Welcome back to Cheers with Nat – the podcast dedicated to cheering on women in drinks.

In today's episode, you're going to hear from Natalie Chiu, co-founder of Saicho Sparkling Tea.

We explore how Natalie's lifelong love of food and her fascination with science led her to train as a flavourist… and how an unexpected twist during her and her husband's PhD programmes set them on the path to creating Saicho.

In addition to learning all about the business and the many roles Natalie plays within it, you'll also get a mini tea masterclass, hear the long list of podcasts that keep Natalie grounded outside of work, discover what she enjoys most about being part of the drinks industry, and a whole lot more.

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What stuck with me from this conversation:

On wearing her many hats in the business: "It's such a joy, because every touch point is just so different. And it's nice to be able to see everything from conception of the product, to production, and then to release. And then seeing people come back and tell us they enjoy it, it's such a humbling experience."
On Saicho's impact: "Creating Saicho is actually allowing people to have those moments. Because it's looking at something to appreciate it… Often we're so fast – in terms of eating, consuming, moving around – there's so much going on. And, actually, creating that and being part of that experience of slowing people down is just amazing."
On starting the business: "Neither of us are business backgrounds. We're both scientists and we were just figuring things out. So we learned along the way."
On how the market has changed: "Whenever we go out to see consumers and we'll do tastings, we used to get a really confused faces about sparkling tea. Now, it's people are actively seeking out sparkling tea. It is such a difference just over the couple of years we've been around."
On advice for her younger self: "Something that I definitely think is important to get through and start a business is to make sure you have grit and perseverance through those challenges. I think, for me, not giving up is probably one of the most important things… And then finding your people. Whether or not you're looking at hiring your first person and continuing to hire people. Finding people that fit when you're looking for advisors or investors. It's important to find those people that fit with you. And I think trusting your gut is often the best thing."

Links & things:

Saicho Sparkling Tea
- We were tasting the Osmathus, which was a seasonal, but is now part of the core range
- Try them all here
- Check out 'The Art of Pairing'
University of Nottingham
- Food science research
Natalie's podcast reccs:
- Acquired
- Hungry
- Dish
- Science vs
- The Check up
And one TV recc for good measure
- Emily in Paris (I wholeheartedly agree with this one! 😄)

Recording info:

December 2025 in London

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Ep 3 - Natalie Chiu: Founder, podcast superfan, and lifelong learner