India's deep-rooted love for tea is undergoing a fascinating evolution, according to a recent report from Instamart. While the comforting familiarity of adrak chai continues to reign supreme, a new wave of experimental and convenient tea formats is rapidly expanding the nation's palate.
The Rise of Ready-to-Drink and Flavored Teas
The report, based on Instamart orders between June 2025 and June 2026 across over 130 Indian cities, highlights a dramatic shift towards ready-to-drink (RTD) teas. This segment emerged as the fastest-growing, recording an impressive 109% year-on-year growth. Consumers are increasingly opting for these grab-and-go beverages, valuing their convenience and portability in busy routines.
Beyond convenience, flavor experimentation is also booming. Peach tea led this trend, experiencing a remarkable 62-fold growth year-on-year. Other rapidly ascending choices include blue pea tea, kombucha, tulsi tea, and various green tea blends. This indicates a growing demand for functional beverages, wellness-focused products, and tastes influenced by global consumption patterns.
Traditional Preferences Remain Strong
Despite the influx of new options, India's traditional tea preferences remain deeply entrenched. The top five most-ordered tea varieties nationally continue to be:
- Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea)
- Plain Black Tea
- Elaichi Tea (Cardamom Tea)
- Green Tea
- Masala Chai
Adrak chai, in particular, maintained its position as the most frequently ordered variety across all major cities analyzed, reinforcing its status as a national favorite. The findings suggest that these new trends are expanding the overall tea market rather than replacing traditional consumption habits.
Geographic and Shopping Trends
Bengaluru has emerged as India's most tea-obsessed city, followed closely by Mumbai and Hyderabad. While metropolitan areas still account for the largest share of demand, significant growth is also being observed in smaller urban markets. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi recorded the fastest expansion, indicating that modern tea formats and quick-commerce ordering are spreading beyond the largest metros.
Sundays were identified as the busiest day for tea shopping across India, followed by Saturdays and Thursdays. This weekend spike underscores tea's dual role as both a daily staple and a cherished leisure ritual, even as the category diversifies.
"India continues to favor adrak, elaichi and masala chai, but consumers are also making room for kombucha, blue pea tea and bottled fruit brews. The cup remains familiar. What goes into it is changing fast."
The report paints a picture of continuity alongside innovation, where traditional favorites coexist with a burgeoning interest in novel flavors and convenient formats, reshaping India's vibrant tea market.