China, the birthplace of tea, has a rich and diverse tea culture that dates back thousands of years. As fresh tea consumption gains popularity among young and health-conscious consumers, numerous brands have emerged as leaders in the market. These brands cater to a wide range of preferences, offering everything from premium loose-leaf teas to innovative tea beverages infused with modern flavors.
This article explores the top fresh tea brands in China, highlighting their unique features, contributions to the tea industry, and their role in shaping the country’s tea culture.
1. Heytea (喜茶) – The Innovator of Modern Fresh Tea
Heytea is one of the most influential fresh tea brands in China, known for revolutionizing the industry with cheese foam tea (奶盖茶). Founded in 2012 in Guangdong, Heytea quickly gained national and international recognition for its premium fresh tea beverages.
What Makes Heytea Unique?
- High-Quality Tea Leaves: Heytea sources fresh tea from top tea-growing regions, such as Longjing (龙井) and Tieguanyin (铁观音).
- Innovative Flavors: The brand combines fresh tea with fruit infusions, cheese foam, and dairy alternatives.
- Luxury Experience: Heytea’s modern stores provide a high-end tea-drinking experience, appealing to young professionals.
Signature Fresh Tea Drinks
- Cheese Foam Green Tea (芝士绿茶) – A perfect balance of creamy, savory cheese foam and fresh green tea.
- Very Grape Tea (多肉葡萄茶) – Fresh tea infused with real grapes for a refreshing, fruity twist.
- Fresh Citrus Black Tea (满杯红柚茶) – A tea-based drink with fresh grapefruit and honey.
Heytea continues to expand globally, with branches in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, showcasing the rising demand for fresh tea innovations.
2. Nayuki (奈雪的茶) – The Pioneer of Fresh Tea and Bakery Pairings
Founded in 2015, Nayuki is a premium fresh tea and bakery chain that has gained popularity for its high-quality tea beverages paired with handcrafted pastries. The brand focuses on health-conscious consumers who appreciate authentic tea flavors without artificial additives.
What Sets Nayuki Apart?
- Handpicked Fresh Tea Leaves: Sourced from premium tea regions like Wuyi Mountain and Anxi.
- Tea and Bread Concept: Nayuki popularized the idea of pairing fresh tea with artisanal bread, offering customers a unique café experience.
- Artistic Presentation: Their beautifully designed drinks and modern café interiors create an Instagram-worthy appeal.
Best-Selling Fresh Tea Drinks
- Domineering Cheese Oolong Tea (霸气芝士乌龙茶) – A high-mountain oolong tea with a rich, creamy cheese topping.
- Jasmine Green Tea with Peach (茉莉桃子茶) – A delicate blend of jasmine green tea with real peach slices.
- Osmanthus Black Tea (桂花红茶) – A floral-infused fresh tea with natural sweetness and fragrance.
Nayuki has expanded to over 500 stores across China and has entered the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets, reinforcing its position as a top fresh tea brand.
3. Lelecha (乐乐茶) – The Trendsetter of Fruit-Infused Fresh Tea
Lelecha is a rising star in the fresh tea industry, specializing in fruit-infused teas and soft bread pairings. The brand is popular among Gen Z consumers, who are drawn to its vibrant flavors and playful branding.
Lelecha’s Unique Selling Points
- Fresh Fruit and Tea Combinations: All drinks are made with real fruit juice and fresh tea leaves, ensuring natural flavors.
- Limited-Edition Seasonal Drinks: The brand frequently launches new flavors based on seasonal fruits.
- Artisan Milk Tea Options: Unlike traditional milk tea, Lelecha uses high-quality dairy and plant-based milk alternatives.
Popular Fresh Tea Beverages
- Strawberry Jasmine Green Tea (多肉草莓茉莉绿茶) – A light and refreshing tea infused with fresh strawberries.
- Mango Tieguanyin (芒果铁观音茶) – A unique blend of oolong tea with sweet mango puree.
- Passionfruit Pu’er Tea (百香果普洱茶) – A combination of bold pu’er tea and tangy passionfruit.
With its youth-oriented branding and continuous innovation, Lelecha has quickly expanded in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen.
4. Chagee (茶百道) – Blending Traditional and Modern Tea Culture
Chagee is a premium tea brand that focuses on preserving traditional Chinese tea culture while modernizing it for contemporary consumers. The brand is particularly popular for its high-quality single-origin teas and low-sugar, health-conscious offerings.
Why Chagee Stands Out?
- Emphasis on Traditional Brewing Methods: Chagee promotes freshly brewed loose-leaf tea, avoiding artificial syrups.
- Health-Oriented Menu: Many of its tea drinks contain no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Elegant Store Design: Chagee’s stores are inspired by traditional Chinese tea houses, offering a calm and immersive experience.
Must-Try Fresh Tea Options
- West Lake Longjing Green Tea (西湖龙井茶) – A naturally sweet, high-grade green tea.
- Raw Pu’er Cold Brew (生普洱冷泡茶) – A smooth and earthy pu’er tea with cold brew extraction.
- Osmanthus Oolong Tea (桂花乌龙茶) – A floral-infused oolong tea with a delicate aroma.
Chagee is rapidly growing across China and expanding internationally to Singapore and Malaysia, promoting premium fresh tea experiences.
5. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea (一芳台湾水果茶) – The Best of Taiwanese Fresh Tea in China
Yifang originated in Taiwan and quickly became a favorite in China for its authentic Taiwanese fruit tea. The brand emphasizes fresh, natural ingredients and offers tea beverages without artificial additives.
Yifang’s Key Features
- Taiwanese Brewing Techniques: The brand uses traditional Taiwanese methods to extract the best flavors from tea leaves.
- Real Fruit-Based Beverages: No artificial syrups—just fresh-cut fruit and natural tea.
- Minimalist Approach: A simple, yet elegant menu focusing on fresh tea and natural ingredients.
Best-Selling Fresh Teas
- Pineapple Green Tea (凤梨绿茶) – Made with fresh Taiwanese pineapple and premium green tea.
- Passionfruit Jasmine Tea (百香茉莉茶) – A refreshing mix of passionfruit and jasmine tea.
- Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶) – A naturally sweet and hydrating tea made from slow-cooked winter melon.
With a growing presence in China, the US, and Australia, Yifang continues to introduce Taiwanese fresh tea culture to the world.
Conclusion
The fresh tea industry in China is thriving, with leading brands offering a mix of tradition, innovation, and premium quality. Whether it’s Heytea’s modern cheese foam teas, Nayuki’s tea and bakery concept, or Chagee’s authentic Chinese brewing methods, these brands are shaping the future of fresh tea consumption.
As health awareness and digital engagement grow, fresh tea brands will continue to evolve, expand globally, and introduce new flavors to meet consumer demands. With China at the forefront of the global tea industry, these leading brands are setting new standards for fresh tea culture worldwide.
