Understanding the Diet and Drinking Habits of Vikings

The Vikings, known for their seafaring adventures and fierce battles, had a unique and varied diet that mirrored their lifestyle. This article delves into what they ate, which often revolved around meats, grains, and vegetables, and how they drank, including their preference for beer, ale, and mead.

Typical Mainstays of the Viking Diet

A key component of the Viking diet was barley. Due to the short growing season in the far north, barley was the most reliable grain, used in various forms like bread and savory porridges, as well as the base for the Viking Ale, an essential drinking beverage. While some meats included mutton and fish, the value of cattle for milk production and as beasts of burden made them less common for meat. Fish, especially, were abundant and easily sourced, often dried or salted for preservation.

Seasonal and Local Foods

Vegetables like turnips, parsnips, carrots, nettles, and onions, along with local fruits such as berries, were part of their diet. Dairy products, including milk, butter, hard cheese, skyr, and yogurt-like soft cheese, were widely consumed. These products were not only delicious but also rich in protein and vitamins, especially important for a diet that could otherwise rely more heavily on grain and fish.

Mealtimes and Consumption Abroad

Back at home, a typical meal might involve fried fish or fish soup. However, when on raids or expeditions, the foods they consumed were dependent on what they looted and the luck of the raid. When at sea, they typically ate rations and fish, while on land, they might enjoy more fresh food and drink more wine.

Drinking Practices

Water and milk were the most common beverages for daily consumption. During special occasions and gatherings, drinking often involved mead, a fermented beverage made from honey with various nuts, berries, and other plant products for flavoring. Beer, or ale, derived from grain, was also very popular, especially evidenced by the brewing of a drink similar to Sahti from Finland, which contained hops, malted barley, and malted rye, along with juniper.

While mead and ale brewing was predominantly done by women, it was a significant part of Viking social and cultural life. The consumption of mead and wine among the Vikings was not limited to the wealthy; however, wine was more often imported or looted, with its consumption being more prevalent among the upper classes.

Resources for Further Reading

For those looking to dive deeper into this fascinating subject, the article Alcoholic Beverages and Drinking Customs of the Viking Age offers a detailed exploration of the Vikings' consumption habits and the diverse drinks they enjoyed.