The research was commissioned by the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA) to celebrate the upcoming International Tea Day (21st May). The day aims to raise awareness about tea’s history, cultural significant and economic importance.
The UKTIA Tea Census Study found noteworthy differences between the older and younger generations in their tea consumption.
Among the 18-24 age group, two thirds (63%) said they mainly drink black tea, while around a fifth (20%) are experimenting with a range of herbal infusions or drinking green tea. Compared with the 65+ age group, among whom over four fifths (86%) mainly drink black tea, but fewer than one in ten choosing herbal or green tea.
According to the research, more women than men were likely to deviate from tradition when it comes to their main brew of choice, with one in five women (19%) opting for herbal infusions compared to just one in eight (12%) men.
Dr Sharon Hall, chief executive of the UKTIA, said: “As a nation with a long history of tea drinking, Brits are ideally placed to raise a cup or two to celebrate. What's more, the Tea Census Study data clearly shows that the majority of us stick to tradition when it comes to our brew choice.
“Although younger generations are experimenting with a range of teas more than their parents and grandparents, our new Tea Census Study data clearly shows that the nation’s favourite is still a traditional brew of regular black tea.”