For years, coffee has reigned supreme in cafés across the globe. But the tides are turning. As wellness trends rise and taste preferences evolve, more people are reaching for a teacup over a coffee mug. From vibrant matcha green tea to the floral depth of oolong and comfort of English breakfast tea, tea is becoming the go-to café order for millions.
According to the United Nations, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, brewed in countless styles and traditions, with a cultural depth some compare to the wine industry.
This isn’t a comeback. It’s a takeover and your flat white is officially on notice…
Matcha: The Green Powerhouse Taking Over Café Menus
Bright, bold, and packed with benefits, matcha tea is the influencer of the tea world - camera-ready, wellness-approved, and impossible to ignore. This powdered green tea has long outgrown its ceremonial roots, showing up in iced drinks, lattes, and even desserts.
Cafes everywhere are embracing the versatility of this antioxidant-rich powerhouse. Consumers are seeking out the best matcha powder, pure matcha, and even organic matcha powder to recreate the café experience at home.
Why Green Tea is Winning Over Health-Conscious Coffee Drinkers
When it comes to health benefits, green tea takes the lead. Known for its metabolism-boosting properties and calming caffeine hit, drinking green tea is fast becoming a daily ritual for many.
Whether you’re exploring loose leaf green tea, green tea bags, or a smooth sencha green tea, this ancient brew delivers flavour and function. Many turn to green tea for weight loss, while others enjoy it for its clean, grassy notes. Looking to take it up a notch? Try green tea with lychee and ginger or peppermint green blends.
Oolong Tea: The Underrated Star with a Cult Following
Often overlooked but never outperformed, oolong tea offers a depth of flavour that bridges the gap between green and black teas. From the nutty complexity of oolong cha to the floral elegance of tie guan yin, oolong is finding new fans among café-goers.
Premium versions like iron goddess oolong and ti guan yin tea are now appearing on upscale menus and specialty tea houses. Plus, with its natural caffeine content, oolong tea caffeinated options are perfect for those seeking focus without the jitters.
The Return of Tea Variety
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all tea. Today, variety is everything. Craving spice? Sip on a warming masala chai or bold spice chai. Want something smoky and mysterious? Discover lapsang souchong tea or Cinnamon teas and infusions. Need something soft and floral? Opt for jasmine tea or plain white tea.
With so many varieties of tea to explore, cafes are beginning to reflect the diversity of global tea culture and customers are loving it.
Iced, Bubbled, or Brewed: Tea Drinks are Evolving
Tea is no longer just hot water and a bag. It’s iced, shaken, steamed, and swirled. Think matcha bubble tea, matcha boba tea, and iced chai.
Craving something cold? Try a peach iced tea, minty green brew, or cold brew tea made overnight for maximum flavour.
From black and white milk tea to iced fruit infusions, the modern tea drink is built for every mood and every season.
Why More Cafés are Expanding Their Tea Menus
As demand rises, cafes are responding. No longer an afterthought, tea is being given the same menu real estate as artisan coffees. Look out for:
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Comforting english breakfast tea
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Sophisticated earl grey black tea and french earl grey
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Bright blends like jasmine green tea and assam tea
Even traditionalists are branching out, discovering the bold, full-bodied notes of darjeeling black tea or the smooth elegance of sencha tea.
Leading the Tea Revolution in the Café World
At Dilmah, we’ve been championing real tea for decades. Our ethically sourced, single-origin Ceylon teas and innovative blends offer a tea experience that’s as authentic as it is exciting.
Whether you're ordering a silky english morning tea, experimenting with green matcha powder, or sipping a traditional masala tea, Dilmah brings quality and purpose to every cup.
Time to Rethink Your Go-To Order?
Coffee isn’t cancelled but it’s being forced to share the spotlight. Tea is rising in popularity not just as a beverage, but as a culture, a ritual, and a lifestyle.
So next time you’re at the café counter, ask what’s brewing. The answer might just surprise you.
