Portland, Oregon-based Thaiwala launched its all-natural Thai tea concentrate in August 2019. It is made from sustainably sourced organic black tea grown in Northern Thailand and can be enjoyed hot or cold simply by adding whole milk or a dairy alternative.
Thaiwala was created by Heather Howitt, who also foundedOregon Chai in 1994—another brand for which she prioritized using USDA CertifiedOrganic ingredients.
Howitt was first introduced to Thai tea during a trip to Thailand. “I love this stuff, I’ve got to make this at home,” she thought; and added, “There is a lot of mystery around it.” Howitt was inspired to learn more about the ingredients that go into making the tea blend.
Most Thai iced teas sold in grocery stores do not list allof the ingredients involved and limit the list to: tea, food coloring and “Thaitea mix”. Typically, tea growers send their leftover tea that is covered inpesticides to flavor companies, which add fillers, colors and artificialflavors that remain a mystery.
However, Howitt could detect notes of chocolate, vanilla andother flavors and committed herself to coming up with a natural version of thetea she loves.
Howitt returned to Thailand and found a certified organictea and pandan leaf grower who is also a bee conservationist. “The tea gardenis teeming with life. It’s so healthy, thriving and beautiful,” said Howitt. “Iwas captivated by her passion for organic farming and her pristine teaplantation that was home to a variety of wildlife, including bees andbutterflies. We instantly connected with a shared sense of purpose and mission.”
Then Howitt came up with her own Thai iced tea recipe thatincludes organic black tea, Thai herbs, organic caramel, pandan leaf, organicvanilla, cocoa, and beta carotene for coloring. “Our first flavor is ‘Original’but it rivals the sweet and creamy drink that consumers find in many Thairestaurants, since our version is crafted with all-natural ingredients,” saidHowitt.
Thaiwala, which is decaffeinated, has been popular amongchildren when sampled in stores.
Thai iced tea also tends to be a top selling flavor of bobatea.
Thaiwala is available in 32-ounce cartons and have an18-month shelf life. It is currently distributed to grocery stores in NorthernCalifornia, Oregon and Washington, at a few tea and coffee shops, and onAmazon.com.
Thaiwala will launch an unsweetened version of its Thai icedtea at Natural Products ExpoWest March 4-7 in Anaheim, California.