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October 2023 - Food

Cold drinks more popular than tea for Gen Z: A survey of Brits has revealed interesting insight into the nation’s favourite drinks, finding that for younger people, colder drinks are more preferable.

Whilst the UK is known as a tea-loving nation, 45% of 18-24-year-olds said they would choose a cold drink such as lemonade or juice, compared to 41% who said they would opt for a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate when meeting up with friends and family.

The survey was conducted by The Ice Co, Europe's leading ice manufacturer, also finding that respondents would prefer to catch up with friends and family in a bar or cafe marginally more than at home or a friend's place (45% vs 44%).

The survey also asked people about the cost of living and how it has affected their habits, finding the Gen Z are the group affected most when it comes to not going out with friends and family, with 42% saying since the cost of living crisis began they have been out less.

The research also suggested that people are not coming together, face-to-face as much as they did, with Gen Z being the generation most likely to text important news via text message than in person or by phone. Three-quarters of the 18–24-year-olds polled also admitted to ignoring phone calls from loved ones, in comparison with around one in five respondents aged 65 and over.

Interestingly, however, Gen Z were the group who benefitted most from meeting up at a bar or other person's home, found the research, with almost six in 10 saying they feel happier after a catch-up, while more than a third said it helped to reduce stress (35%).

Tea or coffee?

Back to the beverages and looking at tea and coffee, household retailer, Wilko, reports that more glass coffee-style mugs are being sold than traditional tea mugs –   outselling the latter by 20%, in its latest data. While a survey by Statista also revealed a preference for coffee amongst Brits, with 63% saying they drink it regularly, compared to 59% who drink tea.

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