Tea ·

Veteran Owned Tea: A Complete Guide to Military-Owned Tea Brands and Their Mission

 

When most people hear veteran-owned beverage company, their minds go straight to coffee. Veteran-owned coffee companies have exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a symbol of patriotism, resilience, and community. But there’s another side to the story: veteran owned tea.

Tea may not be as loud or flashy as coffee, but it holds a special place in cultures worldwide and has become an increasingly important part of veteran entrepreneurship. This article explores the world of military and veteran-owned tea businesses, the benefits of choosing tea from veteran brands, and how this growing movement is about far more than just what’s in your cup.

Why Veteran Owned Tea Matters

Beyond Coffee: A Changing Beverage Landscape

For centuries, tea has been a drink of tradition, ceremony, and wellness. In the U.S., however, tea often takes a backseat to coffee. Many veteran entrepreneurs are now changing that narrative by offering high-quality, thoughtfully sourced teas.

Just as veteran-owned coffee brands use roasting and brewing as a way to connect with community, veteran-owned tea companies use their products to tell stories, support causes, and give veterans new purpose after service.

Supporting Veterans Through Business

Purchasing from a veteran-owned tea business does more than get you a great cup of tea—it directly contributes to:

  • Veteran employment opportunities

  • Support for military families

  • Funding for veteran nonprofits

  • Community spaces for service members in transition

In short, veteran owned tea represents a way to invest in the people who invested in our country.

The Rise of Veteran Entrepreneurs in the Tea Industry

A Natural Transition from Service

Military service is rooted in discipline, attention to detail, and an appreciation for routine. Those qualities translate seamlessly into crafting and curating tea. From sourcing delicate green teas to blending unique herbal profiles, veterans bring mission-first focus into every step of the process.

A Counterbalance to Coffee Culture

Coffee is often associated with energy, intensity, and staying awake for long hours. Tea, by contrast, offers a more balanced and calming ritual. Many veterans turn to tea as part of their post-service wellness routines, particularly as they look for alternatives to high-caffeine or sugar-packed drinks.

This makes tea not only a product but a tool for recovery, mindfulness, and health.

Popular Veteran Owned Tea Companies

Below is an overview of some of the most notable military and veteran-owned tea brands currently operating in the U.S.

1. Aerial Resupply Coffee® – Loose Leaf Division

While known for its bold coffee blends, Aerial Resupply Coffee (ARC) also produces a line of specialty teas. Their offerings include:

  • Caravan (Masala Chai) – A spiced, full-bodied tea perfect for comfort.

  • R&R (Green Jasmine) – Light, floral, and calming.

  • Greyhawk (Earl Grey) – A veteran twist on the timeless British classic.

  • Rescue (Gunpowder Green) – Bold, smoky green tea that fits its name.

  • Gen T (Genmaicha) – A Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice.

  • DD24TEA (Black Assam) - A bold Black Indian Tea. 

 

Each tea is tied into ARC’s veteran-inspired branding, supporting the broader mission of community, authenticity, and veteran wellness.

2. Combat2Cup 

Many smaller veteran tea startups have adopted a direct-to-consumer model, using subscriptions to deliver teas right to customers’ doors. Combat2Cup, for instance, emphasizes herbal blends designed to promote relaxation, sleep, and recovery for veterans dealing with stress or high workloads.

3. Special Forces Tea Co.

Similar to well-known veteran coffee brands, companies like Special Forces Tea Co. highlight military pride while offering premium loose-leaf teas. Their branding often celebrates elite units and missions, combining the warrior spirit with the calming ritual of tea.

 

Types of Tea Offered by Veteran Owned Brands

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks in the world, known for antioxidants and metabolism support. Veteran owned tea companies often feature Gunpowder Green, Jasmine, and Sencha, bringing both traditional and bold flavors.

Black Tea

For those who still crave a stronger, coffee-like punch, black tea blends such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast alternatives are common. Veteran brands tend to create robust black teas with military-inspired names.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, and peppermint are gaining traction among veteran entrepreneurs who emphasize wellness and stress relief. These blends are marketed toward veterans seeking calm and recovery.

Specialty and International Teas

Some veteran tea businesses also explore Masala Chai, Matcha, and Genmaicha, linking their global military service experience to the teas they sell.

