We Like it a Latte! More Than Half of Brits Now Prefer Coffee Over Tea

We Like it a Latte! More Than Half of Brits Now Prefer Coffee Over Tea

October 18, 2024

New research reveals that over half of modern Brits now prefer coffee over a traditional cuppa! The milky Latte is reigning supreme as the nation’s favourite brew, with 46% opting for this creamy delight.

The Latte, literally meaning “milk” in Italian, is a shot of espresso into which hot, steamed milk is added – followed by a light layer of foam.

It was likely to have been derived from the Cappuccino, which began to be made after the invention of the espresso machine in late 19th century Italy. The key to a perfect cappuccino lies in its balance of milk, foam, and espresso. Meanwhile, the latte offers a creamier texture with more milk.

It began to be popularised in 1950s Italy – but really took off when it became more standardised in Seattle during the 1980s and then spread throughout the Western world during the 1990s.

According to the new study, which was released today by Italian home appliances brand De’Longhi, in second place was the Cappuccino (39 percent), followed by the Flat White (26 percent) and then, the classic Espresso (19 percent). Be careful what you ask for though, as six in ten Brits admit to judging someone based on their coffee order. Your choice of beverage might say more about you than you realize!

Gen Z Brits tend to be keener on coffee than older generations with the research revealing they spend £64.50 a month on the black stuff, more than twice that of the £28 spent by over 60s. A massive 87 percent of youngsters describe themselves as a “coffee connoisseur” compared to just 66 percent of over 60s.

De’Longhi Marketing Director Helen Cutmore said, “It’s evident from this research that consumer tastes really differ.

Regionally, the coffee capital of the UK is Newcastle where people drink 17 cups of coffee a week, compared to the least caffeinated city in the UK, Coventry, where residents only drink 11.

THE NATION’S COFFEE ORDER…

Cortado    3%

Latte     46% 

Cappuccino    39%

Flat White    26%

Espresso    19%

Iced coffee    19%

Mocha     18%

White Americano   17%

Flavoured coffees, e.g. caramel latte 15%

Black Americano   13%

Oat milk latte    10%

Macchiato    9%

Black filter coffee   8%

Cold brew    5%

Research of 2,000 Brits was commissioned by De’Longhi and conducted by Perspectus Global in September 2024.

A glass half-full kind of a girl and a believer that everything happens for a reason, Tatiana works in Media Relations. She loves writing, spotting inspiring stories, and building meaningful relationships.