Fruit-flavored instant tea is a popular beverage that combines tea with the flavors of various fruits. The origins of fruit-flavored instant tea can be traced through the following key developments:
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- Instant Tea: Instant tea emerged in the early 20th century. The initial idea was to find a convenient method for brewing tea without the need for boiling water and steeping tea bags. The first person credited with inventing instant tea is John Brown from England in 1881. However, the product truly gained popularity when Nestlé launched Nescafé instant coffee in 1938. Although Nescafé was coffee, it paved the way for other instant beverage products.
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- The Development of Food Technology: With the advancement of food technology and growing consumer demand, manufacturers began researching and developing various types of instant tea, including green tea, black tea, and fruit-flavored tea. Freeze-drying and spray-drying technologies were crucial methods that allowed for the creation of high-quality instant tea products, preserving the natural flavors of both tea and fruits.
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- Consumer Trends: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the trend towards healthy consumption and a preference for natural products, fruit-flavored instant tea became a popular choice. Consumers increasingly sought products that were not only convenient but also beneficial for health, with lower sugar content and fewer preservatives.
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- Flavor Diversification: Major food companies like Lipton, Nestea, and local brands in various countries continuously researched and developed different flavors such as lemon, apple, peach, strawberry, and many tropical fruits. This diversity helped fruit-flavored instant tea appeal to a broader range of consumers.
