Over the years, the market has been shaped according to the changing taste of the consumers and the tea market is no exception and has taken it as a challenge. They have been offering a wide range of varying blends and kinds with different benefits and upsides and among these, herbal tea has soon gained immense popularity.
One such type is the Rooibos tea. Pronounced as “Roy-boss”, it truly is living up to the essence of its name as it is a boss in its field in terms of both tasty and healthy. Even though you can encounter many brands of this new hyped product in the market, they live up to your expectation. Therefore to uplift your mood and make your teatime more enjoyable, we have selected the best Roiboos tea the market has available, and to find out, keep on reading.
Best Pick
After putting up a close fight, we could give the title of our best pick to Rooibos Rocks Rooibos Tea Bags because it is an all-rounder in its field. Living up to its name, the zero caffeine feature of the tea makes it fit for drinking any time of the day without the fear of losing sleep. With reinforcing calmness and refreshment, the tea is full of antioxidants which makes this particular brand our ultimate winner.
Budget Pick
The winner in terms of being budget-friendly is hands down the Cederberg Tea Red Rooibos Tea. Being super environment-friendly, this pack of tea will not disappoint you and will take care of your pocket. The brand uses advanced technology in its processing to elevate the quality of the product. Low in tannins and caffeine content, this tea has been the first choice by many buyers.
Quick Comparison: The 12 Best Rooibos Tea
| Product Name | Number of Count | Number of Pack | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooibos Rocks Rooibos Tea Bags | 100 | 1 | A+ |
| Cederberg Red Rooibos Tea | 100 | 1 | A+ |
| MY RED TEA Rooibos Tea | 80 | 1 | A+ |
| Yogi Tea - Chai Rooibos | 1 | A | |
| Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea - Rooibos Madagascar Vanilla | 20 | 6 | B+ |
| 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Rooibos Tea | 40 | 1 | A |
| Freshpak Pure Rooibos Tea | 80 | 2 | B+ |
| Golden Moon Organic Rooibos Tea | 1 | A+ | |
| Twinings Tea Red African Rooibos Tea | 20 | 1 | B+ |
| Tealyra - Pure Rooibos Red Herbal Tea | 1 | A | |
| TICK TOCK Earl Grey Rooibos Tea | 40 | 1 | A |
| Kiss me Organics Rooibos Tea | 80 | 1 | A+ |
1. Rooibos Rocks Rooibos Tea Bags
As its name suggests, Rooibos Rocks, this brand of Rooibos tea actually rocks! With a sip of Rooibos rocks, you can take a break from all the chaos of the crazy world around you. The 100% caffeine-free tea is also very helpful in inducing a good night’s sleep. Being offered in tea bags, one teabag is perfect for you to prepare a full standard cup of tea.
The non-GMO tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold and can be a good replacement for sodas that come loaded with sugar. You can keep the drink in a pitcher to keep it chilled on a hot summer day without intaking any extra sugar. Packed with powerful antioxidants, the tea can help boost your immune system. Moreover, you can also drink as a cleansing detox for your body.
Free from all kinds of additives and preservatives, the tea has a calming effect. It is USDA Certified and is sustainably and ethically cultivated in the Cederberg Mountain of South Africa. Each pack of 100g tea contains 20 bags, which we think is a good deal compared to its price. The teabags are packed in recyclable boxes in 5 foil fresh pouches which helps keep the tea intact and the premium quality and packaging make this a great gift to all the tea fanatics. Moreover, the brand offers a 100% money-back guarantee for any issues faced regarding the quality.
What we liked: We love the fact that the teabags are not bleached and come from very health-friendly materials.
What we didn’t like: Even though the extra foil is used to keep the tea fresh it causes more waste.2. Cederberg Red Rooibos Tea
Implementing sterilization and laboratory testing to maintain consistency in bulk density and moisture levels, Cederberg has already gained a competitive advantage over its competitors in the market. The employment of such advanced technology ensures a premium and a natural experience. Each tea bag is packed with 2.5 grams of tea and comes in five foil pouches of tagless teabags each.
