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New 2024 Tea Census Study Reveals Exactly How The Nation Takes Their Tea, With Some Surprising Quirks Ahead Of International Tea Day - 21st May 2024
Dr Sharon Hall , Chief Executive of the UKTIA - UK Tea & Infusions Association - adding,
Indeed, many Brits are making another interesting choice when it comes to preparing their perfect brew, with a third (32%) also opting to add milk to their herbal infusions.
While it's considered far more acceptable to take milk in black tea, nearly a quarter (24%) said they drank their black tea as it comes, without any milk. Of those that did add milk, the most popular choice by far was semi-skimmed (40%), with 18% choosing skimmed, 13% opting for the full fat variety, and just 5% preferring plant-based milk in their brew, despite the trend for plant-based diets.
There's a clear favourite format of tea that Brits use for their daily brew. says Dr Sharon Hall .
Interestingly, however, the age cohort most likely to prefer loose leaf black tea was the 30-44-year-olds (27%), compared with 16% of 18-29-year-olds, 12% of 45-59-year-olds, and only one in 10 (10%) of those aged 60+.
says Dr Sharon Hall , adding, This compares to only 5% of the older adults.
The UKTIA Census Tea Study also covered the steps Brits take to make a cuppa, and it turns out that while we are known as a nation who likes a strong builders brew, only a few of us are brewing our tea for longer. says Dr Sharon Hall , adding,
When asked which order they add the items needed for making a brew, Brits most commonly put in the tea bag first followed by water, milk and sugar/sweetener.
"For those adding an accompaniment to their teatime, the most popular snack pairing for Brits was by far and away a sweet biscuit (48%)," says Dr Sharon Hall .
Around a fifth (22%) said they preferred to enjoy their brew simply as it comes.
So, how does this compare with Dr Sharon Hall's advice for enjoying the perfect cuppa? "The first step is really important," says Dr Sharon Hall , continuing, "Always use a good quality tea bag or loose-leaf tea that's been stored away from any strongly scented foods that could affect the flavour.
"Boiling freshly drawn water each time also "energises" the leaf and extracts to bring out the character of the tea. The oxygen in the water is depleted with every additional boiling, which affects the flavour. Water quality can also affect it, so it's also worth considering using a water filter. Remember that the optimal temperature for green tea is 80C while it's 90-98C for black tea, but always follow the instructions on pack if you want the perfect brew.
"Always . Measure out the number of cups of water you need for each cup you are making, this will save time, money and energy. Add one tea bag or one rounded teaspoon of loose leaf per cup. Bring the water to the required temperature, and brew according to the pack instructions. If you're brewing from a tea bag in a mug, add the milk last, making sure to remove the bag beforehand.
"When it comes to adding milk, green tea tends to taste better without. If you're looking for the best black teas to take minus the milk, try Darjeeling, Ceylon, or Earl Grey (brew all for 3-4 minutes). Assam or Kenyan work well with milk. However, like everything in life you should make your tea just how you like it. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy with your favourite tea with a biscuit, or two."
The United Kingdom Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA) is an independent, non-profit making body that works in support of the industry and is dedicated to promoting tea and herbal infusions and their unique story to consumers, the media, and key stakeholders. UKTIA works on behalf of the world's major tea producing and exporting countries, UK tea packers and allied UK companies who support the tea and herbal infusions supply chains. The UKTIA provides support and information of a technical, scientific, and regulatory nature. UKTIA is the voice of the British tea and herbals industry.
The UK TEA & INFUSIONS ASSOCIATION is the trade association for the UK tea industry.
Independent poll of 1010 UK-based adults, March 2024
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