Saicho

Saicho is a single-origin sparkling tea brand, founded in 2019 and based in Solihull, United Kingdom, that positions its drinks as alcohol-free alternatives to fine wine. The name comes from the monk Saicho, who brought tea to Japan, and the brand was founded by Charlie and Natalie, two graduates who met while studying for their PhDs in food chemistry. Natalie's own intolerance to alcohol and a visit to an upscale restaurant where the non-alcoholic drink options fell short together sparked the concept; in 2018, Saicho won £5,000 from an entrepreneurial competition before the co-founders committed around £25,000 of their savings to launch.

Saicho sources only single-origin teas from growing regions across Asia, including estates in Darjeeling and tea-growing areas of Japan. The leaves are cold-brewed in English spring water for 24 hours at a low temperature, a process that draws out each tea's character without the effect of heat, then balanced with white Airén grape juice and finished with gentle effervescence. Among the Japanese teas Saicho works with is hojicha, a tea type that originated in Kyoto in the 1920s and involves a high-temperature roasting process.

The drinks are designed to pair with food and are available in Michelin-starred restaurants. Saicho generated approximately £45,000 in its first year of trading and has since grown to a team of 24 employees. In June 2025, the company raised $2 million in a seed funding round. Two of Saicho's sparkling teas have picked up awards.

At a Glance