Cha Tra Mue is tackling a Thai milk tea controversy with two new brews: one without colour, one with natural colour. Here’s why their famous orange Thai tea is under fire, and how the brand is responding. Basically, we’re spilling the tea on the tea manufacturer. Sip it or skip it, your call.
Thai tea, Thai milk tea, or cha yen, has long been the nation’s beloved pick-me-up, a sweet, creamy drink that’s conquered taste buds locally and abroad.
However, behind that trademark almost-neon-orange hue lurks a controversy: the synthetic food dye Sunset Yellow FCF. Thailand’s FDA permits its use within regulated limits, and the World Health Organisation says it’s safe in moderation, but countries like Denmark and Finland have banned or restricted it over possible health risks. Some experts warn that more than two cups a day could up the risk of kidney stones, cancer, or ADHD-like symptoms in kids.
A sweet drink, a sour controversy
Independent watchdogs have found synthetic dyes in most Thai tea powders, often without clear labelling, raising transparency concerns for consumers.
Cha Tra Mue, arguably Thailand’s most iconic tea brand, is responding with two new options:
No-Colour Thai tea: launched in July 2025, same tea leaves, zero synthetic dyes.
Natural-Colour Thai tea: Arriving October-December 2025, same orange hue but from beta-carotene in carrots and tomatoes.
The brand insists its synthetic dyes have always been food-grade, but the new options show it’s paying attention to health-conscious customers.
[Hero and featured image credit: @chatramue/Instagram]