New research has revealed that coffee has overtaken tea as the preferred drink in the UK, with 63% of consumers saying they regularly drink coffee compared to 59% who regularly drink tea. The shift marks a significant change in the nation's long-standing love affair with tea.
The trend appears to be driven largely by younger generations, including millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly opting for coffee over traditional builder's brew. However, the change is not exclusive to younger age groups.
The rise of coffee has been accompanied by a decline in the traditional tea ceremony, as evidenced by Marks & Spencer's decision to stop serving tea in cups and saucers, replacing them with mugs. The retailer cited energy savings from dishwasher efficiency as the reason for the change.
While coffee's versatility—with options such as iced coffee, lattes, and flat whites—may contribute to its popularity, the author notes that tea also offers iced tea, cocktails, and bubble tea. Coffee shops have become social hubs, attracting a diverse clientele from business workers to students and parents.
The shift is not unique to the UK; in the US, traditionally a coffee-drinking nation, younger demographics are increasingly choosing tea. This suggests novelty may play a role in changing drinking habits globally.
