The age-old question that has divided households, sparked office debates, and even prompted passive-aggressive sighs in kitchens across the UK has finally been answered: when making a proper cup of tea, milk before water is a firm no, according to 78 percent of the nation.
New research commissioned by Aldi has revealed the nation’s tea preferences, confirming that adding cold milk to a teabag before pouring hot water is, for most people, simply not acceptable. Despite this, one in five (22 percent) still insist on doing it the “wrong” way, much to the irritation of the rest.
The findings come as Aldi launches its new Smart Kettle, priced at £29.99, designed to support the quest for the perfect brew by bringing precision to the boil.
The survey, which polled people across the UK, found that 72 percent of respondents drink an average of four cups of tea per day, with 55 percent preferring it to coffee. In total, the UK consumes approximately 127 million cups of tea every day.
Seven in ten people say they give clear instructions when someone else is making their tea, with many citing past disappointments as the reason for being specific. English Breakfast remains the national favourite, chosen by 67 percent of respondents.
The data also reveals the preferred method: hot water goes in first, the tea bag stews for two minutes, and the ideal colour is C4 on the tea chart. Once brewed, a splash of semi-skimmed milk is added, bringing the tea to an optimal drinking temperature of 57 degrees.
Etiquette consultant Jo Bryant commented: “It’s clear that tea remains a very important part of our lives, with the average Brit consuming a staggering 1,460 cups a year, and each tea-drinker having their own particulars about how they have their tea.
“I’m with the majority – a cup of English Breakfast tea, freshly brewed for around two minutes, with a moderate amount of milk – and it’s always tea first, milk last.
“It matters when making someone else a cup of tea to check how they like it. Most people simply ask about milk and sugar, but it is better tea-making etiquette to also enquire about strength and any other preferences.
“Try to take the time to make perfect tea for friends, colleagues and family, and make sure you remember just how they like it for next time.”
The research also uncovered a few home truths. The kettle typically goes on at 7am, and 40 percent of people have a specific mug they believe makes their tea taste better. However, 48 percent admit they often have to re-boil the kettle after getting distracted.
Tea remains an emotional subject for many, with 85 percent saying it is important that their partner or family members know how they take their tea. Partners (57 percent) and mums (28 percent) were ranked as the best tea-makers, while colleagues earned the dubious honour of being the worst, with 45 percent of people naming them as serial brew offenders.