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Yorkshire Tea speaks out over when UK households should add milk to brewThe age old British debate on how to make the perfect milky tea is over; at least Yorkshire Tea seems to think

soCommentsNewsChristian Abbott Audience Writer14:58, 02 Jun 2025Making the perfect tea is all down to the heat of the drink (Image: Getty Images) There are some debates that are destined to

be waged until time stops: rectangle or triange cuts for sandwiches, how to actually pronounce scone, and when to put milk in your tea.

Crafting the perfect brew is quintessentially British, milk and all, but we don't all make it the same way.

‌ For some, the milk goes in first, while others would argue the tea goes in before anything else, yet, according to Yorkshire Tea, there is a correct order to proceedings.

‌ Read more: All the parts of England set for 31C heatwave with 23 counties roasted

Apparently, it's all down to the heat of the drink itself which is dictated by whether you’re simply making one cup, or a whole teapot.

If you’re just making a single cup of tea, then the tea bag should be added to your mug first, followed by hot water.

Article continues below Remove the teabag before adding the milk, just ensure it has been stirred briefly and left for about four or five minutes.

If you’re making a teapot, then Yorkshire Tea recommends adding two tea bags to a regular sized pot, while if youre using loose leaf tea, simply add one teaspoon per person and one for the

pot.

For the strongest flavour, it’s worth warming your teapot by swirling a bit of hot water in it before you add your tea, as the warmth helps to draw out the flavour from the tea leaves.

‌ Unlike brewing in a cup, Yorkshire Tea says the order you add the milk doesn’t matter at all in this case - it comes down to your preference.

Yorkshire Tea said: “So when should you add the milk? It’s an issue that divides tea drinkers into two camps: those who pour the milk into their mug first (Miffys) and those who pour their

tea in before the milk (Tiffys).

“Like the Montagues and the Capulets, these warring factions may never see eye to eye – but the truth is that this great debate can be solved in less time than it takes to dunk a digestive.

Article continues below “It’s all a question of heat. Tea brews best in very hot water, but adding milk cools things down. So if you’re brewing tea directly in a mug, it’s better to add the

milk last, after it’s brewed.

"And if you’re brewing in a teapot, the order doesn’t matter at all – it’s just a question of personal preference!”