Looking for the best rooibos tea brands to buy or drink? Discover some great popular brands in our guide.
I first drank Rooibos tea when I visited South Africa. It’s one of the country’s most popular teas. Nowadays, it’s easier to buy Rooibos tea in the United States and Europe, although many of these brands originate from South Africa.
In this guide, I’ll profile the best Rooibos teas, focusing on the budget-friendly organic Rooibos tea brands anyone can easily buy.
Below is a comparison table of the top three items from this article to help you choose which is best for you.
Short Summary
- Explore the variety of rooibos tea, including red and green options with differing flavor profiles.
- Choose between loose-leaf or bagged teas for convenience, freshness, and cost preferences.
- Purchase quality organic rooibos tea from online retailers or local stores to ensure a pure beverage without unwanted additives.
Exploring Rooibos Tea Varieties
Rooibos tea pronounced “roy boss,” is native to the mountainous Cederberg region of South Africa, where it was first discovered by local botanists who the Khoi people served a cup of this delightful brew. The word “rooibos” translates to “red bush” in English, which aptly describes the vibrant hue of the tea. Rooibos tea is available in several varieties, including red and green rooibos and loose-leaf tea bags.
The grading of rooibos teas is based on the ratio of bush leaves to stems in each batch, with the highest quality rooibos teas containing mainly leaves. Top-quality rooibos teas possess a richer flavor, a smoother aftertaste, and a darker hue. Read our guide what is Rooibos tea to learn more.
Red vs. Green Rooibos
Red and green rooibos tea might look similar but differ in taste and fermentation processes. Red rooibos tea undergoes an oxidation process, giving it a dark reddish-brown color and a smooth, fruity, and sweet taste. On the other hand, green rooibos tea is unoxidized, resulting in a lighter, more delicate flavor.
Green rooibos packs a more powerful punch, boasting higher antioxidants than its red counterpart. This makes green rooibos a good choice for those seeking additional health benefits from their tea.
Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags
Both loose-leaf and tea bag options are available for Rooibos tea fans. Loose-leaf tea provides more tea for the same cost as tea bags and eliminates the potential exposure to chemicals or plastic that may leach from tea bags. However, it’s easier and faster to brew Rooibos with tea bags… but don’t expect quite the same taste profile.
1. Buddha Teas Organic Red Rooibos Tea
Buddha Tea Organic Red Rooibos. Tea is an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainably sourced and nutritious beverage. With a unique earthy flavor and no caffeine, this tea is available at Amazon.com at a budget-friendly price.
2. Rooibos Rocks Natural Rooibos
Rooibos Rocks Natural Rooibos is an affordable option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of rooibos tea without breaking the bank.
One of the best Rooibos tea brands in South Africa, it’s dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and conserving South Africa’s limited water resources, providing you with a guilt-free cup of tea that supports your health and the environment. If you like it, read the round-up of the best sustainable coffee brands.
3. Cederberg Tea Company Red Rooibos
Look no further than Cederberg Tea Company Red Rooibos for a superior cup of rooibos tea. This tea is GMO-free, organic, sustainably harvested, and certified Kosher. It also comes in a 100w size pack, ensuring you’ll have plenty of this delicious tea to enjoy any time.
Cederberg Tea Company is located on a small boutique-sized farm in South Africa. This ensures they can provide customers with the highest quality and freshest tea taste.
4. My Red Tea
My Red Tea is a women-owned and operated rooibos tea company that prides itself on bringing customers high-quality, organic rooibos tea. While many rooibos teas on the market contain sticks, stems, and color additives, My Red Tea ensures each bag contains only rooibos bush leaves.
This Rooibos tea brand only works with small farms that hand-pick the leaves and sell biodegradable tea bags. The company returns 10% of its profits to local educational and cultural programs.
5. The Republic of Tea Republic Red Chai
The Republic of Tea Republic Red Chai is a delightful blend of rooibos tea, cinnamon, orange peel, ginger, cardamom seeds, Chinese star anise, cloves, and black pepper. This unique combination creates a delicious and flavorful tea with numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Numi Rooibos
Numi is a popular tea brand known for sourcing unique tea blends such as kukicha green tea and golden chai. Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the simple things, and that’s where its standard rooibos blend shines.
This organic tea is ideal for the eco-conscious, as the tea bags are biodegradable. Numi prides itself on its sustainable practices; it is Fair Trade, climate neutral, and the packaging is completely plant-based.
As for the taste, this tea is earthy and mild. If you want to switch it up, try the Rooibos Chai blend.
