Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Solutions

Premium Aluminum Packaging for Tea & RTD Beverages

From iced tea to cold brew coffee — our aluminum cans deliver superior freshness barrier, premium aesthetics, and sustainability advantages for the growing RTD market.

Perfectly Sized for RTD Beverages

Sleek and slim formats dominate the premium RTD tea and cold brew coffee market.

250ml
8.5 oz

Slim Format

Industry standard for energy tea and functional beverages. Fits perfectly in hand and cup holders.

  • Profile202 SOT
  • Diameter211 (65.3mm)
  • Height92mm
  • Best ForEnergy Tea, Kombucha
269ml
9.1 oz

Sleek Format

Brazilian market standard for iced tea. Premium tall profile with excellent shelf presence.

  • Profile202 SOT
  • Diameter202 (63.5mm)
  • Height146mm
  • Best ForIced Tea, RTD Coffee
330ml
11.2 oz

Sleek Format

Versatile premium size growing in RTD tea, cold brew, and sparkling water segments globally.

  • Profile202 SOT
  • Diameter202 (63.5mm)
  • Height173mm
  • Best ForCold Brew, Sparkling Tea

The RTD Packaging Advantage

Aluminum cans are the fastest-growing format in ready-to-drink tea and cold brew coffee.

100% Light Blocking

Aluminum cans completely block UV light that degrades tea catechins and delicate flavors. Shelf life of 18-24 months without flavor loss.

Superior Oxygen Barrier

Hermetic seal prevents oxidation. Critical for preserving the fresh taste of green tea and preventing fermentation in RTD products.

Fast Chill Recovery

Aluminum transfers cold 3x faster than glass. Consumers get their iced tea perfectly cold within minutes — enhancing perceived product quality.

Premium Brand Perception

Full-coverage 360° print area with matte/soft-touch finishes creates distinctive shelf presence. Sleek can profiles signal premium positioning.

Sustainability Story

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable with 73% recycled content in typical beverage cans. The circular economy advantage resonates with eco-conscious consumers.

Supply Chain Efficiency

Lighter weight than glass reduces shipping costs by 30%+. Pallet efficiency is 2x higher. Stackable design optimizes warehouse space.

Tea Packaging FAQs

What aluminum can sizes are best for RTD tea packaging?

The most popular sizes for RTD tea are 250ml slim (red bull format), 269ml sleek, and 330ml sleek cans. These sizes offer premium feel, easy grip, and align with major brand standards in Asia and North America. The 250ml slim is particularly popular for energy tea and functional tea beverages.

How do aluminum cans preserve tea freshness?

Aluminum cans provide 100% light blocking and excellent oxygen barrier properties. Combined with BPA-NI internal coating, they protect tea from oxidation and UV degradation for 18-24 months shelf life. The hermetic seal prevents flavor loss and maintains the delicate aromatic compounds in tea.

What coating is required for acidic tea beverages?

RTD tea requires BPA-NI (BPA non-intent) water-based modified epoxy coating to handle mild acidity (pH 4-5). For fermented tea like kombucha (pH 2.5-3.5), specialized high-resistance coatings are used. All our internal linings comply with FDA, EU, and Chinese food safety regulations.

What printing options work best for premium tea branding?

Premium tea brands typically use full-coverage CMYK lithography with matte or soft-touch finishes. Special effects include gold/silver hot stamping, embossing, and temperature-sensitive inks. The 360-degree print area of aluminum cans allows for distinctive shelf presence compared to bottles.

Can aluminum cans be used for cold brew coffee as well?

Yes. Cold brew coffee is one of the fastest-growing RTD beverage segments using aluminum cans. The 269ml sleek and 330ml slim formats are industry standards. Aluminum provides excellent thermal stability and prevents flavor transfer. Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee in cans has grown 20%+ annually since 2020.

What is the MOQ for custom printed tea can packaging?

Custom printed aluminum cans for tea beverages: 300,000 pieces per SKU. Plain (blank) cans available from 1×40HQ container. Sample orders welcome for qualified buyers. We recommend starting with a 250ml slim or 330ml sleek format for lowest unit cost at moderate volumes.

Ready to Package Your RTD Tea or Cold Brew?

Get a custom quote for aluminum cans tailored to your beverage brand. Our team will recommend the optimal size, coating, and printing options.

Request Custom Quote