Tea making a comeback as the UK's favourite hot drink

People are ditching elaborate cafe-style coffees and opting for a simple tea instead, according to new research. Last year saw coffee overtake tea as the UK's preferred drink, but a poll of Amazon workers under 28 has revealed over half would prefer tea to a latte, flat white or cappuccino.
And while 13% said coffee was too expensive, the most popular reason was 'tea just tastes better'. The survey was part of Amazon's Chatterbox series, tying into Amazon's latest video tea is better than coffee. Watch here.
Oxford Mathematician and Countdown star Dr Tom Crawford said: 'The data obtained in the Amazon survey is a fascinating insight into the make-up of modern-day Britain.'
It comes as tea has enjoyed a recent surge of popularity amongst 18-24s, thanks in part to a renewed presence on social media. Younger generations are also embracing the drink for health reasons with 55% saying tea helps them feel 'calm and centred.'
And a quarter said they chose not to drink coffee because it made them feel 'jittery and anxious'.
The survey also pointed to a rise in the popularity of herbal teas, with 16% of Gen Z naming them as their preference.
Amazon worker, Johan Thomas-Kelly, 22 from Bolton said: "Tea's definitely the way to go. A brew in the morning is essential - otherwise, coffee just makes my breath stink. Honestly, there's an epidemic of coffee breath going on right now. I always feel like I need about fifteen chewing gums after one cup just to feel normal again.
'For me, coffee is the Jägermeister of caffeinated drinks - intense, hits you fast, and not something you want too much of. Tea's more like a trusty lager. It's chill, comforting, and you can have a few throughout the day.
'When I lived in a shared house, the kettle was basically the social hub. You'd pop into the kitchen and there'd always be someone there asking, 'Do you want a brew?' Next thing you know, you're sitting down, chewing the fat, and three hours have passed. Tea isn't just a drink - it's a proper social moment.
'The price of coffee these days is also wild. You order a grande oat milk hazelnut frappuccino macchiato and suddenly you're seven quid down - and it barely even tastes like coffee. Strip away the syrup, the foam, the sprinkles… is there even any actual coffee left in there?
'My partner's big into the whole biscuit-dunking ritual. I used to think it was grim - soggy biscuits, crumbs floating around at the bottom of the mug - but I've got to admit, I've come around to it.'

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