Tea is a hugely popular beverage in England and plays an important role in British culture. The English have consumed tea for over 350 years and drink 165 million cups of tea every single day, more per person than any other country. But with a wide variety of teas to choose from, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea and more, which tea is the most popular in England?
The Origins of Tea in England
Tea first arrived in England in the 1650s when it was imported by the East India Company. At the time it was enormously expensive, selling for £100 per pound, which equates to over £15,000 today! Tea was therefore only drunk by the rich and seen as a status symbol. King Charles II and his Portuguese wife Catherine of Braganza helped popularize tea drinking among aristocratic circles. As the supply of tea increased, the price steadily dropped making it more affordable to the middle classes. By the 18th century tea gained widespread popularity across English society. The afternoon tea tradition also emerged at this time amongst the upper classes who would host tea parties in grand country houses. Tea consumption continued to increase in the 19th century as the custom of drinking afternoon tea expanded from being solely for the wealthy.
The British established tea plantations in India to increase tea production and reduce costs even further. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, the tea company Horniman’s made their non-proprietary tea bags commercially available for the first time. The ease and convenience of tea bags helped make the beverage even more popular. By the early 20th century, tea had become a staple of the British diet consumed by all social classes.
Most Popular Types of Tea in England
Today there are many different varieties of tea enjoyed in England. However, black tea is by far the most popular making up nearly 98% of the tea consumed. The term ‘black tea’ refers to fully oxidized tea leaves. Popular English black tea blends include:
- English Breakfast tea – a full-bodied and aromatic blend of Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan black teas. Often consumed with milk.
- Afternoon tea – a lighter blended black tea. Goes well with sandwiches, scones and desserts.
- Masala Chai – black tea infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and peppercorns.
- Earl Grey – fine black tea scented with bergamot orange oil giving it a distinctive citrusy flavor.
- Yorkshire Tea – a popular everyday black tea blend sold mostly in Northern England.
Here are the percentages that the main types of teas make up of the 165 million cups of tea consumed in England each day:
| Type of Tea | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Black tea | 98% |
| Green tea | 1% |
| Fruit/herbal tea | 1% |
As the table illustrates, black tea dominates the English tea market. Green tea and fruit/herbal teas have risen in popularity in recent years but still only make up a very small fraction of tea consumption.
Why is Black Tea so Popular?
There are several key reasons why black tea is by far the most popular in England:
- Historic traditions – Drinking black tea has been an integral part of British culture for over 350 years. Generations of English people have grown up drinking black tea which has cemented its popularity.
- Preference for the bold, strong taste – Black tea has a more full-bodied, robust flavor compared to other teas. The English tend to prefer this bold taste over more delicate green teas or herbal infusions.
- Taking tea with milk – Black tea is commonly drunk with milk in England. The milk softens the bitterness of the black tea and creates a richer, more full flavor. Green and herbal teas are seldom taken with milk.
- Familiarity and nostalgia – For many English people drinking a ‘cuppa’ black tea is a comforting, familiar part of their daily routine. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and national pride.
- Convenience and price – Basic black tea bags are inexpensive and readily available at all supermarkets. Whereas green teas and herbal blends can cost a lot more and may be harder to find.
Drinking traditional black tea is ingrained into English culture. Its bold, aromatic taste and historic popularity mean it continues to be the number one choice of tea for the English.
Regional Differences
Although black tea dominates across all of England, there are some noticeable differences in preferences between northern and southern England:
- Yorkshire Tea is the clear favorite in northern England, routinely outselling other black tea brands like PG Tips.
- PG Tips is more popular in the south of England. Market research shows PG Tips accounts for 43% of sales in southern England compared to just 12% in the north.
- Higher milk consumption – Tea drinkers in the north of England add milk more frequently and use slightly more milk per cuppa on average.
- Stronger tea – Northern tea drinkers brew tea slightly stronger than in the south, with more tea leaves per cup.
