What is the second most drunk beverage in the world?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

After water, the most consumed beverage globally is not a soft drink or juice, but tea, with an estimated 3.8 million tons consumed annually. While coffee is a fierce rival and culturally significant in many regions, tea's ancient origins and widespread popularity secure its position as the world's second most drunk beverage.

Quick Summary

This article explores the global beverage market to identify the second most consumed beverage, detailing the factors behind its popularity. It compares tea and coffee consumption trends, examines regional preferences, and highlights the cultural and economic importance of these drinks. The summary covers historical context, modern market dynamics, and statistical insights on worldwide beverage habits.

Key Points

Tea is Second: After water, the second most consumed beverage globally is tea, surpassing coffee due to sheer volume consumed in high-population countries.
Cultural Roots: Tea has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with deep cultural roots in Asia and beyond, contributing significantly to its widespread popularity.
Coffee's Rivalry: Coffee is a strong competitor, dominating consumption in many Western countries and driving a massive global industry, though its overall volume trails tea.
Regional Differences: Beverage preferences vary significantly by region, with tea leading in Asia and coffee being more prominent in Europe and the Americas.
Market Dynamics: The global beverage market is influenced by cultural traditions, economic factors, and evolving health trends, which impact both tea and coffee consumption.
Economic Impact: Both tea and coffee industries play major economic roles, supporting millions of farmers and driving significant global trade.
Evolving Trends: The market is seeing increased interest in healthier options like specialty teas, functional beverages, and sustainably sourced products.

The Surprising Champion: Why Tea Takes the Second Spot

While many might guess coffee or a popular soft drink, the data is clear: tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, surpassed only by water. This ranking is a testament to tea's profound cultural and historical significance, particularly in large, tea-loving nations like China and India, where it has been a daily staple for millennia. The sheer volume of consumption in these populous countries, combined with its global presence, puts it ahead of other popular drinks.

A Historical Brew: Tea's Cultural Significance

Tea's journey began thousands of years ago in China and has since woven itself into the fabric of countless societies. It is more than a simple drink; it's a social ritual, a symbol of hospitality, and even a medicinal beverage in many cultures. From the intricate Japanese tea ceremony to the spiced chai of India and the classic afternoon tea in the United Kingdom, tea's traditions are as diverse as its flavors. This deep cultural entrenchment means that tea is consumed regularly and intentionally, often multiple times a day.

The Rise of the Rival: Coffee's Global Footprint

Coffee is a powerful competitor and often mistaken for the second most popular beverage. It holds significant market share and is culturally dominant in many Western and Latin American countries. The energizing effect of caffeine has made it an indispensable part of the modern work-and-life culture, with billions of cups consumed daily. However, when comparing total consumption volume globally, tea maintains its edge due to its vast presence in Asia and other high-population regions. The economic scale of coffee is substantial, with the beans themselves being one of the world's most traded commodities.

Comparison Table: Tea vs. Coffee


Aspect	Tea	Coffee
Global Consumption Ranking	Second most-consumed beverage after water.	Very popular, but generally follows tea in overall volume.
Cultural Roots	Deeply historic, with origins in ancient China dating back thousands of years.	More recent history, gaining prominence in the Middle East and Europe from the 15th century onwards.
Consumption Habits	Often a social ritual and cultural staple, consumed multiple times a day in many countries.	Frequently a morning ritual or energizing pick-me-up, vital to modern work culture.
Key Producers	India, China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya are major producers.	Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia dominate production.
Main Health Benefits	Rich in antioxidants, potentially aids heart health and relaxation.	High in caffeine, can boost metabolism and cognitive function.
Preparation Methods	Diverse, including steeped leaves, finely ground powder (matcha), and infusions.	Diverse, including espresso, drip, cold brew, and lattes.

The Global Economic Ripple Effect

Both tea and coffee have significant economic impacts, but their global dynamics differ. Tea is a crucial agricultural product for many developing nations, supporting millions of farming households. Meanwhile, coffee is a major international commodity, with a massive industry surrounding its production, trade, and consumption. The global beverage market as a whole is a multi-trillion dollar industry, reflecting the diverse and evolving tastes of consumers worldwide. Shifts in consumer behavior, such as growing interest in healthier or functional drinks, continue to shape the future of beverage consumption.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Flavor and Culture

Ultimately, tea holds its place as the second most drunk beverage in the world because of a combination of historical heritage and vast population reach. Its global lead over coffee, while sometimes slight and contested, reflects differing cultural priorities and consumption patterns. As the beverage landscape continues to evolve, the friendly rivalry between these two giants of caffeine ensures that consumers have a rich and diverse range of options, from a soothing cup of herbal tea to a bold and energizing espresso.

Global Tea Trends and Facts

Cultural Staple: In many countries, such as Pakistan and Turkey, tea consumption is deeply woven into daily social interactions and hospitality.
Production Powerhouses: India and China produce the majority of the world's tea, influencing its availability and price globally.
Health Benefits: A growing interest in wellness has boosted the popularity of different tea varieties, with green and herbal teas sought for their antioxidant properties.
Economic Driver: The tea industry supports millions of livelihoods, particularly in producing nations where it is a major export.
Adaptability: Tea's versatility allows it to be enjoyed in many forms, from hot ceremonial drinks to mass-market iced tea, catering to varied climates and tastes.
Sustainability: As consumers become more conscious, demand for ethically sourced and sustainable tea products is on the rise.
Market Growth: The global beverage market continues to grow, with tea maintaining its strong position despite the rise of other drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most consumed beverage in the world is water, as it is essential for human life and hydration across the globe.

Tea is more consumed globally than coffee primarily due to its popularity in high-population countries like China and India, where it has been a daily staple for centuries.

Countries like Turkey and Ireland consistently rank among the highest in per capita tea consumption, far exceeding other nations.

Finland holds the highest per capita coffee consumption, followed closely by other Scandinavian countries like Norway and Iceland.

Global tea consumption continues to grow, driven by factors like increasing population in key markets and a rising interest in the health benefits of different tea varieties.

There are six main types of tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant: black, green, oolong, white, yellow, and pu-erh, each with distinct processing methods and flavors.

Globally, beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage, and historically, it is one of the oldest recorded alcoholic drinks.