The Popular Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea Faces Supply Chain Shortages
Milo's Famous Sweet Tea, a staple beverage across the southern United States, has recently been faced with shortages of their popular decaf sweet tea product. Supply chain issues and ingredient scarcity have made it difficult for the company to keep up with customer demand.
Why Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea is Facing Shortages
There are a few key reasons why Milo's cannot produce enough decaf sweet tea to keep store shelves stocked lately, including:
- Supply chain problems getting decaffeinated black tea imports
- Shortage of Splenda sweetener after a manufacturing plant closure
- High fuel costs for transport and distribution
- Labor shortages at production plants
When Will Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea Be Back?
It's unclear when supplies of the popular drink will rebound. Milo's has stated they are working diligently to ramp up production but are struggling with ongoing materials and logistical challenges. The company has hinted shortages may last through 2023 if current supply chain dysfunction persists.
Ingredient Replacements Impact Taste
In attempts to work around shortfalls of key ingredients like decaffeinated black tea and sucralose sweeteners, Milo's has substituted some components. However, fans complain this tweaking has changed the drink's beloved flavor profile.
How Decaf Black Tea Production Contributes to Scarcity
Most decaf tea sold in the US comes from major exporting countries like India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and China which have all faced climate, labor and cost challenges. Decaffeination uses chemical solvents like ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide requiring additional processing steps also adding cost for suppliers.
Sweetener Scarcity After Splenda Plant Closure
A shortage of sucralose began when a Singapore manufacturing facility that made a key component shut down indefinitely for maintenance in 2021. This plant produced the majority of the global sucralose supply. Prices spiked for remaining Splenda inventory further increasing costs.
Alternatives to Satisfy Sweet Tea Cravings
For those struggling to get their hands on their favorite chilled pitcher of Milo's decaf sweet tea, here are some potential alternatives in the meantime...
Brew Your Own Decaf Sweet Tea at Home
The do-it-yourself route gives you complete control over the ingredients. Follow your preferred recipe using decaffeinated tea bags, granulated sweetener or simple syrup, lemon wedges, and chilled water. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Try Other Brands' Ready-to-Drink Options
Major bottled tea makers like Gold Peak, Honest Tea, Pure Leaf, and Arizona all offer decaffeinated, pre-sweetened tea options at grocery stores. Taste through different brand options to find one resembling Milo's flavor profile during the shortage.
Customize Sweetness Levels with Unsweet Options
Choose unsweetened decaf bottled tea varieties from Lipton, Tejava or store brands. Brew a cup or pitcher then stir in your preferred sweetener like sugar, honey or stevia to taste. This allows customization if you find typical pre-sweetened levels too weak or strong.
See If Specialty Tea Shops Offer Decaf Sweet Tea
Many coffee shops and tea rooms now sell freshly brewed sweet tea on tap. Ask baristas if their current offerings include a decaf sweet tea variety to purchase on site or in growlers to take home. Local tea purveyors may blend unique flavors.
Wait It Out Until Shelves Are Restocked
If you don't want to stray from your devotion to Milo's trademark sweet tea, you could choose to be patient until supply meets demand once again. Check back periodically at stores where you used to buy it.
Outlook for the Future of Decaf Sweet Tea
Beverage industry experts expect to see a continuation of off-and-on shortages for decaffeinated and diet or low-calorie beverages as supply uncertainty lingers. Here's a glimpse of what's ahead for the decaf sweet tea segment...
Possibility of Permanent Recipe Changes
To cope long-term, Milo's may permanently tweak its sweet tea recipe depending on ingredient availability and cost. Once supply issues resolve, the product may never taste quite the same as original if the company swaps in new additives.
More Frequent Shortages Expected
Unpredictable shocks to major tea exporting countries and sweetener manufacturing will likely cause ongoing regionalized out-of-stock issues for ready-to-drink decaf sweet tea brands. Retailers simply can't count on supply consistency.
Higher Prices Coming Down the Road
Consumers should brace themselves for sticker shock once inventories rebound. As decaffeinated tea and non-nutritive sweeteners face cost inflation from transportation, processing, scarcity, and more, expect commensurate retail price hikes.
Coping with Uncertainty in the Beverage Market
The sporadic shortage of Milo's decaf tea leaves devotees unsettled and scrambling for a stand-in to fill the void. Yet drinkers can rest assured that even with volatility likely in the future, there are plenty of alternate options to suit changing tastes or patch supply gaps when brands we love disappear temporarily from store coolers. With flexibility and savvy, beverage buyers can roll with the punches during rocky times for the industry.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment