Generation Z Prefers a Nice Cup of Tea Over Alcoholic Beverages, Study Reveals
A recent study conducted by Wales Online has shed light on the preferences of Generation Z, with surprising results showing a preference for tea over alcohol. The survey, which involved 2,000 adults born after 1997, delved into various aspects of Gen Z’s habits, from their choice of morning drink to their social activities with friends.
Tea emerged as the top choice for stress relief among Gen Z members, with 42% of respondents opting for a cup of tea over alcohol, chosen by only 23%. Interestingly, tea was also the preferred morning beverage for four out of ten Gen Z individuals, surpassing coffee in popularity. Among the different types of tea, classic English breakfast tea was the favourite, closely followed by chai and green tea.
Moreover, tea has evolved beyond being just a drink and has become a means of social connection for Gen Z. A significant 80% of respondents mentioned that sharing a cup of tea is an excellent way to bond with friends, family, and colleagues. The younger generation seems to value wholesome interactions, as evidenced by their preference for hosting tea parties over boozy brunches (33% vs. 28%). Surprisingly, nearly a third of respondents reported attending a tea party in the past year, with over 60% expressing interest in attending one and a quarter finding tea parties more enjoyable than a night out.
The timing of these findings aligns with the launch of Guide Dogs’ Make Every Cuppa Count campaign, which encourages individuals to host events like tea parties, coffee mornings, or bake sales to raise funds for supporting those with sight loss. Sophie Crompton, a fundraising manager at Guide Dogs, highlighted the significance of tea as a unifying element, stating, “Whether it’s catching up over a cuppa, making plans or reminiscing on old times, tea really is the go-to drink.”
Crompton emphasised that in the UK, 250 people begin to lose their sight daily, underscoring the importance of charitable donations. The research revealed that hosting a tea party can be a simple yet effective way to raise funds for a noble cause, with 76% of participants describing the experience as both social and enjoyable.
Furthermore, when asked about their dream guests for a tea party, Gen Z respondents listed Hollywood star Zendaya, national treasure Sir David Attenborough, and pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter as their top choices. Crompton noted, “Tea and tea parties are a fantastic way to check in on friends and family and meet new people. Our research shows that Gen Zers really want to connect with their loved ones and colleagues more than they do currently.”
In conclusion, the study’s findings indicate a shift towards more meaningful and wholesome social interactions among Generation Z, with tea emerging as a symbol of togetherness and community. Through initiatives like the Make Every Cuppa Count campaign, individuals are encouraged to harness the power of tea parties not only for enjoyment but also to make a positive impact through charitable contributions.