experts recommend reducing dairy intake.

In conclusion, the high levels of dairy consumption in Finland can be attributed to cultural and traditional influences, the country's geography, government policies, and dietary habits. While this may be cause for concern in regards to health impacts, dairy remains a vital part of Finnish cuisine and is unlikely to lose its place any time soon.