 

Benefits of Choosing Veteran Owned Tea

1. Health and Wellness

Tea naturally provides antioxidants, hydration, and (depending on the variety) lower caffeine content than coffee. For veterans dealing with stress or long-term health issues, tea can be a gentler daily ritual.

2. Community Connection

When you buy veteran tea, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re supporting a community that understands the challenges of service and transition.

3. Mission-Driven Brands

Veteran owned tea companies almost always tie profits back to causes, whether that’s helping veterans with PTSD, supporting Gold Star families, or providing training for post-service careers.

4. Unique Flavors with a Story

Unlike mass-produced teas, veteran brands infuse storytelling into their blends. A cup of “Rescue” gunpowder green tea doesn’t just taste good—it symbolizes recovery and resilience.

 

How to Find and Support Veteran Owned Tea Companies

Online Directories

Websites like the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) and Buy Veteran often list tea and beverage companies.

Farmers’ Markets and Local Shops

Many veteran tea entrepreneurs start small, selling at local events. Keep an eye out for booths or pop-ups that highlight their military background.

Subscription Services

Several companies (ARC included) offer subscription boxes for coffee and tea, giving customers consistent access to products while strengthening brand loyalty.

 

The Future of Veteran Owned Tea

As consumer interest in wellness grows, tea is becoming a larger part of the veteran-owned beverage industry. Younger generations are particularly drawn to tea for its balance of energy and calm. Meanwhile, veteran entrepreneurs are expanding beyond just coffee to capture that market.

We can expect to see:

 

  • Ready-to-drink (RTD) canned teas from veteran-owned companies

  • CBD-infused veteran teas targeting relaxation and pain relief

  • Collaborations between veteran tea and coffee brands

  • Tea-inspired merchandise tied into military culture

 

Raising a Cup to Veteran Owned Tea

Veteran owned tea may still be overshadowed by the booming veteran coffee market, but its impact is growing rapidly. These businesses bring the same dedication, discipline, and community focus that veterans are known for—while also introducing the calming, healthful world of tea to new audiences.

Whether you’re sipping an Earl Grey from Aerial Resupply Coffee’s Greyhawk line or trying an herbal blend from another veteran-run tea brand, you’re supporting a mission larger than yourself. You’re investing in the well-being of those who served, while enjoying a timeless drink with global roots.

Veteran owned tea isn’t just about what’s in your cup. It’s about what that cup represents: service, resilience, and community.

 

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FAQs

The standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water). For example, a 12-ounce cup (about 355 grams) would need approximately 22 grams of coffee. Adjust to your taste: 1:15 for stronger coffee or 1:17 for lighter brews.

Grind size directly impacts how water extracts flavor from coffee grounds. A grind too fine can result in over-extraction and bitterness, while a grind too coarse can lead to weak, under-extracted coffee. Match the grind to your brewing method:

  • French press: Coarse grind (like sea salt)
  • Drip coffee: Medium grind (like sand)
  • Espresso: Fine grind (like powdered sugar)

Bitterness can result from:

  • Water that’s too hot (above 205°F).
  • Brewing for too long.
  • Using too fine a grind for your brewing method.

To fix this, lower the water temperature, shorten your brew time, or switch to a coarser grind.

Store coffee in an airtight, opaque container like the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture. Avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can degrade the flavor.

Use a thermometer or a temperature-controlled kettle like the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle. The ideal brewing temperature is 195°F–205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before using it.

A burr grinder is strongly recommended for consistency. Burr grinders produce uniform grind sizes, which ensure even extraction and better-tasting coffee. Blade grinders, on the other hand, create uneven particles that can lead to inconsistent flavor.

For the best flavor, use beans within 2–3 weeks of roasting. Check the roast date when buying coffee. At Aerial Resupply Coffee, our beans are roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness when they reach your door.

Start with these three simple upgrades:

  1. Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans like MOAB Medium Roast.
  2. Invest in a burr grinder for precise grind sizes.
  3. Measure coffee and water with a digital scale to ensure consistent ratios.

The French press is a great starting point for beginners. It’s straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and delivers rich, full-bodied coffee. Pair it with a reliable burr grinder and a scale for consistent results.

At Aerial Resupply Coffee, every purchase helps support veterans, military spouses, and first responders. By choosing our coffee, you’re not just enjoying bold, flavorful blends—you’re contributing to a meaningful mission and honoring those who serve.