Iced Tea is America’s Porch-Sipping Favorite, Survey Finds

For many, iced tea isn’t just a drink – it’s a summer tradition, with Milo’s poised to be the season’s favorite refreshment

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 9, 2025  — Summer is heating up, and so is America’s obsession with curating the perfect beverage lineup. According to a new national survey timed for June’s National Iced Tea Month, Americans aren’t just stocking up – they’re dedicating entire refrigerators to their drink selections. And at the top of that list? Iced tea, with a strong showing for the beloved, Southern-born favorite: Milo’s Tea Company, the country’s #1 selling refrigerated tea.¹

The findings reveal that younger consumers are especially into their drinks – so much so that 69% of adults aged 18-34 have a refrigerator dedicated solely to beverages, and 54% of this age group even have a fridge outside – on the porch, patio, or deck – ensuring their drinks are always within reach for relaxing moments outdoors.

In fact, 53% of all U.S. adults say iced tea is the ideal beverage for sipping on the porch, deck, or outside, while half say iced tea reminds them of summer or time spent outdoors, and 44% say it makes everyday moments feel more special. And with 86% of adults enjoying iced tea while relaxing, it’s clear that for iced tea lovers, this summer is shaping up to be a season of refreshment and ritual.

Milo’s, known for its fresh-brewed, real ingredient recipe made just the way Milo Carlton started it nearly 80 years ago, is expected to be a standout choice in fridges nationwide. Among iced tea fans, 63% plan to drink more iced tea this summer, with that number climbing to 76% among younger adults (18-34).

“At Milo’s, we’ve always believed iced tea is more than a beverage – it’s part of those moments that matter with friends and family,” said Tricia Wallwork, Chair and CEO of Milo’s Tea Company and granddaughter of founder Milo Carlton. “As a company built on tradition, quality and real ingredients, we’re proud to celebrate National Iced Tea Month with our fans by honoring the moments – big and small – that make summer feel special.”

As a third-generation family-owned business, Milo’s has built its legacy on crafting fresh teas and lemonades daily, using high-quality, real ingredients that have been a part of meaningful Milo’s Moments since 1946. Milo’s is ready to meet the growing demand for iced tea, recently opening its fourth US manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, NC. In 2025, Milo’s plans to brew and ship over 182 million gallons of delicious, iced tea to fans across the country.

The survey data further highlights iced tea’s strong emotional and social ties as 46% see iced tea as a staple at social or family events and 43% say it’s a part of family traditions.

Whether it’s stocked in an outdoor fridge, savored on a porch swing, or served at a BBQ with loved ones, one thing is clear: iced tea – and Milo’s in particular – is at the heart of how Americans plan to celebrate the simple pleasures of summer.

Milo’s is Stocking Porch Fridges All June

To help fans celebrate National Iced Tea Month, Milo’s is hosting weekly giveaways every Friday in June on Instagram – with chances to win prizes that are sure to level up summer including limited edition cooler backpacks, a year’s supply of free Milo’s and even a mini fridge stocked with Milo’s, so fans can extend those special moments with friends and family to wherever they spend time outdoors at home this summer, whether it’s a porch, patio, backyard or deck. Follow along at @drinkmilos to enter each week.

Survey conducted by Opinium research among a sample of 1,000 U.S. adults 18 or older. The survey was completed May 16-21, 2025. Where the phrase 'iced tea' has been used in this release, the insight has been based on the data for iced black tea.

About Milo's Tea Company 

Milo's Tea Company is a family-owned, certified women-owned business crafting delicious, high-quality, fresh beverages since 1946. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Milo's has been brewing the best tasting, closest-to-homemade iced teas and lemonades for three generations and counting. The company has established itself as the No.?1 selling refrigerated tea¹ and the fastest-growing lemonade² brand in America using only a few real ingredients. The company's delicious beverages are available in all 50 states across 55,000 retail locations. Milo's has four manufacturing and distribution facilities located in Bessemer and Homewood, Alabama; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Spartanburg, South Carolina - its newest and largest facility that opened in 2024. Milo's invests in sustainable manufacturing practices, focusing on excellent water stewardship, carbon reduction, and waste recycling and reduction, with the company achieving TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification in 2020. Milo's also donates at least 1% of its annual profits to organizations pursuing Education and Advancement for All, Protecting the Planet for Future Generations, and Community Disaster Relief. Milo's People First culture was recognized nationally in 2024 for being the #3 Most Loved Workplace in America by Newsweek. 

Source: ¹Nielsen, RFG Tea, Total US xAOC + Conv, L52W ending 5/17/2025; ²Nielsen, Lemonade, Total US xAOC + Conv, L52W ending 5/17/2025, Brands with >$50MM in Annual POS $