Ready-to-drink tea is one of the fastest-growing drink categories in India. A June 2026 report said ready-to-drink tea grew 109% year on year on Instamart, the fastest of any tea segment on the platform. People want a chilled, grab-and-go drink that tastes like real tea. businesstoday
But the shelf is crowded, and not every can of iced tea is the same. This guide covers what to check before you buy, the flavours Indians are choosing, and where POKKA fits in.
What makes a good canned iced tea?
When you compare brands, check these five things:
- Brewed tea or premix: Some drinks are made from real brewed tea leaves. Others are made from flavoured powders. Brewed tea has a more natural, slightly bitter finish.
- Sugar level: Check the label for sugar per 100 ml. Many iced teas taste like soft drinks because of heavy sweetness.
- Real fruit flavour: Look for a clear fruit or lemon juice element in the ingredients, not just "flavouring".
- Can size: A 300 ml can is easy to carry and finish in one sitting.
- Price per can: Compare the per-can price after offers, not just the sticker price.
Which iced tea flavours are popular in India?
Lemon iced tea
This is the classic. Black tea with lemon is tangy and refreshing, and it suits meals, office afternoons and travel. POKKA Ice Lemon Tea is made with brewed black tea and real lemon juice.
Peach iced tea
Peach is the flavour to watch. The same June 2026 report highlighted peach tea as a standout in how Indians are trying new tea flavours. It is soft, fruity and less sharp than lemon, so it works well if you don't love tangy drinks.
Melon iced tea
Melon is less common in India, which makes it a good pick if you want something different. It is light, mildly sweet and very refreshing when chilled.
Is canned iced tea healthy?
Iced tea can be a better choice than a cola or a sugary soft drink, but it depends on the sugar and ingredients. A few simple tips:
- Read the nutrition label, especially sugar per serving.
- Choose brewed tea over powder-based drinks where you can.
- Treat it as a refreshing drink, not as a health product.
- Chill it well. Brewed tea tastes best when it is properly cold.
For POKKA, per-can nutrition is listed on each product page: [add sugar and calories per 300 ml can for Lemon, Peach and Melon].
POKKA vs other iced tea brands
| Feature | POKKA Iced Tea | Typical premix / bottled iced tea |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Brewed black tea | Often tea powder or concentrate |
| Flavours | Lemon, Peach, Melon | basic flavour |
| Pack | 300 ml can | Often a larger PET bottle |
| Price | ₹107 per can | ₹139 per bottle |
| Origin | Japanese beverage brand | Varies |
Check competitor prices and ingredients on their own sites before publishing, so the table stays accurate.
Which POKKA iced tea should you try first?
- You like classic and tangy: Start with Ice Lemon Tea.
- You like fruity and soft: Try Peach Iced Tea.
- You want something new: Go for Ice Melon Tea.
- You can't decide: Get the 6 Pack Iced Tea Combo with Lemon, Melon and Peach. It is currently ₹545 instead of ₹642.
New customers can use code WELCOME10 for 10% off their first order.
When to drink iced tea
- With lunch at the office
- On a long drive or train journey
- After the gym or a walk
- At a party or get-together, since cans are easy to chill and serve
- As a gift: a mixed box makes a simple festive gift
