Did you know that tea is more than 5,000 years old? Discovered around 2700 BCE, tea is one of the oldest beverages in the world. 

At the same time, tea statistics confirm this is the second most-consumed drink in the world after water. There are more than 3,000 tea varieties and people worldwide are enjoying this versatile beverage on a daily basis. The vast popularity of tea is driven by increased awareness of its numerous health benefits. Read on to find out what makes tea so unique. 

Tea Consumption & Popularity Worldwide

Tea is the second most popular drink worldwide, after water. People of all generations enjoy different types of tea, including black, green, and bubble. 

1. The global annual tea consumption amounts to 6.8 billion kg. 

(Statista)

Tea consumption statistics worldwide reveal that this is the most consumed beverage worldwide, after water. Some nations drink tea occasionally, but it’s a big part of the culture for others. Currently, annual tea consumption is estimated at 6.8 billion kg and is expected to reach 7.4 billion by 2025.

2. With 3.16 kg per capita tea consumption, tea is most consumed in Turkey.

(World Atlas)

In Turkey, tea is the most consumed beverage. According to world tea consumption statistics, this country’s average per capita is 3.16 kg annually. Ireland is the second-ranked country, with 2.19 kg per capita. The UK comes in third with 1.94 kg per capita, followed by Iran with 1.50 kg, and Russia with 1.38 kg.

3. Over 30% of UK tea consumers prefer black tea.

(Statista)

Black tea facts confirm that this type of tea remains most popular in the UK. More than a third of consumers across different age groups state they prefer black tea more than any other type of tea. Additionally, consumers aged 55 and older drink tea almost 6% more often than those aged 18–34. 

4. 87% of millennials drink tea. 

(Tea USA)

About four in five people drink tea. Even though tea is often considered the beverage of choice for the older generations, the young are increasingly turning to tea as they are becoming more aware of its nutritional benefits. In fact, tea drinkers demographics data indicates that nearly 90% of millennials now drink tea. 

5. Tea lovers in the UK started drinking an extra 111,972,000 cups of tea a day during the lockdown. 

(Wales Online)

Tea has been the favorite non-alcoholic beverage in the UK for centuries. About 84% of Brits are drinking at least one cup of tea a day. However, tea drinking statistics reveal that millions of Brits started consuming an extra two cups of tea a day during the lockdown, amounting to a total of 111,972,000 extra cups of tea every day.

6. 32% of females in the UK consume fruity tea. 

(The Grocer)

Black tea is the most consumed tea, with 35% of women and 32% of men enjoying this particular type. However, women are the largest tea-drinking demographics when it comes to fruity varieties. 32% of women buy fruity tea varieties compared to only 19% of men. Additionally, 35% of women and 25% of men choose herbal tea over other varieties. Likewise, 19% of women and 15% of men choose decaf tea. 

7. The average Thai drinks six bubble teas per month. 

(The Asean Post)

First introduced in Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea has become popularized globally by Internet foodies. Tea facts reveal that the beverage is still most consumed in Southeast Asia, where the average consumer drinks four cups of bubble tea per month. Thailand’s consumers take the top spot, consuming about six cups per month, followed by the Philippines with an average of five cups. Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore drink three cups of bubble tea per person each month. 

8. 159 million Americans drink tea every day. 

(Tea USA)

The US tea consumption statistics suggest that Americans drink about 84 billion servings of tea, which equals 3.8 billion gallons. The majority of tea consumed (84%) is black tea, whereas 15% is green tea. Other varieties include oolong, dark, and white tea. What’s more, almost 80% of tea consumed in America is iced tea. 

9. 25% of Americans drink two cups of tea a day.

(Zest Tea, Perfect Brew)

As coffee and tea facts point out, the average American consumes more coffee than tea. Despite the surge in tea popularity, Americans are still more of a coffee nation. Some coffee statistics indicate that coffee is the second most popular beverage in the US, with 63% of Americans consuming it. Additionally, one survey showed that 44% of adults consume between two and three cups of coffee a day, whereas only 25% drink two cups of tea.

