Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Viral Tea Debate on The Wheel
A TV show called Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel had a funny debate about the best way to make tea with a teabag.
Two actors, Steve and Reece, and a contestant argued about whether you should put milk in first, last, or somewhere in between.
The contestant thought putting milk in early would scald it, while the actors joked about the right order.
In the end, the correct method was revealed to be: put the bag in, add water, take the bag out, then add milk.
An expert explained that adding milk too early can make the tea taste weaker and sometimes bitter.
This is because the milk cools the water down, making it harder for the tea to release its full flavor.
So, the best way to make tea is to let the bag steep in hot water first, then add milk at the end.
A viral episode of Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel featured a debate on the correct process for making tea with a teabag in a mug.
The UK Tea and Infusions Association recommends the sequence: bag in, water, bag out, milk.
Adding milk too early can reduce the extraction of flavor compounds, resulting in a milder and potentially more astringent cup.
An expert explained that black tea needs water close to boiling temperature for optimal flavor extraction.
The contestant admitted to squeezing the teabag, which the actors joked should be illegal.
- Who
- Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, a contestant, and Michael McIntyre
- What
- A debate on the correct process for making tea with a teabag in a mug
- When
- During a viral episode of Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel
- Where
- On the TV show Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel
- Why
- To determine the scientifically recommended method for making tea
- Show
- Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel
- Participants
- Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Contestant
- Correct Tea Process
- Bag in, water, bag out, milk
- Expert
- Alok Singh, Diga Organics
- Optimal Brewing Temperature
- 92-100 degrees Celsius
- Impact of Early Milk Addition
- Reduces extraction efficiency, milder cup, potential astringency