While over four fifths (83%) correctly identified that tea counts towards our daily fluid recommendation of six to eight cups or glasses a day, as many as three quarters (73%) said they never drank tea before a workout.
Only two fifths (40%) of over 1,000 British adults surveyed as part of the 2024 real-world research poll claimed to drink tea for its ability to hydrate, while only a quarter (24%) said they drank it for its health benefits.
Scientific data also points to the wellbeing benefits tea brings, including improved sleep, better mood and fat loss – all of which can contribute to improved fitness.
A subtype of polyphenols called flavan-3-ols is key to delivering many of the health benefits of tea, and with a dietary recommendation for flavan-3-ols of 400-600 mg a day, drinking just four cups a day is an easy way to hit this target.
Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “The scientific evidence for the benefits of tea when it comes to sports and exercise performance is clear. People know that hydration is important for exercise; they just need some clarity on the connection between tea and achieving their personal best. Tea is an all-rounder for hydration as it’s naturally calorie-free, contains healthy polyphenols and tastes better than water.”