The global tea market is poised to grow by upward of $13 billion from 2020 to 2024, according to Business Wire. While the coronavirus has been a blight on many businesses and industries, a recent report from industry analyst TechNavio said it has been the driver in increased demand for tea, which has seen market growth of 4.32% in 2020. The “functional benefits of tea is a major trend driving the growth of the market,” Technavio reported.

As a proud American, I have always preferred coffee to tea. It smells better, and it tastes better, too. An average cup of joe also contains more caffeine (about 95 milligrams) than an average cup of black or green tea (anywhere from 47-90 mg and 20-45 mg, respectively). Tea does have “functional benefits,” it’s true, but so does a shovel or broccoli — more of a tool than a pleasure. No, in all the places where it counts, coffee comes out ahead.