A process is disclosed for preparation of a ready-to-drink tea beverage. The beverage comprises an aqueous acidulant constituent having pH less than 4 and an aqueous non-acidulant constituent having pH greater than 4, the aqueous non-acidulant constituent comprises a flavourant, and at least one of the constituents comprises cold-soluble tea solids. The process comprises the steps of: subjecting each of the constituents separately to pasteurization; cooling each of the constituents separately to a temperature less than 75.degree. C.; and mixing the constituents.