Canned tea facts for kids
Canned tea is a popular way to enjoy tea that's ready to drink! Instead of making tea from leaves or tea bags, canned tea is already brewed and sealed in a can. It's super easy to grab and go, and you can find it with different flavors or added sugar. However, because it's shipped in cans, it can sometimes cost a bit more and might not taste as fresh as tea you brew yourself.
Contents
What is Tea?
Tea is a popular drink made by soaking special leaves, buds, or twigs from a plant called Camellia sinensis in hot water. These parts of the plant are processed in different ways, like drying them or letting them change color (this is called "oxidation" in the tea world). Sometimes, herbs, flowers, spices, or fruits are added for extra flavor.
There are four main kinds of tea:
- Black tea
- Oolong tea
- Green tea
- White tea
Tea naturally contains things like caffeine (which can give you energy) and antioxidants (which are good for your body). It has almost no fat, carbs, or protein. People have been drinking tea in China for about 5,000 years!
How is Tea Canned?
Canning is a way to keep food and drinks fresh for a long time. It works by heating the food or drink to a very high temperature to kill any tiny germs that could spoil it. Then, it's sealed tightly in a can, jar, or pouch so no air can get in.
This method of preserving food was first invented in the United Kingdom in 1810. But it wasn't until 1963 that a special pull-tab was invented for drink cans in the United States. This made it much easier to open cans, and soon, canned drinks became very popular!
History of Canned Tea
The very first canned tea drink was introduced in Japan in 1981 by a company called Ito En. It was an unsweetened oolong tea. People loved how convenient it was, especially since it could be sold in vending machines and stayed good even in warm temperatures. Many people also thought canned tea was a healthier choice compared to other sugary canned drinks.
After the success of oolong tea, companies started making canned versions of other teas, like green tea and black tea. They also added different flavors, such as sugar, milk, and lemon. By 1991, the canned tea market was huge, earning about US$325 million each year!
Types of Canned Tea
Black Tea
Black tea is the most oxidized type of tea, meaning it's been processed the most. This gives it a stronger flavor and usually more caffeine. It's the most common type of tea in many Western countries.
- Iced Tea (Unsweetened): This is a popular cold drink, especially in hot places. It's a great alternative to fizzy soft drinks. Studies have shown that unsweetened canned black tea can be good for your teeth.
- Iced Tea (Sweetened): This is very popular in the southern United States. It's often called "sweet tea" and is made by brewing strong tea and adding a lot of sugar while it's still hot. Then it's cooled down and served over ice, sometimes with lemon. Because it has a lot of sugar, sweetened canned tea can cause tooth decay.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea (which means "black dragon" in Chinese) is a traditional Chinese tea. It's somewhere between green tea and black tea in how it's processed. Oolong tea has a unique flavor that's not as "grassy" as green tea, but also not as strong as black tea. It can taste a bit bitter at first but often leaves a slightly sweet taste afterward. The first commercially canned oolong tea was sold in Japan in 1981.
Green Tea
Green tea is processed very little, so it keeps more of its natural green color and fresh taste. It's very popular in countries like China, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East. Recently, it's become more popular in Western countries too. The first commercially canned green tea was available in Japan in 1985. Many brands now sell canned green tea because people believe it has health benefits and can help with diet.
