Untea’d is a California-based beverage and biotechnology venture focused on developing innovative, tea-based products that fuse traditional botanical formulations with modern food science. Operating under the broader umbrella of Tanyu Biotech and headquartered in Davis, Untea’d is redefining the instant beverage category with a particular emphasis on functional tea blends, sustainability, and natural ingredients.
Core Business
Untea’d specializes in the development and commercialization of instant tea formulations, botanical beverage mixes, and natural flavoring concentrates. These products are tailored for health-conscious consumers, foodservice providers, and food & beverage manufacturers seeking clean-label, tea-derived ingredients.
By combining biotechnological innovation with tea culture, Untea’d aims to make high-quality tea experiences more accessible, convenient, and versatile for modern consumption patterns.
Product and Service Offerings
Instant Teas
- Instant Black Tea: Fine-powdered extract for quick infusion without bitterness
- Instant Green Tea: High in antioxidants, suitable for cold or hot applications
- Instant Oolong Tea: Balanced flavor profile for specialized blends and RTD applications
Tea Mixes & Substitutes
- Botanical Mixes: Including flowers and herbs used as tea substitutes
- Customized Formulations: For private-label partners seeking functional tea beverages
Tea-Based Beverages
- Pre-Mixed RTD Bases: Concentrated or powdered formats for bottling operations
- Flavored Tea Infusions: Blends incorporating fruits, spices, and adaptogens
Flavoring Syrups & Concentrates
- Syrups for Shaved Ice & Desserts: Tea-based syrups for confectionery applications
- Natural Lemon Flavourings: Designed for use in both beverages and culinary products
Functional Snacks
- Ice Cream-Based Snack Foods: Infused with tea flavors such as matcha or chai
- Health-Oriented Dessert Items: Combines tea extracts with superfood inclusions
Specialisation and Core USP
Untea’d stands out due to its unique integration of biotechnology with traditional tea extraction, offering:
- Solubility & Stability Engineering: Tea powders that dissolve rapidly in both cold and hot water
- Customization for Commercial Use: Ingredients suited for cafes, bubble tea shops, and functional food brands
- Natural Composition: No preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic colorants
- Sustainable Sourcing: Focus on ethically harvested teas and eco-friendly packaging initiatives
Financials
Although Untea’d operates as a startup, it benefits from a biotech innovation framework and lean operational structure. Available insights indicate:
- Seed Funding Round: Estimated $250,000–$500,000 from private investors
- Product R&D Investment (2023–2024): Focused on formulation scalability and shelf-life stability
- Sales Model: Primarily DTC via ecommerce and wholesale through small retailers
Shipment Data
Untea’d manages its logistics through a combination of local fulfillment in California and third-party ecommerce platforms:
- Shipping Geography: U.S. domestic with plans to expand to Canadian and Asian markets
- Fulfillment Cycle: 3–5 business days for standard orders
- Custom Orders: B2B fulfillment for co-branded and private label lines available on request
Target Market
Untea’d targets the following consumer and commercial segments:
- Health-Conscious Consumers: Seeking clean-label, functional beverages
- Cafes and Beverage Chains: Looking for unique, customizable tea-based drink components
- Retail & Specialty Food Brands: Interested in pre-formulated natural tea ingredients
- Dessert & Snack Manufacturers: Seeking to innovate with tea-based inclusions
Capabilities
- In-House Formulation Lab: Tea extract refinement, testing for solubility and stability
- Biotech Collaboration: With local universities and research labs in California
- Small-Batch Manufacturing: Allows for pilot runs and limited-edition flavors
- Custom Co-Manufacturing: Support for other brands through white-label solutions
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA Food-Grade Compliance
- Non-GMO Ingredient Sourcing
- Allergen-Safe Production Practices
- In Progress: USDA Organic and Kosher certifications for core SKUs
Customer Testimonials
“Untea’d offers the most delicious, fast-dissolving instant tea I’ve tried—clean taste with no additives.”
— Owner, LA-Based Tea Shop
“Their green tea powder has become a go-to ingredient for our bakery’s matcha line. Flavor and color are excellent.”
— Food Scientist, Natural Snacks Brand
Major Achievements
- Launched full commercial range of instant teas in early 2024
- Selected as finalist in the 2023 Sustainable Beverage Innovation Challenge (California Biotech Summit)
- Pilot collaborations with specialty cafés in the Bay Area
- Established an R&D advisory board with food science professionals from UC Davis
With a foundation built on science and sustainability, Untea’d continues to pave the way for next-generation tea-based products—offering convenience, health benefits, and versatility to both consumers and food industry innovators.
