Introduction:Recently, UK branches of HEYTEA were found to be using frozen mango puree instead of fresh mangoes, sparking discussions among overseas consumers about the brand’s ingredient standards. In fact, similar situations have been observed not only in the UK but also in markets such as the US, France, and South Korea. The brand responded that the use of flash-frozen technology is to ensure stable supply and consistent quality across global stores. This article delves into the reasons behind this practice, explores the impact of frozen puree on flavor, and explains why it’s difficult for overseas markets to fully adopt fresh fruit.
Many consumers associate HEYTEA with using fresh fruits in their beverages, from mango drinks with visible pulp to freshly blended juices, all emphasizing the freshness of ingredients. However, recently a UK customer shared on social media that they discovered the mango used in-store was not fresh fruit but rather labeled as “frozen mango puree,” sparking considerable discussion.
The customer mentioned that although the flavor of the drink was not noticeably affected, they still felt somewhat disappointed to learn that their usual mango beverage was actually made with frozen puree rather than freshly sliced mangoes. This post quickly resonated with overseas netizens, especially users in the US, France, and South Korea, who also responded that local HEYTEA stores use frozen jam or puree instead of fresh fruit.
Generally speaking, using frozen ingredients is less costly and reduces the need for on-site fruit processing in terms of labor and equipment. Therefore, some speculate that HEYTEA may have switched to frozen puree as the main ingredient due to considerations of cost and operational efficiency when expanding into overseas markets. However, the brand’s official response offers a different explanation.
HEYTEA replied that to ensure stable supply for stores in a wider range of regions, the brand uses “100% fresh fruit as the raw material, preserved and transported through flash-freezing technology.” This means that although consumers see frozen mango puree, the ingredient still comes from fresh fruit, just processed through special freezing methods to maintain quality.
Industry insiders point out that flash-freezing technology can freeze fruit at the optimal time after harvest, effectively locking in flavor and nutrients. Compared to transporting fresh fruit over long distances, it better ensures the consistency of the final beverage’s taste. Especially in overseas markets, where local fruits differ significantly in variety, sweetness, and acidity from those in the home market, using local fresh fruit could actually affect the overall flavor profile of the drink.
Many overseas netizens have also shared their real-life experiences, noting that fruits like mangoes and strawberries in Europe and America often have a more acidic or peculiar off-flavor due to environmental factors like climate and soil, which is noticeably different from the sweet taste that Asian markets are accustomed to. One UK user bluntly stated: “If they really used fresh mangoes from here, you’d probably want to file a complaint.” Another user mentioned, “American mangoes often have astringent flavors, making it hard to create the smooth fruit teas you get back home.”
Additionally, some argue that if HEYTEA insisted on using air-freighted fresh fruit or importing high-quality fruit, although it could enhance flavor, it would significantly increase transportation costs and the risk of supply instability. Especially for tropical fruits, long-distance transport can easily lead to damage or overripening due to temperature fluctuations or impacts, which is counterproductive for quality control.
Interestingly, one UK consumer mentioned having tried a strawberry drink made with frozen puree locally and was amazed that “the taste was actually so close to the original,” adding that “only through freezing can that unique flavor and freshness be preserved.” This also reflects that, for certain specific items, freezing technology becomes key to maintaining beverage consistency.
In summary, HEYTEA’s use of frozen mango puree overseas is not solely based on cost considerations, but rather a decision made after comprehensively evaluating supply chain stability, differences in fruit quality, and the need for consistent product quality. Flash-freezing technology preserves the original flavor of the fruit to the greatest extent while ensuring that stores around the world can offer a similar drinking experience. For consumers, understanding these underlying reasons helps to view the brand’s market-specific adjustments more objectively.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
