Iced tea: A flavorful classic beverage with less labor and less waste
Today’s consumers are seeking out a variety of beverages—more innovative beverages and more non-alcoholic beverages, too.¹ Iced teas are a beverage menu staple, and their popularity makes them the perfect platform for flavor innovation. We’re exploring premium flavored iced teas that refresh the category and appeal to younger, flavor-forward consumers. That includes everything from bold sweet teas and crisp unsweetened teas to smooth cold brew tea options—all designed with foodservice flexibility in mind. With the right format and flavor strategy, iced tea can help you drive traffic, boost check averages, and keep your beverage menu ahead of the curve.
Iced tea that adds flavor to your menu
Raspberry, peach, and lemon continue to lead as the top flavors in the U.S. iced tea market. These classic fruit profiles remain popular due to their refreshing taste and broad consumer appeal. Operators across foodservice channels are leveraging these flavors to meet customer demand and drive beverage sales.
Raspberry
A bold and familiar favorite, raspberry is recognized by 95% of consumers.3 Its vibrant, sweet-tart profile delivers a refreshing burst of flavor, making it a top choice for those seeking both taste and refreshment. Whether served on its own or as a twist on classic tea, raspberry adds a bright, fruit-forward layer that elevates any iced tea offering. It’s a reliable menu favorite that appeals across generations and dayparts.
Source: Dataessential 2025
Peach
A smooth and fruity favorite, peach is loved or liked by 83% of consumers.3 Its naturally sweet, juicy profile pairs perfectly with iced tea, offering a refreshing flavor that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Peach also taps into wellness-driven trends, often associated with clean, simple ingredients and better-for-you beverage choices. It’s a flavor that delivers broad appeal while adding a touch of sunny, feel-good flavor to any menu.
Lemon
A timeless classic, lemon is nearly universal—92% of consumers have tried it.3 Its bright, citrusy zing adds a refreshing kick to iced tea, delivering a crisp, familiar taste that’s anything but boring. Clean and vibrant, lemon doesn’t just stand on its own—it blends seamlessly with functional ingredients like antioxidants, adaptogens, and botanicals. It’s a go-to flavor that adds both flavor appeal and wellness cues to any foodservice menu.
From classic to bold—iced tea has range
We conducted an analysis of the median price points for iced tea in foodservice. The average menu price for unsweetened iced tea can be as low as $2.69, depending on the channel. On the other hand, more innovative and on-trend flavored iced tea products can yield a price as high as $6.00.² We don’t have to tell you (but we will), that’s nearly double the revenue. Premium iced tea is a great way to give your menu a flavor and margin boost.
And here’s the best part—customers are willing to pay for it. Flavor-forward iced teas offer a low-lift way to elevate your beverage lineup, drive trial, and boost perceived value without increasing operational complexity. It’s a smart, scalable strategy for operators looking to grow both sales and customer satisfaction.
Flavor demands a higher price point
We conducted an analysis of the median price points for iced tea in foodservice. The average menu price for unsweetened iced tea can be as low as $2.69, depending on the channel. On the other hand, more innovative and on-trend flavored iced tea products can yield a price as high as $6.00.² We don’t have to tell you (but we will), that’s nearly double the revenue. Premium iced tea is a great way to give your menu a flavor and margin boost.
And here’s the best part—customers are willing to pay for it. Flavor-forward iced teas offer a low-lift way to elevate your beverage lineup, drive trial, and boost perceived value without increasing operational complexity. It’s a smart, scalable strategy for operators looking to grow both sales and customer satisfaction.
