Hydration Simplified in Northern Ireland: What Studies Say About Tea And Daily Fluids
Staying properly hydrated is a cornerstone of good health, yet new research suggests that many people in Northern Ireland remain unsure about how to meet their daily fluid needs. This International Tea Day – 21st May 2026 - a fresh look at Northern Ireland’s hydration habits highlights how tea can play an important role in helping them reach recommended intake levels.
The new consumer research survey of 1,000 adults analysed by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP; teaadvisorypanel.com) reveals that only just over half (55%) of people in Northern Ireland know that the NHS recommends six to eight servings of fluids a day. Misunderstandings were common in the survey results.
Nearly a fifth (18%) thought three to five servings were sufficient
9% said one to two
9% didn’t know
Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton from TAP explains, “Hydration is essential for everything from brain function to skin integrity and heart health, so it’s vital that people understand how much they need to drink and what they should be drinking. Tea is often overlooked in discussions about daily fluids, but scientific studies show that it contributes just as effectively as water to overall hydration.”
On average, in the UK we drink between four and five cups of tea a day, closely matching the optimal for health benefits.
However, the TAP reviewed survey also revealed confusion about whether tea counts towards daily fluid targets. Over a third (36%) of people in Northern Ireland correctly stated that tea does count, while nearly a fifth (18%) thought intake should be limited to one or two cups a day.
Some respondents were completely off the mark. Nearly three in 10 (27%) wrongly believed tea didn’t count at all and that a glass of water was needed for every cup to offset dehydration, while around 18% assumed only plain water counted toward the NHS recommendation.
“Confusion about tea’s hydrating properties persists despite evidence from scientific studies. Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that moderate black tea consumption of four or six cups has a similar hydrating effect to water. Similarly, a 2022 study in the European Journal of Nutrition indicates that green tea can help maintain fluid balance, even in mildly dehydrated adults,” says Dr Tim Bond, chemist, researcher and a member of TAP.
According to the survey, only 27% of respondents in Northern Ireland associated drinking tea with healthy hydration for men’s health, while the same number (27%) said they felt their skin was more hydrated after drinking tea.
And when choosing between tea and tap water for overall health, people in Northern Ireland said tap water (55%) over tea (45%).
Despite some misconceptions, the TAP reviewed survey highlights that tea continues to be a preferred drink for hydration and daily wellbeing. Yet, 36% of respondents in Northern Ireland admitted that concerns about dehydration stop them from drinking tea more often, illustrating the need for clearer public messaging on tea’s role in hydration.
GP and a member of TAP, Dr Nisa Aslam comments, “It’s important to emphasise that tea can be part of a healthy hydration strategy. Caffeinated tea does not dehydrate the body when consumed in normal amounts as the caffeine level is less than half that seen in an average Americano. Having around four daily cups of tea can help people meet fluid recommendations while also enjoying the sensory and ritual benefits that come with tea drinking.”
With hydration being a key part of overall health, from cognitive performance to skin appearance, tea offers a practical, relaxing way for people to meet daily fluid needs. For many in Northern Ireland, it remains their preferred choice of hot drink, reflecting both taste and ritual, as well as a growing understanding that tea contributes to daily fluid intake.
“As International Tea Day shines a spotlight on the cultural and nutritional significance of tea around the world, the TAP reviewed survey findings provide a timely reminder that simple, enjoyable habits like a daily cuppa can support healthy hydration, complement other fluids, and contribute to overall wellbeing,” concludes Dr Carrie Ruxton.