The Country Food Similarity Index is a statistically-based attempt to quantify how similar the food in one country is relative to another. By comparing the weight of raw food ingredients used in each country, a score is assigned that reflects the degree of similarity between the respective countries. The methodology is exactly the same for each country studied.
5 Countries with the Most Similar Food Ingredients to Denmark
The four countries with the most similar food to Denmark natively speak Germanic languages. These European countries have longstanding historical connections and have influenced each other’s cuisines over time. Their people tend to eat a lot of bread, potatoes, and meat.
- Sweden and Denmark are part of the Nordic region, and their culinary traditions exhibit several similarities. Open-faced sandwiches are popular in both countries. In addition, pickled herring is a common dish in their cuisines. Hearty meat dishes and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients are prominent parts of both their cuisines.
- Germany is on Denmark’s southern border. Both countries have a tradition of eating sausages, potatoes, and delicious pastries. In addition, these countries tend to eat a lot of cheese. However, the Danish eat significantly less pork than Germans. Furthermore, Danish cuisine more fish, since most of its people live in close proximity to the coast.
- Norway and Denmark are both peninsulas with a lot of coastline, so seafood is common in their diets. Smoked salmon, cod, and herring find their way onto plates in both countries. Additionally, both nations have a rich tradition of baking pastries and producing dairy products.
- Austria is the only landlocked country on this list, but its food is still similar to both Germany’s and Denmark’s. Their cuisines feature a variety of comforting dishes, often centered around hearty meats, potatoes, and sauces. Furthermore, Danish and Austrian cheeses are enjoyed alongside bread and used in a variety of dishes, reflecting their strong tradition of dairy farming.
- Finland and Denmark both border the Baltic Sea. However, it is also the only non-Germanic country on this list. Still, hearty stews and soups as commonly eaten in these Nordic countries, utilizing local ingredients to create comforting meals. The use of rye bread and potatoes in traditional dishes is another shared characteristic.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Denmark
5 Countries with the Least Similar Food Ingredients to Denmark
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Denmark are located in Africa. The climate in these countries is also significantly warmer. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. With the exception Micronesia, they are all landlocked as well. Moreover, these countries are much less developed than Denmark.
- Chad is a predominately Muslim country that borders the Sahara Desert. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Although beef is the most popular meat in both countries, it is much less widely consumed in Chad.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is another country located in the middle of Africa. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, a food that most Danes have not eaten before. The most commonly eaten meat in Congo is freshwater fish, whereas saltwater fish are more commonly eaten in Denmark.
- Central African Republic is a former French colony located between Congo and Chad. Cassava, yam, and taro are three of the most commonly eaten staple ingredients in the country. Furthermore, cheese and yogurt are rarely consumed in this country, in contrast to Denmark.
- South Sudan is located to the east of Central African Republic. It is another country where cassava is the staple food, however the country eats its share of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. Although beef is the most popular meat in both countries, it is much less widely consumed in South Sudan.
- Micronesia is a group of small islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country relies heavily on seafood, tropical fruits, and root crops as a result. Its relative isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences on its typical diet.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Denmark
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Denmark’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Chicken
Fruit: Banana, Grape
Vegetable: Tomato, Carrot
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
6.) UNITED KINGDOM is just across the North Sea from the UK. In fact, the Danes ruled a large part of England for over 100 years. It is yet another Scandinavian country on this list. Although Denmark is not an island, it has an abundant amount of coastline like the UK. There’s an appreciation for baked goods in both countries. Denmark’s “smørrebrød,” open-faced sandwiches with a variety of toppings, resembles British sandwiches. Additionally, both nations have a love for hearty stews. Furthermore, these countries tend to eat a lot of cheese, with blue cheese being particularly popular in both countries.
7.) ESTONIA has similar cuisine to both Germany and Denmark. Not surprising, as Estonia used to be part of both countries in the past. Sauerkraut, a staple in both countries. The Danish sausage, called pølse, has counterparts in Estonia like verivorst and suitsupeekon. Furthermore, both countries tend to eat a lot of cheese. Also, beer is considered a true culinary hallmark in both countries. Moreover, there’s also a small, yet burgeoning winemaking industry in Estonia, as well a thriving number of Michelin-starred restaurants in said country.
8.) IRELAND is yet another English-speaking country on this list. Although Denmark is not an island, it has an abundant amount of coastline like Ireland. There’s an appreciation for baked goods in both countries. Denmark’s “smørrebrød,” open-faced sandwiches with a variety of toppings, resembles Irish sandwiches. Additionally, both nations have a love for hearty stews.
9.) CZECHIA’s food culture shares several parallels with Germany’s, Denmark’s, and Sweden’s ones. Both countries have a tradition of curing and preserving meats. Pork is the most commonly eaten meat in both countries, although Sweden tends to consume more fish. Wheat, potatoes, and rye are the three most popular starches in these countries. Furthermore, both countries have a rich tradition of dairy products.
10.) FRANCE is located further southwest, but, despite the distance, its cuisine shares several parallels with Denmark’s food culture. Both countries prioritize seasonal ingredients and rely on fresh produce. These countries also tend to eat a lot of cheese. Whether it’s France’s ratattouille or Denmark’s frikadeller and rødgrød, both culinary traditions feature dishes that provide warmth and sustenance during long winters. Additionally, both nations have a rich, burgeoning winemaking industry, as well an enormous number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
11.) LUXEMBOURG is located to the northeast of France. These countries also tend to prioritize seasonal ingredients and rely on fresh produce. These countries also tend to eat a lot of cheese. Whether it’s Luxembourg’s Judd mat Gaardebounen or Denmark’s frikadeller and rødgrød, both culinary traditions feature dishes that provide warmth and sustenance during long winters.
12.) LATVIA is another country whose culture is highly influenced by Germany. Sauerkraut, a staple in both countries. The Danish sausage, called pølse, has counterparts in Latvia like asinsdesa and putraimu desa. Furthermore, both countries tend to eat a lot of cheese. Also, beer is considered a true culinary hallmark in both countries.
13.) CANADA is located in North America, but, despite being geographically distant, its cuisine shares several parallels with Denmark’s food culture. In fact, Greenland, which is geographically considered part of Denmark, is also geographically close to Canada. Both countries have a particular fondness for dairy products. Furthermore, in both nations soups and stews, as well as other hearty dishes, provide comfort during their extremely chilly winters.
14.) SWITZERLAND is another Germanic country whose climate blends chilly temperatures with warmer ones. Their diets share many similarities. Both countries have a fondness for dairy products, especially cheese. In addition, these countries eat many potato-based dishes. They are two of the richest nations in Europe and enjoy a lot of variety in their cuisines.