Introduction:Recently, Peet’s Coffee launched two new beverages in its roasted tea series — the Roasted Tea Latte and the Jiyun Roasted Supreme Latte. Centered around a tea aroma profile, these drinks have sparked discussions primarily due to their appearance and taste. This article delves into consumer feedback on the dark tea color, noticeable powder texture, and bitter or astringent flavors, while comparing the differences between the two versions. It aims to help readers decide whether this new drink is worth trying and how to view its pricing strategy.
Peet’s Coffee has recently introduced new products in its roasted tea series, including the Roasted Tea Latte and the Jiyun Roasted Supreme Latte. Official information states that the main difference between the two lies in their flavor profiles — one highlights pure roasted tea characteristics, while the other is additionally infused with citrus syrup. Although both use roasted tea as the base, market feedback has been polarized, especially regarding appearance and mouthfeel, which have generated considerable discussion.
Many consumers, upon receiving this dark-hued tea beverage, were initially hesitant about its visual appeal. Due to the inherent processing characteristics of roasted tea, the tea powder is relatively dark in color, and the brewed tea liquid presents a deep green to near-brown hue, giving the overall appearance a rich yet slightly sludgy texture. Some netizens shared that upon opening the lid and seeing the color of the tea inside, their desire to drink it immediately diminished. Some even described it as resembling “leek flower paste” or “Orejye,” noting that even without tasting, the visual aspect had already diminished their expectations.
Regarding the controversy over appearance, some consumers familiar with roasted tea production explained that the roasting process — due to the high-temperature treatment of tea leaves — causes changes in the leaf pigments, resulting in a darker tea color. This is a normal phenomenon and not indicative of quality issues. Others who have tried roasted tea beverages from other brands mentioned that although the appearance may not be as fresh and vibrant green as matcha lattes, the flavor profile has its own unique merits and should not be judged solely based on looks.
Beyond visual concerns, flavor has also become a focal point of discussion. Many customers reported that the Roasted Tea Latte has a noticeable powdery texture upon drinking, with fine tea particles suspended in the liquid. Additionally, the characteristic bitterness and astringency of roasted tea are quite prominent, often leaving a dry, puckering sensation in the mouth after drinking. Some even likened the taste to “cough syrup.” Even the Jiyun Roasted Supreme Latte, which includes added citrus syrup, did not fully balance out the strong tea flavor and astringency. Some consumers felt the overall profile remained heavy, lacking the refreshing or layered qualities they had hoped for.
In terms of price, this new product is priced in the mid-to-upper thirties range, which is comparable to other tea lattes or specialty coffee drinks on the market. However, some netizens, after comparison, felt that other brands’ beverages within the same price range offered better flavor finesse and a more balanced overall taste, leading to questions about the value-for-money of Peet’s new offering. One comment put it bluntly: “If the price matched the appearance, it might be acceptable, but neither the flavor nor the look is impressive — it’s not really worth the price.”
Despite the ongoing controversies, some consumers remain supportive. A number of netizens mentioned that although they were initially put off by the appearance, they ended up appreciating the rich and robust tea feel after trying it on a friend’s recommendation. They felt this type of flavor provides an alternative option for those who prefer bold tastes or tea-forward beverages. There were also suggestions that Peet’s consider making this new product a permanent menu item to cater to specific customer preferences.
In summary, Peet’s Coffee’s newly launched roasted tea series has successfully captured market attention with its distinctive tea color and intense roasted tea flavors. However, the product’s very pronounced visual and textural traits have also created a sense of distance for many consumers upon first encounter. If you prefer light and delicate tea aromas or place a high value on the visual aesthetics of your drinks, you may need more time to adapt. But if you’re open to trying a beverage with a strong flavor and a slightly unique astringent note, this new product offers an alternative worth exploring. It is recommended to try a sample or refer to others’ real reviews before purchasing, to see if it aligns with your personal taste expectations.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
