Xiaohui Liu^1,3 , Yichen Zhao² , Degang Zhao^1,2

1 Plant Conservation & Breeding Technology Center, Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology/Guizhou Institute of Biotechnology, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, 550006, Guizhou, China
2 Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
3 College of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
Author    Correspondence author
Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0011
Received: 07 Feb., 2024    Accepted: 12 Mar., 2024    Published: 18 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Liu X.H., Zhao Y.C., and Zhao D.G., 2024, Next-generation tea beverages: innovations in formulation and processing, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(2): 112-122 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0011)

This study explores the significant innovations and trends shaping the future of the tea beverage industry, focusing on novel ingredients, advanced processing technologies, and emerging consumer demands. The importance of innovation in tea beverages is evident in the shift of consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable choices. New ingredients such as functional additives and innovative extraction methods and processing technologies are fundamentally changing tea drink formulations, not only enhancing their health benefits but also improving sensory quality. Technological progress is the key to this transformation, with modern extraction, brewing, and fermentation technologies, as well as advancements in preservation and packaging, playing a crucial role. This study further discusses the integration of automation and digital technologies in tea production, showcasing successful innovations through case studies and lessons learned from market failures. It offers strategic recommendations and forecasts future directions for tea beverage innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations. This study provides a roadmap for future research and development in the tea beverage industry.

Tea beverages; Functional formulations; Advanced processing technologies; Consumers; Innovation