A Nation of Diverse Tastes
Türkiye is home to one of the world’s most diverse beverage cultures, blending centuries-old traditions with modern trends. From the ever-present steaming glass of tea to the celebratory clinking of rakı glasses, drinks are an integral part of daily life and social gatherings.
But what does Türkiye drink the most?
- Is it tea, the comforting staple of every home and workplace?
- Or is it coffee, deeply rooted in tradition but evolving with modern café culture?
- Could it be cola, the globally popular soft drink embraced by Türkiye’s youth?
- Or is it the cooling taste of ayran, the country’s signature yogurt drink?
- And where does rakı, Türkiye’s beloved anise-flavored spirit, stand?
Let’s explore the annual consumption rates of these five iconic beverages and see what they reveal about Türkiye’s evolving drinking habits.
📊 Reference: (The Istanbul Chronicle – Türkiye’s Alcohol Consumption Trends)
Tea – The National Icon 🍵
It’s no surprise that tea is Türkiye’s most consumed beverage—in fact, it’s the most consumed beverage per capita in the world! On average, a Turkish person drinks 316 liters of tea per year, far surpassing global tea consumption rates.
Why is tea so popular?
- It’s part of Turkish daily life—from breakfast to business meetings, tea is a constant companion.
- It’s affordable and widely available, served in homes, offices, markets, and tea gardens across the country.
- Social gatherings revolve around tea, with hosts offering an endless flow of fresh brew in small tulip-shaped glasses.
📖 Tea Consumption by Country: (World Population Review)
Coffee – A Growing Trend ☕
While tea dominates, coffee is also an essential part of Turkish culture. From the historic Turkish coffeehouses of the Ottoman Empire to modern third-wave coffee shops, coffee culture is stronger than ever.
Annual Consumption: 187 liters per person
- Turkish coffee remains a tradition, especially during social gatherings and fortune-telling rituals.
- Espresso-based drinks and international coffee chains are becoming more popular among younger generations.
- Coffee consumption is increasing as more people adopt Western-style coffee habits, including takeaway cups and home espresso machines.
📖 Coffee Consumption by Country: (World Population Review)
Cola – The Modern Favorite 🥤
While tea and coffee dominate traditional beverage culture, cola has become a widely consumed modern alternative, particularly among Türkiye’s youth.
Annual Consumption: 34.1 liters per person
- Cola is especially popular among younger generations, often paired with fast food and snacks.
- Marketing and globalization have helped soft drinks cement their place in Turkish consumer habits.
- Despite its lower consumption compared to tea and coffee, cola’s popularity continues to grow, particularly in urban areas.
📖 Coca-Cola Consumption by Country: (World Population Review)
Ayran – The Traditional Refreshment 🥛
Ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink, has been a staple in Turkish cuisine for centuries. Often paired with meals—especially kebabs—it is known for its cooling and digestive benefits.
Annual Consumption: 11.76 liters per person
- Ayran is rich in probiotics, making it a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks.
- It is a go-to beverage with grilled meats, helping balance out rich, savory dishes.
- While newer drinks like cola and energy drinks attract younger consumers, ayran remains deeply embedded in Turkish food culture.
📖 Milk & Dairy Consumption Report: (TÜİK – Türkiye’s Official Statistics)
Rakı – The Spirit of Celebration 🍶
Unlike tea, coffee, or soft drinks, rakı holds a unique place in Turkish culture—it’s not just a drink but an experience, associated with long, social meals and deep conversations.
Annual Consumption: 0.49 liters per person
- Rakı is traditionally paired with meze, seafood, and slow-paced gatherings.
- It’s often referred to as “lion’s milk” due to its cloudy appearance when mixed with water.
- Although rakı consumption has slightly declined over the years, it remains an integral part of Turkish nightlife and cultural heritage.
📖 Rakı & Alcohol Trends in Türkiye: (The Istanbul Chronicle)
Türkiye’s Beverage Preferences at a Glance 📊
Now that we’ve explored the individual beverage consumption rates, let’s compare them side by side.
Annual Consumption Per Person:
1️⃣ Tea – 316 liters ☕
2️⃣ Coffee – 187 liters ☕
3️⃣ Cola – 34.1 liters 🥤
4️⃣ Ayran – 11.76 liters 🥛
5️⃣ Rakı – 0.49 liters 🍶
📊 Graph Comparing Consumption Rates: (ResearchGate Study on Beverage Preferences)
Conclusion – Which Drink is Your Favorite?
Türkiye’s beverage culture is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. While tea remains the undisputed favorite, coffee is steadily rising, and global influences are shaping modern drinking habits. Meanwhile, traditional drinks like ayran and rakı continue to hold cultural significance.
💬 Which one is your favorite? Do you prefer a warm glass of tea, a strong Turkish coffee, or a refreshing ayran? Comment below and let us know!
References & Further Reading
Tea, Coffee, and Cola Consumption
- World Population Review – Tea Consumption by Country
- World Population Review – Coffee Consumption by Country
- World Population Review – Coca-Cola Consumption by Country
Ayran & Dairy Consumption
Rakı & Alcohol Trends in Türkiye
📊 Graph on Preferred Beverage Types: (ResearchGate Study on Turkish Beverage Consumption)