Just Ice Tea Raises $9M Series B for Organic Teas
Just Ice Tea, a Washington D.C.-area ready-to-drink iced tea brand, has raised $9 million in Series B funding. The company specializes in organic, fair trade certified iced teas featuring low-sugar "Just Sweet Enough®" options or fully unsweetened varieties. The capital will support retail expansion into major chains and new product development.
Low-Sugar RTD Tea Demand Surges
The funding arrives as health-conscious consumers drive demand for better-for-you beverages. Just Ice Tea's real-brewed, ethically sourced teas fill a gap left by discontinued favorites like Honest Tea. Recent launches, including Dragon Green Tea and Raspberry Tea in March 2024, underscore the brand's innovation pace.
Health-conscious shoppers face a ready-to-drink (RTD) tea aisle dominated by high-sugar options from mainstream brands. Traditional iced teas often contain 20-30 grams of added sugar per serving, contributing to broader concerns over beverage-related health issues. Current solutions fall short on organic certification, fair trade practices, and meaningfully reduced sugar without artificial sweeteners.
Real-Brewed Teas with Ethical Sourcing
Just Ice Tea delivers organic teas brewed from whole leaves, sourced from fair trade gardens in Mozambique. Its lineup includes flavors like Peach Oolong, Honey Green, and caffeine-free Berry Hibiscus, all in Just Sweet Enough® (under 10g sugar) or zero-sugar formats. Unlike sugary competitors, the brand prioritizes transparency with simple ingredients and no artificial additives.
This approach directly competes with big players like Pure Leaf and Gold Peak by emphasizing health and ethics over volume. Availability in new formats like 4-packs and cans enhances convenience for on-the-go consumers.
The $9 million Series B provides growth capital to scale distribution. It validates the brand's traction at retailers including Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts, Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons. This infusion signals confidence in the shift toward sustainable, low-sugar RTD beverages.
Organic Tea Market Expands Nationwide
Just Ice Tea products now reach nationwide audiences through key partnerships. Recent availability at Nationals Park highlights sports venue penetration. The brand's expansion to Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons builds on existing presence, targeting broader demographics seeking premium, ethical options.
Industry trends favor low-sugar, organic alternatives as consumers prioritize wellness. Just Ice Tea's model supports this by reviving premium tea standards post-Honest Tea's discontinuation.
Honest Tea Founders Drive Revival
Co-founded by Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea (acquired by Coca-Cola), and Spike Mendelsohn, Top Chef alum and PLNT Burger co-founder, under the Eat the Change portfolio. Goldman's track record in building ethical beverage brands lends instant credibility. Mendelsohn's culinary expertise informs flavor innovation.
Nationwide Retail Push Ahead
With the new funding, Just Ice Tea plans further retail rollouts including Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons. New flavors like Watermelon Lime White Tea and Peach White Tea are in development. Partnerships such as Nationals Park and Sprouts Earth Month promotions signal aggressive go-to-market strategies.