How much tea do Kiwi’s drink?

How much tea do Kiwi’s drink?

Have you ever wondered, how much tea do Kiwi’s drink? 🍵 Both tea and coffee fuel our days, but when it comes to national preference, one clearly wins in Aotearoa.

New Zealand’s tea obsession

According to a recent survey by The Economist, Kiwis are firmly in the tea camp. A strong 59.5% of New Zealanders prefer tea over coffee. Only 40.5% opt for coffee instead. That makes New Zealand a clear tea nation. 🫖

How much tea do Kiwi’s drink compared to Australians?

Our Aussie neighbours also love a cuppa, but they’re split nearly down the middle. In Australia, 50.3% prefer tea while 49.7% choose coffee. That makes them the most undecided country in the world when it comes to hot drinks ☕️🍵

Tea or coffee? What the rest of the world thinks

The title of biggest tea lovers goes to Uzbekistan, where 99.6% of the population prefers tea. Guatemala is the coffee capital, with the same percentage going for coffee. To explore this global divide, check out this visual breakdown from Our World In Data.

Why do Kiwis drink so much tea?

Part of it is culture. As a former British colony, New Zealand inherited a strong tea tradition. Think black tea, milk, and maybe a biscuit. That legacy still thrives today. Even with coffee’s rise, tea never left. In fact, events like the NZ Tea Expo celebrate the drink’s enduring popularity.

East vs West: Tea and coffee geography

There’s a global split. Eastern countries drink more tea, while Western nations lean towards coffee. Proximity to production matters — tea-growing regions drink more tea, and the same goes for coffee. Want to explore this more? Read about Pu-erh tea’s origins.

Does tea really lose to coffee in volume?

At first glance, yes. Globally, 8.5 million metric tons of coffee are produced compared to 4.7 million tons of tea. But don’t be fooled. A single cup of tea uses just 2 grams, while coffee takes 10. That’s why geographer David Grigg famously claimed, “three cups of tea are drunk for every one of coffee.”

So… how much tea do Kiwi’s drink?

While litres-per-capita vary, most New Zealanders drink several cups a week — especially during colder months. Black tea is the most common choice, but interest in traditional varieties like oolong, jasmine, and pu-erh is growing.

Curious to try something uniquely Kiwi-approved? Check out our handpicked black tea selection.

Final thoughts on how much tea Kiwi’s drink

So the next time someone asks, “how much tea do Kiwi’s drink?” — you’ll know it’s not just a casual habit. It’s a national identity. From rustic kitchens to elegant tea shops, the cuppa is part of New Zealand’s rhythm. 💚🫖

Whether you’re sipping on classic English Breakfast or exploring aged Pu-erh, you’re in good company. Kiwis love their tea — and the world’s finally catching up.