NEWS COPY
The humble cuppa is set to undergo a radical transformation over the next decade - and we will soon be taking our tea via jelly, tablets ... and even SPRAY, according to experts.
With Brits consuming 165 million cups of tea every day, experts at Tetley have teamed up with Futurologists to predict what the nation's favourite beverage could look like in 2026.
Sensor-powered kitchen tea-makers will deliver customised blends based on health information from 'wearable tech' - ensuring for instance that extra caffeine and vitamin B6 is added if the consumer is feeling tired.
By 2026, hardened tea drinkers will have become 'domestic blenders' - using smart tools and taking advantage of rising temperatures to grow tea plants at home and then blend and brew the leaves themselves.
And instead of simply putting the kettle on, tipplers will be able to take tea in the form of jelly, tablet, spray, sorbets and syrups, according to the report by the Tetley's Super Tea Range.
While tea has always been renowned for its health-giving properties, in 2026, Remedy Teas will emerge, enriched with medicines from pain killers to antibiotics, as well as ready-made blends to help a range of ailments - including a hangover and hair loss.
High street coffee shops are also set to face a serious challenge from 'tea-total' chains offering an array of exotic tastes and flavours.
Laurent Sagarra, Head of Product Innovation at Tetley Global and the expert behind the Super Tea range, said: "Britain's love affair with tea is enduring.
"The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th century, but now we are entering a period of rapid change.
"Our functional Super Teas, enriched with vitamins for clinical health benefits, represent the biggest innovation in tea since the tea bag and their success has set a new standard for future development.
"We're constantly innovating, grading, blending and tasting and now's the time to see what's next for the iconic British cuppa.
"The 'Future of Tea' provides a strong picture of consumer attitudes to health in 2026 and an entire spectrum of exciting product concepts, formats and technologies to explore.
"There are many possibilities, from medicinal blends to tea tabs, but one thing is for sure - a quality brew will continue to be a timeless pleasure!"
Nick Chiarelli, Director of the Future Foundation, added: "We've blended the consumer trends we are predicting for 2026, with input from Tetley experts and elsewhere to develop a very compelling vision of tea in the future.
"Our report predicts that exciting and satisfying new tea formats will develop, and that tea will evolve to deliver personalised health benefits."
Tetley Supers are the first functional teas in the UK with proven health benefits[1], including green, fruit and now everyday black teas enhanced with vitamins; breakthrough innovation and just one sign of what's to come for the nation's favourite beverage.
More information on Tetley's 'Future of Tea' Report can be found at www.tetley.co.uk / join the conversation on Twitter @Tetley_Teafolk #futureoftea
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