How to Change the Way You See Tea

Do you ever wonder why Americans drink so much coffee? If tea is the most popular beverage in the world, why is it so unpopular in the United States? 

85% of tea enjoyed by Americans is iced tea. But hot tea is not a hot commodity — why?

It turns out America’s bitterness toward tea might have to do with politics, fear, and rebellion. Historical events might still have a profound effect on how you — as an American — subconsciously compare tea and coffee today. Here are 5 fascinating reasons why Americans love coffee more than tea:

1. Tea is a Traitor’s Drink

Tea might be the most popular drink around the world, but in America, coffee is everywhere. You might not know it, but your love for coffee is rooted in the colonist’s separation from the king — from British rule. The need for independence is what sparked the hatred of Britain and tea before the Revolutionary War. The transition from British-dependent tea to home-grown coffee in pre-America had everything to do with anger and rebellion. 

In 1773, cases of British tea were thrown into the Boston Harbor which helped spark the Revolutionary War and created an automatic dislike for imported British tea. John Adams, the leader of the revolution, wrote a letter to his wife stating that tea was a traitor's drink. It’s believed that after this, the American Revolution was planned over many cups of coffee. 

America’s “preference” for coffee was cemented during the war — a 10-year boycott on tea forced people to turn to coffee as a substitute. From the birth of the United States in 1776, coffee was a patriotic American drink, and tea was not. Tea’s heavy association with Britain, Asia, and non-American countries may have been considered not only unpatriotic but also unmasculine — these two opinions are still alive in America today. 

2. Tea is a Feminine Drink

Iced and sweet tea has a rich American history, but outside of that tea as a whole has never been a significant part of American culture. The assumption is that afternoon tea is proper, dainty, and overtly feminine. This association may have to do with subconscious stereotypes that have developed over centuries — such as the coffee-drinking burly American patriot as opposed to the tea-drinking delicate European aristocrat or artist.

This underlying feminine dialogue in America might be the biggest hurdle for tea to overcome. English-inspired tea houses in America are almost comically adorned with pink hues, lace, and flowery teaware — which doesn’t help tea break free from the feminine stereotype. Afternoon Tea in America is almost strictly feminine.

It’s not likely that America will break away from the fear of flowery tea anytime soon. It’s disappointing — but not surprising — that many Americans are unaware that tea around the world isn’t feminine. For most countries tea is way of life — for everyone — in the same way that coffee is a way of life for Americans.

3. Coffee is a Social Drink

When your friend asks if you want to “grab a coffee” do you ever think about how the phrase is woven so smoothly into American society? “Grabbing a coffee” might not even involve drinking coffee — it’s about connecting with people. Coffee is to Americans like tea is to everyone else around the world — a means for socializing. 

Sharing tea means taking your time and enjoying the moment with other people. You never rush tea time, if you can help it. Coffee on the other hand, is still social but often the opposite — it’s enjoyed in a rush, and during quick moments. Even a quick catch-up with a friend is done in a hurry. But this hustle and bustle mindset might be another reason why coffee is all the more popular in America. 

4. Coffee is for the Individual

You might enjoy getting a quick cup of coffee with your friend, but coffee is also fast-paced addition to the current way of life for many Americans — and drinking coffee is mostly solitary. The average American doesn’t drink coffee regularly with their friends or family — they drink coffee on the run.

For most people, coffee is fuel — it’s a source of energy to get them through the many tasks that need to be done. It’s not uncommon for coffee drinkers to start their day with a mandatory cup or a pot of strong coffee. 

5. Coffee Fuels the American Workaholic Mindset

The United States is a land of workaholics, consumerism, and efficiency — which is all fueled by strong caffeinated good old American coffee. In a country where the narrative is “go, go, go”, coffee is not likely to be replaced by tea anytime soon. In fact, the American “coffee break” came about because of a pivotal court case that benefits workers today.

In 1955, a business owner tried to force his employees to take mandatory unpaid breaks to boost productivity — workers were encouraged to drink coffee that was provided by the owner. As a result, the employees worked longer and harder after the short coffee breaks. 

Because these breaks benefited the business owner in a massive way, the employees won the case and changed the workplace environment forever. Today, employers in America are required to pay their employees for two short “coffee breaks” during their full-time shifts. 

3 Ways Change the Way You See Tea

Can Americans change their mindset about tea? Do you think tea will ever be as popular in the US as coffee? 

Loving tea and loving coffee doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. You can drink tea and drink coffee and enjoy both of them just as much as the other. Overcoming social bias and exploring this new world of tea is exciting and fun. How can you create positive opinions about tea? — here are three ways:

1. Read About Politics, History, and Tea

Tea has shaped the world in profound ways — both negatively and positively. When you take a little time to understand the politics that shaped America, you understand why you see coffee houses instead of tea houses all over the United States. Embracing history and understanding why tea isn’t a part of American culture may encourage you to step out of your daily coffee ritual. Break the mold and try something new like a warm pot of tea instead of a pot of coffee. 

2. Redefine Your Belief that Tea is Neither Masculine or Feminine

It’s important to know that tea houses in America are mostly feminine — a caricature of true English tea culture. English Afternoon Tea is also only one kind of tea you can enjoy, but there are hundreds of tea traditions all over the world. You’ll be hard-pressed to find other countries that label tea “unmanly”. In almost every other country, tea is a drink that is enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.

Changing your opinions about “girly tea time” can be difficult at first — but the delicious and rewarding world of tea is well worth the work. Encourage yourself to try different kinds of tea. Then, encourage your friends and family to try something new, too. 

3. Learn About the Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee

If you’re a coffee addict you know full well that you need to drink more and more coffee every day in order to feel the effects of caffeine. But you hate the inevitable caffeine crash that awaits you when you’re done. 

There are lots of teas that are rich in caffeine, but tea doesn’t make you crash after you’re done drinking it. If you want to work consistently harder and not feel the highs and lows of caffeine try fueling yourself with tea instead of coffee. 

And for most people, sipping on tea throughout the day may have fewer overall negative side effects from caffeine. Tea generally has less acid than coffee as well, which may help people with specific dietary restrictions. And these are only a few of the amazing health benefits you may experience from tea.

Discover Exquisite Teas and Teaware

Are you a coffee drinker who’s curious about trying tea? Explore black teas or oolong teas. Read more about the benefits of tea, and find the perfect teaware for your new tea journey at Teabloom. 

Here, quality teas are harvested from single-origin farms. Handcrafted borosilicate glass teaware is made to make your tea taste better and brighter — while leaving out all of those harmful chemicals found in porcelain teaware. Teabloom is on a mission to clean up the tea industry one glass teacup at a time. 

Try something new and experience a delicious tea from Teabloom, today. 

www.Teabloom.com