Ready-to-drink tea sales slowed in 2008 as consumers cut back their spending due to the economic recession. Some responded to the downturn in the economy by shifting to a less expensive alternative: brew-at-home teas. It is likely that some, especially teens and young adults, may have replaced RTD teas with cheaper but popular beverages, i.e. soda.
CSDs are typically priced significantly lower than RTD teas. For example, in the Chicago market a six-pack of 16oz Snapple bottles (96oz total) retails for $7.49, while a six-pack of Pepsi 24oz bottles (144oz total) costs only $4.69.