Tea in China is a symbol of hospitality, elegance and craftsmanship that has been honed over centuries. Born into a family of tea enthusiasts, Zhang Chi was introduced to the beverage and all that it entails in China at a very young age. However, unlike older generations of her family, who upheld traditional Chinese tea culture, Zhang prefers modern tea beverages, such as fruit tea and milk tea. She describes herself as “a true witness of the contemporary tea beverage industry in China.”
One of the most significant changes this “witness” has observed in recent years is the trend toward healthier products.
“A few years ago, the streets near my college were lined with. “Back then, customers, including myself, were already aware these beverages contained quite a few unhealthy ingredients—such as tea powder and non-dairy creamer, typically made from a combination of water, sugar, vegetable oil and additives such as stabilizers and emulsifiers. But these stores have been disappearing in recent years, while novel brands have begun to dominate the market.”
