Reference Information on Taste Preferences & Food Culture in Finland

(Compiled by PSG)

1/25/2026

This article is a compilation of reference information from multiple public sources, which Pho Sai Gon (PSG) has selected, reviewed, and systematized while researching the food market in Finland and Nordic countries.

This article is intended for those who are planning to open a restaurant, newcomers to Finland, or anyone working in the food and service industry.
The purpose is to share basic reference information to help readers gain a more realistic understanding, and to start in a more structured and practical way, especially when bringing traditional cuisine from their home country to Finland.

1. Finnish & Nordic Taste Preferences – General Characteristics

*Salty Taste

People in Finland and Nordic countries are generally accustomed to salty flavors, due to traditional food preservation methods using salt (salted fish, cured meat).
Distinctive salty foods such as pickled herring, salted salmon, and salty liquorice (salmiakki) are widely accepted in daily life.

👉 Dishes with a salty base flavor are usually easy to approach, but current trends emphasize reducing salt for health reasons, so balance is important.

*Sweet Taste

Finns have a strong preference for sweets, especially pastries, chocolate, candies, and desserts.
Sugar consumption in Finland is relatively high compared to many countries; however, there is also a growing trend toward reducing sugar and favoring natural, balanced sweetness.

👉 For desserts and beverages, moderate sweetness is generally more suitable than very sweet flavors common in some Asian cuisines.

*Spicy Taste

Traditional Nordic cuisine is not spicy, but in recent years, acceptance of spicy food has increased, especially among younger people and those interested in international cuisine.

Most customers prefer mild to medium spiciness, while only a small group enjoys very spicy food.

👉 When serving spicy dishes, it is recommended to offer adjustable spice levels, rather than cooking everything at the original spice level of the home cuisine.

2. Current Food Trends in Finland

Some notable trends include:

Growing focus on health and nutrition
Increasing demand for vegetarian and plant-based dishes
Preference for local and seasonal ingredients
Openness to international cuisine, while valuing simplicity and transparency

👉 Finnish customers are willing to try new food if they understand what they are eating, know the ingredients, and feel confident about the flavors.

3. Notes for Those Planning to Open a Restaurant or Work in Food Services in Finland

Recommended Practices

Study local taste preferences and adapt flexibly
Maintain the identity of your cuisine, while making it accessible
Incorporate Finnish ingredients into traditional dishes when appropriate
Offer vegetarian and lighter options
Be transparent about ingredients, spice levels, and allergens
Take advantage of lunch hours, which are very important in Finland
Communicate in a humble, honest, and clear manner

Practices to Avoid

Rigidly sticking to “authentic flavors” without adaptation
Serving dishes that are too spicy, too strong-smelling, or too greasy
Exaggerated or unrealistic marketing
Ignoring health considerations and local eating habits

Conclusion

Bringing traditional cuisine abroad does not mean losing its identity, but rather understanding the market in order to present that identity appropriately.
Understanding taste preferences, trends, and food culture helps food entrepreneurs move steadily and sustainably, reducing risks and increasing long-term opportunities in Finland.

Reference list

1.Mausteiden maailma – Mausteilla makua ruokaan

https://www.sydanmerkki.fi/ammattilaisille/mausteiden-maailma/

2.Finns among world's biggest fat and sugar eaters, new figures claim

https://yle.fi/a/3-7789818

3.Makumieltymykset eivät katso kulttuuria – ihmiset haluavat syödä tulisia ruokia

https://yle.fi/a/3-9440116

4.Yllättävä tutkimustulos suomalaisten suhteesta terveelliseen ruokaan https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/makuja/artikkeli/yllattava-tutkimustulos-suomalaisten-suhteesta-terveelliseen-ruokaan/

5.The Finnish foodservice wholesale market is characterized by resilient growth https://www.nordicgrowth.fi/the-finnish-foodservice-wholesale-market/

6.Exploring the Finnish affinity for coffee

https://finland.fi/life-society/exploring-the-finnish-affinity-for-coffee/

7.Specialising in fierce Finnish liquorice