How Coffee and Herbal Tea Are Dominating Summer Drinks

As temperatures rise, convenience stores and supermarkets across China see a surge in demand for cool, refreshing beverages. But gone are the days when your only choice was plain bottled water or sugary sodas. This summer, coffee-based drinks and herbal teas are leading the charge—not just as novelties, but as serious options for hydration and energy among office workers and young consumers.

In short: More than 20 bottled coffee flavors are now available, with prices ranging from around $0.40 to $24.80. Meanwhile, herbal iced teas mostly cost under $5. Young professionals are the key buyers, often choosing based on price and flavor variety.

Bottled Coffee Comes in Dozens of Flavors

The bottled coffee market has evolved rapidly. What used to be dominated by instant coffee and a few big names like Nestlé and Ya Sha is now a crowded field of ready-to-drink options. Visit any major supermarket and you’ll find a wide selection: mocha, latte, strong coffee, iced coffee, and even coffee mixed with milk tea. Some brands offer nearly 20 different varieties under their own labels.

This shift reflects changing consumer tastes. Instead of settling for one basic flavor, shoppers now expect variety—similar to walking into a café and ordering from a full menu. The trend caters especially to younger demographics who want convenience without sacrificing choice.

Who’s Selling Coffee Drinks—and How Much They Cost

Beyond the early players like Nestlé and Ya Sha, newer brands have entered the fray. These include Liqueur , Starbucks (US), Chare Island Coffee (South Korea), and President Coffee (Taiwan). Both imported and domestic brands compete side by side on shelves. Prices vary significantly:

• Ya Sha Iced Coffee and Liqueur Mocha: around $4–$5
• Chare Island Coffee: about $10
• Starbucks bottled coffee: $24.80 (the most expensive in the category)

Most products fall between $4 and $5, offering an affordable option for daily consumption. Only a couple of premium imports push the price higher. Sales data from supermarkets suggest younger buyers and white-collar workers make up the majority of customers. While well-known brands attract loyal buyers, price remains a key factor—with budget-friendly options outselling premium ones among price-sensitive shoppers.

Herbal Teas: A Local Favorite With Intense Competition

Unlike the globalized coffee market, the herbal tea and iced tea segment is overwhelmingly dominated by Chinese brands, particularly those from Guangdong province. Top names include Wong Lo Kat , He Qi Zheng , Dong Yi Tang , Qing Ku , Bao Qing Tang , Xi Guang from Foshan, and local brand Huang Zhen Long . Recently, Deng Lao Herbal Tea launched an "upgraded modern herbal tea" line with new packaging highlighting fresh botanical imagery.

These drinks typically come in paper cartons or cans. Paper-packaged versions cost around $0.40, while canned or bottled options are usually under $5. The market is highly competitive, with numerous brands fighting for shelf space and consumer attention through low pricing.

Why Herbal Tea Brands Struggle to Differentiate

Despite the variety of brands, many herbal teas suffer from a lack of distinct taste profiles. Product differentiation is limited, and marketing slogans like "Chinese Herbal Tea—He Qi Zheng," "Fear the Heat? Drink Wong Lo Kat," or "Authentic Herbal Tea—Jia Duo Bao" rely heavily on conceptual messaging rather than real product innovation. One exception is Qing Ku, which promotes itself as a "botanical-focused" brand with a cleaner taste and more modern packaging, aiming to stand out from the traditional herbal tea crowd.

Market analysts point out that while branding efforts abound, actual product breakthroughs remain rare. Most offerings taste broadly similar, making price and packaging the main drivers of consumer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of bottled coffee drinks are available in China this summer?

Shoppers can choose from around 20 different bottled coffee flavors including mocha, latte, strong coffee, iced coffee, and coffee blended with milk tea. Brands range from domestic ones like Ya Sha and Liqueur to international names such as Starbucks, Chare Island Coffee, and President Coffee.

How much do bottled coffee drinks cost?

Prices range from approximately $0.40 to $24.80. Budget options like Ya Sha Iced Coffee and Liqueur Mocha cost $4–$5, mid-range imports like Chare Island are about $10, and the most expensive is Starbucks bottled coffee at $24.80.

Who buys bottled coffee and herbal tea in the summer?

Most buyers are young professionals and white-collar workers. Price is an important factor, with budget-friendly products generally outselling premium ones. However, well-known brands also maintain customer loyalty.

What’s the deal with herbal iced teas in China?

Herbal iced teas are mainly sold by Chinese brands, especially from Guangdong. Popular names include Wong Lo Kat, He Qi Zheng, Qing Ku, and Deng Lao. Most come in paper or cans, priced under $5, and compete heavily on price and traditional packaging.

Why is it hard for herbal tea brands to stand out?

Many herbal teas taste very similar, and brands often rely on generic marketing phrases rather than unique flavors or product innovation. Qing Ku is one exception, emphasizing a modern, botanical-focused approach with new packaging.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced Coffee

For brewing iced coffee at home to match the bold flavors found in bottled options, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, or their Brazil Yellow Bourbon for a nutty, chocolatey base that stands up well to ice. Both are single origins well-suited for cold brewing or flash chilling. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.