Is organic tea all that different from what consumers believe to be “regular” tea?
When it comes down to what is considered organic vs. to regular, it all comes down to how the leaves, spices, and herbs are grown, collected and processed during the journey from farm to the consumer’s teapot.
While some consider the only difference between organic and regular teas to be the price point, there is a significant difference in these variations and how they are processed.
Defining Organic Tea
Organic tea is defined as a tea that has not come into contact with any chemicals or pesticides during the entire growing and processing journey.
Chemicals that traditional tea frequently encounters include:
- Chemical fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Fungicides
- Herbicides
That’s just to name a few. And that’s just to name a few.
What Is the Difference Between Organic Tea and Vegan Tea?
A common question asked is what the actual difference is between organic tea and vegan tea.
Simply put, there is very little difference.
In order for a product to be considered vegan, it has to be made 100% out of plant-based materials. This means a vegan doesn’t use or consume anything that is made with an animal product, and this can include anything from food to cosmetics, soaps and even clothing.
When it comes to organic tea, they are generally considered vegan-friendly because organic tea ingredients are all plants.
Where this starts to get complicated is with premixed tea products because they can include ingredients that are non-vegan friendly. Some components individuals should watch out for when looking for vegan tea include:
- Gelatin/Gelatin Products
- Casein/Milk Byproducts
- Beeswax/Honey
Types of Organic Tea
When defining types of organic tea, we decided to break it down into two categories: organic herbal teas and organic non-herbal teas.
Organic Herbal Tea
Organic herbal teas come in a variety of different tastes and flavors, making it an attractive alternative to unhealthy alternative beverages.
One fun fact about herbal teas is that they technically are not true teas. That is because herbal teas do not utilize the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Instead, herbal teas are created by steeping a variety of different dried herbs, spices, flowers, and even fruits.
The sky indeed is the limit for those who choose to use organic loose leaf teas because they can mix and match any number of ingredients to create a unique flavor. However, there are a variety of different pre-mixed blends on the market, ensuring tea enthusiasts have something to suit their needs.
Organic Non-Herbal Tea
Organic non-herbal teas are considered “real tea” by tea enthusiasts because they come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike organic herbal tea, organic non-herbal tea comes in only four varieties:
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- White Tea
- Oolong Tea
These organic teas may seem rather bland when compared to the possibilities with herbal teas. However, they have enormous health benefits that draw consumers to them.
Organic Loose Leaf Tea vs. Organic Pre-bagged Tea
Finally, when it comes to choosing a type of organic tea, consumers have the choice between organic loose leaf tea and pre-bagged/packaged tea.
While pre-bagged and packaged teas are more convenient to brew, and in some cases cheaper, consumers must be more vigilant of what is on the ingredients list. This includes what type of packaging the company uses and places the tea in because not all materials equally created.
When it comes down to these premade blends, make sure you verify that it is indeed organic. Consumers can do this by checking for the USDA Certified Organic certification. On most packaging, this can be identified by word or with the black and white (sometimes green and white) logo that says, “USDA Organic.”
The same can be said when purchasing your loose leaf tea.
4 Benefits of Organic Tea
Sure, some consumers prefer one type of tea over another, and whether it be herbal or non-herbal, there are benefits of drinking organic tea.
The benefits of organic tea will vary depending on what teas the individual chooses and what other ingredients may pick out for each blend. During our research, we came across a variety of different benefits of drinking organic tea, and we have listed our top four below.
1. Weight Loss & Management
One of the most searched tea benefits is organic tea for weight loss. So that’s where our research started, and we weren’t disappointed.
When it comes down to organic tea for weight loss, non-herbal teas, especially green tea, rank the highest. This is because green tea is made up of high amounts of catechins. These are naturally offering antioxidants that are said to help boost a user’s metabolism and increase fat burning.
2. Settling Upset Stomachs
Herbal teas, such as ginger tea and peppermint tea are especially popular because they are known to help with not only upset stomachs but general nausea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Ginger tea is especially popular because of its ability to help with these issues thanks to its active component, gingerols. This component is said to help alleviate nausea brought on from motion and morning sickness, along with nausea brought on by medical treatments.
3. Boost Mental Alertness & Energy
True teas, such as black tea, is known to help improve energy levels and even boost mental alertness.
Black tea is an excellent option for this because it has a very high caffeine content. Brewed black tea can have anywhere between 25 and 48 mg of caffeine per 8 oz. glass. When compared with brewed green tea, for the same 8 oz. glass, green tea generally contains between 25 and 29 mg of caffeine.
4. Promotes Relaxation & Improved Mood
Herbal teas such as chamomile and sage help to not only relax the body but the mind as well.
Chamomile tea is known to help relax individuals and in turn, treat conditions such as insomnia and aid in stress relief.
Sage, on the other hand, is known to help elevate a user’s mood and even help with overall mental function.
3 of the Best Organic Tea Brands
When it comes down to the best organic tea brands, there are many excellent and well-known brands currently on the market.
Those that made our top 3 list have proven to not only be a favorite amongst consumers but are also organic.
Numi Organic Tea
This brand has been around since 1999 and states that they are committed to sourcing only the “highest quality organic, non-GMO teas.”
They are not only non-GMO certified but also fair trade certified and certified USDA organic.
Numi tea bags are made from natural biodegradable filter-paper, not corn-based or plastic.
Rating: 4.4/5 Stars (read reviews)
Stash Tea
Since 1972, Stash Tea has vowed only to bring the best to its customers, and that’s what they’ve done. This brand is not only focusing its attention on being consumer friends but environmentally friendly as well.
Stash tea is non-GMO certified, and many of their teas are certified USDA organic as well.
Rating: 4.3/5 Stars (read reviews)
Paromi Tea
Paromi tea is known for selling whole and loose leaf tea. The company states that they carefully select each ingredient and then “meticulously combine them” in small batches that are then packaged in glass jars to retain the integrity and freshness of the leaves.
Rating: 4.3/5 Stars (read reviews)
Organic Tea Comes in Many Varieties with Different Benefits
When it comes down to it, organic tea comes in so many different varieties that consumers are sure to find one that they can add to their daily routine. They will also enjoy the many benefits that come with their chosen tea.
So, go ahead and enjoy!
Do you have an organic tea brand you prefer? If so, let us know in the comments below!
Do you have an organic tea brand you prefer?
Share with us in the comments below!
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