Tea Over Coffee: The New Trend Among Young Brits

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A notable shift is underway as more people are turning away from elaborate café-style coffees and choosing simple tea instead. According to recent research, although coffee surpassed tea as the UK’s favorite drink last year, a poll of Amazon employees under 28 revealed that over half would rather have tea than a latte, flat white, or cappuccino.

The reasons for this shift are varied. While 13% cited the high cost of coffee as a factor, the leading reason was simply that “tea just tastes better.” The survey, part of Amazon’s Chatterbox series, offers a revealing glimpse into contemporary British preferences.

Tea has recently gained popularity among 18-24-year-olds, boosted by a stronger presence on social media and health benefits. In fact, 55% of respondents said tea helps them feel “calm and centred.” Additionally, a quarter of respondents avoid coffee because it makes them feel “jittery and anxious.”

Herbal teas are also on the rise, with 16% of Gen Z naming them as their favorite. Amazon worker Johan Thomas-Kelly, 22, from Bolton, shared his perspective: “Tea’s definitely the way to go. A brew in the morning is essential – otherwise, coffee just makes my breath stink.”

Johan described coffee as “the Jägermeister of caffeinated drinks – intense, hits you fast, and not something you want too much of,” while tea is “more like a trusty lager. It’s chill, comforting, and you can have a few throughout the day.” He also highlighted tea’s social role, recalling how in shared housing the kettle served as a social hub where people would gather and chat over a brew.

“Tea isn’t just a drink – it’s a proper social moment,” Johan said. He also criticized the high prices of coffee, pointing out that ordering a complicated coffee drink can cost seven pounds and often lacks much actual coffee beneath all the syrups and foam. Johan’s partner enjoys the biscuit-dunking ritual with tea, which he initially found unappealing but has since come to appreciate.