The mid-20th century business customs of our parents and grandparents had practically canonized the practice of the coffee break as an officially sanctioned time for employees to take a few minutes to relax, refuel and socialize together. But over the decades, and in the wake of email, web browsing, smartphones and social media, work breaks now tend to be less communal and less rejuvenating. Not in Sweden, however, where fika (pronounced FEE-kah) is a beloved tradition that brings a deliberate pause in the day to allow people to connect, typically over coffee and a sweet treat. In fact, many companies in the Scandinavian nation have established a mandatory fika in the workday or workweek.

The spirit of fika certainly can extend beyond office rhythms. Flavor & The Menu identified the vibe, the beverages and the foods of Scandinavian bar and café culture as one of its 2024 Top 10 Trends, encouraging operators to give consumers what they need, even before they know they want it: an atmosphere in which to slow down and savor a companionable break.

The Swedes may have given the concept a name, but the fact is that most countries around the world embrace a slower-paced coffee culture. And a case could be made that Americans are already moving in this direction, as well. If you look closely, you likely will see that for every ubiquitous laptop-lover working or studying in their coffee shop of choice, there are also relaxed pairs and groups chatting, people-watching or companionably reading together. Ultimately, the opportunity lies in making more of an occasion around coffee and sweet bites—at any time of day.

Creating a cultural shift like this relies upon building awareness among your patrons and then supporting it with a welcoming food-and-beverage mix. The possibilities are particularly enticing for operators of bakeries, sandwich shops and even fast-casuals and quick-service restaurants that want to build greater snack-time business. And coffee concepts have room to stretch, too, leading the evolution of American coffee culture not only by changing the atmosphere, but also by tapping the interest of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Vietnamese and Thai coffee and tea drinks.

A key component of fika is the sweet treat, which embodies the celebration of permissible indulgence. “Sweet treats are about joy and connection,” says Jessica Bormann, Foodservice Business Manager at ACH, the manufacturer of Karo^® Syrup and Argo^® Corn Starch, pantry staples that chefs rely upon in the production of both sweet and savory menu items. At ACH, “We love to inspire the sweet celebrations that support reasons to gather with friends and family, indulge and share life’s beautiful moments!”

Six Sweet Ways to Support the Fika Spirit

There are many ways to translate fika culture without (necessarily) serving up cardamom buns or heart-shaped vaniljhjartan pastries. Here are six menu inspirations that represent a spectrum of possibility, from traditional baked goods to elevated dessert takes and fun, colorful creations aimed squarely at younger consumers.

Traditional

Photo Credit: ACH Foodservice

1

Almond Shortbread Cookies

Using a shortbread crust made with Argo^® Corn Starch, these simple buttery bites are graced with diced candied cherries on top.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Cardamom Latte (Espresso + Steamed Milk with Almond + Cardamom)

Photo Credit: ACH Foodservice

2

Apple Nut Coffee Cake

This coffee cake variation forgoes the conventional streusel topping in favor of a luscious, caramel-like confection of brown sugar, Karo^® Light Corn Syrup, corn oil, apple slices and pecans or walnuts.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Honey Cold Brew with a cinnamon-smoked salt sprinkle

Photo Credit: ACH Foodservice

3

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Featuring Karo^® Light Corn Syrup, Argo^® Corn Starch and Argo^® Baking Powder, this deliciously moist cake delivers just the right level of indulgence for a midday break.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Thai Tea Latte with cream cheese foam

Elevated

Photo Credit: ACH Foodservice

4

RumChata^® Cheesecake Shooters

Sometimes permissible luxuries need to amp up to an extravagant decadence! These creamy, spiked desserts are easy to make, using a graham cracker base topped with a piped filling featuring Karo^® Light Corn Syrup, RumChata^® Caribbean Rum with Cream and whipped topping.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Caribbean Mocha (Coconut + Coffee + Chocolate + Steamed Milk)

Photo Credit: ACH Foodservice

5

Caramel Budino with Sea Salt Caramel Sauce

Tempt guests with this luxe variation on the classic Italian pudding featuring Argo^® Corn Starch and Karo^® Light or Dark Corn Syrup. Combining sea salt and caramel for the layers of sauce heightens the craveability factor.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Vietnamese Cà Phê Tini (Vietnamese Espresso + Vanilla Vodka + Condensed Milk)

Fun

Photo Credit: ACH Foodservice

6

Rainbow Popcorn Balls

Color holds enormous sway with the TikTok crowd and simple food coloring drives the eye appeal. Perhaps the easiest pantry prep recipe, popcorn is coated with a syrup made from butter, sugar and Karo^® Light or Dark Corn Syrup.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Lingonberry Spritz (Lingonberry syrup gives the classic Aperol spritz a Scandi spin)

LOOK TO YOUR PANTRY

Legacy brands like Karo^® Corn Syrup and Argo^® Corn Starch make it easy for operations to roll out a modest menu of sweet treats in support of shifting coffee culture. “Chefs rely on these products for their quality, versatility and consistent performance,” says Bormann. “From smooth glazes to fluffier baked goods, why risk your recipe with any other brand?”

Put the power of your pantry into action, trusting in the quality performance of Argo^® Corn Starch and Karo^® Corn Syrup for both new recipes and longstanding favorites.