Apple-flavored tea beverages are rapidly gaining popularity in China, captivating consumers across various age groups. These refreshing drinks, crafted from apple concentrate, are expected to become one of the most significant drink categories in 2025 and 2026.
Growth in Apple-Flavored Tea Drinks
According to a recent report from Kerry Group and Ele.me, the sales of apple-flavored, made-to-order drinks surged by 95% year on year, now representing nearly 19% of the fruit tea category. By late 2025, over 20 major tea and coffee brands will have introduced apple product lines, with leading companies launching nearly 10 new items each month. On the popular Chinese social media and e-commerce platform, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), topics related to apple tea have garnered over 150 million views. The sales figures illustrate this remarkable trend: Molly Tea’s Needle King Jasmine Milk Tea sold over 14 million cups in one year, Cotti Coffee’s apple series exceeded 10 million cups within six months, and Tianlala’s Apple Jasmine Milk Tea reached 1.2 million cups in just one week.
Factors Driving Popularity
The swift rise of apple-flavored tea drinks in China is attributed to several factors. Brands are marketing these beverages as lower-sugar, cleaner alternatives to traditional fruit teas, highlighting their simple ingredients and natural flavors to cater to health-conscious consumers. The apple flavor enjoys widespread appeal, pairing well with various base ingredients and requiring minimal consumer education. On the supply side, China accounts for over 55% of global apple production, ensuring year-round availability and stable pricing, unlike more exotic or seasonal fruits. Moreover, the visual appeal of apple tea drinks enhances their popularity on social media, further fueling demand.
Advancements in Processing Technology
High-pressure processing (HPP) of apple concentrate is gradually replacing traditional heat-pasteurized concentrate as the preferred ingredient in China’s tea beverage market. Unlike conventional pasteurization, HPP employs ultra-high pressure at low temperatures to eliminate pathogens without relying on heat or preservatives. This method preserves the fresh aroma, vibrant color, and nutritional value of apples while reducing oxidation and browning that typically occurs with traditional juice processing.
HPP apple concentrate mimics the flavor of freshly pressed juice, boasting a refrigerated shelf life of 45–60 days, making it ideal for standardized store operations. As the costs of domestic HPP equipment have decreased and third-party processing has become more widespread, processing expenses have fallen below 2 Chinese yuan ($0.29) per liter. This affordability has allowed this technology to transition from a niche premium option to a mainstream ingredient. Major chains such as Heytea, Guming (Good Me), and Mixue have incorporated HPP apple concentrate into their offerings.
Market Expectations
As industry enthusiasm for apple-flavored tea drinks continues to grow, the accessibility and affordability of HPP technology suggest a promising future. The synergy between rising consumer demand and supply chain innovations is likely to enhance quality standards and stimulate further expansion in the market.
Key Takeaways
- Apple-flavored tea drinks have seen a 95% year-on-year sales growth in China.
- Over 20 major brands are set to launch apple product lines by late 2025.
- Apple flavor appeals to a wide demographic and pairs well with various ingredients.
- China produces more than 55% of the world’s apples, enhancing pricing stability.
- High-pressure processing is becoming the standard for apple concentrate in tea drinks.
FAQ
What is driving the growth of apple-flavored tea drinks in China?
The popularity stems from their lower-sugar alternatives and natural ingredients that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
How does HPP technology improve apple concentrate?
HPP preserves the aroma, color, and nutritional content of apples while extending shelf life without using heat or preservatives.
Why are apple-flavored drinks popular on social media?
Their visual appeal makes them highly shareable, contributing to increased demand.
Image: Pexels
This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.
