Our guide on What Europeans Really Think About American Coffee and it’s not what you expect to read.
Coffee is more than just a drink in Europe; it’s a cultural ritual deeply embedded in daily life. When Europeans visit the U.S. or encounter American coffee culture, their impressions can range from bafflement to intrigue.
Whether you prefer a quick to-go cup or a leisurely café experience, both cultures have unique and valuable perspectives on coffee. The next time you travel, consider embracing the local coffee customs for a richer, more authentic experience.
Here’s what Europeans really think about American coffee—and it might not be what you expect.
Read here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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Key Takeaways
Cultural Differences: Europeans view coffee as an art form and social ritual, while Americans often see it as a functional, energy-boosting beverage.
Appreciation of Variety: Despite the critiques, Europeans often admire the creativity and variety in American coffee culture.
Room for Improvement: Americans traveling to Europe might enjoy slowing down and savoring a perfectly brewed espresso, while Europeans in the U.S. might explore the wide array of coffee drinks on offer.
What Europeans Really Think About American Coffee
1. The Size Is Overwhelming
What Europeans Think:
Europeans are often astonished by the sheer size of American coffee servings. A “small” coffee in the U.S. can be equivalent to a “large” in Europe.
Typical Comment:
“Why is the cup so big? Who needs this much coffee in one sitting?”
2. The Coffee is Too Weak
What Europeans Think:
Drip coffee, the cornerstone of American coffee culture, is often viewed as weak and watery compared to the stronger espressos popular in Europe.
Typical Comment:
“It’s like coffee-flavored water. Where’s the bold flavor?”
3. The To-Go Culture Feels Rushed
What Europeans Think:
Europeans value the ritual of sitting down to enjoy their coffee, often in ceramic cups, rather than rushing off with a to-go cup.
Typical Comment:
“Why don’t Americans take the time to enjoy their coffee instead of drinking it on the go?”
4. The Flavored Coffees Are Over the Top
What Europeans Think:
The idea of caramel, pumpkin spice, or hazelnut-flavored coffees is puzzling to Europeans, who often prefer their coffee plain or lightly sweetened.
Typical Comment:
“Coffee should taste like coffee, not dessert.”
5. The Use of Milk and Cream Is Excessive
What Europeans Think:
The heavy reliance on milk, cream, and sugar in American coffee dilutes the pure flavor of the brew, making it less recognizable to traditional coffee drinkers.
Typical Comment:
“Why add so much milk? It’s not coffee anymore; it’s a milkshake!”
6. Coffee Shops Are Too Noisy
What Europeans Think:
American coffee shops are often seen as noisy, work-focused environments rather than relaxing spots to enjoy a conversation or take a break.
Typical Comment:
“It’s hard to enjoy a quiet coffee when everyone’s working on laptops or chatting loudly.”
7. Starbucks Is Everywhere
What Europeans Think:
While Starbucks has expanded globally, Europeans often associate it with overly sweet drinks and uniformity, lacking the charm of independent cafés.
Typical Comment:
“Why go to Starbucks when you can find a cozy café with better coffee and atmosphere?”
8. Iced Coffee Is Intriguing
What Europeans Think:
Iced coffee, especially sweetened or blended varieties, isn’t as common in many European countries. While some find it refreshing, others think it’s more like a dessert than coffee.
Typical Comment:
“It’s fun to try, but I wouldn’t replace my morning espresso with it.”
9. Free Refills Are Surprising
What Europeans Think:
The concept of free coffee refills is practically unheard of in Europe. It’s seen as both generous and a bit strange.
Typical Comment:
“Wait, you can just keep drinking as much coffee as you want for the same price?”
10. The Coffee Is Served Too Hot
What Europeans Think:
Europeans often find American coffee scalding hot, making it difficult to enjoy immediately.
Typical Comment:
“Why serve it so hot? I can’t even taste it!”
11. Black Coffee Is Surprisingly Popular
What Europeans Think:
Many Europeans are surprised by how popular plain black drip coffee is in the U.S., with no sugar or milk.
Typical Comment:
“It’s simple, but I can see why some people like it. It’s very different from what we’re used to.”
12. Coffee Prices Are Expensive
What Europeans Think:
While specialty coffees are common in the U.S., Europeans are often shocked by the price of a basic cup of coffee.
Typical Comment:
“Why does coffee cost $5? In Italy, you can get an espresso for one euro.”
13. The Variety of Choices Is Impressive
What Europeans Think:
Europeans are often impressed (and sometimes overwhelmed) by the extensive menus at American coffee shops.
Typical Comment:
“There are so many options! I just want a simple coffee, but it’s nice to have choices.”
14. Drive-Thru Coffee is Strange
What Europeans Think:
The concept of grabbing coffee through a drive-thru window feels alien to many Europeans, who see coffee as something to be enjoyed sitting down.
Typical Comment:
“Coffee is not fast food. Why would you drink it in your car?”
15. Coffee Culture Is Social, But Different
What Europeans Think:
While coffee culture in the U.S. emphasizes productivity (work meetings, studying), European coffee culture focuses on leisure and socializing.
Typical Comment:
“Coffee in Europe is about taking a break and connecting with others, not rushing through the day.”
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.