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This time’s theme
Survey on preferences
Tea lovers, gather round! 4 items selected by the GOOD DESIGN AWARD
2025.09.05
We carried out a survey in which we asked followers of the GOOD DESIGN AWARD official Instagram account, “Do you always choose coffee beans for your daily hot drink? Or do you prefer tea leaves?” The results showed that the majority of followers prefer coffee. In this article, we have chosen to focus instead on the minority who are tea aficionados! We have selected tea-related products that have won the GOOD DESIGN AWARD to enrich this moment to yourself even further, paying attention to the preferences of those who have this niche taste and to what you enjoy. Here are some recommended items for tea lovers.
For everyone who is particular about tea leaves
There must be many people who have their own particular tastes in their everyday lives. At the GOOD DESIGN AWARD, we carried out a survey via our official Instagram account in order to introduce designs that cater to such “strong preferences.” The topic was, “What do you choose for your daily cuppa?” The result was 156 votes for coffee beans (roughly 64%) and 108 votes for tea leaves (roughly 36%). The majority chose coffee beans, but this time we have purposely focused on the minority who prefer tea leaves. Here we introduce four GOOD DESIGN AWARD winning tea-related products that will make your tea time even more special.
Teplo official tea delivers the perfect fresh cup
The flavor of tea varies greatly depending on where it is grown and how it is produced, but regular tea leaves are often sold in units of 100 g, causing issues such as deterioration after opening and not being able to drink all the tea. To solve these issues, Teplo official tea uses individual packages for each portion of tea leaves. The tea is distinctive because only tea leaves without flavorings are used, and you can enjoy the fresh aroma every time.
Although the packaging is simple, every aspect has been designed to allow you to enjoy the tea in its optimal state. A system that combines user perspectives and technology to deliver great products in a great condition has been established.
https://www.g-mark.org/en/gallery/winners/17626Single origin green tea: information leads the way to a new Japanese tea experience
These “single origin” Japanese teas have not been blended, allowing you to taste each tea variety, place of origin, and producer. Tea leaves from all over Japan are handled by the brand, which objectively analyzes tea from the unique standpoint of “expanding the enjoyment of Japanese tea.”
Each tea displays a series of indicators in which aspects of its taste are represented by stars, as well as data such as the name of the tea variety, its place of origin, name of the farm, altitude, roasting temperature, and roasting time. Moreover, a unique color calculated by an algorithm is reflected in the packaging. The design expands the enjoyment of selecting Japanese tea by providing information rather than ambiguity.
https://www.g-mark.org/en/gallery/winners/9dfc53ee-803d-11ed-af7e-0242ac130002Sasakatsu Sasacha, filled with the vitality of Hokkaido
Sasa senanensis, which grows in clusters in Hokkaido, is said to improve the gut environment and boost immunity. Sasakatsu (Sasacha) focuses on these powers. Inspired by the sight of brown bears eating sasa senanensis before and after hibernation to build up their strength, this product proposes drinking bamboo tea as a daily habit to support your health.
With its packaging reminiscent of a bamboo tube and the illustration of a brown bear waking up from hibernation, every aspect of the item gives a sense of Hokkaido. The approachability that makes you pick it up and turns you into a fan before you have realized is also part of its attraction.
https://www.g-mark.org/en/gallery/winners/23605Nodoka, a new tea that can be “eaten” whole
Our final item, Nodoka, embodies the idea of not only drinking but also eating Japanese tea. By turning whole organic, pesticide-free domestic tea leaves into powder, the brand proposes a new style that can be used not only for drinking but also for cooking and making sweets.
The brand name, Nodoka, is derived from a word meaning “tranquil.” The packaging has a minimalist design that makes full use of white space, revamping the traditional image of Japanese tea. It has successfully created a modern impression that people across generational and national boundaries will want to pick up. By connecting producers and consumers, it disseminates new values and possibilities for Japanese tea to the world.
https://www.g-mark.org/en/gallery/winners/9de418a1-803d-11ed-af7e-0242ac130002The search for designs that start from a casual preference has the power to make everyday life a little more special. Your particular preferences will surely sprout into new designs. We plan to carry out more surveys via the GOOD DESIGN AWARD official Instagram account in the future. Please take part!
Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/good_design_award/
journal editorial department
Editing & writing
Editorial team of the web media “.g Good Design journal.” It is planned and managed jointly by the secretariat office of the GOOD DESIGN AWARD and external members in order to explore new possibilities in design.
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