 Health Benefits & Tea Nutrition Facts 

Tea has been linked to many health benefits. In the statistics below, we will talk about how tea can aid your overall well-being. 

10. Women drinking 2.5 cups of tea a day have a 60% lower chance of rectal cancer. 

(Tea USA)

Tea has been notably linked to a reduced risk of cancer. Estimations show that there could be up to 24.5 million new cancer cases by 2040. One study found that women consuming at least 2.5 cups of tea a day have a 60% reduction in rectal cancer risk compared to women drinking less than 1.2 cups of tea. Additionally, tea health facts from another study confirmed that men who drink more than 1.5 cups of tea a day have a 70% lower colon cancer risk. 

11. A 12-ounce cup of chai tea contains 125 calories. 

(Healthy Eating)

Chai tea is made from black tea, sugar, milk, and various spices that can benefit your health. The chai tea nutrition facts vary depending on the amount of sugar and milk in the cup. However, the general guidelines suggest that in a cup of 12 ounces of chai tea, there are 25 g of carbs, 1 g of fiber, 3 g of protein, and 3 g of fat. 

12. Black tea can have up to 90 mg of caffeine per cup. 

(Healthline)

The percentage of caffeine in tea is highest in the black tea variety. An average cup packs 47 mg but can contain up to 90 mg. Matcha green tea is also a high-caffeine tea that packs 35 mg of caffeine per gram. Yerba mate, a tea traditional to South America, contains 85 mg of caffeine per cup. On the other hand, green tea has 20 mg to 45 mg of caffeine, whereas white teas deliver 6–60 mg of caffeine per cup.   

13. Consuming chamomile tea can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer development by almost 80%. 

(Healthline, PubMed)

When looking at chamomile tea nutrition facts, it’s clear that this tea has fantastic health potential. Most notably, chamomile tea is rich in antioxidant apigenin, which fights cancer cells of the skin, breast, digestive tract, uterus, and prostate. Additionally, consuming chamomile tea two to six times a week is found to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid diseases by as much as 80%. 

14. Green tea can increase the number of calories burned by 4%. 

(AJCN)

Green tea nutrition data suggests that this tea type is abundant in antioxidants known as catechins which help burn fat and boost metabolism. One study has supported the notion that green tea can be beneficial for weight loss, highlighting that 10 healthy men who consumed green tea extract saw an increase in calories burned by 4%. In another study involving 12 men, green tea intake increased fat oxidation by 17%. 

15. Green tea health facts highlight that drinking green tea can reduce the risk of stroke by 35%. 

(Today)

Drinking one to three cups of green tea every day can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 35%. Additionally, the same study showed that green tea can lower the risk of heart attack by 20%. Moreover, consuming four or more cups of green tea daily is related to lower LDL cholesterol levels and a 32% reduction in risk of having a heart attack. You can get the same effect with drinking only one cup of matcha tea. As matcha tea nutrition facts show, one cup of this tea is equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea. 

16. Consuming tea can decrease the risk of developing kidney stones by 8%. 

(Tea USA)

Fluids are recommended for preventing the appearance of kidney stones, but some studies showed that the choice of beverage plays an important role. For instance, one study revealed that each eight-ounce cup of tea that women with no previous history of kidney stones consume decreases the risk of developing stones by 8%. Similarly, there’s a 14% reduction in the risk of stone development for men.  

17. People drinking at least six cups of green tea a day are 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. 

(PubMed)

Green tea nutrition facts highlight this tea type is rich in catechins — compounds that give green tea its probiotic, antioxidant, and metabolism-boosting properties. So frequent consumption of green tea is found to be particularly good for reducing the risk of diabetes. A study reveals that green tea consumers who drink at least six cups a day are 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who drink green tea once a week. 

18. People consuming one or more cups of black tea daily are 44% less likely to have a heart attack. 

(Tea USA)

Considering the black tea nutrition facts, this type of tea has been associated with boosting heart health. A Harvard study examined men and women who had previously suffered heart attacks and compared them to a control group. The study found that those drinking at least one cup of black tea had 44% less risk of heart attack than people who don’t drink tea. 

