Scandinavian-Style Brewed Coffee May Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Women concerned about breast cancer risk often look for lifestyle changes that could make a difference. Diet and beverage habits are among the most studied—and now, a major Swedish study points to a specific way of brewing coffee as potentially protective.

If you drink Scandinavian-style boiled coffee more than four times a day, research suggests you may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who drink it less than once daily. In contrast, regular consumption of instant coffee before age 49 appears to raise that risk.

What Is Scandinavian-Style Boiled Coffee?

Scandinavian-style boiled coffee refers to a traditional method of preparation similar to using a French press, Turkish coffee maker, or Greek briki. Unlike filtered drip or instant methods, this technique involves boiling finely ground coffee and then typically filtering or letting grounds settle—resulting in a full-bodied, often unfiltered cup rich in certain compounds.

Key Findings From the Umeå University Study

Conducted by researchers at Umeå University in northern Sweden, the study surveyed around 65,000 women. Results showed that women consuming boiled coffee more than four times per day had a lower incidence of breast cancer than those drinking it fewer than once per day. Meanwhile, those who frequently drank instant coffee before the age of 49 faced a higher breast cancer risk compared to their peers who opted for boiled versions.

The study, published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control, highlights a clear difference in health outcomes based on coffee preparation method—not just caffeine intake.

Why Boiled Coffee Might Be Healthier

Researchers attribute the potential benefits of Scandinavian-style boiled coffee to its significantly higher fatty acid content. According to the study, boiled coffee contains up to 80 times more fatty acids than instant coffee. Animal studies have demonstrated that these fatty acids can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, suggesting a possible mechanism behind the observed risk reduction in breast cancer.

This chemical difference likely arises from the way the coffee is brewed and filtered—or not filtered—during preparation. Boiled methods may allow more of these bioactive compounds to remain in the final cup.

The Other Side: Risks for Men

While boiled coffee may offer protective effects for women regarding breast cancer, the same study found it poses risks for men. Regular consumption of Scandinavian-style boiled coffee was linked to an increased likelihood of developing pancreatic and lung cancer in men. This underscores that the health impact of coffee varies not only by preparation method but also by gender and possibly other individual factors.

How Much Coffee Do Swedes Drink?

For context, the average Swedish citizen consumes approximately 8.2 kilograms of coffee per year. That’s roughly 2.2 grams or about 2–3 cups per day per person, though many drink more. The study’s focus on frequent boiled coffee drinkers reflects a common habit in Scandinavian countries, where boiled or unfiltered coffee remains a cultural staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scandinavian-style boiled coffee?

Scandinavian-style boiled coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee, then allowing it to settle or filtering it crudely—similar to methods used in French presses, Turkish coffee, or Greek coffee makers. It produces a strong, often unfiltered brew and is distinct from filtered or instant coffee.

How many times per day did women in the study drink boiled coffee to see benefits?

Women who drank boiled coffee more than four times per day had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who drank it fewer than once per day, according to the Umeå University study.

Does instant coffee increase breast cancer risk?

The study found that women who regularly consumed instant coffee before age 49 had a higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who drank boiled coffee. However, it did not find the same risk for all ages or all types of coffee.

What makes boiled coffee different from instant coffee chemically?

Boiled coffee contains up to 80 times more fatty acids than instant coffee. These fatty acids have been shown in animal studies to inhibit cancer cell growth, which may explain the lower breast cancer risk associated with boiled coffee.

Is boiled coffee safe for everyone?

While boiled coffee may reduce breast cancer risk in women, the study found it is linked to higher risks of pancreatic and lung cancer in men. Its health effects vary by gender and possibly other individual factors.

How much coffee do people in Sweden drink per year?

On average, each person in Sweden drinks about 8.2 kilograms of coffee annually, equivalent to multiple cups per day, with boiled styles being especially common.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Brewing at Home

For home brewers exploring coffee’s health and flavour dimensions, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a balanced medium roast with notes of caramel and dark cherry—ideal for filter methods. Their Ethiopia Humbera single origin offers bright citrus and floral tones, perfect for pour-over. Both showcase the complexity of properly brewed coffee without additives. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.