Tea is one of the most universal beverages on the planet. It transcends borders, languages, and generations, and has become an everyday ritual that manages to feel both ordinary and sacred. Tea is certainly one of the only drinks that can warm both the hands and the soul.
Some nations across the globe have been brewing tea leaves for thousands of years, and there are certainly different ways to prepare them. From black tea mixed with honey and lemon to green infusions steeped with mint, there is tradition poured into every cup.
Below are the countries boast the highest annual tea consumption? Sources: (Statista) (Britannica) (Epicure & Culture) (Smithsonian Magazine) (Food & Wine) (Michelin Guide) (National Geographic)
1. Turkey
Tea is the lifeblood of Turkish social culture, where the beverage is called çay. Turks drink more tea than anyone else on the planet, around 6.96lb (3.16kg) per person annually, often served in small tulip-shaped glasses as a gesture of hospitality.
2. Ireland
The Irish is among the world’s biggest tea drinkers, averaging multiple cups a day. Strong black tea with milk (Irish Breakfast style) is a household staple, contributing to a consumption of 5.21lb (2.36kg) per capita each year.
3. Azerbaijan
Due to the influence of Islam, tea is a major symbol of hospitality in Azerbaijan. It’s traditionally served in pear-shaped armudu glasses alongside sugar or preserves. Azerbaijanis rank among the top tea drinkers, at 4.63lb (2.1kg) per capita annually.
4. United Kingdom
Famed for its tea tradition, from Victorian afternoon tea to today’s beloved “builder’s brew,” tea remains the UK’s favorite drink. The average Briton drinks a few cups daily, totaling 4.01lb (1.82kg) per person each year.
5. Iran
Tea has long been the national drink of Iran, served strong and without milk. Traditionally, Iranians sip black tea through a lump of rock sugar held in the mouth. Annual per capita consumption is 3.3lb (1.5kg).
6. Pakistan
In Pakistan, chai (milky spiced tea) is a national obsession. Strong black tea boiled with milk and sugar forms doodh pati or masala chai, which is enjoyed multiple times a day. Per capita consumption is around 3.3lb (1.5kg).
7. Russia
Tea became a staple in Russia after arriving from China in the 17th century. Metal containers known as samovars are ubiquitously used to brew strong tea concentrate (called zavarka), and Russians often drink black tea with lemon or jam. Per capita consumption is 3.05lb (1.38kg).
8. Morocco
The national drink in Morocco is Maghrebi mint tea, a sweet green tea steeped with fresh mint. Serving it is a ritual of hospitality. Many Moroccans enjoy multiple small glasses daily, averaging 2.68lb (1.22kg) per capita per year.
9. New Zealand
Tea arrived in New Zealand with British settlers and became a daily habit. Kiwis affectionately call it a “cuppa” and often pause for tea breaks during the day, which keeps consumption high at 2.63lb (1.19kg) per person annually.
10. Chile
A unique tea time ritual called la once is ingrained in Chilean culture. Many families have a light evening meal of bread and sweets with tea, contributing to a per capita consumption of 2.62lb (1.19kg).
