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- Food & Beverage
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- Every May 21
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International Tea Day steeps into the calendar every May 21. This global observance celebrates tea’s rich cultural heritage, economic importance, and role in sustainable livelihoods worldwide. Join millions of tea lovers by exploring new blends, learning about tea-producing regions, or sharing your favorite brew with friends.
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Expected International Tea Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that International Tea Day often brings delightful deals from major retailers and tea brands. Expect special offers from companies like Teavana, Tazo, and Celestial Seasonings, ranging from discounts on loose-leaf teas to buy-one-get-one specials on bottled iced teas. Coffee chains such as Starbucks and local cafes might also feature discounts on their tea lattes and brewed selections. Keep an eye out for promotions from specialty shops like David’s Tea and Harney & Sons, offering unique blends or gift sets. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Tea Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalTeaDay. Share aesthetic photos of your favorite tea setup, new blends you’re trying, or a cozy tea moment.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalTeaDay. Film a ‘day in my life with tea’ video, a quick tea recipe, or a fun challenge involving different tea types.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalTeaDay. Share stories about tea’s cultural significance, host a virtual tea party, or post a poll about favorite tea varieties.
International Tea Day Hero
Robert Fortune
History of International Tea Day
In 2005, tea-producing countries came together to celebrate International Tea Day. These countries were Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Uganda. In 2019, the Intergovernmental Group on Tea decided to celebrate International Tea Day on May 21. The U.N. said yes to the celebrations on December 21, 2019. The first official U.N. International Tea Day was celebrated on May 21, 2020.
Projections show that as the world population increases, so will the number of tea drinkers. Tea enjoys great popularity in India and China. These two countries alone account for 37% of the world’s total population, meaning a substantial number of tea lovers reside in India and China. According to legend, Emperor Shen Hung of China discovered tea when leaves from a tree blew into his pot of boiling water. He loved the hot liquid and humanity has not looked back ever since.
Besides drinking it for taste, there are quite a few health benefits of tea drinking. Tea contains antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, aid with weight loss, protect the bones, prevent tooth loss, boost the immune system, help battle cancer, soothe the digestive system, and relax the body. Habitual tea drinkers are also less likely to die prematurely. Habitual tea drinkers drink the beverage at least three times a week. Green tea seems to have more health benefits than black tea.
International Tea Day timeline
The traditional tea-drinking ceremony in Japan (also known as ‘chado’) develops.
The Dutch and Portuguese introduce tea to England.
Commercial tea plantations start in Assam, India.
The first tea bags are called “tea leaf holders,” and they are patented by Roberta Lawson and Mary Molaren.
International Tea Day FAQs
When is International Tea Day?
In 2027, International Tea Day is observed on Friday, May 21. It’s a day for tea enthusiasts and the wider public to appreciate the beverage’s journey from farm to cup and its vital role in combating hunger and poverty.
How much tea is consumed worldwide?
With over two billion cups consumed daily, tea holds a significant place in global diets and economies. This widespread consumption underscores the beverage’s universal appeal and its importance to millions of livelihoods in tea-producing regions around the globe.
What are the most popular types of tea?
While black tea remains a dominant favorite, especially in Western cultures, green tea is highly popular in Asia and gaining traction worldwide for its health benefits. Oolong and white teas offer nuanced flavors, while herbal varieties like rooibos and hibiscus provide caffeine-free alternatives for diverse palates.
Is International Tea Day a UN observance?
The United Nations declared May 21 as International Tea Day, recognizing tea’s role in sustainable rural development, poverty reduction, and food security. This designation encourages collective efforts to support tea producers and promote fair trade practices globally.
International Tea Day Activities
Drink tea
The obvious and best way to celebrate International Tea Day is by drinking tea. Brew your favorite flavors and drink them throughout the day. Pair your meals with a tall drink of tea.
Experiment with flavors
We all have our favorite tea flavors, but how about experimenting with new flavors on International Tea Day? You can try herbal teas, floral teas, matcha teas, and many others!
Organize a high tea service
Organize a high tea service on International Tea Day. Invite your friends and you can also have a small tea-tasting party! Do not forget to stock up on cakes, scones, and sandwiches!
5 Fun Facts About Tea
There are many varieties of tea
There are as many as 3,000 varieties of tea.
Tea has weird additives
Some types of tea have additives like twigs, sawdust, and sheep dung.
Tea is a diuretic
This means tea makes you need to urinate.
Timing is crucial
The perfect cup of black tea takes three to five minutes to steep.
Ceramic teapots arrived in Europe
Ceramic teapots arrived in Europe in the 16th century.
Why We Love International Tea Day
It’s the world's favorite beverage
More than two billion cups of tea are drunk every day! International Tea Day is a celebration of a beverage that is enjoyed worldwide and happens to be the most popular drink of all time.
A versatile drink
Like any other beverage, tea is a very diverse drink. You can drink it with milk or not, and it is also available in a variety of flavors. Its exceptional diversity is the reason why it is such a popular drink.
Good for the health
Tea is not only delicious but also has several health benefits. International Tea Day is also celebrated to raise awareness about the beverage and why more people should drink it.
Social Media Tips for International Tea Day
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