The State of Tea Industry

The tea industry is enormous and experts forecast it will continue to expand. In this section, you will find some fascinating stats and facts about the global market revenue, leading tea companies, and biggest importers and exporters. 

19. The global tea market is estimated at $220.7 billion.

(Statista)

The tea market worldwide is worth $220.7 billion. Furthermore, tea industry statistics show that the market will continue growing at a 6.75% CAGR through 2025. The most significant contributor to the market is China which accounts for about 45% of global tea revenue, totaling $99.8 billion. 

20. The revenue of the global tea market for 2020 was $186.67 billion. 

(Statista)

The tea market in China generated the largest portion of the revenue — $78.7 billion. On the other hand, Brazil and India generated $16 billion and $15.8 billion, respectively. In comparison, global tea data shows that the UK generated $2.1 billion, whereas Germany made only $600 million.

21. India produces 48,527 metric tons of UTZ-certified tea. 

(Statista)

Having UTZ certifications means the tea production process follows a specific set of rules and regulations. These regulations refer to the work conditions, farming methods, and efforts to preserve nature. The production of UTZ-certified tea amounts to 122,750 metric tons, and India is a leading producer with 48,527 metric tons.

22. Green tea accounted for 84% of all China’s exports in 2020. 

(Statista)

When looking closely into the green tea facts, it’s clearly one of the most popular types of tea worldwide. The most significant part (84%) of all China tea exports in 2020 was green tea. China remains the largest tea exporter worldwide, exporting $2.04 billion worth of tea. Likewise, China dominates the green tea market in America, sending approximately 6,476 metric tons of green tea.  

23. Pakistan imports almost $590 million worth of tea. 

(Statista)

Pakistan is the largest importer of tea worldwide. According to tea statistics, the country imports $589 million worth of tea, followed by the US and the UK at respective $473 million and $348 million. Furthermore, China exports more than $221 million worth of tea, whereas Egypt accounts for $197 million.  

24. The global RTD tea market value is $29.66 billion.

(PR Newswire)

The ready-to-drink tea segment is thriving and is currently valued at $29.66 billion. This segment is one of the fastest-growing tea trends and is expected to register a 5.5% CAGR by 2027, when it will reach an estimated $38.96 billion. The global RTD tea market expansion can be attributed to increased awareness about the tea health benefits and the RTD’s high availability and convenience, especially in times of a global pandemic. 

25. Lipton Pure Leaf is the top-selling RTD tea brand with $900 million in sales. 

(Statista)

Facts about tea sales show that Lipton Pure Leaf is the unprecedented leader in the RTD tea category in the US. The famous brand generated $900 million in sales and is the most valuable soft drink brand with an estimated $9.1 billion. In addition, Arizona and Gold Peak saw sales of $597 million and $466 million, respectively.  

26. Lipton is also the leading loose-leaf and bagged tea brand in the US.

(Statista) 

With sales of $218 million, tea drinkers statistics position Lipton as the top tea brand in the loose-leaf and bagged section. Bigelow tea is ranked second with $189 million in sales. Private labels account for over $100 million, whereas Twinings of London generated $92.65 million in sales. The list of top loose-leaf and bagged tea brands in the US is rounded up with Celestial Seasonings, which made $87.58 million. 

Fun Facts About Tea

Did you know that tea can cost more than gold? Or that 2 grams of tea can cost you $28,000? Let’s look at some interesting tea tidbits.

27. The Golden Tips tea costs $200 per gram. 

(Inside Edition)

One of the most expensive teas globally is the tea made of Sri Lankan tea tips, called Golden Tips. One gram of this tea costs $200, which is approximately quadruple the cost of gold. These particular leaves grown in Sri Lanka are picked only when the conditions are perfect and then dried on a velvet cloth. 

