Tea in South Carolina includes a wide range of black tea, iced tea, herbal infusions, and ready-to-drink products, shaped by deep regional traditions and modern retail access. In cities such as Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, tea is highly visible through restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and tourism-driven hospitality, where sweet iced tea is a defining feature of the dining experience. In rural areas and smaller communities, tea consumption is centered on home preparation and everyday meals, with iced tea serving as a staple beverage. The tea market is influenced by historical ties to tea cultivation, particularly in coastal regions, as well as strong restaurant culture and consumer familiarity. Compared with other beverages, tea occupies a mainstream role, especially through its integration into Southern cuisine and hospitality. Bottled tea and fast-food offerings further reinforce its widespread availability. As a result, tea in South Carolina reflects a mature, high-consumption market rooted in tradition and sustained by modern retail and tourism.
