A new wave of trends may be about to hit the drink aisles of Japanese convenience stores. Starting Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, the new “Oolong Tea Latte” from Toyo Beverage will be gradually rolling out to convenience stores nationwide in Japan.
While black tea has traditionally been the standard for milk tea, this new style of tea latte features “Tieguanyin tea,” one of the most popular varieties of Chinese tea, as its main star.
A Sweet and Rich Cup Perfect for the Start of Winter
The heart of this new tea latte is, without a doubt, its rich flavor. Tieguanyin, a type of oolong tea, is known for its sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of orchids and a solid, full-bodied taste. By exquisitely balancing this fragrant Tieguanyin tea with mellow milk, they have achieved a deep flavor that goes beyond mere sweetness.
With just one sip, the elegant aroma unique to Tieguanyin tea fills your mouth, followed by the gentle sweetness of the milk. It’s a rich and heartwarming cup, perfect for finding a moment of comfort on a cold winter day.
The Growing Boom of “Authentic” Tea in Japan
So, why an oolong tea latte now? Behind this trend is a growing interest in tea in Japan in recent years.
Tea was once primarily a drink to quench thirst, but recently, led by the popularity of Taiwanese tea, more and more people are seeking a “premium tea experience,” paying close attention to the origin and variety of the tea leaves, and even the brewing methods. The style of carefully brewing and enjoying various types of Chinese and Japanese teas has become well-established in cafes and specialty shops.
The “Oolong Tea Latte” can be seen as a product that reflects this trend toward authenticity. It offers the deep world of Tieguanyin tea, once only available at specialty shops, in the convenient form of a “chilled cup”—a symbol of Japan’s proud convenience store culture. This allows anyone to easily enjoy a high-quality tea time in their daily lives.
Package Design that Expresses Both “Exoticism” and “Elegance”
In Japanese product development, package design is just as important as the taste itself. It plays a crucial role in conveying the product’s concept and worldview, thereby heightening consumer anticipation.
The packaging for this “Oolong Tea Latte” is no exception. Based on a deep red color, it features a pattern that evokes a somewhat exotic atmosphere. Subtle gold accents are added to create a sense of elegance and luxury.
The drink aisle in a Japanese convenience store is a fiercely competitive space with a vast array of products. Among them, this eye-catching design is sure to stir up the desire to “try something a little different and special.”
A New Tea Experience at a Japanese Convenience Store
The release date is from Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. It will be available at convenience stores nationwide in Japan (though some stores may not carry the product).
Different from a black milk tea, the unique roasted aroma and clean aftertaste of oolong tea are sure to be a delightful new discovery. If you have the chance to visit a convenience store in Japan, be sure to peek into the drink aisle and look for this unique “Oolong Tea Latte.”
Whether you’re taking a short break during a busy trip or just in your daily life, this special cup is sure to add a wonderful touch to your day.
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