# Tea (the drink) in America - should I bring my own? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 26, 2017, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896 "2017-06-26T09:18:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/21 "2017-06-26T12:51:56Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > Not only is tea drinking more common in the U.S. than you think (and there are lots of places selling specialty teas), tea drinking is less common in the U.K. than you think: > > [Tea consumption has fallen 19% since 2010 as coffee soars to double tea drinkers | Daily Mail Online](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3538880/We-drink-twice-coffee-tea-nation-s-favourite-drink-threat-tea-consumption-fallen-19-cent-2010.html) > > [https://www.quora.com/British-American-Differences-Why-is-the-USA-a-coffee-drinking-culture-while-Britain-is-a-tea-drinking-culture](https://www.quora.com/British-American-Differences-Why-is-the-USA-a-coffee-drinking-culture-while-Britain-is-a-tea-drinking-culture) > > [http://worldteanews.com/insights/greatest-tea-retail-expansion-era-begun](http://worldteanews.com/insights/greatest-tea-retail-expansion-era-begun) This isn’t a question of popularity, but style of tea. British tea is very distinctive compared to what you might find in hotels and restaurants overseas. Not better, just personal/acquired taste. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/22 "2017-06-26T13:11:25Z")
I know very little about tea other than the fact that it takes up very little room, it’s not that expensive and weighs next to nothing. Of course you should bring your own. Is there really a point to asking this other than to talk about America’s shitty taste in tea? ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/23 "2017-06-26T13:11:57Z")
The OP said that all Americans are coffee drinkers. Various posts implied that all Brits are tea drinkers. My post’s point was that those stereotypes are wildly wrong. Furthermore, you can get specialty teas in the U.S. As has been pointed out, the biggest problem is the lack of kettles in many hotel rooms. Yes, you still might want to bring your own tea bags. I don’t know what to do about the kettle. You might want to bring one or buy one when you get to the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/24 "2017-06-26T13:13:57Z")
Bring your own. If you don’t need it, fine. But if you do and don’t have it… It’s not like you’re packing a samovar or an Aga. Just bring it. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/25 "2017-06-26T13:25:06Z")
> [@NAF1138](#): > > The best advice I have seen is the travel kettle. You will find tea, freshly boiled water is tougher. I have traveled with a little [immersion heater](http://www.ebay.com/bhp/portable-immersion-heater) for decades now. They boil a cup of water in a few minutes. I have used them for heating coffee and soups as well. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/26 "2017-06-26T13:29:31Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > The OP said that all Americans are coffee drinkers. Various posts implied that all Brits are tea drinkers. My post’s point was that those stereotypes are wildly wrong. I once went on an office retreat to the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. After dinner there were ~300 orders for coffee and one order for tea - from the only American in the room (yours truly). ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/27 "2017-06-26T13:37:56Z")
Sorry, but it is inadvisable for Brits to attempt to bring their own tea into the United States. Customs and/or Homeland Security are under strict orders to confiscate all British tea and dump it into Boston Harbor. A further warning - Brits ordering iced tea in the U.S. should be aware that they will receive a beverage _containing ice_. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Mapp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miss_mapp/32/369_2.png) [@Miss\_Mapp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Mapp)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/28 "2017-06-26T13:42:09Z")
I always take a few teabags with me when I’m staying in a hotel in the States in case they don’t provide any in the room, and anticipate that I will have to get hot water from the coffee-maker. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an electric kettle in a hotel room in the US, while one is taken for granted in any place I might go in the UK. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/29 "2017-06-26T13:45:25Z")
I’d like to confirm the lack of electric kettle in the US hotels versus the UK, and also confirm that the water heater that is provided in the US often does indeed make the water taste slightly of coffee. However, if you like your tea strong you might not be able to taste it, but of course not all hotels will have even that. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/30 "2017-06-26T13:49:19Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > A further warning - Brits ordering iced tea in the U.S. should be aware that they will receive a beverage _containing ice_. :eek: And so much sugar it’s a wonder the glass itself doesn’t float. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/31 "2017-06-26T13:54:43Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > And so much sugar it’s a wonder the glass itself doesn’t float. This is an important point - if you don’t like your iced tea so sweet it will cause your pancreas to explode, it’s best to specify “unsweetened”. You can always add a preferred amount of sugar afterwards if you want. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/32 "2017-06-26T14:06:44Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > it’s best to specify “unsweetened” Once upon a time, unsweetened was the default. I _hate_ having to specify ‘unsweetened’ or, after ordering tea, being asked if I want sweetened or unsweetened. Iced tea should contain tea and ice; nothing else. Note that this is for drive-throughs. I (personally) have not experienced it in sit-down restaurants. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/33 "2017-06-26T14:07:48Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > And so much sugar it’s a wonder the glass itself doesn’t float. Hardly universal. That’s primarily a southern phenomenon. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/34 "2017-06-26T14:14:01Z")
Make sure you bring the loose stuff, and to keep it fresh, put it in a baggie and roll it up tight, then put it somewhere hidden in your luggage so no one steals it! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/35 "2017-06-26T14:18:30Z")
It’s pricey, but Fortnum and Mason tea can be found in Williams & Sonoma stores in the U.S. Have not seen it in any groceries around here (SE Louisiana), but I hadn’t checked Whole Foods yet. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/36 "2017-06-26T14:23:01Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > That tea selection can be pretty narrow, though. If you like Earl Grey you’re OK; if you like Irish Breakfast, not so much. And I haven’t even named anything fancy. Er, what? Even my small-town groceries carry a variety of Twinings, including Earl Gray, English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, etc. They also have a huge selection of Celestial Seasonings and Bigelow. Probably not the same selection and quality that you’d find in an English store, but it’s hardly Earl Gray, Lipton, or nothing. And that’s just the grocery store. Any specialty coffee shop will also have decent tea. My favorite local roaster has a ton of loose-leaf tea in bins that you can buy in bulk or have them brew for you. Even the ubiquitous Starbucks has a decent selection of tea. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/37 "2017-06-26T14:24:55Z")
Tea (the drink) as opposed to tea (the xxx)? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/38 "2017-06-26T14:28:00Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Sorry, but it is inadvisable for Brits to attempt to bring their own tea into the United States. > > Customs and/or Homeland Security are under strict orders to confiscate all British tea and dump it into Boston Harbor. > > A further warning - Brits ordering iced tea in the U.S. should be aware that they will receive a beverage _containing ice_. :eek: How many British people do you think are going to be ordering iced tea. Ever. This is not a problem. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/39 "2017-06-26T14:37:59Z")
My Mother is English and she drinks PG tips, not provided in hotels, but widely available in stores. When I was a kid in the 1980’s it was impossible to find. Today, no issue. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896/40 "2017-06-26T14:40:42Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Tea (the drink) as opposed to tea (the xxx)? > > 😕 Leoni? Party? Bagging? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-the-drink-in-america-should-i-bring-my-own/789896.md?page=3)