Coffee During World War I: How Soldiers Brewed Coffee at the Front
Like many others, I love history. WWI is often a footnote when considering war. I remember in my own time in the GWOT, we made coffee various ways but nothing remarkable. There was a comfort to coffee for us, in a constant high-tempo environment, even the worst cup of coffee created a pause. The preparation as well as testing for taste slowed you down, even for a moment.
I remember going to Kandahar Air-field for R&R every 8 weeks or so for a couple of days. At one point, there was a Tim Hortons on post, to my great disappointment, it was closed when the Canadiens left KAF. That was clearly a war crime.
Coffee has always been more than just a beverage. During World War I, it was a source of warmth, energy, and familiarity for soldiers living through one of the most difficult periods in modern history.
From muddy trenches to makeshift camps, coffee played a critical role in daily military life. In this post, we’ll explore the history of coffee in World War I, how soldiers brewed it, what their mess kits looked like, and why coffee mattered so much on the front lines.
Why Coffee Was Important in World War I
World War I was defined by long periods of waiting, harsh living conditions, and constant physical and mental stress. Soldiers faced cold temperatures, exhaustion, and limited food supplies.
Coffee helped soldiers by providing:
- Warmth in cold, wet environments
- Caffeine and alertness during long watches
- Routine and comfort in unfamiliar surroundings
- Morale support, reminding troops of home
For many soldiers, coffee was not a luxury—it was essential.
Coffee Rations for Soldiers in WWI
Most armies included coffee or coffee substitutes in official military rations.
Coffee in U.S. Army Rations
American troops were especially known for their reliance on coffee. Standard U.S. Army rations often included:
- Roasted coffee beans or ground coffee
- Sugar
- Occasionally condensed milk
American soldiers drank so much coffee that Allied troops nicknamed them “coffee boilers.”
Coffee in European Armies
- British soldiers primarily drank tea but still received coffee
- French and Italian troops regularly consumed strong, dark coffee
- German soldiers, especially later in the war, often drank coffee substitutes made from roasted grains or chicory due to shortages
No matter the army, hot coffee or coffee-like drinks were highly valued.
How Soldiers Brewed Coffee in World War I
Brewing coffee during World War I required creativity and simplicity. Soldiers used whatever tools were available, often under difficult conditions.
Common WWI Coffee Brewing Methods
Boiled Coffee
The most common method involved adding coffee grounds directly to boiling water, then letting the grounds settle before drinking.
Improvised Filters
Some soldiers used cloth, socks, or handkerchiefs as makeshift filters to strain grounds from the coffee.
Shared Brewing Pots
When possible, soldiers pooled supplies and brewed coffee together over open fires or small stoves.
Flavor wasn’t the priority—heat, caffeine, and comfort were.
The World War I Soldier Mess Kit
A WWI soldier’s mess kit was designed for durability and portability. Most kits included:
- A metal cup (steel or tin)
- A canteen
- A small pot or pan
- Folding or nesting utensils
The metal cup served multiple purposes:
- Coffee mug
- Cooking vessel
- Soup bowl
Coffee was often brewed and consumed from the same container.
Coffee and Life in the Trenches
In trench warfare, coffee breaks were often the most anticipated moments of the day. Soldiers drank coffee:
- Early in the morning
- After night watch
- During rare quiet periods
Letters and diaries from WWI frequently mention coffee as one of the few reliable comforts soldiers had.
Coffee Shortages and Substitutes in World War I
As the war continued, blockades and supply disruptions made coffee scarce—especially in Central Europe.
Common coffee substitutes included:
- Roasted barley
- Chicory root
- Rye
- Acorns
While these substitutes lacked caffeine, they still provided warmth and routine, showing how important the ritual of coffee had become.
What World War I Coffee Would Taste Like Today
By modern standards, WWI coffee would likely be:
- Very strong
- Over-extracted
- Gritty
- Served black
But taste was secondary. Coffee was about survival, connection, and comfort.
Final Thoughts: Coffee’s Role in World War I
The history of coffee during World War I shows how deeply embedded coffee is in human resilience. Soldiers brewed coffee under extreme conditions not for enjoyment, but for strength, warmth, and a moment of calm.
At Ramshorn Coffee, we honor that history. Coffee has always been more than a drink—it’s a constant companion through hard times and quiet moments alike.
Every cup carries a story. Some began in trenches.
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Sources
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History – Food and Drink in World War I
- U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps – Army Rations and Field Feeding
- Mark Pendergrast, Uncommon Grounds
- National WWI Museum and Memorial – Life in the Trenches
- British Library – Food, Drink, and Morale in WWI