Coffee has overtaken tea as the United Kingdom's preferred hot beverage, according to new research. Sixty-three per cent of consumers now say they regularly drink coffee, compared with 59 per cent who regularly reach for tea. The shift is largely driven by millennials and Gen Z, who favour coffee over the traditional builder's brew.
The findings come amid a broader cultural change that has seen coffee shops become ubiquitous on British high streets. These establishments attract a diverse clientele, from suited businesspeople to students and parent-and-toddler groups, a versatility that traditional tea shops often lack. Even M&S cafes, long known for serving tea in china cups and saucers, have switched to mugs, a move the retailer attributed to energy savings.
Despite the trend, experts caution against attributing the shift to any single factor. Coffee's versatility—iced coffees, lattes, flat whites—and the appeal of coffee shop culture are often cited. However, tea remains a staple in many homes, and its cultural resonance, such as the phrase “I’ll put the kettle on” in times of distress, endures. In the United States, a traditionally coffee-drinking nation, younger demographics are increasingly opting for tea, suggesting that novelty may play a role in changing tastes.
Ultimately, the debate may be less about the drinks themselves and more about the rituals they enable. Both coffee and tea offer moments of respite and social connection, whether shared over a cafetiere or a teapot. As the UK’s drinking habits evolve, the simple pleasure of a hot beverage—whatever the cup—remains a constant.
