The research, which is based on a survey of 1,000 British adults, was carried out on behalf of the UK Tea and Infusions Association. It found over a third (34%) said they first started drinking tea in secondary school.
A further 26% traced it back to their primary school years. Dietitians, nutritionists and GPs have confirmed children above the age of four can enjoy a weak milk tea.
Nearly one in five (19%) said they began drinking tea in their 20s, while smaller proportions picked it up later in life with 5% in their 30s and the remaining survey respondents from age 40 onwards.
Dr Sharon Hall, chief executive of the UKTIA, said: “Tea is often introduced in very familiar, comforting settings – at home with family or during school years – and those early experiences can shape habits that last into adulthood.
“It becomes more than just a drink; it’s something people associate with routine, reassurance and connection. What’s interesting is that even for those who start drinking tea later, it often becomes a consistent part of their daily routine quickly. That speaks to how accessible and adaptable tea is – it fits into different lifestyles and life stages.”
Home (65%) is the most popular location for tea drinking among Brits, which isn’t surprising considering it’s a habit that begins in early life for so many. However, men (26%) were more than twice as likely as women (11%) to drink their tea in coffee shops or independent cafés.