Last Updated:May 26, 2025, 18:34 IST
Fizzy tea is fast replacing soda as the drink of choice for a health-conscious, culture-savvy generation.
As sugary sodas lose their sparkle, fizzy teas infused with wellness and flavour are bubbling to the top.
In India’s rapidly evolving beverage market, a quiet revolution is fizzing to the surface—one that swaps out sugary sodas for elevated, health-conscious tea-based alternatives. From sparkling teas crafted like fine wines to fizzy probiotic brews rooted in tradition, a new wave of brands is redefining what it means to sip, savour, and celebrate.
The Sparkle of Sophistication
“There’s a growing appetite for sophisticated, wellness-driven beverages that align with mindful lifestyles,” says Siddhaarth Jalan, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality Private Limited, the brand bringing Copenhagen Sparkling Tea to Indian consumers. “Sparkling tea is poised to become a mainstay in the premium non-alcoholic segment here.”
The brand’s teas offers three distinct blends—LYSERØD, LYSEGRØN, and BLÅ—each made from a blend of 11–13 organic teas, designed to mimic the complexity of fine wine. With elegant packaging and zero alcohol, they’re ideal for both celebrations and everyday indulgence. “Our teas deliver the elegance of champagne without the guilt,” Jalan explains, pointing out that their calorie and sugar content is far lower than traditional sodas or even mocktails like the virgin mojito. For instance, LYSERØD contains just 3g of sugar and 12 kcal per 150ml serving, a stark contrast to the 16g and 60 kcal found in most fizzy colas.
More than a drink, the brand presents a lifestyle choice—one that celebrates conscious indulgence and universal appeal. “It’s the one drink you can serve to a 10-year-old or an 80-year-old at the same party,” adds Jalan.
Kombucha with a Cultural Twist
While sparkling tea plays to the luxury palate, kombucha—a fermented, probiotic-rich tea—is making waves for its gut health benefits and artisanal flair. At the forefront of India’s kombucha culture is Sbooch, founded by Nirraj Manek, who insists on one distinction: “Kombucha is not soda—it’s a living, naturally fizzy tea.”
Sbooch is celebrated not just for its health profile (zero additives, preservatives or artificial colours) but for its storytelling through flavour. “We’ve taken inspiration from India’s rich culinary landscape,” Manek shares. “Our Koshimbir flavour channels Maharashtra, Rasam is a nod to Tamil Nadu, and Gor Keri brings the essence of Gujarati pickles—all reimagined as fizzy, functional drinks.”
The result is a refreshing alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or tradition. “Choosing better doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour—it means rediscovering it,” says Manek. “Each bottle is clean, honest, and full of heritage.”
Wellness in Every Sip
The third front in the fizzy tea movement is wellness-led iced tea, and The Infused Kettle is leading the charge. Founded by Shalini Sinha, the brand marries the elegance of small-batch Darjeeling and Assam teas with time-tested Ayurvedic botanicals like giloy, turmeric, amla, and ginger. “Consumers today want real benefits, not empty calories,” she says. “There’s a demand for authenticity, transparency, and efficacy.”
According to Sinha, the shift away from high-sugar sodas isn’t a passing health trend—it’s a systemic redefinition of how we hydrate. “We’re seeing consumers gravitate towards teas that serve as functional tonics,” she notes. “Drinks that balance blood sugar, aid digestion, and support daily self-care.”
As iced tea climbs the popularity charts globally—ranking third in a U.S. survey of top beverages—it’s clear that flavour alone isn’t enough. “Forward-looking brands must adopt clinical evidence and transparent sourcing,” Sinha asserts. “Only those who deliver efficacy with ethics will thrive in the beverage market of tomorrow.”
Tea, But Make It Modern
Whether it’s the celebratory clink of sparkling tea, the probiotic punch of kombucha, or the healing notes of Ayurvedic infusions, fizzy tea alternatives are not just replacing soda—they’re rewriting the rules of refreshment.
In the age of wellness, tea has become more than a comfort ritual. It’s a symbol of taste, transparency, and transformation.
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