Food and drink fads come and go, but the recent results from Cancer Council NSW’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea survey announced today reveal that Australians have remained loyal to the good old ‘cuppa.’

The Newspoll survey, conducted among 1230 Australians aged 18-64 years finds that a whopping majority (72 per cent) prefer to drink their tea in a humble mug, followed by the tea cup and saucer (12 per cent).

40 per cent of Australians are enjoying at least one cup of tea per day, with over two thirds of 18-64 year olds drinking a cup of tea at least once per week. Women lead the trend of at least one cup a day at 43 per cent, compared to 36 per cent of men.

While 70 per cent of Australian tea drinkers look forward to their morning cup of tea, this ritual goes well beyond the start of day routine. In fact, those Australians who drink tea at least once per day are enjoying an average of 2.9 cups daily. Older Australians are the biggest tea drinkers by age, with the 50-64 year old age group drinking an average of 3.2 cups per day, while 18-24 year olds drink on average 2.4 cups per day.

While some may see drinking tea as a way to enjoy some ‘me-time,’ the survey reveals that three quarters of tea drinkers like to enjoy a cup of tea with friends.

80 per cent of Australian tea drinkers claim that they drink tea to relax when they are stressed, and this decreases with age, being most likely amongst 18-34 year old (86 per cent). Further, over half (54 per cent) of Australian tea drinkers drink tea for health reasons, with 18-34 year olds again more likely to do so than any other group (61 per cent). That being said, if Australian tea drinkers had the opportunity, they would most like to have a cup of tea with Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, followed by the young royals, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, when provided with a list of well-known personalities.

Jim L’Estrange, CEO, Cancer Council NSW, sees the results of the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea survey as a timely reminder to make every cup count this year when it comes to beating cancer:

“It is great to see from our survey results that tea still reigns as a beverage of choice across the country, particularly as we continue to encourage people to host their own Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea throughout May and June.

“Every cup of tea can make a big difference to the lives of thousands of Australians who are affected by cancer. We have seen huge advancements in treatment, as well as significant improvements in survival rates since morning teas first began 21 years ago, but there is still more to be done.

“This year we are aiming to recruit 11,100 generous morning tea hosts to help raise $4.6million towards Cancer Council’s life-saving work into prevention programs, world class research, advocacy work and support services.”

The official Australia’s Biggest Morning tea day is on Thursday 22^nd May 2014, but hosts can put on an event any time during May and June. Registrations are open and signing up is easy, simply visitwww.biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.