Health consciousness is sweeping the world, and more people are beginning to question the ingredients in their favorite foods. They want to know if what they are taking is chemically produced in a lab or that what they are receiving is nature’s own. The former tend to be cheaper and is no wonder a bottle of soda is less expensive than water. What about our teas? Are those natural too or is there cause for concern?
After dealing with stressful situations like with a Vancouver personal injury lawyer, after a long day, the idea of flavored tea sounds like just what’s required to unwind. However, one might wish to know if the flavor is artificial or it naturally infused.
Inclusions
This is the type of tea you want to go for. The reason is this type is blended. That means the same packet that holds the tea also has dried pieces of flowers, fruits, herbs or others that add flavor to the tea. The mixture gives a superior taste as compared to other types made in the market. It is also the original way to make blended teas, something that you can also do at home. If you do go for this type of flavored tea, be prepared to part with a few extra dollars as it is the company uses superior quality ingredients.
Artificial flavors
The name says it. For such teas, note that the company has engineered flavor and added it to the tea leaves. It could be done to mask the taste of inferior tea but it could also a cheaper alternative to adding flavoring to tea. Such does not have any nutrients. That means you’re only ripping the benefits of the tea and not “chamomile” if that’s the flavor indicated. Be mindful to avoid such brands as effects of artificial can be harmful in the long run.
Natural flavor
This term is ambiguous. The flavor is still chemically produced even though it is derived from an actual fruit or flower. Therefore, as a consumer, you ought to be aware of this term and avoid it. It may sound like a healthier alternative, but the legitimacy of the flavor itself is in question. As with artificial flavors, it could be to cover the tea’s quality. An example is with flavored green tea where, if taken as is; the taste would be unbearable.
Scented tea
The other method is placing aromatic flavor next to wet tea leaves. When they dry, the will have retained the scent. That is the case with Jasmine where flowers provide the aroma, and as the tea dries, it will smell like it. This type of tea is healthy as you’re getting the goodness of the tea while enjoying the aroma.
Making your own
If you’re unsure of a brand, the other alternative is flavoring your tea. You can opt to purchase quality tea and adding other spices like cardamom or cinnamon sticks. You can get different flavors that come as dried ingredients and brew them to make the perfect tasting tea. It also means you’re not restricted to one taste until it ends.
