Exploring Nordic Food Culture with Mette

Although Australia has been my home for many years, I often think about how my Scandinavian roots continue to influence the way I approach food, cooking and baking. Just looking at the Nordic crackers and dip mixes I have created, both are inspired by the timeless traditions of my Nordic culture, but created to suit our modern, healthy lifestyles here in Australia.

Growing up on my family’s farm in Denmark, food was more than just something we ate - there was meaning behind it. It was an experience which connected us to the seasons, the land and our traditions. Still, to this day Nordic food culture continues to be a big part of my daily life, reminding me to keep things simple and mindful while focusing on quality ingredients.

What does Nordic Food Culture Mean to Me?

There is something special about Nordic food culture - for us, living in Scandinavia, food is an expression of both practicality and creativity. It’s all about using seasonal, fresh and locally sourced ingredients with a strong focus on food being natural and unprocessed. This approach is also deeply connected to hygge - the Nordic tradition of creating a cozy, simple, balanced and mindful atmosphere in everyday life.

My mum cooking in the kitchen on our family's farm.

I have spoken about hygge before on my blog, especially how to create a cosy winter home, but hygge extends far beyond that. Hygge is a Danish word that captures a feeling of contentment and well-being by enjoying the simple things in life. When we cook wholesome meals using fresh ingredients and share them with family and friends, we are practicing hygge.

My parents and my cousin at our family home, enjoying spending time together and a meal - practicing hygge.

While growing up on our family’s farm, I have so many wonderful memories of watching my mum in the kitchen, preserving and stewing summer fruit and fermenting vegetables ready for the long winter months ahead - special rituals which brought warmth and joy to our home or a feeling of hygge. There was always a focus on making the most of what was in season. Preserving food was a big part of life on the farm, to curing, fermenting, smoking and pickling.

I came to appreciate these special techniques to preparing food, which wasn’t just out of necessity. These techniques created something delicious and unique as well as brought so many health benefits. Fermented foods, for example, are packed with probiotics that are great for gut health, while pickling and preserving foods help to lock in the nutrients and flavours. Which was so important, especially in winter, when we relied on these preserved foods to nourish our bodies and keep our immune systems strong.

For me, Nordic food culture is about using natural and simple ingredients, focusing on always making the most of what’s available, to create meals that are both nourishing and flavourful. It’s about making thoughtful food choices and eating in tune with the seasons.

How Healthy is the Nordic Diet?

I have always thought the Nordic way of eating to be incredibly healthy - Nordic diets have always focused on whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats and lean protein sources from fish and enjoying high fibre foods from grains and oats. It’s all about balance - making conscious and deliberate food choices.

These principles were the guiding force behind our Nordic crackers - a delicious feel-good, go-to snack. Rich in nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals they are packed full of dietary fibre and are free from preservatives, additives and colours. Unlike many processed supermarket crackers, our Nordic crackers offer a nutritious, wholeome alternative.

Plus, our dip mix range, also inspired by my Nordic roots are steeped in Nordic tradition, uses only the finest quality ingredients to create our all-natural spice blends. Each adds their own delicious flavour helping you create extraordinary dishes and are perfect to add a burst of flavour to any meal.

Bringing Nordic Food Culture to Australia

When I moved to Australia, I was so excited to discover the abundance of fresh, local produce available year-round. In many ways, Australia’s food culture is very similar to the Nordic way of eating. There’s a strong focus on sustainability, fresh ingredients and an appreciation for the outdoors.

What I love about Australia is how open people are to new ideas and I’ve found that so many people I talk to are curious about how they can incorporate elements of Nordic food culture and hygge into their lives - that’s where Mette is Baking comes in. My goal has always been to bring a piece of Nordic tradition to your table.

Our Nordic crackers are perfect for pairing with Australian cheeses, dips and cold meats. While our dip mixes, inspired by traditional Scandinavian flavours, are an easy way to bring the fresh flavours to any meal, whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a healthy snack.

Australia and Scandinavia also share a deep respect for the environment. Nordic food culture is all about only taking what we need, minimising our waste and always trying to choose local and seasonal foods. From farmers’ markets to the emphasis on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients there is a lot of common ground between our two cultures. This shared focus on sustainability is something I always strive to incorporate at Mette is Baking - from sourcing the best local ingredients, to ensure our packaging is eco-friendly and only baking to order to avoid waste.

Wanting to bring Nordic Food Culture to Your Home?

If you’re wanting to explore Nordic food culture and bring it into your own kitchen, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some of my simple suggestions to help you get started:

• Wholefoods - incorporate wholefoods into your diet, seasonal fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds. Our Nordic crackers, filled with a wholesome mix of super seeds can be a perfect addition.

• Seafood - we like to eat a lot of fish including salmon - fish is a big part of the Nordic diet. Try pairing smoked salmon with our crackers and a simple dill dip made using our Viking Herbs Nordic Dip Mix, mixed through natural yoghurt, sour cream or plant-based alternative.

• Fermented foods - fermented foods are fantastic for gut health. You can find fermented vegetables in health food stores or try making a jar at home (it’s very easy!). Add fermented foods to your next grazing platter or cheese board for an irresistible tang.

• Seasonal ingredients - just like in Nordic countries, eating with the seasons is key. Try incorporating local, seasonal produce into your meals for the freshest, most flavourful results.

The main thing to remember is to have fun with food and enjoy sharing it with loved ones.

Visit our online store and purchase our Nordic inspired crackers or dip mixes delivered straight to your door.