Why I Don't Trust "Natural Flavors" in Tea Bags — And You Shouldn't Either
If you’ve ever picked up a box of tea at the store and flipped it over to read the ingredients, you’ve probably seen those two mysterious words: "natural flavors." At first glance, it sounds fine — even healthy, right? But here’s the truth: when I see that on a label, I put the box right back on the shelf.
Because honestly? If I don’t know exactly what I’m putting in my body, I’m not buying it.
Let’s break it down. The term "natural flavors" is vague on purpose. It could mean almost anything — from fruit extracts to processed flavor chemicals derived from natural sources. Companies aren’t required to tell you where the flavor came from or how it was processed. And that lack of transparency doesn’t sit well with me. If you’re someone who cares about what goes in your body (and your cup), it probably doesn’t sit well with you either.
What makes it worse? These mystery flavors are often found in tea bags, especially those mass-produced, overly perfumed blends you find in grocery stores. And while they might smell good, the flavor is often artificial, unbalanced, and doesn’t reflect the true beauty of the herbs or leaves.
Now here’s the part that really gets me — loose leaf tea doesn’t need any of that.
When you work with whole ingredients — real chamomile, real spearmint, real hibiscus — you don’t need to cover it up with “natural flavors.” You don’t need to trick anyone into thinking it's fresh or fruity or soothing. The ingredients speak for themselves. That’s one of the many reasons I started drinking (and selling) loose leaf tea. When stored properly, high-quality loose leaf tea can last a long time without losing its flavor or benefits. No additives needed. No mystery included.
So yeah — I read labels. Every time. And if it makes me feel uneasy, that’s my body’s way of saying, “No thanks.”
I choose tea that’s real. That’s intentional. That’s rooted in wellness and transparency. Because I believe tea should support your health — not leave you guessing.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in your tea bag, maybe it’s time to open your cupboard and take a second look. And if you're ready to switch to tea that respects both your body and your taste buds, come sip with me. 🌞
