With winter now in full swing, many of us are looking for ways to warm up and fight off the chill. And what better way to do that than with a piping hot cup of tea?

But if your usual cuppa isn't doing the trick, you may want to try something new: a tea bomb.

Tea bombs are the latest trend to hit the beverage world!

They are essentially tea-infused spheres that dissolve in water to create a beautiful, colour-changing cup of tea. They come in all sorts of different flavour combinations, and can even be made with edible glitter for an extra special touch.

The new tea bombs promise to take your boring old cup of tea and transform it into something magical.

Tea fans have taken to TikTok to share a "new discovery", showing how the "magic" of the tea bomb works.

Credit: TikTok/@thetreatbombs​

With several videos shared on TikTok using the tag #teabomb racking up more than 25 million views, the popularity of the item is definitely booming.

However, Sam Sameen, who runs London-based tea company The Tea Makers, pointed out that the concept of tea bombs is not entirely new.

He explained: "Considering how long tea has been around, I suppose these are very few new ideas."

"In fact, they’ve been quite a thing in China and Taiwan for at least 25 years or so, but these trends can take a while to come across to Europe."

The Tea Makers London's tea bombs area bit different compared to others — their unique tea "bulbs" slowly unfurl in hot water, revealing a beautiful sculpture made of tea leaves and dried, edible flowers. They're handmade with care, ensuring that each one will bloom in just the right way.

Meanwhile, Fortnum & Mason head tea buyer Ottilie Cunningham explained that the process of making the tea bombs is "a bit like complex origami".

Fortnum & Mason is known for retailing five different "flowering teas".

Tea bombs are becoming popular in the UK. Credit:Fortnum & Mason.​

Ms Cunningham added: "They are definitely being bought by those looking for novelty rather than serious tea aficionados."

"But they are incredibly beautiful and great fun."

And for those who like their tea a little sweeter, some of the tea bombs even come encased in a shell made from isomalt, a sugar-free but sweet substance. Just add hot water and watch the shell dissolve to reveal a cup of tea that's both colourful and sweet.

Credit: TikTok/@alliegracessweettreats​

Other tea bombs also include edible glitter that reveals itself once you steep the tea in hot water.

While the tea bombs are not yet available in Australia, we are hoping that these marvelous contraptions will soon make their way Down Under!

Also, for those who are looking to make their own tea bombs, we recommend checking out this video:

Credit: YouTube/Bite and Chiu​

What are your thoughts on this? Are you looking forward to trying one of these, or are you satisfied with the humble but reliable teabag? Share your opinions with us in the comments below![/firstad]

 

[leanneh]

These "tea bombs" have been around for years (even in Brisbane). About 10 years ago I bought a "tea mad" friend of mine a clear glass teapot and ten tea flowers for her birthday from a beautiful tea shop called T42. They were called flowers in those days but are the same as today's fashionable bombs. They are so clever and very beautiful as well as being lovely tea.

 

[Ricci]

I drink far too much tea for this to be practical. The tea bombs look fascinating and good for a one off experience but I like strong, black tea so I'm perhaps not the right person for them!