The Numbers: Tea and Coffee Drinkers Are Now Neck-and-Neck

Recent research suggests that the historic gap between tea and coffee has virtually disappeared.

According to a 2025 YouGov survey, 41% of British adults drink tea at least twice a day, while 40% drink coffee at least twice a day. When looking at overall consumption, the frequency of tea and coffee drinking is now remarkably similar.

Industry data indicates that Britons consume more than 100 million cups of tea every day, while coffee consumption has reached approximately 98 million cups daily.

In other words, tea still holds a slight lead in terms of cups consumed, but coffee has caught up dramatically.

Perhaps the most significant shift is that coffee is no longer the challenger. In some measures, it has become the UK's most widely consumed hot drink.

Recent market research found that 76% of UK adults regularly drink coffee, compared with 75% who regularly drink tea. While the difference is tiny, it marks a symbolic milestone in a country traditionally associated with tea.

The growth of coffee has been driven by several factors:

The UK coffee shop market has exploded over the past two decades. Chains such as Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Caffè Nero transformed coffee from a simple drink into an experience.

The British Coffee Association reports that 80% of coffee shop visitors visit at least weekly, with 16% visiting daily.

The biggest trend is generational.

Younger adults are significantly more likely to choose coffee than previous generations, while older Britons remain more loyal to tea. Recent surveys show that Gen Z drinks fewer traditional hot beverages overall, but when they do, coffee often competes strongly with tea.

This shift is important because beverage habits formed in early adulthood often continue throughout life.

Coffee's reputation has changed dramatically. Once viewed as a guilty pleasure, it is increasingly associated with health and wellness. Research highlighting coffee's antioxidant content and potential links to lower risks of certain diseases has helped make it more attractive to health-conscious consumers.

Despite coffee's rise, reports of tea's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Tea remains deeply embedded in British culture and continues to be consumed by millions every day. According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association, tea remains Britain's most consumed hot beverage by volume, with more than 100 million cups drunk daily.

Tea also benefits from several advantages:

• It's generally cheaper than coffee.
• It is strongly associated with comfort and relaxation.
• It remains a workplace and household staple.
• Many consumers see it as part of British identity.

When people are asked about daily drinking habits rather than café purchases, tea remains highly competitive with coffee.