More than just a cuppa ‘chai’ – this one could cure hangovers

A brand of "super" tea will be among new versions of the beverage launched in future years, including some pledging to reduce tiredness or improve concentration and one for hangovers, says a report.

Tetley has looked into the tea leaves and predicted future trends for the country's favourite brew, with help from the Future Foundation.

Ideas included "remedy" teas - enriched with medicines, from painkillers to antibiotics - tea tablets and personalised blends.

 ''The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th century, but now we are entering a period of rapid change,'' said. "Britain's love affair with tea is enduring.

"Significant advances are being made to meet consumer demand and our Super Tea range of functional blends with clinical health benefits already represents the biggest innovation in tea since the tea bag.

"We're constantly innovating, grading, blending and tasting and now's the time to see what's next for the iconic British cuppa."

Nick Chiarelli, director of the Future Foundation, said, "We've blended the consumer trends we are predicting for 2026, with input from Tetley experts and elsewhere to develop a very compelling vision of tea in the future.

"Our report predicts that exciting and satisfying new tea formats will develop, and that tea will evolve to deliver personalised health benefits."