Eggs Are The Secret To Great Coffee In Sweden

For most, coffee is the most important part of the day. According to the National Coffee Association, it's one of the most desired drinks in America, even more so than water. But as the years have passed, traditional drip coffee has slowly dwindled in popularity. Meanwhile, specialty drinks — including lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos –- have only increased in consumption.

Statista reports that between 2020 and 2021, Americans consumed nearly 3.3 billion pounds of coffee, or 10 pounds per capita. Visually, this would weigh as much as 4.5 empire state buildings. While this may seem impressive, the average Swedish citizen consumed almost 17 pounds of coffee that same year, or 171.7 million pounds in total. Relative to Sweden's smaller population of 10.1 million residents, these numbers are astonishing (World O Meter). 

That said, coffee plays an integral role in Swedish life and culture. Almost 10 days out of the calendar year are spent on leisurely coffee breaks called "Fika" between Swedish friends and coworkers, via World Population Review. According to Coffee Affection, a typical cup of Swedish drip coffee is extremely strong and is often served without cream and sugar. Instead, they substitute artificial sweeteners for desserts, like cakes, buns, and tarts. And, while Sweden may be represented by its beautiful landscapes and worldwide IKEA locations, it is also known for its role in egg coffee.

It may come as a surprise to some, but the secret ingredient to egg coffee is an entire egg. This includes the yolk, whites, and outer shell. But don't worry, your morning cup of joe won't be crunchy or chewy in the end. 

According to Atlas Obscura, Swedish and Norwegian travelers first used eggs in coffee to remove impurities from overused beans and grounds. It was then adopted by Scandinavian travelers, who drank and introduced egg coffee to other voyagers during their laborious expeditions to America in the 1800s. Once they landed in America and moved to the Midwest, so did Scandinavian egg coffee. It eventually adopted the name "church basement coffee" in Minnesota because of its bountiful leftovers that could be split among church-goers. Ultimately, mashing an egg into your coffee grounds can reduce its naturally sharp taste and give it a smoother finish. 

"The coffee being slightly acid and egg being alkaline, they cancel each other out, and you get a very mild clear cup of coffee. A lot of people, they just love it for some reason," Jim Zieba, a Minnesotan coffee brewer, told The Takeout in 2021. 

To make Scandinavian egg coffee, mash the egg into the coffee grounds before boiling them together in a large pot of water. Then, reduce the heat, add cold water, and allow it to rest. Finally, strain the coffee and serve. 

Eggs are not an uncommon companion to morning coffee. While they are more often served on the side, eggs can be blended into a beverage to provide the consumer with a quick and easy portion of protein.

Men's Health reported that Arnold Schwarzenegger adds a whole egg, yes with the shell, to his protein shakes. Although this adds some extra protein and calcium to a smoothie, consuming raw eggs does not go without risk. Unpasteurized eggs can significantly increase the chances of food-borne illnesses, like salmonella, per HuffPost. That said, it's better to play it safe with some good, old-fashioned cooked eggs, whether on the side or in your coffee.

According to My Recipes, eggs are essential for a classic Swedish breakfast, although not in a Swede's coffee. This beverage is actually more popular in the American Midwest than in Sweden. Instead, Swedish breakfasts include hard-boiled eggs sliced and served on toast with a side of coffee. They also top breakfast sandwiches and pair well with cheese, caviar, peppers, yogurt, and an assortment of other fixings. However, if you still choose to drink your coffee the Scandinavian — er, we mean Minnesotan — way, traditional egg coffee can be paired with everyday pastries like muffins, croissants, and danishes.