Whether it’s the visual delight of swirling tapioca pearls in a vibrant boba tea cup, or the lure of multi-ingredient experiments with classic matcha green tea, Gen Z’s tea trends have revolutionised the way this age-old beverage is consumed. A conversation over a cuppa might once have meant a leisurely date at a snack shop or a homely spread of cookies and cake with elegant ceramic tea sets, but not any more. Tea is no longer just about health, well-being, or leisure; it is now a whole new social media aesthetic that thrives on visual innovation and experiments with flavour.

A glass of matcha infused with strawberry, blueberry or other fruits, or a bubble tea topped with colourful straws and floating bobas — for Gen Z, the act of drinking tea is less about private enjoyment and more about conforming to a shared aesthetic of visual and habitual consumption. The movement is being driven largely by social media influencers who present tea as both a wellness fix and a fashionable accessory. Here are some of our favourite tea varieties currently storming Instagram feeds:

Classic Matcha Green Tea

The Japanese powdered green tea was traditionally prepared by whisking it with hot water, but in recent years it has become a full-blown lifestyle trend. With benefits ranging from cognitive boosts and improved heart health to enhanced metabolism, matcha is a genuine powerhouse when consumed regularly. Gen Z has reimagined the ritual with iced and fruit-infused twists, yet the timeless charm of classic matcha endures among fitness enthusiasts.

Strawberry Matcha

Visually striking, the vibrant mix of verdant matcha with the blush-pink sweetness of strawberry milk is the ultimate Instagram favourite. Blending health benefits with indulgence, strawberry matcha has become a signature of tote-carrying, Bluetooth-headphone-wearing, Y2K-inspired influencers. In Gen Z’s world, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s practically an outfit accessory.

Blueberry Matcha

Of all fruit infusions in ice creams, coffees and cakes, blueberries arguably offer the most distinctive flavour. Their juicy sweetness, balanced by a subtle tartness, lends drama to any food or drink they touch. When paired with earthy matcha, the result is both visually captivating — green and blue in harmonious contrast — and deliciously refreshing.

Boba Tea / Bubble Tea

Before the matcha craze, there was boba. Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, it spread across China and eventually conquered the globe through social media. Today, bubble tea comes in endless variations: strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, mango, blueberry and beyond. What sets it apart is the addition of chewy tapioca pearls (boba), served with thick straws that allow them to swirl dramatically with every sip. It’s not just a drink — it’s an experience of texture, flavour and playful spectacle.

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Another Instagram darling, this Southeast Asian brew is made from the butterfly pea flower and offers an earthy flavour akin to green tea. Its bold, deep-blue hue is the star attraction — especially when it changes colour with the addition of new ingredients. Add lime or lemon juice and it turns purple; drop in hibiscus petals and it shifts to fuchsia or bright red. Caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it both functional and photogenic.

Far from the days of evening biscuits and fruit cake with a humble cuppa, the culture around tea has undergone a complete aesthetic makeover. For Gen Z, tea is something to grab on the go, ideally with a novel twist to its classic goodness. Whether in the form of tapioca pearls, flavoured milk, fruit infusions or floral flourishes, tea has been reinvented as a symbol of lifestyle, wellness and, most importantly, visual delight.