Least Tea-Drinking Countries: Who Drinks the Least?

If you picture tea, you might see England, China, or India. But many places barely touch a teacup. Knowing where tea stays on the shelf can be handy for travel plans, market research, or just satisfying curiosity.

Tea consumption is measured in kilograms per person per year. Countries with the lowest numbers usually have strong coffee cultures, abundant water sources, or climates where hot drinks aren’t a priority. Below we unpack the reasons and list the nations that consistently rank at the bottom.

Why Some Countries Skip Tea

First, coffee often wins the morning battle. In the United States, Brazil, and most of Europe, coffee shops outnumber tea houses, and caffeine habits start early. When people already have a go‑to caffeine source, they rarely add tea to the mix.

Second, climate matters. Hot, humid regions like the Caribbean or sub‑Saharan Africa favor cold drinks or fresh fruit juices. People there don’t need a warm beverage to stay comfortable, so tea never becomes a staple.

Third, cultural history plays a big role. Countries that never adopted tea during colonial times or didn’t have a trade route for it simply grew up with other drinks. For example, Russia has a long tradition of vodka and berry juices, while Mexico leans on coffee, cacao, and agave spirits.

Lastly, economic factors can limit tea’s spread. Importing tea adds cost, and if a nation can produce its own staple drinks cheaply, it won’t import large tea volumes. This is the case in many oil‑rich nations where water is plentiful and sugary soft drinks dominate the market.

Top Low‑Tea Nations

United States – Around 0.5 kg per person per year, the US is one of the world’s lowest tea consumers. Coffee, soda, and energy drinks hog the market, and tea is mostly a niche health trend.

Brazil – Coffee is practically a national sport, and Brazil’s per‑capita tea intake hovers near 0.3 kg. The country’s love for coffee dates back to the 18th century, leaving little room for tea.

Russia – With a strong tradition of tea in the past, modern Russia now drinks less than 0.4 kg per person per year. Vodka, kefir, and fruit juices dominate daily consumption.

Mexico – Mexican households prefer coffee, hot chocolate, and a variety of fruit‑based drinks. Tea consumption is under 0.2 kg per person, making it one of the smallest markets in North America.

Saudi Arabia – Warm weather, plentiful water, and a cultural preference for Arabic coffee and sweet drinks keep tea at the bottom of the list, with roughly 0.1 kg per person annually.

These numbers aren’t set in stone—trends shift as health awareness grows and global travel spreads tea culture. Still, the current data paints a clear picture: the least tea‑drinking countries are those where coffee, climate, or local traditions outweigh the appeal of a warm cup.

Knowing these patterns can help you choose the right beverage for a trip, decide where to market a new tea product, or simply impress friends with a surprising fact. Next time you’re planning a coffee‑centric vacation, you’ll know you’re heading to a low‑tea hotspot.