From Challenging Beginnings to 17 Years of Breakthrough: Dr Thanh Herbal Tea Sets the Standard for the “3 No’s”

On a sweltering afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City, 21-year-old university student Phuong Linh takes a break from her part-time shift at a fashion store on Tran Huy Lieu Street. Taking a sip of her chilled Dr Thanh Herbal Tea, she says, “Late nights and irregular meals always leave me feeling overheated and uncomfortable. Since switching to natural herbal drinks, I feel lighter, more refreshed—like my body’s been cleansed.”

Jenny Lee

September 30, 2025 | 08:41

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Naturally sourced, health-promoting beverages that help detox the body—like Dr Thanh Herbal Tea—are becoming the top choice among young consumers.

Phuong Linh isn't alone. A growing number of young people are shifting away from fast food and quick-fix beverages. They’re opting for clean, natural, plant-based drinks that help detox the body and maintain a refreshing daily “vibe.”

Gen Z Swipes for Wellness

In the era of viral short videos and instant gratification, impulse consumption has become second nature—especially for Gen Z, long immersed in fast-everything culture.

But rising health concerns are prompting a rethink. According to Nielsen's “Health and Ingredient Sensitivity” report, 70% of Vietnamese consumers avoid products with preservatives, 68% steer clear of artificial colors, and 65% reject synthetic flavorings. Reading product labels has become second nature. Rather than grabbing the nearest drink to quench thirst, Gen Z is willing to spend more on beverages with transparent, natural ingredients. Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade reports that 72% of consumers are ready to pay extra for green products.

“I always check the label. I’d rather pay more for something that’s good for my health than put strange substances in my body,” says Phuong Linh, holding up her bottle of Dr Thanh Herbal Tea like a badge of honor.

This shift in behavior has pushed clean-label beverages—especially those meeting the "3 No’s" standard (no preservatives, no artificial colors, no synthetic flavorings)—into the spotlight. Leading the pack is Dr Thanh Herbal Tea, a favorite among young consumers looking to detox and stay fresh throughout the day.

From Challenging Beginnings to 17 Years of Breakthrough: Dr Thanh Herbal Tea Sets the Standard for the “3 No’s”

Across Asia—and especially in Vietnam—natural herbs are abundant, offering great potential for developing health-focused beverages. Pictured are local farmers tending to a Mesona (commonly known as "Tiên thảo") garden, one of the nine herbs used to create Dr Thanh Herbal Tea.

17 Years Committed to the “3 No’s” Standard

At age 69, Nguyen Van Tu, Director of R&D at Tan Hiep Phat, still spends his days in the lab. Energetic and quick to smile, he vividly recalls the early days of developing Dr Thanh Herbal Tea. “This is one of Tan Hiep Phat’s legacy products,” he says, jotting notes on paper out of habit.

According to Mr. Tu, Dr Thanh was launched in late 2008 after just 45 days of development. “There are no artificial colors, no preservatives, no added flavorings. Once the herbs are brewed, they’re bottled immediately in a completely sterile environment—with nothing added,” he explains.

Nearly two decades ago, when carbonated drinks dominated Vietnam’s booming beverage market, Tan Hiep Phat took an unconventional route. “Asia has an abundance of herbs, fruits, and teas. While other companies were focused on soft drinks, we saw a major opportunity in herbal beverages—better for health, and a way to create long-term competitive advantage,” the company’s leadership once shared with the media.

Pursuing this “difficult” path, Tan Hiep Phat boldly invested hundreds of millions of dollars in aseptic cold-fill technology—widely regarded as a 21st-century breakthrough in beverage production. “Each aseptic line costs tens of millions of dollars—and we installed more than a dozen. No one would dare make that move if they were only thinking short-term,” said the company’s executives. But that boldness laid the foundation for long-lasting differentiation.

“Our business principle is to stand out. If there’s an opportunity to innovate in a way that benefits consumers, we must act. The real question is—do you have the courage to jump in?” they added.

Thanks to aseptic cold-fill technology and a blend of 9 natural herbs, Dr Thanh Herbal Tea has consistently met the “3 No’s” standard—no preservatives, no artificial colors, no added flavorings—for the past 17 years.

Dr Thanh Herbal Tea embodies this philosophy. Long before clean-label products became trendy, the brand had already adhered to the “3 No’s” standard from day one. Vincent Mauer, General Director of GEA Vietnam & Philippines, confirmed: “Aseptic technology preserves nutrients and flavor better than traditional pasteurization and ensures consistent quality without preservatives.” It’s no surprise that international markets are willing to pay up to 10% more for products made using aseptic systems.

This technology ensures complete sterility—from bottles and caps to water and the bottling environment. Thanks to aseptic cold-filling, Dr Thanh Herbal Tea retains its natural flavor and nutrients, with a long shelf life and no need for preservatives or artificial coloring—perfectly aligned with the “clean label” ethos Gen Z demands.

The Refreshing Daily Ritual of a New Generation

The slogan “A Day of Cleansing is a Day of Freshness” isn’t just an ad line for Dr Thanh Herbal Tea—it reflects a lifestyle embraced by young Vietnamese. Whether on the streets, in classrooms, or at parties, it's now common to see young people carrying a bottle of Dr Thanh, making it a visual symbol of a health-conscious, eco-friendly lifestyle.

If technology laid the groundwork, young consumers are the driving force behind the brand’s success. As green living becomes mainstream, the brand’s message has evolved from mere marketing into daily practice.

With its “3 No’s” standard, Dr Thanh Herbal Tea has become the savvy choice for modern young consumers looking to detox their bodies and stay refreshed every day.

From city streets and lecture halls to offices and social events, the sight of a young person with a bottle of Dr Thanh has become a signature of smart, clean, healthy living. “I always keep a bottle of Dr Thanh in my bag. The refreshing herbal taste helps me reset—whether during a long lecture or before going live to sell products online. It keeps me looking and feeling fresh,” says Phuong Linh.

For nearly two decades, Dr Thanh Herbal Tea has remained a household name in Vietnam’s beverage market—a testament to a business strategy focused on consumer well-being and meaningful innovation. By combining traditional herbal ingredients with the rigor of the 3 No’s and a modern clean-label appeal, Dr Thanh has earned its place as the beverage of choice for generations of young, health-conscious Vietnamese consumers.

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