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United Kingdom: Local drinks and tea

In the United Kingdom the favourite drink is tea with milk; tap water, coffee and milk are everyday drinks too.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, tea with milk.
Figure 1.Cup of tea — United Kingdom: Local drinks and tea

01Short answer

British tap water is strictly controlled and usually safe to drink; during neutropenia or after a transplant, follow your own team’s rule. Tea freshly made with boiling water is a good choice. Milk should be pasteurised; do not drink raw farm milk. Herbal teas can interact with medicines, and ask your team about alcohol.

02Simple explanation

Tap water: usually safe.

Tea: freshly made.

Milk: pasteurised only.

03Scientific explanation

Water: the Drinking Water Inspectorate regulates drinking water in England and Wales.

Milk: the FDA advises at-risk groups to avoid unpasteurised milk.

04What happens in the body?

Tea

Brew with boiling water and do not keep it long.

Water

Run the tap briefly and use a clean glass.

On a dark navy background, water into a glass.
Figure 2.Tap water — United Kingdom: Local drinks and tea

Milk

Choose sealed pasteurised milk and drink it soon after opening.

On a dark navy background, a sealed bottle.
Figure 3.Pasteurised milk — United Kingdom: Local drinks and tea

05The drinks rule

Four steps.

Water — Enough of it.1WaterEnough of it.
Tea — Fresh and hot.2TeaFresh and hot.
Milk — Pasteurised.3MilkPasteurised.
Alcohol — Ask.4AlcoholAsk.
FluidsNo dehydration.
SafetyLower risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TeaBrew with boiling water and do not keep it long.
WaterRun the tap briefly and use a clean glass.
MilkChoose sealed pasteurised milk and drink it soon after opening.

07Key terms

Cuppa
A cup of tea.
Squash
Concentrated fruit drink.
Raw milk
Unpasteurised milk.
Herbal tea
Herbal tea.

08Key points

  • Drink water through the day.
  • Make tea fresh.
  • No raw milk.
  • Finish opened packs quickly.
  • Ask about herbal tea.

09Frequently asked questions

Is tap water safe?

Usually yes; during neutropenia follow your team’s rule.

Freshly squeezed juice?

Unpasteurised juice can be risky; choose pasteurised.

How much tea can I drink?

Usually a normal amount; discuss with your team with your stomach and sleep in mind.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is tap water safe?

  2. Freshly squeezed juice?

  3. How much tea can I drink?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  4. Food Standards Agency. Official website
  5. Drinking Water Inspectorate. Official website
  6. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). People at Risk: Those with Weakened Immune Systems
  7. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: getting help
  8. GOV.UK (FCDO). Turkey travel advice: getting help
  9. European Commission. Cross-border healthcare — overview
  10. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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