The north/south divide in tea preferences reflects regional identities and cultures. Yorkshire Tea aligns closely with northern pride and heritage. PG Tips has a more modern, urban brand appeal that resonates more with southerners. Northerners also prefer their ‘brew’ stronger and with more milk compared to their southern counterparts.
Tea Consumption by Region
| Region | Average cups per person per day |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire & the Humber | 3.12 |
| North West England | 3.02 |
| North East England | 2.81 |
| East Midlands | 2.77 |
| West Midlands | 2.61 |
| South West England | 2.57 |
| East of England | 2.55 |
| London | 2.50 |
| South East England | 2.46 |
Data shows that residents of northern England drink more cups of tea on average per day compared to the southern regions. Yorkshire and the Humber tops the table with 3.12 cups per person. Whereas London and the South East have the lowest consumption at 2.5 and 2.46 cups respectively. The preference for a traditional ‘cuppa’ remains stronger in northern areas.
How is Tea Typically Drunk in England?
Beyond the types of tea consumed, there are conventions around how the English prepare and drink their tea:
- Tea is usually brewed in a teapot first, rather than made directly in the cup. The tea leaves are left to steep for a few minutes before pouring.
- Milk is added before the hot water. This helps prevent the milk proteins from denaturing which can make it taste slightly sour.
- Tea is brewed strong. Using 1 teaspoon of black tea leaves per cup or more.
- Water should be boiling (100°C) before pouring onto the tea. Lower temperatures under-extract the leaves.
- Tea is usually drunk with milk. Around 60% of English tea drinkers take their tea with milk.
- Milk ratios vary, but around 1 part milk for every 2 parts tea is typical.
- English breakfast tea is popular in the morning. Afternoon tea and lighter blends are favored later in the day.
These customs around tea preparation and drinking can vary across England but are broadly how most people make a proper ‘cuppa’.
Tea Culture and Traditions
Drinking tea plays an important role in English culture and daily life:
- Social gatherings – Having tea together provides opportunity for social bonding. Tea breaks at work, tea visits with friends and family bring people together.
- Afternoon tea – The traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes is still widely enjoyed, especially among older generations.
- Royal associations – Afternoon tea was popularised by Queen Victoria in the 1840s. Tea also remains closely associated with the British monarchy.
- Part of the routine – Tea drinking punctuates the day and provides comfort through daily rituals and familiarity.
- Offers refreshment – The warmth and caffeine in tea gives an energizing lift during the day.
- Relaxation aid – Tea is seen as promoting relaxation and as an aid to unwinding and de-stressing.
Drinking tea is intertwined with many aspects of English culture and heritage. For centuries tea has been a staple part of the English diet and daily habits.
Decline in Tea Drinking Among Young People
Although still very popular, tea consumption has been declining among younger generations of English people over the past decades. In 2002, nearly 68% of 18-24 year olds drank tea daily. By 2016 this had dropped to just 50%.
Younger English people are switching to alternatives like coffee and energy drinks more and drinking less traditional tea. Some of the reasons for this shift include:
- Coffee seen as more modern and fashionable.
- Wider availability of coffee chains like Starbucks and Costa Coffee.
- Energy drinks appeal to young lifestyle and branding.
- Less formal afternoon tea traditions among millennials.
Whilst still enjoyed by around half of young adults, tea drinking is declining in popularity amongst Generation Y and Z. The traditions around British tea appear less relevant to modern younger generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, black tea remains by far the most popular type of tea in England. Around 98% of the 165 million cups of tea drunk every day is black tea. The preference for black tea has been built up over centuries of tea drinking culture and tradition. Its bold, strong taste and role in social rituals has cemented black tea as England’s national beverage. Regional differences do exist however, with Yorkshire Tea being most popular in the north and PG Tips dominating in the south. Tea is typically prepared by brewing in a pot first and drinking with milk. It continues to punctuate daily English life, although is declining amongst younger generations.