Tea Could Become Drink Of The Later ‘90s

You don’t have to tell Shayne Meadow about the latest trend that’s brewing.

As owner of Tea to You Inc., a new Chicago-based mail-order company and tea-of-the-month club, she’s already steeped in the appeal of tea, or what she’s calling “the newest lifestyle beverage.”

In fact, this lifelong tea lover, who spent a month “doing English tea rooms,” is predicting that tea will become to the later ‘90s what wine and bottled water were earlier this decade.

“It’s got half the caffeine of coffee, isn’t as acidic and has lots of magnesium, which is great for women trying to stave off osteoporosis,” says Meadow, who did promotions work for the National Restaurant Association for five years before launching her teato-your-doorstep business.

Trend experts predict a booming market for businesses such as Tea to You.

“There’s a very real and soothing pleasure about tea,” says Sara Perry, a Portland writer and author of “The Tea Book” (Chronicle, $12.95).

For $12.95 a month, Tea to You members receive 50 bags of seasonal tea blends. (Half are herbal teas, the other half a gourmet blend, and all brands are imported from Europe.) For May and Mother’s Day, lavender brews lead the roster; for summer, lighter, fruitier blends (great for serving iced in a tall frosty glass) will be featured.

Members also receive a newsletter with tea-brewing how-to tips. Call (800) 832-8696.