10 Must-Try Tea Trends in 2025: From Ice Cream to Cold Brew

Tea has always been more than just a beverage—it is a ritual, a comfort, and for many, a daily dose of wellness. But in 2025, tea is making bold moves. From colorful, Instagram-worthy concoctions to wellness-infused brews designed to calm the mind or energize the body, the world of tea is more exciting than ever. If you thought tea was only about green or black varieties, think again. This year’s trends combine creativity, flavor, and function, giving tea lovers countless reasons to fill their cups.

Whether you are a lifelong tea enthusiast or just looking for a refreshing new habit, here are ten tea trends you absolutely need to try in 2025.

1. Matcha Mania: From Lattes to Ice Cream

Matcha is not just having a moment—it is enjoying a full-blown takeover in 2025. Known for its vibrant green color, smooth earthy flavor, and slow-release caffeine, matcha is showing up in everything from morning lattes to soft-serve ice cream. Cafes across the United States are putting their own spin on strawberry matcha lattes, layered matcha drinks, and decadent matcha desserts. It is not only a treat for your taste buds but also packed with antioxidants that support energy and focus without the jitters of coffee.

2. Butterfly Pea Flower Teas

If you like your drinks to be as eye-catching as they are tasty, butterfly pea flower tea deserves a spot on your list. This naturally caffeine-free herbal tea brews a mesmerizing blue hue that transforms into a deep purple with just a squeeze of lemon. Besides being social-media ready, butterfly pea tea is rich in antioxidants and mild in flavor, making it easy to enjoy on its own or blended with fruity flavors. Whether hot or iced, it is a fun and refreshing way to brighten your tea routine.

3. Functional and Wellness Teas

Tea is no longer just about flavor—it is about function. In 2025, more tea brands are focusing on blends designed to support health goals. Think adaptogen teas for stress relief, probiotic blends for gut health, and vitamin-enriched teas for a daily wellness boost. Many U.S. consumers are swapping their afternoon coffee for a calming ashwagandha tea or choosing bedtime blends infused with chamomile and magnesium to improve sleep. Functional teas are making wellness easy and delicious, one cup at a time.

4. Cold Brew and Ready-to-Drink Innovation

When the weather heats up—or when you simply need a refreshing alternative to soda—cold brew tea is the answer. Unlike traditional iced tea, cold brew is steeped slowly in cool water, resulting in a smoother flavor with less bitterness and more antioxidants. In 2025, ready-to-drink cold brew teas are flooding grocery store shelves, offering low-sugar or sugar-free options infused with probiotics or adaptogens. From mango green tea to hibiscus blends, there is a flavor for every mood. It is the perfect grab-and-go refreshment.

5. Tropical Fruit Flavors and Botanical Blends

Move over, plain black tea—this year is all about bold tropical and botanical pairings. Expect to see teas infused with exotic fruits like mango, guava, and passionfruit, paired with florals such as hibiscus, elderflower, and lavender. These bright, fragrant blends feel like a mini vacation in a cup and are especially popular as iced teas and bubble teas. They are not only delicious but also a great way to hydrate while feeling like you are indulging in something special.

6. Cheese Tea (Yes, Cheese!)

Cheese tea might sound like a dare, but trust us—it is worth trying. This trend, which originated in Taiwan, is now gaining popularity in major U.S. cities. The drink starts with a strong brewed tea and is topped with a thick, slightly salty cream cheese foam that blends sweet and savory in every sip. Think of it as a cross between a milkshake and a bubble tea, with a frothy topping that makes the experience as fun as it is indulgent. It is the kind of quirky, unforgettable treat that will surprise your taste buds.

7. Green Tea Ice Cream and Matcha Soft Serve

Tea is not only for drinking—it is for eating, too! In 2025, green tea ice cream and matcha soft serve are making their way into local ice cream shops, food trucks, and trendy dessert cafes across the country. The subtle bitterness of green tea pairs beautifully with creamy sweetness, creating a flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you prefer it in a cone, a sundae, or swirled with vanilla, tea-based ice cream is a must-try dessert trend this year.

8. Yaupon Tea: America’s Native Brew

Move aside, imported teas—yaupon is reclaiming the spotlight. This caffeinated holly plant is the only one native to North America, and it has been used by Indigenous communities for centuries. Yaupon tea has a smooth, slightly malty flavor and provides a gentle caffeine boost without the jitters. More U.S. brands are embracing it for its sustainability and local roots, making it a great choice if you want to sip something truly homegrown. Plus, supporting yaupon helps promote eco-friendly farming and native agriculture.

9. Tea Mocktails and Spa-Style Mixes

For those who love a good cocktail but prefer to skip the alcohol, tea mocktails are the ultimate solution. Imagine sipping a sparkling hibiscus-mint spritz at brunch or a peach iced tea mojito at a summer evening gathering—all without the hangover. These creative blends are light, refreshing, and perfect for entertaining. Many cafes and restaurants are jumping on the trend, but you can easily create them at home by mixing your favorite teas with fresh fruit juices, herbs, and sparkling water. They are festive, flavorful, and guilt-free.

10. Cozy Teahouses and Sober-Curious Hangouts

Move over coffee shops—teahouses are the new social hubs. Across the U.S., cozy teahouses are opening their doors with extended evening hours, offering mindful tea rituals and community gatherings. Some feature traditional brewing methods like Japanese koridashi or Chinese Gongfu ceremonies, while others focus on creative new blends. These teahouses are especially popular with the sober-curious crowd who want a fun, social outing without alcohol. It is a refreshing change of pace, giving tea lovers a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy the ritual of sipping.

Final Thoughts

Tea in 2025 is far more than a simple drink—it is a lifestyle. From colorful butterfly pea teas and decadent cheese teas to the wellness-focused blends and community-driven teahouses popping up across the country, the tea scene is evolving in ways that are both exciting and meaningful. Whether you want to boost your health, try a creative new flavor, or just enjoy a soothing ritual at the end of the day, there is a trend waiting for you.

So grab your favorite mug, invite a friend, and toast to the future of tea. After all, there has never been a better time to be a tea lover.