Which Country Drinks the Most Green Tea?

With approximately 600,000 tons of green tea consumed globally each year, a few countries stand out for their significant intake of this antioxidant-rich beverage. This article explores which nations lead in overall and per capita consumption, examining the deep cultural history and modern health trends shaping their unique tea-drinking habits.

Quick Summary

China leads the world in total green tea consumption, while per capita numbers are noteworthy in places with strong cultural rituals, such as Morocco. Tradition and varying production methods shape consumption patterns globally.

Key Points

• China leads in total consumption: Due to its large population and status as the origin of tea, China consumes roughly half of the world's green tea supply.

• Per capita leaders can vary: While China dominates total volume, countries like Morocco and Japan are known for high per capita green tea consumption, each with distinct cultural traditions.

• Processing methods create diverse flavors: Chinese green tea is typically pan-fired, resulting in a nutty flavor, while Japanese green tea is steamed, producing a more vegetal, umami-rich taste.

• Cultural context is key: In Morocco, green tea is the base for mint tea, a social ritual, whereas in Japan, it is central to the spiritual tea ceremony (sado).

• Health trends drive global demand: A growing worldwide focus on wellness and the proven health benefits of green tea are boosting its popularity in new markets, including North America and Europe.

• Green tea market is diversifying: The market is seeing increased innovation with new flavors, ready-to-drink products, and organic offerings expanding green tea's consumer base.

China's Dominance in Total Consumption

As the birthplace of tea, China's sheer size and long-standing tea culture make it the undisputed leader in total green tea consumption worldwide. With domestic sales of green tea reaching significant volumes, the country consumes approximately 50% of the world's total green tea. This massive intake is deeply embedded in daily life, with green tea enjoyed across all social classes and integrated into traditional medicine and formal ceremonies. While China is also the largest tea producer, it keeps most of its high-quality green tea for its vast domestic market. Varieties like Longjing (Dragon Well) and Biluochun are famous throughout the country and appreciated globally. The Chinese method of processing green tea, which typically involves pan-firing to halt oxidation, gives it a distinct flavor profile from other varieties.

The High Per Capita Consumers: A Different Story

While China's total volume is unmatched, a different picture emerges when looking at green tea consumption per capita. Here, other countries with specialized green tea traditions rise to the top. Nations in North Africa and the Middle East, such as Morocco, are known for their high consumption rates, particularly of Chinese green tea. In Morocco, the ubiquitous mint tea, or 'atay,' is a green tea ritual and social institution. Another example is Japan, which boasts a strong green tea tradition, though its total consumption volume is lower than China's due to its smaller population. Japan's meticulously crafted green teas, including sencha and matcha, are deeply ingrained in its culture, from everyday drinking to elaborate ceremonies.

A Look at Other Notable Green Tea Countries

• Japan: As the second-largest consumer by volume, Japan is globally recognized for its delicate, steamed green teas like Sencha and the powdered ceremonial Matcha. Japanese tea is valued for its rich umami flavor and vibrant green color.
• Morocco: A major importer of Chinese Gunpowder green tea, Morocco uses it to create its famous, heavily sweetened mint tea. This beverage is a staple of Moroccan hospitality and social life.
• Vietnam: With a long history of tea culture, Vietnam has a significant green tea consumption rate and produces its own varieties. Green tea is the most popular type of tea in Vietnam.
• Uzbekistan: This Central Asian nation also has a strong green tea tradition, reflected in its position as one of China's top green tea trade partners.

Global Consumption: Total vs. Per Capita

Understanding green tea consumption requires differentiating between total volume and per capita figures. China's enormous population naturally leads to the highest total consumption, while smaller, more focused populations can have higher individual intake.

