Tea Consumption by Country 2024

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage globally. According to the 2016 report on the per capita tea consumption, Turkey leads the countries drinking the most tea in the world, followed by Ireland, and the United Kingdom, while Russia and Morocco occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

Tea Consumption In Turkey

Turkey is the largest consumer of tea. According to sources, each Turk consumes approximately 1,300 cups (3.16kg) of tea annually. That translates to 3-4 cups daily, with the number of cups expected to rise to 10 during the freezing winter.

In other words, this beverage forms an integral part of Turkish culture. You can find people taking it in their homes, cafes, Kiraathane (men's social gatherings) and other social groups, including funerals and weddings. The Turks also offer tea as a welcome drink to visitors.

The most common tea type in the country is black tea (cay). However, other tea varieties like rosehip tea (kuşburnu çayı), Linden Flower Tea (ıhlamur çayı), etc. are also gaining traction.

Tea Consumption In Ireland

Rumors have it that Ireland is the second-largest home for alcohol drinkers globally after the Czech republic. However, the country not only comes second in consuming hard drinks, but also tea.

According to sources, average rate of tea consumption is 2.19 kg per year, ranking the country as the second-largest consumer of tea globally, with the loose leaf black tea being the most common in the country.

The tea culture in the country dates back to 200 years ago when English people introduced it into the country as a drink for the rich. Later, the tea became accessible to all Irish people, leading to its mass consumption as natives took it to warm themselves and welcome visitors.

Tea Consumption In The United Kingdom

Coming third on our list is the United Kingdom, with a per capita tea consumption of 1.94kg per year. The tea was introduced in the country by the Dutch in late 1650, who could ship green tea from China and later from India through the Dutch East India Company.

Immediately after its introduction into the country, only royals could afford the beverage as the high taxation on tea resulted in high prices. The high custom tax led to escalated levels of tea smuggling, which was later slashed to 12.5% in 1783 when William Pitt the Younger became the prime minister.

The reduced customs tax on tea made it accessible to all Britons, leading to its mass consumption. The commonly used tea types in the United Kingdom include black tea, flavored tea, Earl gray, chamomile tea and peppermint tea.

Tea Consumption In Russia

Russia ranks fourth on our list with a per capita tea consumption of 1.38kg.

The introduction of tea in Russia dates back to 1630 when the Chinese ambassador gifted Aleksey Mikhailovich of Russia with tea, in an attempt to secure trading relations with Russia.

Later in the same year, the two countries entered into a trading deal, and that's how tea spread to Russia. Today, tea is a national drink in Russia due to its popularity. Russians would take it throughout the day, and they prefer it sweet, strong, and sometimes served with lemon, mint or fruit jam.