Provided is a beverage e.g. tea, containing a high concentration of
catechins and at the same time having an improved taste with alleviated
bitterness and astringency and smooth throat-feel upon drinking. The
beverage has the following non-polymer component (A), another non-polymer
component (B), and component (C): (A) non-epi-catechins, (B)
epi-catechins, (C) water-soluble polymers; and has, per 500 mL of the
beverage, these components in amounts satisfying the following equations:
(i) (A)+(B)=300 to 2500 mg; (ii) (A)=70 to 2250 mg; (iii) (A)/(B) (by
weight)=0.25 to 9.0; and (iv) (C)/((A)+(B)) (by weight)=1/20 to 10/1.