The tea category will blend tradition with innovation in 2025 to cater to diverse palates and health-conscious consumers. This year promises an exciting journey through tea gardens where matcha reigns supreme, alongside a bouquet of fruit and botanical infusions. Herbal teas, with their soothing properties and diverse flavors, are also seeing a resurgence in popularity. 

Discover how these trends and more are shaping the tea landscape, offering not just refreshment but a sensory experience that delights both body and soul. 

Check out our 5 Trends to Watch in 2025 featuring Tea: 

 1. Health-Focused Consumption 

 Health-focused consumption is driving significant growth in the ready-to-drink (RTD) tea category, as consumers increasingly prioritize functional beverages with health benefits. According to recent data, RTD teas with added functional ingredients, such as probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens, are particularly popular, as they cater to consumers seeking immunity support, digestive health, and stress relief. With 72% of consumers considering health attributes when purchasing RTD tea, brands are responding by offering a broader range of options that combine both flavor and wellness benefits. 

2. Rise of Matcha 

Matcha has seen a significant surge in popularity and sales in recent years, driven by its health benefits and unique flavor profile. As consumers seek more functional beverages, matcha’s high antioxidant content and potential energy-boosting effects have made it a favorite among health-conscious individuals. The growing demand for matcha is reflected in its increasing presence in ready-to-drink beverages, coffee shops (matcha lattes on-menu are up 160% YOY), and grocery stores, as well as its integration into a variety of product categories beyond traditional tea. 

3. Seeking New Everyday Experiences 

Consumers are increasingly seeking new and diverse experiences in their beverage choices, and this trend is influencing the consumption of both hot and iced tea. As people explore different flavor profiles and functional benefits, they are drawn to unique tea varieties and innovative blends that offer a fresh take on traditional beverages. Whether hot for a cozy, calming ritual or iced for a refreshing, on-the-go option, tea is evolving to satisfy the growing desire for variety and novelty in everyday consumption. 

4. Herbal Growth 

Herbal teas are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek natural and caffeine-free options for both relaxation and wellness. The ready-to-drink (RTD) tea market is embracing this trend, offering convenient herbal blends featuring ingredients like chamomile, hibiscus, and ginger. Hot tea lovers are also exploring diverse herbal infusions, drawn by their unique flavors and perceived health benefits. 

5. Fruit and Botanical Blends 

Fruit and botanical flavor blends are redefining the ready-to-drink (RTD) tea market, appealing to consumers with their vibrant, refreshing taste profiles. Combinations like peach and lavender or hibiscus and berry not only elevate flavor but also align with the growing demand for natural, health-focused beverages. This trend reflects a shift toward creative, functional ingredients that enhance both the sensory and wellness experience of RTD teas. 

Let’s Chat 

To help deliver consumer expectations for bold and unique flavors in functional products, Synergy’s sweet goods experts will help you every step of the way. From proactively addressing the rise in cocoa prices with flavor to redefining balance by blending indulgence with authenticity, our collaborative environment will help you create great-tasting sweets with our natural flavors, extracts, essences and taste modulation solutions.  

Contact us to learn more about our sweet goods expertise.  

 

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