Many misunderstandings about coffee and tea

Coffee and tea. We drink it a lot and often. You would expect us to know quite a lot about such a daily habit. Two years ago, the first National Coffee & Tea Survey (1433 participants) was conducted by Koffie & Thee Nederland into the knowledge, attitude and behavior of Dutch coffee and tea drinkers. What seems? Many misunderstandings! Our knowledge can really be updated a bit!

Some notable figures from the survey:

FACT: Black coffee fits perfectly in the Wheel of Five.
Only 14% of the coffee drinkers surveyed know that black coffee*, like tea, is part of the Food Center's Wheel of Five. Coffee and tea fit into a healthy lifestyle. They are responsible, healthy and contemporary drinks. Black coffee contains less than 1 kcal per 100 ml.

FACT: Coffee does not dehydrate your body.
This is contrary to what many people think. Only 31% of the coffee drinkers surveyed know that coffee does not dehydrate your body. What about the glass of water next to your espresso? This is intended to neutralize your taste in advance so that you can enjoy your espresso to the fullest and is not to quench thirst afterwards. Coffee contributes to the 1,5 – 2 liter fluid intake per day recommended by the Wheel of Five.

FACT: Black tea is just as healthy as green tea.
No less than 57% of the tea drinkers surveyed think that green tea is healthier than black tea. But that's not right!
Green and black tea come from the exact same tea plant. The difference arises because the leaves of black tea are fermented or oxidized, while the leaves of green tea are not. That process does change the color and taste, but has hardly any influence on the health effects, according to the Nutrition Center.

FACT: Green tea also contains caffeine.
Only 26% of Dutch tea drinkers know that green tea contains caffeine. In tea it is not called caffeine, but theine. Caffeine is a natural product and is known for its stimulating effect. It is the most famous component of coffee, but you can also take a cup of tea to feel more energetic. The amount of theine in tea is about two to three times less than the amount of caffeine in coffee. This depends on the brewing method (for example, a cup of filter coffee contains more caffeine than a cup of espresso). Incidentally, 41% of Dutch tea drinkers think that black tea contains more caffeine than rooibos tea. And that is true: in rooibos tea, just like in herbal tea, there is no caffeine at all because rooibos does not come from the tea plant.

More tidbits

Coffee and tea are, after water, the most consumed beverages in the Netherlands:

• 82% drink coffee weekly, 67% daily.
• 71% drink tea weekly, 40% daily.

The Dutch coffee/tea drinker…

… drinks an average of 4,1 cups of coffee per day.
… drinks an average of 3,2 cups of tea per day.

Young people are least aware of the health benefits of coffee and tea. Young people drink less coffee than older people:

• 27% of young people (16 – 24 years old) drink coffee daily.
• 88% of the group aged 65 and older drink coffee daily.

Coffee and Tea in Thailand

Coffee and tea are both popular beverages in Thailand and are consumed in different ways. Thailand has developed its own coffee culture, in which the traditional coffee is mixed with condensed milk. Below is more information about coffee and tea in Thailand.

Coffee in Thailand

Thailand itself does not produce much coffee, but the coffee culture is highly developed. The traditional coffee in Thailand is made with Robusta beans and mixed with condensed milk and sugar. This results in a sweet and creamy coffee known as 'coffee with milk' or 'Oliang'. It is often served with a bowl of ice cream to keep it nice and cold.

In addition to the traditional coffee with milk, there are also several coffee houses in Thailand that specialize in other types of coffee, such as espresso, cappuccino and latte. These coffee houses often have a trendy and modern look and are popular with younger generations.

Tea in Thailand

Tea is also popular in Thailand and is usually served as iced tea. The tea is brewed with tea leaves and sugar and then served over ice cubes. Often a dash of condensed milk is also added to make it a bit creamier. This results in a sweet and refreshing drink that is very popular, especially during hot days.

Thailand is also known for its jasmine tea, which is made from tea leaves scented with jasmine blossoms. This tea has a light, floral flavor and is often served with meals or as a soothing after-dinner drink.

Basically, both coffee and tea are popular drinks in Thailand. Whether you want to try the traditional coffee with milk or enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea, there is something for everyone.

Source: National Coffee & Tea Survey