Black tea is holding strong as the most popular tea among Brits – world renowned for being a nation of tea lovers – according to the latest real-world New Tea Census Study of over 1,000 Brits commissioned by the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA).
"The publishing of our latest New Tea Census Study coincides with International Tea Day (21st of May) this year – a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about tea's history, cultural significance, and economic importance," said Dr Sharon Hall, chief executive of the UKTIA. "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."
The study found:
- 71% of Brits prefer traditional black tea, with or without milk, as their main infusion of choice
- One in six (16%) Brits are more likely to opt for herbal infusions
- One in eight (13%) Brits predominantly choose green tea
The UKTIA Tea Census Study also found that age plays a big factor in preferred infusions:
- 63% of the 18-24 age group said they mainly drink black tea
- 20% of the 18-24 age group are experimenting with a range of herbal infusions or green tea
- 86% of the 65+ age group mainly drinks black tea
- Fewer than 1 in 10 of the 65+ age group drinks herbal or green tea
The Study also found differences between genders:
- 19% of women opt for herbal infusions, versus only 12% of men
"Something that unites us all, however," says Dr Sharon Hall, "is the vast majority across all the age groups (93% overall) prefer the convenience of making their brew with a tea bag rather than preparing a loose-leaf infusion."
This tendency toward convenience also follows data from the UKTIA Tea Census Study suggesting that many are also prone to making their tea in a rush:
- 73% of those surveyed admitted to leaving their black tea to brew for less than the three to four minutes the UKTIA recommends
- Most respondents said they let their tea brew for only one to two minutes
- 18% said they brew their tea for less than a minute
- 16% said they brew tea for 2-3 minutes
"Only one in 14 (7%) Brits let their tea brew for what we at the UK Tea and Infusions Association would generally regard to be the required time for most types of tea: 3-4 minutes," said Dr. Hall. "That sadly leaves the vast majority of Brits missing out on the perfect tasting cuppa. Plus, leaving tea to brew for three to five minutes will ensure the optimal amount of polyphenol compounds are released, such as flavan-3-ols and theaflavins. Polyphenols are natural plant compounds that contribute to tea's flavor and mouthfeel, and they provide nutritional benefits like fruit and vegetables."
Aside from a longer steeping time resulting in a better cup, Dr. Hall also thinks it makes for a better experience overall. "Many of us would benefit from slowing down to make the ideal cuppa – not only to enjoy the best of its flavor profile, but also to take time out of our busy days."
Want to know what makes the best brew? UKTIA's Dr Sharon Hall has put together a few simple steps to help ensure you make the best brew:
- Use a good quality teabag or loose-leaf tea and store your tea in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing tea next to strongly flavoured or perfumed foods.
- Always use freshly drawn water and consider using a water filter. Dr Sharon Hall explains, "In some parts of the country, the tap water is hard or soft, and this can affect the taste of the tea."
- Use one teabag or one rounded teaspoon of loose tea for each cup or mug.
- Smart boil. Using your mug, measure out just the water you need for one or two cuppas and only boil that.
Dr Sharon Hall notes, "This will help save on energy costs and will ensure a good flavor tea, which develops best when made with freshly boiled water. The lack of oxygen bubbles in re-boiled water can give the tea a flat taste." - Allow the tea to brew for the recommended time before pouring. Always read the instructions on the pack and if you're brewing tea from a bag in a mug, adding milk last is best.
- Most black teas should be brewed for three to four minutes, while Lapsang Souchong black tea tastes best after four to five minutes. Brew green tea for three to four minutes and oolong tea for three to five minutes, depending on your strength preference.
- Remove the bag after brewing, before adding the milk.
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