As cuppas lose out to coffee with younger drinkers, beverage is recast as a soft drink with ‘wellbeing’ powers

The key question when offering tea used to be “milk or sugar?” but it could soon be “still or sparkling?” as the British institution becomes the latest target of a foodie makeover, with cold brews for al desko lunches and fancier fizz to serve like wine at dinner.

With the traditional cuppa losing the battle with coffee, particularly with younger Britons, tea is winning new fans as it is recast as a soft drink with “wellbeing” powers and a headache-free alternative to booze.