Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water. In 2017, Americans consumed over 84 billion servings, which pencils out to a stunning 3.8 billion gallons of tea!
- More than half the U.S. population of enjoys tea, with the South and Northeast the greatest consumers.
- More than 80% of tea consumed in the U.S. is iced tea.
- Americans prefer black tea (86%), with green tea (13%) coming in second. Oolong, white, and heavily fermented tea represents only a small fraction of consumption.
- The U.S. comes in third in the world for tea imports, with Russian and Pakistan being the larger importers.
- Over 87% of millennials drink tea!
- Tea originated China, but did you know that major tea producing countries now include Argentina, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Taiwan and Vietnam?
- Tea is an environmentally sound product from a renewable resource. Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) is naturally resistant to most insects, which is why pesticides are not needed. Spent tea leaves can be returned to the soil.
- Tea does not contain any calories, which makes it an excellent beverage for weight management. Studies suggest that as little as 2.5 - 3 cups of green tea may result in a lower BMI and waist circumference.
- Tea is one of the most economical beverages available — most tea costs about three cents per serving when prepared at home. And, even the most expensive, bespoke teas available are less than ten cents per serving. An ounce of tea can make as many as 15 cups of tea!
Ready to start your tea journey? I’d be delighted to help you choose a tea. Feel free to email me at Annaliese@malabartradingco.com and let me know how I can help!