Brits are now reaching for something cooler and more satisfying to quench their thirst this summer, as new data reveals that iced tea is fast becoming the go-to alternative for alcohol-free sipping.
While hot black tea remains a staple – with three in four Brits (76 per cent) regularly reaching for a tea bag – a wider trend report of over 2,000 Brits commissioned by Fortnum & Mason found that half of the population are drinking iced tea at least once per week (50 per cent) – approximately 33.5 million people up and down the country.
New sales data released by the iconic British retailer found that its brand-new Royal Blend Iced Tea outsold water in its very first week, becoming the brand’s best-selling drink. In fact, it sold 34 per cent more than the next best-seller (water), and 185 per cent more than forecasted across all stores and online.
One of the main reasons it’s having its moment is the rise of the sober curious and a shift towards lighter, alcohol-free options, with 30 per cent of millennials opting for iced tea over alcohol during summer socialising occasions, while over half (56 per cent) of 18–34s say it’s their go-to when skipping the booze for a more appealing alternative.
For younger drinkers, iced tea now ranks in the top three favourite tea types amongst Gen Z, just behind hot black tea and herbal. Contrary to TikTok belief and the matcha social media craze, the green powdered tea leaves dominating everyone’s social feeds is preferred by just 5 per cent of Gen Z.
When it comes to sipping spots, iced tea is best enjoyed in hot weather (35 per cent), ideally at home (18 per cent), in the garden (15 per cent), or at the beach (14 per cent) – cementing its place as a refreshing brew that’s become part of everyday summer rituals.
Joshua Neville, Tea Buyer at Fortnum & Mason, says “At Fortnum’s, after serving tea for centuries we’re keen to embrace the new ways it can be enjoyed! We believe loose leaf tea delivers the best flavour, it’s no different when it came to developing our new Iced Tea. In response to this rising trend, we’ve cold-brewed our famous Royal Blend – a classic blend of Assam and Ceylon – for 24-hours to create an uplifting and refreshing Iced Tea.”
To celebrate this era of summer sipping, visitors to Piccadilly can now try the brand-new Royal Blend Iced Tea. Fortnum’s also went to the seaside this July, launching ‘Fortnum & Mason On Sea’ in collaboration with Margate’s beloved Peter’s Fish Factory. The pop-up served Fortnum’s iced tea alongside freshly fried classics, drawing long queues and selling over 1,200 cans to thirsty beachgoers.
With a 318-year heritage in tea, Fortnum’s is once again at the forefront of a brewing revolution – this time chilled, not stirred.
Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Iced Tea is now available in stores (£3.50/can) and online (£20/multi pack): https://www.fortnumandmason.
*Poll conducted by YouGov between 23rd – 24th July 2025 and surveyed 2,264 nationally representative UK adults aged 18+.
Top 10 teas for Gen Z:
- Black tea
- Herbal tea
- Iced tea
- Green tea
- Fruit tea
- Matcha
- Bubble tea
- Earl grey
- Decaf tea
- Other