- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:56 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Largest Tea-Consuming Countries In The World: Tea is one of the most popular and extensively consumed drinks worldwide. Millions of people rely on tea for everything from morning refreshments to evening comfort. Every nation has its own distinct tea culture, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold, with or without milk or with spices. Some drink tea for its taste and warmth, while others do so for its calming properties and health advantages.
Some nations are known for consuming a lot of tea. These nations enjoy tea daily, often multiple times a day, rather than just occasionally. Tea is more than just a beverage in many cultures; it's a symbol of custom, friendliness, and camaraderie. Every culture adds a unique flavour and significance to the cup, whether it's Morocco's sweet mint tea, India's fiery masala chai, or Turkey's black tea in tulip glasses.
Top 10 Tea Consuming Countries in The World
In this article, we will look at the top 10 largest tea-consuming countries in the world. We'll look at how much tea they consume and why it holds such significance for them. Prepare to learn how tea bridges continents and cultures!
Rank | Country | % Population Consuming Tea | Total Tea Production Annually (Tonnes) | Estimated Cups per Person per Day |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Turkey | 87% | 1,284,000 | 3.2 – 5 cups |
2 | Kenya | 83% | 598,470 | 3 – 4 cups |
3 | Pakistan | 82% | 244,000 | 2.5 – 3 cups |
4 | Morocco | 79% | 81,000 | 2 – 3 cups |
5 | India | 70% | 5,969,000 | 2 – 3 cups |
6 | Ireland | 64% | 8,000 | 4 – 5 cups |
7 | United Kingdom | 58% | 100,000 | 3 – 4 cups |
8 | Germany | 55% | 30,000 | 1 – 2 cups |
9 | United States | 49% | 166,000 | 1 – 1.5 cups |
10 | China | 45% | 14,531,000 | 1.5 – 2 cups |
Source: Statista (Ranking), production data- World population review
1. Turkey
Top tea-consuming countries in the world (Image: Canva)
Tea is more than just a beverage in Turkey, as it's an essential part of hospitality and daily life. Turkish people enjoy drinking tea at least 3 to 5 times all day long, especially in little glasses shaped like tulips. Offering tea is a kind way to welcome people, whether at home, at work, or in cafés. The custom of consuming "çay," or strong black tea, is ingrained in Turkish social gatherings and customs.
2. Kenya
Kenya is the world's second-largest consumer of tea and the third-largest producer. In Kenya, people drink tea in a form called "chai," which is typically combined with milk and sugar. Per person drinks 3 to 4 cups of tea per day in Kenya. It is a reassuring, invigorating beverage that is served at nearly every meal. In addition to being accessible and reasonably priced, tea is a popular beverage in both urban and rural areas of the nation.
3. Pakistan
Tea, lovingly known as "chai," is an important part of the daily routine in Pakistan. It is frequently brewed strong with milk and sugar and consumed several times a day (roughly 2.5 to 3 cups per person per day). Special varieties such as "Kashmiri chai" and "doodh patti" are also highly well-liked. Tea is offered to visitors at residences, workplaces, and even roadside stands as a sign of hospitality.
4. Morocco
Sweet mint tea, which is typically served in exquisite teapots and glasses, is a popular beverage among Moroccans. It is an expression of respect and friendship. Made with a lot of sugar, fresh mint leaves and green tea, it's flavorful and refreshing. Tea plays a significant role in social and familial life and is served at least 2 to 3 times throughout the day.
5. India
Top tea-consuming countries in the world (Image: Canva)
India, which is the world’s 2nd largest producer of tea, has a deep-rooted tea culture, and “chai” is a household favourite. Known as "masala chai," it is typically made with milk, sugar, and spices like ginger and cardamom. Tea is a revitalising comfort beverage that can be used for both morning routines and evening breaks. Tea stalls, also known as "chai wallahs," are ubiquitous and essential to both urban and rural daily life. In India, per-person consumption of tea is 2 to 3 cups per day.
6. Ireland
Among Europe's biggest tea drinkers are the Irish. In Irish homes, a soothing daily ritual is a hot cup of strong black tea, frequently accompanied by milk. Tea is always provided to guests and is enjoyed with meals or during leisurely breaks. It is regarded as a means of slowing down and fostering connections between people. As per reports, Irish people drink at least 4 to 5 cups per person per day.
7. United Kingdom
In the UK, tea is more than just a beverage; it's a symbol of British culture. The traditional "afternoon tea" with finger sandwiches, scones, and biscuits is well-known all over the world. People enjoy drinking black tea with milk, and it's frequently shared during peaceful and conversational times. For many people nationwide, it's a reassuring custom.
8. Germany
Top tea-consuming countries in the world (Image: Canva)
In Germany, tea is becoming more and more popular, particularly fruit and herbal teas. Tea is popular because of its calming and healthful properties. Strong black tea with cream and rock sugar is part of a distinctive tea culture in some areas, such as East Frisia. Tea is valued for its ability to promote relaxation and well-being.
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9. United States
In the United States, tea is often consumed hot, iced, sweetened or flavoured. In the southern states, iced tea, which is frequently sweetened and served cold, is particularly popular. Tea is becoming more and more popular because of its health benefits, especially the antioxidants in green tea. People of all ages adore this adaptable beverage and consume approximately 1 to 1.5 cups per day.
10. China
Top tea-consuming countries in the world (Image: Canva)
Although China is the birthplace of tea, as it is the world’s largest tea producer and has a rich tea tradition, it ranks 10th in tea consumption in the world. People drink a variety of teas, including white, oolong, black, and green. Chinese medicine, culture, and daily life all involve tea. Tea represents well-being, balance, and respect, whether it is served at home, in restaurants, or during formal ceremonies.