The Problem with Commercial Tea Flavors
Commercial tea companies have started using “natural flavors” as an ingredient in their teas. This trend is concerning for several reasons:
Masking poor quality
By adding natural flavors, these companies can mask the poor quality of the herbs and spices used in their teas. This means that consumers may be getting lower-quality ingredients without even realizing it.
Increasing shelf life
Natural flavorings serve as a preservative, which extends the shelf life of the tea by 80 to 90 percent. This allows companies to claim that their teas are fresher and more effective than they actually are.
Mimicking real ingredients
Natural flavors mimic the tastes and aromas of real fruits, spices, and herbs. However, these flavorings are not derived from actual ingredients but rather from chemical engineering.
The Consequences for Consumers
When consumers buy commercial teas with natural flavors, they may be tricked into thinking that they’re getting the benefits of genuine fruits, spices, and herbs. However, this is not the case:
- Lack of medicinal quality: The medicinal properties of the herbs typically degrade within a year, but the addition of natural flavors extends the shelf life by several years.
- No actual health benefits: Since the flavorings are not derived from real ingredients, consumers are not getting any actual health benefits from these teas.
The Importance of Choosing High-Quality Teas
To ensure that you’re getting high-quality teas with genuine medicinal properties, consider the following:
- Buy directly from farmers or suppliers: When possible, purchase tea leaves directly from farmers or reputable suppliers.
- Read labels carefully: Look for teas labeled as “organic,” “fair trade,” or “sustainably sourced.”
- Avoid commercial teas with natural flavors: Opt for teas that are free from added preservatives and artificial flavorings.
By being aware of these issues, you can make informed choices about the teas you buy and ensure that you’re getting high-quality products with genuine medicinal properties.