For centuries, tea has been deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Asia – cherished not only for its taste and tradition but also as a source of refreshment, relaxation, and perceived health-promoting benefits[1]. Today, as consumers adopt a more proactive, holistic approach to their wellbeing, this centuries-old beverage is evolving into a delicious yet functional powerhouse.
Traditionally enjoyed for its calming and ritualistic qualities, tea is now being reimagined as a platform for functional benefits, incorporating ingredients that support digestive wellness, metabolism, and mental balance[2]. Coupled with fast-paced lifestyles, the demand for convenient yet purposeful beverages continues to reshape the tea market, blending tradition with science-backed innovation.
In Asia-Pacific (APAC), more than half of consumers have actively sought to improve their emotional health in the past year, with nearly half expressing interest in beverages that can boost mood[3]. Consumers are no longer satisfied with just taste – they are increasingly seeking products that support their broader health and wellness goals.
ADM is at the forefront of this shift, leveraging its expertise in functional ingredients and flavours to help brands develop next-generation ready-to-drink (RTD) teas that deliver both great taste and targeted wellness benefits.
Enhancing Tea with Digestive and Metabolic Health Benefits
With growing awareness of the connection between gut health and overall well-being, microbiome solutions like pre-, pro-, and postbiotics are emerging as key differentiators for brands. In fact, 57% of APAC consumers are interested in food and beverage products that support digestive health[4]. Tea, long associated with comfort and wellness, offers a familiar platform to deliver these science-backed benefits.
Backed by advancements in gut microbiome research, ADM has developed a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to meet the growing demand for foods and beverages with added wellness benefits. This includes DE111™ (Bacillus subtilis), a spore-forming probiotic known for its resilience and stability, making it suitable for various applications[5] – including specific types of RTD tea, such as more acidic varieties like citrus or berry blends[6]. Prebiotic fibres such as Fibersol® are also gaining recognition for supporting digestive function and their adaptability in a range of beverage formats[7].
Further, new research highlights the potential of postbiotics to support both gut and metabolic health. Coupled with innovative postbiotic technology, this development opens the door to incorporating postbiotics into a diverse range of beverage applications, providing consumers with more convenient options that align with their wellness goals.
ADM’s proprietary Bifidobacterium longum ES1 postbiotic4,5,[8] demonstrates benefits for digestive function and overall wellness, as seen in reduced health-related worry and improved body image[9]. In parallel, BPL1™ postbiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145) has been shown to support reductions in total visceral fat and contribute to a healthy waist circumference when paired with diet and exercise[10].
Expanding Tea’s Wellness Halo for Modern Consumers
As interest in natural, benefit-led ingredients grows, botanicals and their associated flavours – such as jasmine and mint – are becoming go-to additions that help elevate beverages beyond basic hydration. In APAC, two in fiveconsumers said the use of botanicals would encourage them to increase their consumption of beverages[11]. Beyond taste, these ingredients are often linked with wellness cues such as relaxation, focus, and digestive comfort.
This is where RTD teas are gaining ground, offering a dynamic format that combines sensory enjoyment with wellness appeal in a convenient, everyday beverage.
ADM brings deep flavour expertise to the RTD tea space, offering clean-label solutions and advanced taste technologies. From best-in-class mint to distinctive varietal flavours, ADM helps brands deliver authentic, wellness-forward drinking experiences.
Creating the Perfect Brew: Balancing Taste and Health in RTD Teas
As the RTD tea category continues to evolve, brands have an opportunity to go beyond tradition and offer beverages that seamlessly blend wellness, convenience, and enjoyment. From microbiome-supporting ingredients to botanical flavours, the growing demand for functional benefits is pushing tea into new and exciting territory.
Success in this space requires a careful balance of science and sensory appeal. Consumers are seeking functional beverages that deliver on health benefits without compromising on the overall drinking experience, including taste. This means brands must integrate science-backed, flavour-forward solutions to craft teas that not only nourish but also delight.
Those that successfully merge tradition with innovation will be well-positioned to lead the next wave of functional beverage evolution.
The above article is contributed by Sarah Lim,
Marketing Director, Beverage, APeC, ADM
For more information, click on: Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
[1] Health Hub, Benefits of Tea
[2] Market Research Intellect, The Rise of Functional Tea – A Healthy Revolution in the Beverage Market
[3] FMCG Gurus, Emotional Wellness Survey, 2024
[4] FMCG Gurus, Digestive Health Survey, 2024
[5] ADM, Understanding the Power Behind DE111™ Probiotic, 2024
[6] Due to the spore-forming nature of DE111™, RTD tea products containing this probiotic require an exclusive manufacturing line to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination
[7] ADM / Matsutani LLC, Fiber-Forward Nutrition Backed by Decades of Extensive Research, 2019
[8] Martorell, P. et al. (2021). Heat-Treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347: A Whole-Cell Postbiotic with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Gut-Barrier Protection Properties. Antioxidants, 10(4), 536.
[9] S Srivastava (2023); Gut Microbes 16:1, 2338322 https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2338322
[10] Pedret, A; et al. (2019) Int J Obes (Lond). 43 : 1863-1868
[11] FMCG Gurus, Non-Alcoholic Beverages Survey, 2024