Comparison of Major Green Tea Consumers

Country	Dominant Green Tea Type	Processing Method	Primary Consumption Context	Cultural Significance
China	Dragon Well, Biluochun	Pan-fired	Daily beverage, traditional medicine, ceremonies	National drink, symbol of health, tradition
Japan	Sencha, Matcha	Steamed	Daily beverage, formal ceremonies	Linked to Zen Buddhism, spiritual practice
Morocco	Gunpowder Green Tea	Fired (imported)	Social ritual, hospitality	Ceremonial beverage with mint and sugar
Vietnam	Various Green Teas	Steamed	Everyday refreshment	Deeply rooted in daily social life

Modern Trends and Health Benefits

In recent years, the green tea market has seen an expansion beyond traditional consumers, fueled by growing health and wellness trends. Scientific research validating green tea's antioxidant, metabolism-boosting, and cognitive-enhancing properties has increased its popularity in Western markets. Innovations like flavored green teas, ready-to-drink formats, and organic certifications are further driving global market growth. Consumers worldwide are increasingly substituting sugary beverages for green tea, leading to a rise in its consumption outside of its traditional strongholds. You can learn more about the science behind green tea and its health benefits from authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion: A Global Story of Taste and Tradition

While China is the world's largest consumer of green tea by volume, the title of "most" tea-drinking country, especially when considering per capita metrics, is more complex and depends on whether one is focusing on green tea specifically or overall tea. Morocco and Japan, among others, demonstrate extremely high per capita rates due to deep-seated cultural rituals. Ultimately, the question reveals a much richer global story, highlighting how green tea has evolved from its Chinese origins into a diverse array of traditions, from simple daily rituals to complex ceremonies, cherished in different ways across the world. The growing global market for green tea, propelled by health trends and cultural exchange, ensures its continued prominence as a cherished beverage for generations to come.

References

Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol chemistry - PubMed. (n.d.). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1614995/ Global Green Tea Report 2022 - Firsd Tea. (2023, May 1). https://firsdtea.com/global-green-tea-report-2022/ Green tea - Wikipedia. (n.d.). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea Tea Statistics by Country, Revenue, Types and Facts (2025). (2025, May 23). https://www.scribd.com/document/866004776/Tea-Statistics-By-Country-Revenue-Types-And-Facts-2025 Tea Traditions Around the World. Part 1. (2018, May 28). https://pathofcha.com/blogs/all-about-tea/tea-traditions-around-the-world-part-1 The Cultural Significance of Green Tea: POV of Different... (2024, September 14). https://roastea.in/blogs/articles/the-cultural-significance-of-green-tea-pov-of-different-countries Green tea consumption. (n.d.). https://www.o-cha.net/english/teacha/distribution/greentea3.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country drinks the most green tea overall?

China consumes the most green tea by total volume, accounting for approximately 50% of the total global consumption.

Which country has the highest per capita green tea consumption?

While statistics vary, Morocco is consistently cited as a top per capita green tea consumer due to its cultural tradition of drinking large amounts of mint tea made from green tea leaves.

Why is China the largest consumer of green tea?

China's position as the largest green tea consumer is due to its ancient history with tea, its immense population, and the cultural integration of green tea into daily life.

Is Japanese green tea different from Chinese green tea?

Yes, Japanese green tea is typically steamed to halt oxidation, giving it a vibrant green color and vegetal flavor, whereas Chinese green tea is often pan-fired, resulting in a nuttier, more toasted taste.

Why is green tea so popular in Morocco?

Green tea, specifically Gunpowder green tea, is central to Morocco's social ritual of preparing and serving sweetened mint tea, a sign of hospitality and community.

Do health benefits influence green tea consumption?

Yes, increased global awareness of green tea's numerous health benefits, such as high antioxidant content and metabolism-boosting properties, is a major driver of rising consumption worldwide.

What is the global trend for green tea consumption?

The global trend shows increasing interest in green tea, driven by wellness trends, product innovation like flavored and RTD options, and the globalization of tea culture.

Which other countries are major consumers of green tea?

Besides China and Japan, countries with strong green tea consumption include Vietnam, Morocco, and Uzbekistan, each with unique traditional uses and preparation methods.