# Sour Umami Beverages The Bird & Blend Tea Co. Iced Pickle Matcha is Tangy and Refreshing By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-07-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-pickle-matcha References: [vergemagazine](https://vergemagazine.co.uk/bird-blend-launches-viral-iced-pickle-matcha-across-the-uk-this-august/) & [birdandblendtea.us](https://www.birdandblendtea.us/)  The Bird & Blend Tea Co. Iced Pickle Matcha is a new viral refreshment from the brand that tackles a number of industry trends to position it well for curious foodie consumers. The drink starts off with the brand's [Lemon Matcha](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellamatcha-lemonade) that's paired with tonic water and a shot of [pickle brine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-rita) to deliver fresh citrus tasting notes alongside tangy, sour and umami flavors. The drink is finished with a slice of lemon and pickle slices to further drive home the fresh tasting notes, while also working well for a real refreshment thanks to the hydrating benefits of the ingredients. The Bird & Blend Tea Co. Iced Pickle Matcha is a [limited time offering](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-pickled-menu) that will only be available to order from August 1 through 13, 2026 at participating locations for £5.25. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.2/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 83% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sour Umami Refreshments:** Tangy, savory flavor profiles are moving into mainstream beverage menus as brands test unconventional taste combinations that appeal to adventurous consumers. - **Viral Limited-time Drinks:** Short-run beverages with unusual ingredients create built-in social sharing potential and help foodservice brands generate urgency around novelty. - **Functional Flavor Fusion:** Hydrating ingredients, tea bases and fermented brines are converging in drinks that blend refreshment cues with perceived wellness benefits. ### Where This Applies - **Specialty Beverages:** Tea, matcha and café operators have room to differentiate menus through bold cross-category formats that challenge traditional refreshment expectations. - **Foodservice:** Restaurants and beverage chains can use limited-time experimental launches to capture attention from curious diners without long-term menu commitment. - **Fermented Foods:** Pickle brine and other fermented ingredients are gaining relevance beyond condiments, creating new pathways into premium drinks and culinary beverages. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blended Matcha Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sencha-matcha-green-tea-sparkling.md) - [Complimentary Matcha Latte Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-matcha-day-promotion.md) - [Matcha-Berry Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chelsea-piera-x-ample-hills-creamery.md) - [Blended Icy Matcha Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-matcha.md) - [Springtime Bakery Matcha Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greggs-matcha-move.md) - [Tangy-Sweet Iced Tea Refreshments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pineapple-crush-iced-tea.md) - [Matcha-Infused Easter Eggs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-infused-easter-egg.md) - [Cafe-Inspired Matcha Juices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-bromptons-iced-tea.md) - [Customizable Iced Matchas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handcrafted-matcha-beverages.md)