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Tea lovers around the world could soon notice changes in the taste of their favourite drink as climate change begins to impact tea production, according to a new report by Christian Aid.
The report warns that rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions in major tea-producing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are changing the flavour and quality of tea. Experts say tea may become more bitter, harsh and inconsistent in taste due to the changing climate.
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Tea plants require stable temperatures between 13°C and 30°C, along with balanced rainfall, to grow properly. However, unpredictable weather, droughts and floods are now disrupting these conditions in many producing regions.
The report says higher temperatures increase compounds that make tea more astringent while reducing its natural sweetness. Heavy or irregular rainfall can also weaken the compounds responsible for tea’s rich flavour and aroma.
Female tea workers working in the garden in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Photo: Daily Dazzling Dawn
Climate-related disruptions are also expected to affect tea supplies and push prices higher globally. Small-scale tea farmers are among the hardest hit, facing growing production costs alongside rising prices of fuel and fertiliser linked to the Iran conflict.
Even tea growers in the UK are struggling to maintain consistent tea flavours due to changing weather patterns.
Dr Neha Mittal said tea companies rely on producing a stable and familiar flavour, but increasing climate variability is making consistency more difficult.
Meanwhile, Kenyan tea farmer Reuben Korir said dry and unpredictable weather has reduced tea quality, producing smaller leaves and affecting taste.
Christian Aid has called for urgent support for tea farmers, including climate-resilient tea varieties, better irrigation systems, shade tree planting and fair pricing for producers and workers.
