# Eastern Infusion Cold tea beverages incorporate Eastern taste profiles for consumer allure. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Jun 23, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/eastern-infusion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Eastern Infusion trend? **Eastern Infusion:** Spicy, ethnic flavors hailing from the East have been making their way into traditionally sweeter fare, such as desserts and coffee, in order to satisfy a growing consumer desire for flavor reversal. Cold beverages are following suit, adding a spicy kick to an otherwise refreshing experience, while simultaneously providing North American consumers with international variations of iced drinks. The expansion of fusion from food to beverage signifies a consumer appreciation for new incarnations of familiar flavors. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 20, 2015 to Jan 9, 2017 - Published: Jun 23, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Eastern Infusion trend ### Spicy Flavor Profile The use of spicy, ethnic flavors in traditionally sweet drinks like tea communicates consumers' interest in innovative taste combinations. ### Fusion Beverages Food and drink cultures are blending as consumers become more adventurous and interested in the next iteration of familiar flavors. ### Traditional Beverage Makeovers Disruptive innovation opportunities arise from updating traditional beverages to suit modern taste preferences, like cold tea with a spicy kick. ## What the Eastern Infusion trend means for industry ### For Beverage Production Innovative takes on traditional drink recipes provide an opportunity for beverage producers to experiment with new flavor combinations and capitalize on consumers' expanding palates. ### For Culinary Innovation Innovation opportunities arise from the fusion of various international flavors for food and beverage production, such as with the emergence of spicy, ethnic flavors in traditional sweet drinks like tea. ### For Packaging Design The opportunity to capitalize on the beverage industry's race to the top means that packaging design is a potential avenue for companies to pique customers' interest and stand out from competitors, such as with the use of labels inspired by vintage Eastern medicine packaging. ## Workshop question Describe a new way to a inject Southeast Asian influence into your product or service. ## Trend signals for Eastern Infusion Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 45% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Eastern Infusion trend 5 featured examples from Jun 20, 2015 to Jan 9, 2017. - [Eastern Ginger Brews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ginbao): Mr. Mak's Ginbao Has Packaging Reminiscent of Ancient Medicines (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The traditional Chinese wellness drinks offered by Mr. - [Tea Thyme Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-tea-recipe): This Refreshing Ice Tea Recipe Can Also Be Used in an Extremely Easy Cocktail (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Beverage companies can create refreshing and novel non-alcoholic drinks by using the Tea Thyme syrup recipe in this article as inspiration. - [Boozy Thai Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thai-ice-tea): This Alcoholic Thai Ice Tea is an Alternative Summer Cocktail You Need to Try (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of boozy Thai teas by developing new product lines or variations that incorporate unique flavors and ingredients. - [Thai Iced Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-tea-blend): White on Rice Couple's Iced Tea Blend References Asian Cuisine (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can incorporate Asian-inspired blends into their product offerings, providing consumers with exciting and unique drink options. - [Hybrid Tea Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drunken-meadow-tea): This 'Drunken Meadow' Tea Combines Matcha and Oolong Leaves (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can explore new products and flavors by incorporating Drunken Meadow Tea's hybrid tea beverage concept. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)