Bengaluru has been identified as India’s most tea-obsessed city, reflecting a significant shift in the country’s tea-drinking culture where traditional chai is increasingly sharing space with modern, health-focused and ready-to-drink beverages.

According to an analysis of tea orders placed on quick-commerce platform Instamart across more than 130 cities between June 2025 and June 2026, Bengaluru led the nation in overall tea consumption. Mumbai and Hyderabad followed closely behind, highlighting the strong demand for tea in major urban centres.

Ready-to-drink tea sees explosive growth

The study found that ready-to-drink (RTD) tea emerged as the fastest-growing category, recording a remarkable 109 per cent year-on-year increase. The trend points to changing consumer preferences, especially among younger urban buyers who are increasingly seeking convenient beverage options.

Experts believe the growing popularity of RTD teas reflects busier lifestyles and a rising preference for products that combine taste, convenience and health benefits.

Wellness and fruit teas gain ground

One of the most notable findings was the rapid rise of fruit-infused and wellness teas. Peach tea recorded an extraordinary 62-fold increase in demand compared to the previous year, making it India’s fastest-growing tea flavour.

Other categories witnessing strong growth included blue pea tea, tulsi tea, green tea and kombucha. These beverages are increasingly being viewed as functional drinks that support health and wellness goals.

Interestingly, smaller cities are also contributing to this transformation. Bhubaneswar registered a 64 per cent increase in tea orders, followed by Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.

Traditional chai remains king

Despite the growing appetite for innovative tea varieties, India’s love for traditional chai remains as strong as ever. Adrak chai continues to be the country’s most popular tea, followed by black tea, elaichi tea, green tea and masala chai.

The report suggests that India is now witnessing a dual tea culture—one rooted in tradition and another driven by experimentation and global influences. As consumers continue exploring new flavours and formats, tea remains firmly embedded in daily life across the country