7. Nigiro Tender Mint Rooibos
Nigiro Tender Mint Rooibos is a refreshing blend of rooibos tea, peppermint leaves, and flowers. This invigorating tea offers numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure and improving skin health.
With its pleasant and invigorating taste, Nigiro Tender Mint Rooibos is a superb option for tea fans who want a healthy, flavorful drink.
8. Tick Tock Tea
Tick Tock Tea prides itself on selling excellent rooibos tea for over a century. The family-run business helped popularize this tea type in the United Kingdom. Tick Tock Tea offers organic rooibos tea and many flavored variations, including vanilla, chai, and ginger.
Additionally, Tick Tock Tea offers a Green Rooibos blend by adopting the traditional Chinese tea practices used to make green tea by shortening the oxidation process, so the tea remains light and delicate. Check out our round-up of the best Japanese green tea brands if you love green tea.
9. Freshpak
Made from authentic South African rooibos tea, Freshpak is perfect for those who want to reminisce about past travels; the smell alone will transport you back. Compared to other brands, Freshpak’s tea is a little milder. This also makes a great starting point for those just getting into rooibos tea, for those who prefer the bolder flavors, steep the teabags longer, or use more tea.
10. Celestial Seasonings
No tea company in the world is better known for creating delicious tea blends. While most of the companies on this list pride themselves on their delicious, plain rooibos tea, Celestial Seasonings combines rooibos and vanilla to create a smooth, delicious tea that is earthy yet sweet.
11. Twinings of London Rooibos Red Tea K-Cups
Twinings of London Rooibos Red Tea K-Cups provide a convenient and quality option for those who prefer the Keurig brewing system. These K-Cups contain African Rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a sweet flavor and reddish hue.
Health Benefits and Side Effects of Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea offers numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and is a caffeine-free alternative to other teas and caffeinated beverages.
However, consider potential side effects and precautions when consuming rooibos tea, as some individuals may experience adverse reactions or complications with certain medications.
Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Rooibos tea is rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids such as aspalathin, nothofagin, quercetin, rutin, and isoquercitrin, known to be potent antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, support brain and heart health, improve digestion, and promote weight loss.
Caffeine-Free Alternative
Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea and an ideal substitute for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake or avoid it altogether.
This delicious and healthful tea can be enjoyed anytime, day or night, without the risk of overstimulation or sleep disruption often associated with caffeine beverages. Read our guide to the best teas without caffeine.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Although rooibos tea is generally considered safe for most people, be aware of potential side effects and precautions. When consuming rooibos tea, some individuals may experience digestive issues, allergic reactions, or interactions with certain medications.
Consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or beverage to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.
Where to Buy Quality Rooibos Tea
To enjoy the many health benefits of rooibos tea, it’s essential to purchase affordable and high-quality organic products. We recommend buying rooibos tea from reputable online retailers such as Amazon and Buddha Teas Online Store and local grocery and health stores. That way, you can enjoy a pure and delicious cup of tea without any unwanted additives or contaminants.
Online Retailers
Purchasing rooibos tea from online retailers like Amazon and Buddha Teas Online Store offers a wide selection of choices and enhanced convenience. Additionally, many online retailers offer subscription services, and discounts for frequent customers, and deliver your favorite rooibos tea right to your doorstep.
Local Grocery and Health Stores
For those who prefer to shop locally, quality rooibos tea can be found at your neighborhood grocery and health stores. In-store shopping lets you see and smell the tea before purchasing, ensuring you get the freshest and most flavorful product. Look for organic and sustainably sourced rooibos tea options for a tasty and guilt-free cuppa.
The Final Word on Best Rooibos Tea Brands
One of my favorite Rooibos tea brands is the Republic of Tea, as it’s reasonably affordable, easy to buy and tastes good. I also like Twinings Rooibos tea as it’s convenient to brew. Whether you prefer to shop online or at your local grocery and health stores, plenty of options are available to help you find the perfect rooibos tea for your taste buds and health needs.
So go ahead, indulge in a cup of rooibos tea, and experience the remarkable benefits that this extraordinary beverage has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to drink rooibos tea everyday?
It is OK to drink rooibos tea every day in moderation, as long as you do not exceed the recommended limit of 10 cups daily.
Is rooibos tea the healthiest?
Rooibos tea may be one of the healthiest herbal teas around. Its high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other beneficial substances make it an attractive choice for those seeking a healthy beverage.
However, individual results may vary, consult a healthcare provider before taking large amounts of rooibos tea.
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