flavoured tea

enhance your tea with natural flavours

Our classic French Earl Grey

When it comes to flavoured tea, many people opt for the convenience and cost-effectiveness of artificial flavours - perhaps they don't even realise the flavour is artificial.

However, I find that using natural flavours in tea is not only better for enhancing the overall taste of the tea, but it brings the health benefits of the flavours added.

Flavours such as flower petals, essential oils and smoky or fruity aromas. 

artificial OR natural flavours?

Artificial flavours are also known as "flavourings". They're chemically derived and created in a lab. Artificial flavours are commonly used in products from several of our major competitors. 

They are often made from artificial ingredients, including artificial sweeteners, and they can contain preservatives, artificial colours and other chemicals, too. There is potential for artificial ingredients to be harmful to your health and may cause allergic reactions or other negative side effects.

On the other hand, natural flavours are derived from real fruits, herbs, and spices. They are carefully selected and blended to enhance the natural flavours of the tea. Natural flavours not only add a delicious taste to the tea but, they also offer health benefits such as antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals.

AUTHENTICALLY FLAVOURED TEA

Bergamot Citrus Fruit

Natural flavours also provide a more authentic and natural taste which changes due to the terroir and climate.

It is true that artificial flavours taste artificial, and sometimes quite overpowering, masking the natural taste of the underlying tea. There is nothing quite like savouring the joy of natural flavour enhancements in your tea.

Furthermore, natural flavouring is better for the environment as well. Artificial flavours are often produced in large factories that release pollutants into the environment, while natural flavours are derived from real fruits, herbs, and spices that are grown in natural environments.

This also lends itself to subtle changes in natural flavours, depending upon the environment and the climate where the flavours are produced.

But wait! I haven't discussed the types of flavoured tea yet, have I?

You can add natural flavours to black tea, green tea, white tea, chai, herbal tea, oolong tea or anything in between! If you have a tea in one hand and a flavour in the other, you could blend them!

My favourite fruit infusion is the Peach Dreamer with its fruity-fresh, summertime drinkability. Brew it using the cold brew method for best results.

My favourite flavoured herbal tea is the Relaxation Blend because of its delicious spearmint and calming rose petals, and my favourite flavoured black tea is the Earl Grey Blue Flower. I just love that strong bergamot aroma and the addition of blue cornflowers gives it a really elegant touch!

brewing time considerations

It would be a really good idea to note that brewing times and temperatures will change depending upon the kind of tea you are using.

For instance, on our site we recommend that all green teas are brewed at around 80°C - 90°C and not for very long or they will become bitter. As such, flavours used with green tea have to be carefully considered. A natural flavour that takes a long time to infuse would not marry well with a green tea because of the contrast in brewing times.

My favourite flavoured green tea is Lychee Magic which can be brewed hot or as a cold brew.

I love the flavours of all our black teas, particularly the Punjabi Chai and the French Earl Grey (which are two of our most popular flavoured teas on the site).

Chai needs a longer brewing time of about 5 - 8 minutes and therefore does very well with the strong flavours of citrus peels and cardamom pods which need time to really develop their headiness.

Choosing a naturally flavoured tea will ensure that you are getting the best quality tea, with the best taste and aroma. So next time you're looking for a flavoured tea, opt for one that uses natural flavours and aromas and really take the time to enjoy that delicious and healthy cuppa!

over to you! What's your favourite flavoured tea, and why? 

join the conversation!