Why Do the Brits Put Milk in Tea? A Tradition Steeped in History
Introduction
Tea is deeply embedded in British culture. Whether it’s a morning ritual, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting drink before bed, tea is the beverage of choice across the UK. One notable feature of British tea-drinking is the addition of milk—a practice that puzzles many people outside the UK. So, why do the Brits put milk in their tea? The answer lies in a mix of history, science, and personal taste.
The Historical Origins
The tradition of adding milk to tea dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when tea first gained popularity among the British upper classes. At that time, porcelain teacups imported from China were delicate and prone to cracking when exposed to the boiling temperatures of freshly brewed tea. To prevent this, milk was poured into the cup before the hot tea, cooling the liquid and protecting the fragile china.
As tea drinking spread to the middle and working classes, the practice of adding milk continued—partly out of habit, partly because many still used fine china, and partly because milk helped mellow the flavor of strong teas.
