Abstract: Provided is a packaged tea beverage containing amino acids at high concentrations, wherein heat-deterioration odor generated by heat sterilization has been reduced. The contents of amino acids, caffeine and furaneol in the tea beverage are adjusted to at least 40 ppm, at least 150 ppm, and at least 50 ppb, respectively. The catechins content is preferably adjusted to not more than 600 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch-containing tea beverage. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cereal tea beverage containing starch at a content of 0.009% by weight or more, which has an appropriate roasted aroma and mildness peculiar to cereal tea, relieves the pasty texture originating from the starch, and thereby has an improved taste and flavor, as a result of addition of ultrafine ground tea leaves having an average particle size of 1 ?m or less. The present invention also relates to a process for producing such a cereal tea beverage, and a method for improving the taste and flavor of such a cereal tea beverage.