Core Insights - The beverage industry is witnessing a trend where unconventional ingredients, such as salted egg yolk and black truffle, are being incorporated into drinks like milk tea and coffee, indicating a shift towards innovative product offerings [1][3][20] - Major brands like Heytea, Tea Baidao, and Yee3 are collaborating with chefs to create unique "cuisine-inspired" drinks, enhancing flavor complexity and consumer interest [1][12][14] Product Trends - The introduction of salted egg yolk in drinks has gained popularity, with products like the Halloween-themed "Pumpkin Milk Tea" from 1点点 and Yee3's salted egg yolk taro drink receiving positive consumer feedback [1][3] - Other brands are also experimenting with savory ingredients, such as the chestnut beef jerky yogurt shake from 茉酸奶, which combines real beef with yogurt, creating a rich texture and flavor profile [3][5] Ingredient Innovation - The trend includes the use of regional specialty ingredients like black truffle and local mushrooms in beverages, which enhances the uniqueness of the offerings [5][7] - Brands are also incorporating common kitchen condiments, such as soy sauce, into their drinks, creating unexpected flavor combinations that attract consumer attention [9][11] Culinary Collaboration - Collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs are becoming more common, allowing brands to elevate their drink offerings by applying culinary techniques and flavor balancing typically found in high-end cuisine [11][12] - Successful examples include the "Mushroom Soy Milk Tea" from 喜茶, which combines various flavors to create a sophisticated beverage experience [12][14] Production Techniques - The preparation of these innovative drinks is increasingly resembling traditional cooking methods, with the use of equipment like frying pans and steamers in beverage preparation [15][17] - Brands are showcasing their production processes, emphasizing transparency and craftsmanship, which enhances consumer engagement and interest [19][20] Market Dynamics - The shift towards using culinary approaches in beverage creation reflects a broader market trend where brands are moving from chasing trends to focusing on product quality and uniqueness [20][21] - This trend not only diversifies the product offerings but also enhances the overall consumer experience, making it more adventurous and engaging [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of incorporating mushrooms into tea beverages, highlighting how brands are moving from aesthetic appeal to genuine flavor integration, thus creating unique and differentiated products in the competitive tea drink market [4][19]. Group 1: Product Innovation - The introduction of "Mushroom" elements in tea drinks is not limited to one brand; it reflects a broader trend where various brands are experimenting with real mushrooms in their products [7][19]. - The product "米其牛肝菌喜拉朵" by Heytea combines unique ingredients like porcini mushroom white sauce and Yunnan Pu'er tea, showcasing a successful blend of flavors that has garnered positive consumer feedback [4][19]. - Other brands, such as "吉茶阿布" and "四叶咖," have also introduced mushroom-infused products, demonstrating a shift from mere visual appeal to authentic flavor experiences [10][12][14]. Group 2: Consumer Demand - Consumers are willing to pay for mushroom-infused tea drinks due to the perceived value of the ingredients, which are often considered "mountain delicacies" and resonate with both local and external consumers [19][21]. - The health benefits associated with mushrooms, such as those found in lion's mane and reishi, align with modern consumer preferences for healthier beverage options [21][23]. - The trend indicates a growing consumer interest in unique, valuable, and personalized drink experiences, moving away from generic offerings [23]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The tea drink industry is experiencing a shift back to product-centric innovation, as brands seek to differentiate themselves in a saturated market [21][23]. - The incorporation of unexpected ingredients like mushrooms, edamame, and even liquor into tea drinks reflects a broader trend of creativity and experimentation within the industry [23]. - This movement suggests that the industry is gradually returning to its roots of focusing on quality and authenticity in product development, rather than solely chasing trends and marketing gimmicks [23].