India and tea really go together. For many, tea isn’t just a drink. It’s a way of life for most Indians. You may see roadside tapris, which makes tea even more popular. Cosy gatherings in home are becoming ritual. Tea connects millions of Indians every day. You may see coffee culture growing fast in urban India. But nothing beats the aroma of tea. Tea stil outsips coffee in sheer popularity. In this blog, we explore why Indians prefer tea over coffee.
Tea & Coffee Stats In India
Here are some eye opening stats for you:
Tea Consumption in India:
India consumes about 1,197 million kilograms of tea each year. This makes it the second largest tea consumer in the world. Source: Exchange4media
Coffee in Comparison
A survey found that 18% of Indians prefer coffee. But about 44% choose tea as their primary hot beverage. Source: YouGov
Consumer Beverage Habits
84% of respondents listed tea or coffee as their regular beverage. Source: Coffeboard.gov.in
You may have guessed from these stats that tea is more popular. It has become a part of every day Indian culture.
Why Do Indians Actually Prefer Tea Over Coffee?
1. Historical Roots: Tea’s Deep Legacy in India
You may know how tea arrived in the British colonial times. The locals accepted it and that’s how tea became a culture. Over generations, this turned into something else. Tea’s much more than a foreign commodity in India. It is now a symbolic drink of India, which is chai. Tea is now a part of the social life. The early adoption did this.
This is unlike coffee, which is more popular in South India. Tea actually became famous in every region of India. It is made across north, west, and east India.
2. Cultural Rituals: More Than a Beverage
In Indian homes, tea is becoming a part of daily rituals:
- Morning tea to begin the day
- Evening tea to relax after work
- Conversation starter for guests
Tea culture works good with Indian hospitality. You can offer chai as a sign of welcome. This ritual isn’t much seen with coffee. It is mostly used with breakfast in India. You may see that coffee isn’t taken as much. Tea works better for daily social interactions.
3. Affordability & Accessibility
Do you know what’s driving the tea popularity? Well, right now, it’s affordability. A cup of tea from a local stall costs about ₹10. All income groups can afford a chai in India.
On the other hand:
- Coffee can be expensive. Those cafe style coffees cost the most.
- There are less roadside coffer stalls in India.
The price also shows how tea is the go to option.
4. Urbanisation & Changing Trends
Have you seen the growing coffee culture in the recent years? International chains are doing that. So, coffee is also becoming a lifestyle choice for many.
But, even with this growth:
- Coffee lovers can be found more in urban centres. They are more younger consumers.
- Tea is still holding sway in smaller towns. It is still a popular choice in workspaces for affordability.
- This means coffee is growing, but not more than tea.
5. Taste Preferences & Regional Variations
Tea covers a wide spectrum of flowers:
- Masala chai
- Cutting chai
- Light milky tea
Coffee lacks the variety of local adaptations. Regional favourites around the tea evolved.
6. Emotional Connection & Social Bonding
Chai is mostly related to:
- Morning conversations
- Street side gatherings
- Warm moments with family
- Work-break sessions
For many Indians, talks over tea is a thing. This is a symbol of friendship, debate, politics, business deals and much more.
Conclusion
So, why do Indians prefer tea over coffee? The deep roted cultures are part of the answer. Indians like affordability, which chai has. There’s also a strong emotional attachment with tea. Tea is still India’s favourite beverage.
FAQs
Q – Is tea really more popular than coffee in India?
A – Yes, more Indians prefer tea than coffee. Tea is used as a daily beverage for most Indians.
Q – What percentage of Indians drink tea daily?
A – About 80% of Indian households have tea daily.
Q – Why is tea cheaper than coffee in India?
A – Tea is cheaper due to:
- Lower raw material costs
- Mass production of tea leaves
- Minimal preparation requirements
Q – Does coffee culture exist in India?
A – Yes, coffer culture is growing in India. You can see it more in the urban areas.
Q – Is tea healthier than coffee for Indians?
A – Both tea and coffee have health benefits. But many Indians choose tea for the herbal ingredients.
Q – Why do Indians prefer tea over coffee culturally?
A – Tea is popular in Indian culture through social rituals.
Q – Which states in India drink the most tea?
A – These states are where tea is the most popular:
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
