DO YOU TAKE MILK IN YOUR TEA?

Milk in First or Milk in Last?

At one time whether or not a person poured their milk in first or last once had strong class connotations.   One of the worst social slurs was to be called “a milk first person” as it meant one was of the lower classes and not fit to socialize with!

Fine china was very costly and as was tea – something that only the wealthy could afford. So, the less well-off cooled their vessels by pouring their milk in first to prevent breakage. Additionally, before refrigeration, determining whether milk had spoiled could be difficult. By adding milk to the cup, followed by a small drop of tea, people could check if the milk curdled, indicating spoilage, without wasting a full cup of expensive tea.

Ultimately, the ongoing debate about the “right” way to add milk to tea has become a matter of personal preference rather than social standing. Customs may have evolved, but the ritual of tea—whether enjoyed alone in quiet contemplation or as part of a lively gathering—remains a cherished part of daily life for many. Each cup, with its blend of tradition and individuality, offers an opportunity not just for refreshment, but for connection and comfort. So, whether milk comes first or last, what is most important is savoring the moment and the company one keeps.

No matter how you take your tea, no-one wants to throw away spoiled milk. 

The following advice is from the Dairy Alliance:

Milk can spoil if not stored properly, but several strategies can help extend its shelf life. Keeping milk as cold as possible is effective; therefore, it is advisable to select milk towards the end of your grocery shopping.

Regardless of whether you purchase milk in plastic jugs or cardboard cartons, proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Milk should not be left at room temperature, even briefly. After pouring, return it immediately to the refrigerator, preferably at the back where it remains coldest. Door shelves experience frequent temperature changes and are less suitable for perishable items like milk. To further protect milk and frozen goods when traveling from the store, consider using a cooler until items can be refrigerated.

Product dates such as “Sell by,” Best by,” and “Use by” are set by processors to guide retailers on peak quality. Generally, milk may remain consumable for up to a week past the “sell by” date.

If milk spoils before it is used, options include purchasing organic or shelf-stable varieties. These types undergo higher-temperature pasteurization, which extends their shelf life compared to conventional milk.

If you do take your tea with milk, be aware that non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond, soy, coconut, oat or rice milk will greatly alter the taste of the tea. 

People inquire if adding milk reduces the effect of caffeine. Adding milk does not eliminate caffeine. However, the fats and proteins in milk can slightly slow down the absorption of caffeine into your bloodstream, potentially leading to a more gradual and sustained effect.

Another frequent question is whether milk in tea prevents staining of the teeth. A study has found that adding it to tea can actually stop teeth becoming stained. It was even more effective than whitening toothpastes and was as good as some bleaching products.  

Dr. Ava Chow, of University of Alberta's School of Dentistry, explains ‘The more the tea is processed or oxidized, the higher its staining properties are. 'But we've found that the addition of milk to tea reduces the tea's ability to stain teeth.' Tea contains tannins – water soluble compounds that cause the bitter flavor. They are dark in color and can stain the teeth. Dr. Chow found that casein, the main protein in milk, binds to the tannins in tea and prevent staining.

When I was growing up in the North of England, we always drank a black English breakfast blend and the milk was poured in first.  Now, as a tea expert, the type of tea we enjoy varies from blacks, greens, oolongs and whites.  I would NEVER consider adding milk to anything apart from a strong black tea and now it is milk last.

How do you take your tea?