28. One kilo of the Pumpkin Tribute Tea costs approximately $3.1 million.

(Travel China Guide)

Some interesting facts about tea reveal that Pumpkin Tribute Tea is the most expensive Chinese tea and costs approximately $3.1 million per kilo. It’s a special type of Pu’erh tea, and it has a pumpkin-like shape. The two existing samples of this special tea are stored within the tea research institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou and the Forbidden City.

29. A buyer paid $28,000 for 20g of Chinese Da Hong Pao tea.

(BBC)

Unique tea facts indicate that avid tea lovers are ready to splurge when it comes to rare and high-quality tea types. For example, in 2002, a buyer paid almost $28,000 for 20 g of China’s Da Hong Pao tea. This comes down to $1,400 for one gram, which is 30 times its weight in gold. 

30. The average British tea consumer spends on average $16,500 in their lifetime on tea.

(Irish Post)

The average person in the UK drinks 265 liters of tea a year and spends $16,500 on tea during their lifetime. Interestingly, London tea drinkers consume only two-thirds of the amount of tea taken in the North of Ireland.

Tea Statistics: The Takeaway

Many people around the globe enjoy a cup of delicious tea. In many cultures, tea is an experience to be shared at social events, and some cultures have even created formal tea ceremonies. 

Additionally, health research and trends have given tea new importance. Tea is loved for its abundance of polyphenols and flavonoids that provide excellent health benefits. Moreover, tea is widely adopted as a healthy and stylish alternative to soda or coffee as it’s natural and calorie-free.

People Also Ask

What percentage of the population drinks tea?

Tea is part of the Americans’ everyday routine. Some 80% of the nation’s households have tea in their kitchens, and more than 50% of the population drinks tea every day. In addition, about 84% of Americans consume black tea, 15% prefer green tea, and the rest indulge in white, oolong, or dark tea. Finally, as much as 80% of tea consumed in America is iced. 

Is the tea market growing or shrinking?

The rising awareness of tea’s potential in boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney stones, and cancer, and controlling cholesterol levels fuel the product demand. As a result, the global tea market is expected to reach $68.9 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.6%. 

How much tea is consumed every year?

Tea is the second most-consumed drink in the world. Every day, 3.7 billion cups of tea are consumed around the world. Therefore, global tea consumption amounts to 6.3 billion kg. It is expected to continue growing steadily in the next few years, reaching 7.4 billion kg by 2025. 

Who discovered tea?

According to some legends, tea was discovered around 2737 BCE by the Chinese emperor Shen Nung. The emperor liked his water boiled so that he could be sure it was clean enough to drink it. When a dead leaf accidentally fell into his pot of boiled water, he was amazed by the pleasant scent and decided to try it. That’s how tea came into existence. 

How many types of tea are there?

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. There are more than 3,000 varieties worldwide. However, based on the types of tea leaves and the level of oxidation or processing, tea can be classified into five main types: black, white, green, oolong, and Pu-erh. Herbal teas are different from Camellia sinensis teas, since they are made from flowers, herbs, and grains. 

Why do people drink tea?

People worldwide have been enjoying a good cup of tea for thousands of centuries, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The popularity of this versatile drink is driven by the health benefits associated with it. People drink tea to boost their immune system, ward off heart disease and cancer, improve energy levels, and reduce inflammation. 

Who are the biggest tea drinkers in the world?

Turks are the biggest consumers of tea globally. They drink about 9.96 lb, which equals 3.16 kg every year. Ireland is the second-ranked country per tea consumption, where people consume 4.83 lb or 2.19 kg of tea a year. The United Kingdom is the third-largest nation when it comes to tea intake. Brits drink 4.28 lb, which works out to 1.94 kg of tea annually, tea statistics show. 

Sources:

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3. BBC
4. Healthline
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6. Healthy Eating
7. Inside Edition
8. Irish Post
9. Perfect Brew
10. PR Newswire
11. PubMed
12. PubMed
13. Statista
14. Statista
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16. Statista
17. Statista
18. Statista
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23. Tea USA
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25. The Asean Post
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31. Zest Tea