Tariffs vs. Tea: Could AriZona's 99-Cent Reign Finally End?

Since 1992, AriZona Iced Tea has been the ultimate grab-and-go hero: a towering 22-ounce can, a kaleidoscope of funky graphics, and that glorious little “99¢” stamped right on the label. It’s been a constant in a world where gas, rent, and even your favorite fast-food fries seem to go up every other Tuesday.

But that bargain bliss may be slipping away.

Photo From: Drink Arizona's Instagram

In a recent chat with School of Hard Knocks, founder Don Vultaggio said he’s been able to keep the price locked at 99 cents simply because, well, he can afford it. Of course, that hasn’t stopped some retailers from quietly marking up the cans (yes, we see you, $1.29 convenience store).

Now, the real trouble comes from a shiny culprit: aluminum. AriZona goes through over 100 million pounds of the stuff every year, according to The New York Times. With the Trump Administration slapping a 50% tariff on aluminum imports, that tall can suddenly looks a whole lot more expensive. Even though AriZona sources 80% of its materials domestically and the rest from Canada, the cost squeeze is real.

So will Vultaggio—who has never been shy about his billionaire status—keep footing the bill to protect your 99-cent summer staple? “I hate even the thought of it. It would be a hell of a shame after 30-plus years,” he told The New York Times.

For now, the final call isn’t made. But in a bit of a plot twist, AriZona announced plans to lower the price on its 20-ounce tall plastic bottles, almost like a middle finger to tariffs.

If the 99-cent legend really does end, it won’t just be the price of tea going up—it’ll be the cost of a little piece of nostalgia.