Arizona Tea, the drink that we all love so much, might be facing a crisis that will potentially lead to its signature “less than a dollar” price tag being changed.
New tariffs and increases in current tariffs might cause the Arizona Company to raise the price of its signature 99-cent cans, which have remained the same for over 30 years.
But fortunately, for us tea lovers, the company is dedicated to not raising their prices.
In an interview with CNBC, Don Vultaggio, chairperson of the Arizona Company, says, “We’re successful, we’re debt free, we own everything,” adding, “Why have people who are having a hard time paying their rent pay more for their drink?”
Vultaggio puts it as his way of giving back to the people.
Due to recent tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump—particularly a 50% tariff placed on aluminum and steel—there is a real concern that Arizona Tea might be changing their prices.
Vultaggio said, “If tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump continue to rise, then the company might have to adjust its pricing.”
On June 3, 2025, Donald Trump signed the executive order to raise tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Because of this, Arizona Tea struggled with profit, as their cans are made from aluminum. To Vultaggio, paying tariffs on 100% of their aluminum felt unjust, as 80% of the sheet metal used for the cans comes from recycled materials from U.S. beverages.
By shipping closer, as well as making the can walls thinner, the company can still afford to keep the price at 99-cents just a little longer.
“We’re holding the line for now despite rising aluminum costs,” Vultaggio said.
If the price were to change, this would all be a tragedy for Arizona Tea lovers, and potentially shifting the perspective of Arizona Tea being a super cheap but delicious drink affordable to all people.
Even with grim circumstances, the company is trying its best to stand strong and keep prices consistent as they have for so many years. The most we tea lovers can do is stay loyal to the company, even if there is a slight increase in pricing.
Patric Wallis • Nov 21, 2025 at 8:01 am
The price of Arizona Tea cans has always intrigued me. How come it has a label that says “$0.99,” but is sold at a local gas station for $1.99? It may not be the biggest price difference, but still.