There are tea people and then there are coffee people. Arizona State University alumna, Allison DeVane, blended the two by starting Teaspressa, a company that sells tea inspired by coffee.
The tea is prepared just like espresso and can be consumed in lattes, macchiatos and cappuccinos, hot or cold, just like coffee. There is still a high caffeine content which allows the consumer to experience a rush, but without jitters or a crash.
The tea is prepared with high heat, high pressure and fast to extract the flavors.
“Some people can’t tell it’s tea,” DeVane said. “The consistency is like coffee.”
DeVane has been working with tea and coffee for a long time, but she wanted to do something besides own a coffee shop. She is a part owner of DeSoto Central Market on Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue, one of the locations where Teaspressa is sold and prepared.
DeVane started Teaspressa in February 2015, and she said it has been doing really well. She currently only sells her product in Phoenix.
“I really like the downtown vibe. It’s up and coming, and there’s a lot of things coming here like locally-owned businesses which I think is nice.” DeVane said. “I really think that downtown Phoenix is going to blow up.”
Teaspressa is sold in pouches online as well as at Arizona stores like Urbana. DeVane said it is healthier than coffee and does not stain your teeth the same way that coffee does, so it makes for a great alternative.
Nicolette Benecke, a Teaspressa consumer, loves the product.
“I hate coffee, but Teaspressa has the same amount of caffeine,” Benecke said. “Every time I drink it, I’m seriously so awake and focused. It lasts all day for me without the crash.”
DeVane said she has customers ordering from states around the country, and even one from Ireland. She hopes to expand the company one day to other states. All of her marketing currently is through social media and word of mouth.
Abbi Miles, also an ASU alumna, was the marketing coordinator. Miles moved last month, but she designed all of the logos and some of the packaging.
“I think the company is just gaining traction with the community, so if they stay involved and continue to stay relevant I definitely think it will grow,” Miles said. “People are always looking for new, healthy and innovative products, and Teaspressa definitely foots the bill.”
Contact the reporter at Sophia.mootoo@asu.edu
