Market research giant Mintel says that food and drink products producing a sense of calm are predicted to be a growing area in the next 12 months as the world battles on.
One brand enjoying success in this area is Tea Tonic. Established in 1998, Tea Tonic produces a range of teas using organic plants and herbs with the aim of helping cure ailments and promoting good health. The business will be one of numerous functional beverage brands on display at B2B event the 2021 Naturally Good Health Expo on from 30-31 May at Sydney’s ICC, showcasing to retailers and distributors.
One of its newest teas, True Calm, launched last year during the pandemic, has since become one of the top sellers amongst its 33 varieties. 
Featuring exotic ingredients tulsi (holy basil), moringa, monk fruit and cornflower, the tea is said to reduce anxiety and depression, elevate mood and create an internal peace.
“It’s done extremely well and was launched at just the right time – when the whole ‘work from home’ movement took off,” said Tea Tonic’s Eliza Alati. “We’re also hearing more about kids suffering from anxiety these days, so it’s also a great tea for children.”
The other new product which has since shot to the top of Tea Tonic’s sales list is Chocolate Chai Tea. “This tea was a real point of difference as people don’t often associate chocolate with tea. However, it’s been incredibly popular.”
The tea, which contains cacao nibs, chai, and monk fruit, claims to help stimulate the brain into releasing neurotransmitters that can trigger feel good hormones.
Apart from the newest additions, Alati said Tea Tonic’s other big seller is their highly Instagrammed tea – Blue Magic which changes from a dazzling blue colour to a vibrant purple with a squeeze of lemon. “A natural ingredient called Butterfly Pea changes the hue. It’s not often that you see a tea colour other than a brown or black, so it’s got that wow factor.
“It’s also very high in antioxidants and iron. We are always innovating and have more tea varieties in the works in the coming 12 months, and we’re confident that they will also be successful.”