Budding Products: Pique, Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Haagen-Dazs

Specialty Tea News

Pique Tea Adds Iced Tea Collection

Photo Credit: Pique Tea
In March, Pique Tea launched a new summer iced tea collection at Natural Products Expo West. The line consists of three blends: Pomegranate White Tea, Peach Ginger Black Tea and Passion Fruit Green Tea. "As with our core line, our iced tea collection is made from organic loose leaf tea, free from sugar, preservatives and artificial flavoring, and dissolves instantly in cold water. It's easier than brewing and better-for-you than bottled tea," said Simon Cheng, founder of Pique Tea in a company press release. Pique Tea is available in 600 U.S. stores and on Amazon.com. Pique Tea’s organic iced tea collection will be available this month. For more information about Pique Tea, visit www.piquetea.com.  
Menu News

Starbucks Japan Features Shaken Apple Green Tea

Photo Credit: Japan Today
For a limited time, Starbucks Japan will have Shaken Apple Green Tea on its menu, reports Japan Today. The bright green beverage is a mixture of powdered green tea and apple juice. Each drink is shaken by hand, which causes even ingredient blending. Japan Today called the drink an ideal iced beverage on a hot day that deliciously combines the sweetness of apple and high quality green tea. It can only be found at Starbucks locations in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures. A tall size costs 432 yen. The duration of its availability is unspecified, so those who are curious about this new drink should try it soon.

Dunkin’ Donuts Debuts Fruited Iced Teas

 
Photo Credit: Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts launched a new fruited iced tea line on March 27, just in time for warm weather. The teas are freshly brewed and 30 percent of the tea leaves used are Rainforest Alliance Certified. Each tea is made-to-order. Customers can choose between black or green tea, which is mixed with either blackberry juice or mango and pineapple juice. Then, real fruit is added on top. Dunkin’ Donuts locations across the U.S. will carry the teas. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.  
Tea Food News

Haagen-Dazs Has Green Tea Ice Cream

Photo Credit: Japan Today
How about a scoop of green tea ice cream? Haagen-Dazs announced a new flavor of ice cream based on a kind of roasted green tea called “hojicha,” reports Japan Today. Hojicha usually comes from the final tea harvest of the season, which accounts for its potent taste. The tea is then roasted and turns reddish-brown. Traditionally, hojicha has been served in Japanese cafes as a hot beverage with frothed milk. In a hojicha latte, the creaminess of the milk counter-balances the strength of the tea. Haagen-Dazs took the mixture a step further by creating the Hojicha Latte ice cream. However, the ice cream is made with tea leaves from the first harvest of the season for a less bitter taste. The frozen dessert will be available throughout Japan for a limited time beginning April 25. Small 110-milliter containers will cost about 294 yen.