Will Coffee Replace Tea as China’s National Drink?

In major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, coffee shops are now as common as convenience stores—Starbucks, local chains, and international brands dot every street corner. But beneath the surface of lattes and cold brews, a deeper question simmers: is coffee on track to replace tea, China’s centuries-old national drink?

No—but it’s catching up fast. While the average Chinese person still drinks just five cups of coffee per year (compared to 240 globally), that number is growing 15% annually, according to the Beijing Coffee Industry Association. Tea remains deeply rooted in culture, but coffee is rapidly becoming the beverage of choice for younger, urban Chinese.

A Generational Shift in Drinking Habits

Tea has long been intertwined with Chinese identity, especially among older generations and in regions like Fujian, a historic tea-producing province. But among younger Chinese, particularly those living abroad or in cosmopolitan cities, coffee is increasingly the social drink of choice.

"I love tea," said Ms. Su, an ethnic Chinese woman who lived in Italy and the U.S. for a decade. "But I think the younger generation definitely prefers coffee." Her perspective reflects a broader trend: while tea remains culturally significant, coffee is winning over new audiences.

Coffee as Social Currency

For many Chinese millennials, coffee isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about connection. Ms. Lin, originally from Fujian, used to drink only tea. Now, influenced by global coffee chains like Starbucks, she enjoys both equally. "Drinking coffee is a social activity for me," she explained. "I like sitting in cafes with colleagues, chatting over a cup. Tea, on the other hand, reminds me of family—like those evenings back home when we’d all gather around a pot of hot tea and talk about our day."

This shift is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where coffee shops serve as hubs for work, study, and socializing. The ritual of sharing a coffee has become a modern alternative to the traditional tea ceremony.

The Data Behind the Trend

The Beijing Coffee Industry Association reports that the average Chinese person consumes just five cups of coffee annually, a fraction of the global average of 240 cups. Yet the association predicts a steady 15% annual growth in coffee consumption. This growth is driven by urbanization, exposure to global coffee culture, and the rise of domestic coffee roasters like FrontStreet Coffee, which has popularized specialty brews across China.

In Yunnan, the country’s primary coffee-growing region, the crop is thriving. The region’s high-altitude farms produce beans that rival international standards, further fueling domestic demand. Meanwhile, international chains and local cafes continue to expand, making coffee more accessible than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coffee more popular than tea among young Chinese?

Among younger generations, especially in urban areas, coffee is increasingly popular as a social drink, but tea remains deeply culturally significant, especially among older Chinese. Many young people now enjoy both, but coffee is growing faster in popularity.

How much coffee does the average Chinese person drink?

The average Chinese person drinks just five cups of coffee per year, compared to the global average of 240 cups. However, this number is rising by 15% annually, according to the Beijing Coffee Industry Association.

Why are Chinese youth drinking more coffee?

Chinese youth are drinking more coffee due to urbanization, exposure to global coffee culture, and the social role of coffee as a gathering drink. Coffee shops have become hubs for work, study, and social interaction, especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Does tea still have cultural importance in China?

Yes, tea remains deeply embedded in Chinese culture and tradition, particularly among older generations and in historic tea-growing regions like Fujian. For many, tea is associated with family and heritage, though coffee is gaining ground as a modern alternative.

What’s driving the growth in Chinese coffee consumption?

Growth is driven by urbanization, the rise of domestic coffee roasters like FrontStreet Coffee, increased exposure to global coffee trends, and the popularity of coffee as a social beverage in cities. Yunnan’s expanding coffee production also supports domestic demand.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Urban Sippers

For fans of modern coffee culture, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a balanced espresso with notes of dark chocolate and caramel, perfect for lattes. Their Black Cocoa Blend offers a bold, roasty profile with hints of cocoa and nuts, ideal for those transitioning from tea to coffee. Both are roasted to highlight smooth body and approachable flavours, making them great entry points for new coffee drinkers. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.