Varma Koppen
Varma Koppen is the warm, fruity drink Swedes reach for after a winter walk, on the ski lift or as a workplace pick-me-up. Stock up on every flavour — blåbär, hallon, frukt, äpple, plommon — shipped from Sweden in single sachets and storpack.
What is Varma Koppen?
Varma Koppen ("the warm cup") is a Swedish instant fruit-soup powder produced by Ekströms (part of Orkla Foods Sverige). You stir a sachet into hot water for a smooth, lightly sweet drink that sits somewhere between a fruit soup, a hot squash and a hug in a mug. It's been a Swedish workplace and family staple for decades, especially in the colder months, and is one of the products Swedes living abroad most often write to ask about. The base is fruit juice and starch, gently flavoured and warming rather than rich.
All Varma Koppen flavours
| Flavour (Swedish) | English | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blåbär | Blueberry | The classic, deepest flavour |
| Hallon | Raspberry | Bright, fruity, kid-friendly |
| Frukt | Mixed fruit | Mild, balanced everyday cup |
| Äpple | Apple | Light, autumnal, cinnamon-ready |
| Plommon | Plum | Rich, slightly tart, winter favourite |
| Nyponsoppa | Rosehip | Traditional Swedish, vitamin-rich |
The flavour line-up has stayed remarkably consistent over the years. Blåbär is the iconic original and the bestseller; Hallon is the family favourite; Frukt is the most universal; Äpple and Plommon make seasonal appearances; and Nyponsoppa (rosehip soup) sits on the same shelf and has the same usage.
How to prepare Varma Koppen
Preparation could not be simpler. Empty one sachet into a large mug or cup, pour in roughly 2 dl (200 ml) of just-boiled water, and stir until smooth — usually 10-15 seconds. Wait a minute for the starch to hydrate fully, then drink. For a thicker version, use less water; for a lighter drink, use more. Storpack tins are made for offices and ski cabins: scoop one or two heaped tablespoons of powder into a mug and stir with hot water the same way.
Varma Koppen vs other Swedish fruktsoppa
Varma Koppen is the instant, cup-sized version of the wider Swedish fruktsoppa tradition. Other forms include Ekströms Fruktsoppa sold as a powder mix to whisk into a saucepan of water and serve as a ladled fruit soup at the dinner table; Felix Nyponsoppa in cartons, ready to heat and pour; and various supermarket-brand versions of both. The big difference is convenience: Varma Koppen is a one-mug, one-minute drink, while traditional fruktsoppa is a bigger family-size dessert or breakfast soup. All come from the same family of warm fruit drinks.
When Swedes drink Varma Koppen
Varma Koppen has a few classic moments. The first is after a winter walk or ski trip — it warms hands and appetite without being as heavy as hot chocolate. The second is the workplace afternoon, where storpack tins live in office kitchens and a quick mug is the colleague-friendly alternative to coffee. The third is the ski cabin (fjällstuga), where it appears alongside ostmacka and Marabou chocolate. Fourth is illness, especially with rosehip soup, traditionally drunk to soothe a sore throat and replace lost fluids. Finally, families keep it in the cupboard simply for cosy winter evenings.
Storpack vs single sachets
Varma Koppen comes in two main formats. Single sachets (typically sold in boxes of 5-10) are pre-portioned, easy to take to work and good for trying new flavours. Storpack tins or bags hold 500 g or more of powder and work out significantly cheaper per cup; they're the default for offices, ski cabins and families that drink it daily through winter. Storpack works best when you have a teaspoon to hand, while sachets are foolproof for occasional use. Browse our full Varma Koppen range or pair an order with Swedish soups and desserts for the complete pantry.
Frequently asked questions
What flavours of Varma Koppen are there?
Varma Koppen flavours include Blåbär (blueberry), Hallon (raspberry), Frukt (mixed fruit), Äpple (apple), Plommon (plum) and Nyponsoppa (rosehip soup). Blåbär is the bestseller and the original. Some flavours are seasonal, especially Äpple and Plommon, which appear more often in autumn and winter.
How do you make Varma Koppen?
To make Varma Koppen, empty one sachet into a mug, pour in about 200 ml of just-boiled water, and stir for 10-15 seconds until smooth. Wait a minute for the starch to thicken, then drink. From storpack, use one to two heaped tablespoons of powder per mug.
Is Varma Koppen Blåbär still available?
Yes. Varma Koppen Blåbär is still produced by Ekströms and is the bestselling flavour in the range. It is regularly stocked in Swedish supermarkets and is available internationally through Butik Hemlängtan (swedishfoodshop.com), both as single sachets and as storpack tins.
Is there a sugar-free or diet Varma Koppen?
Standard Varma Koppen contains added sugar, but lighter versions appear from time to time and rosehip soup is naturally lower in added sugar in some preparations. Check each product's nutrition panel on the shop page; we update sugar-free or reduced-sugar variants as Ekströms releases them.
Can I buy Varma Koppen storpack online?
Yes. Varma Koppen storpack tins (around 500-750 g of powder, equivalent to 30-50 cups) are available online from Butik Hemlängtan (swedishfoodshop.com) and ship to 100 countries. Storpack is the most cost-effective option for daily winter drinking and for offices.
What is Varma Koppen made of?
Varma Koppen is made primarily of sugar, modified starch (which gives it its smooth, slightly thick texture), fruit juice powder or extract, citric acid and natural flavouring. The fruit content varies by flavour, with Blåbär and Hallon containing real berry juice and Nyponsoppa containing rosehip powder. The full ingredient list is printed on each pack.
Is Varma Koppen gluten-free or vegan?
Most Varma Koppen flavours are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, as they are based on starch, fruit juice and sugar without dairy or wheat. However, recipes can change, so always check the allergen panel on each pack — both are clearly listed in EU-format labelling.
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