Abstract: The present invention relates to a process which allows for the preparation of tea products comprising tea juice which are suitable for diluting to prepare beverages. The present inventors have identified that generation of carbon dioxide during the storage of tea juice in containers can cause problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaged tea juice in a stable form. The present inventors have now surprisingly found that reducing pH of the juice leads to a reduction in CO2 generation during storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process which allows for the preparation of tea products comprising tea juice which are suitable for diluting to prepare beverages. The present inventors have identified that generation of carbon dioxide during the storage of tea juice in containers can cause problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaged tea juice in a stable form. The present inventors have now surprisingly found that treating tea juice using a specific time-temperature regime leads to a reduction in CO2 generation during storage.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparation of a ready-to-drink tea beverage. The beverage comprises an aqueous acidulant constituent having pH less than 4 and an aqueous non-acidulant constituent having pH greater than 4, the aqueous non-acidulant constituent comprises a flavourant, and at least one of the constituents comprises cold-soluble tea solids. The process comprises the steps of: subjecting each of the constituents separately to pasteurization; cooling each of the constituents separately to a temperature less than 75° C.; and mixing the constituents.

Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of a tea product which is readily infusible and has improved red colour. The process comprises contacting black tea with ascorbic acid and/or its salts, an oxidizing agent and water for a period of at least 5 minutes followed by drying to prepare a tea product that is infusible in water at 5 to 100° C.