LONDON, U.K.
A national survey by tea manufacturer Typhoo shows the great British tradition of brewing a cuppa may become a thing of the past for young tea drinkers.
While 80 percent of UK’s adult population drinks tea daily only 4 percent of respondents under 25 are frequent tea drinkers. The young also shun tea pots. The survey found that 99.5 percent of those under 25 prefer to brew their beverages in a mug. Only 20 percent of all respondents say they still brew in a pot.
The survey found that younger Britons, unlike their parents, drink a single variety of tea and many prefer herbals, soft drinks, bottled water and fruit juice.
In the 1960s tea accounted for half of all the daily fluid intake of U.K. residents. Today it is 40 percent and concentrated largely among those older than 45.
Researchers found that time constraints in the workplace have led employers to slash the time allotted tea breaks and discourage kettles in favor of hot taps.
Typhoo found traditional English breakfast tea is falling out of favor. Spokesperson Kate Willoughby says the company is seeking to bridge the gap between the older and younger generation of tea drinkers.
“The ‘cuppa’ epitomises the British spirit and we are encouraging the older generation to help us continue our long-standing love affair with tea by passing on our heritage to the youth of today,” says Willoughby.
Tea drinkers over 40 cite its health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
A 10-year study looking at links between tea-drinking habits and the likelihood of developing clogged arteries found regular daily cups cut the risk by 51 per cent.
Source: Typhoo, The Daily Mail