Gen Z embraces microwaved tea over kettles

A recent survey highlights a change in how young Brits are making tea.

Gen Z shifts tea-making habits to the microwave

A survey by Uswitch found that 58% of under-30s in the UK have used a microwave to make tea, and one in six do so daily. Traditionally, kettles have been the appliance of choice for boiling water, but young people are increasingly opting for microwaves. This shift may stem from various factors, including restrictions in student accommodations that discourage kettle use due to concerns about steam alarms. Additionally, cultural influences from the US, where electric kettles are less common, may also play a role in this trend. Experts say that while microwaves are not quicker than kettles, their growing popularity signals a shift in tea-making practices among the younger generation.

The trend of microwaving tea instead of using kettles reflects a broader change in lifestyle and cultural preferences among young people. As student environments adapt, traditional appliances may lose importance, signaling new norms in daily routines. This movement away from kettles could symbolize a shift back to convenience over tradition, possibly challenging longstanding culinary practices. With potential implications for the tea market and cultural identity, it is clear that this change, while seemingly minor, resonates with larger generational attitudes.

Highlights

This shift in tea preparation may signal changing cultural norms for future generations.