Helen Nugent

Britons are a nation of tea-drinkers, and we’re willing to pay top price for the perfect cuppa

If you believe the national stereotypes, there are certain things us Brits can’t live without, among them fish and chips, a local pub and a proper brew.

That last one is certainly top of my list. Since I gave up coffee, a cup of builder’s tea at least once a day is essential. And, when at home, I insist on Yorkshire Gold teabags. Ah, those little pockets of delight, the heady combination of leaves from Assam, Kenya and Rwanda. Just writing this makes me want to put the kettle on.

When it comes to cuppas, I’ve done my homework. Lancashire tea is too floral, PG Tips too pungent, and don’t get me started on all that herbal nonsense. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I’m not alone when it comes to a love of tea. According to TopCashback.co.uk, a cashback shopping site, nearly two-thirds of Brits splurge when buying teabags, even if that means cutting back on other groceries.

So, what are the most common brands we can’t live without? If you’ve been following the news this week, you’d be forgiven for thinking Marmite was among them (the Marmite PR team must be adding Tesco and Unilever to their Christmas card lists after days of blanket press coverage). But no, the love-it-or-hate-it spread doesn’t make the cut. That list consists of Heinz Ketchup, Heinz Baked Beans, PG Tips, Yorkshire Tea, Hellman’s Mayonnaise, Branston Pickle, Irn-Bru and Whole Earth Peanut Butter.

I’m on board with this. Last week I ran out of Heinz Baked Beans and had to make an emergency dash to the local supermarket to stock up. Similarly, there’s always a half-eaten pot of Branston Pickle in my fridge, and what better hangover cure than the mighty Irn-Bru?

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