Twinings and Bigelow lead pumpkin spice tea market as autumn sales surge

Twinings of London and Bigelow are leading the annual shift in the tea market toward pumpkin spice varieties, a trend that coincides with the arrival of cooler weather. These established brands are leveraging their long histories and specific product formulations to capture consumer interest in seasonal beverages. Twinings, which has produced tea since the 1700s, is offering a chai blend that includes allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and a hint of natural pumpkin flavor. The company packages these tea bags in individual foil wrappers to maintain freshness and notes that the bags are biodegradable if the staple is removed.

Bigelow, a certified B Corporation, is entering the competition with a spicy tea that combines classic pumpkin flavors with chai spices such as black pepper and cardamom. The company states that it meets high standards for social and environmental transparency. For consumers who prefer a less intense flavor, the blend can be prepared with additional milk or sugar to mellow the spices. This particular chai is frequently used as a base for tea lattes.

The market for these seasonal drinks is also expanding into the decaffeinated and caffeine-free segments. Stash Tea is offering a decaffeinated black tea variant that contains clove, cinnamon, and ginger. The company uses a process to remove caffeine that it says avoids harmful chemicals and produces tea bags made without glue or plastic. Another option in this category is a rooibos-based blend from a brand that sources the plant from single-origin organic farms in Sri Lanka. This product is naturally caffeine-free and packaged in plastic-free bags, with each 50-sachet pack intended to last through the season.

Beyond the tea bags themselves, the industry is seeing demand for specific brewing equipment that allows for precise control over the beverage. Hario is selling a 700 ml glass teapot made from heatproof material that can brew four to six cups. The design includes a mesh infuser and allows the drinker to observe the strength of the brew visually. For those who prefer loose-leaf varieties, high-quality infusers are recommended to prevent small particles from entering the final drink. These tools are marketed as essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor profile.

Health considerations are playing a role in consumer choices for these products. Black tea contains less caffeine than coffee and offers antioxidants, making it a gentle morning option. Rooibos provides copper and antioxidants without caffeine. Brands that include real spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, are marketing the additional nutritional benefits of these ingredients. Cinnamon adds antioxidants, while nutmeg contributes B vitamins and fiber, and ginger offers iron, potassium, and zinc.

Preparation methods vary by product type. Standard brewing involves pouring one cup of boiled water over a tea bag and steeping for two to five minutes. For a latte style, the process changes significantly. The recommended method involves heating one-and-a-half cups of milk until it is almost boiling. This hot milk is then poured over a pumpkin spice tea bag and steeped for five minutes. One tablespoon of brown sugar or a similar sweetener is stirred in, and the drink is often topped with whipped cream and fresh nutmeg.

The availability of these products is timed to coincide with the fall season. Prices for the various tea blends and accessories reflect the current market conditions and are subject to change. The range of options includes individually packaged foil bags, bulk 3.5-pound bags of chai tea latte powder for commercial use, and specialized loose-leaf blends containing marigold flowers. The market offers both sweetened and naturally flavored options to suit different dietary preferences.

Twinings and Bigelow are not the only participants in this segment. Other brands are offering loose-leaf teas with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and marigold flowers. Some products are marketed specifically for coffee shops and restaurants, such as the 3.5-pound bag of chai tea latte powder that can be made hot, iced, or blended. The variety in the market ensures that there is a product for consumers who prefer strong, spiced chai or those who want a lighter, fruit-forward flavor profile.