Introduction:With Halloween approaching, beverage brands have been rolling out dark-themed creative products to attract consumers. UK-based HEYTEA launched its first-ever squid ink savory milk cap tea, available exclusively in the UK and US markets, sparking widespread discussion. This article delves into the actual flavor feedback on this “Dark Cheese Tea” and explores the creative design of the vegetable juice beverages in the same series, offering insight into the market phenomenon of Halloween-limited drinks and real consumer reviews.

As Halloween draws near, the global beverage market ushers in its annual creativity competition. This year, UK-based HEYTEA took the lead by launching a limited product called “Dark Cheese Tea,” translated into Chinese as “暗黑芝芝茶,” with its standout feature being a savory milk cap made from squid ink. Currently available only in the UK and US markets, its unique visual appeal and bold ingredients have quickly become popular photo spots among local consumers.

Squid ink is actually a natural pigment extracted from the body of a squid, known for its deep color and intense seafood flavor. HEYTEA has emphasized that the milk cap is not colored with black sesame or bamboo charcoal powder, but is genuinely made from squid ink. However, the inherent briny ocean taste of this ingredient has also become a major point of contention among many consumers who have tried it.

According to feedback from overseas netizens, most people who tried it for the first time mentioned a noticeable seafood flavor, with some sensitive individuals even saying they found it hard to accept. One Chinese student studying in the UK bluntly stated that the drink tasted so bad it made them “want to cut their tongue off,” demonstrating that flavor acceptance varies greatly from person to person. However, some consumers believe that as long as one lowers expectations about the brininess, the savory milk cap’s texture is actually quite acceptable and not overly unpleasant to drink.

In addition to the squid ink milk cap tea in the UK and US markets, HEYTEA is also set to launch a Halloween-themed limited campaign in mainland China. From October 28 to 30, consumers can redeem a Halloween special drink called the “Dark Fitness Bottle,” which combines celery, cilantro, and kale juices, with both flavor and packaging designed around the Halloween theme.

The inspiration for this “Dark Fitness Bottle” comes from the recent trend of healthy beverages, blending multiple high-fiber vegetables into one drink. However, due to the unique nature of the vegetables, whether its flavor will be well received by the market remains to be seen. Currently, there are still few comments on social platforms regarding the actual taste, but it is expected that this drink has already successfully created a strong festive atmosphere in terms of visuals and concept.

Looking at the overall market, not only HEYTEA, but also well-known brands such as Starbucks, Luckin Coffee, and McDonald’s have launched their own Halloween-limited products. For example, Starbucks’ “Pitch Black Frappuccino,” Luckin Coffee’s “Pumpkin Porridge,” and Lelecha’s “Blood-Colored Special Drink” all use striking visual styles and creative combinations to catch consumers’ eyes. This wave of “dark-themed” trends has become an important marketing approach for the beverage industry to celebrate Halloween.

For HEYTEA, whether it’s the squid ink milk cap tea or the vegetable juice beverages, what’s reflected is the brand’s precise grasp of the adventurous psychology of young consumers. Through limited-time availability, limited quantities, and creative combinations, not only can it stimulate consumers’ desire to try something new, but it can also generate spontaneous discussions and sharing on social media, further boosting brand exposure.

In summary, this Halloween-limited trend is not only a competition of beverage creativity, but also a deep insight by brands into market trends and consumer psychology. Whether more brands will join this “dark-themed” movement in the future, and whether they can successfully win over consumers, is worth keeping an eye on.

(Image location:)

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.