Apart from that, tea bags are also made from biodegradable and compostable heat-sealed filter paper that makes them a sustainable choice. Not only that but you do not need to be careful with the tea bag as it will not burst open while steeping. The tea is sourced from fine-cut Rooibos needles with no stems and features a bold flavor.
Apart from the environmental aspect, this tea is enriched with antioxidants and features zero caffeine, making it a healthy choice. In addition to this, the tea can be drunk by a wide customer base as it is keto-friendly, can be enjoyed at any time of the day as it has no caffeine, and is capable of inducing a calming effect.
Additionally, you are not required to be careful with the steeping as there is not over-steeping with this one, meaning that, you will not end up with a bitter tea even if you steep it for a long time. This happens due to the Rooibos being low in tannis. The deep amber color of the cup of tea will definitely ensure you a wholesome tea experience and you can refresh and relax.
What we liked: We love that it comes to a box of 100 tea bags which gives a good value of money and can go for many days.
What we didn’t like: Even though it does not have any major downsides, it would be nice to offer a green Rooibos option.3. MY RED TEA Rooibos Tea
Next up we have the Rooibos tea from MY RED TEA which comes with a USDA Certification. The company is run by a South African owner who currently lives in California. The tea herbs are cultivated from the high mountainous regions. The rough weather and conditions of the mountainous region give the Rooibos its dense and rich flavor.
They grow and source their tea herbs from only one farm so there is a consistency in its taste in all of its pack. The farm is also involved in sustainable farming practices which also makes it environment friendly.
Being free from all sorts of preservatives and additives, this is a more natural and healthy option. Moreover, the brand is strictly against animal cruelty, hence, do not test their products on animals.
The non-GMO Rooibos tea is caffeine-free which makes it fit for drinking at any time in the day and at night without affecting your sleep cycle. Not only that but it is also gluten-free and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Featuring a very attractive packaging, the teabags are unbleached which further strengthens its safety as you will be at no risk of consuming any detrimental ingredients. On top of that, the packaging also takes sustainability into account and follows a very green process. Each pack contains 80 tea bags, however, you can find a pack with 160 teabags as well as they have an option for loose leaves.
What we liked: if you are someone who wants to involve yourself in a good cause, this is for you as it donates 10% of its profit for the betterment of the farming communities.
What we didn’t like: Even though we have not faced any issue with this one, it might be a pricey option for some consumers.4. Yogi Tea - Chai Rooibos
Yogi Tea offers a blended Rooibos tea for those who seek contemporary flavors in their drink. Being flavored with a traditional Ayurvedic blend of delicious spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, the tea features a spicy taste that balances the unique taste of Rooibos just perfectly.
This twist in the traditional tea blend is capable of serving a wide customer base. Being USDA Certified, it comes with a guarantee of it being natural and organic which makes it a safe option for your health. It is also a non-GMO project verified which strengthens the natural experience of the tea. Featuring no caffeine, the processing of the tea does not involve any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Apart from its taste, the tea is carefully packed in separate tea bags which are biodegradable and will not have hazardous consequences in the environment. Being gluten-free and vegan, it is a favorite to many consumers as it fits in perfectly with their diet. In order to make a delightful cup of tea, it is suggested that you steep your teabag for 7 minutes to release maximum flavor. People who prefer to go for stronger tea can use two tea bags instead of one in one cup of tea.
What we liked: We love that the tea can be crafted according to our preference. You could add creamer and some sugar to tier up your tea drinking experience.
What we didn’t like: This can be a disappointing option for those who seek traditional Rooibos taste in their tea.5. Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea - Rooibos Madagascar Vanilla
The fifth entry in our review article is from Celestrial Seasoning who offers vanilla-flavored Rooibos for those who enjoy a twist in their conventional tea. The infusion of vanilla adds extra sweetness to the tea and a very calming fragrance. Even though one might worry about the flavor being artificial, the brand does not involve the use of additives or artificial preservatives, or flavors in its processing.
The tea is offered to you in the form of teabags and includes 6 packs with 20 tea bags in each pack. Being free from caffeine and gluten, it is a very healthy option and fits into a variety of diet plans.
Featuring a very premium blend, the brand does not cost you a fortune. A mug of this tea can be an effective way to unwind at the end of a hectic day when all you want to do is relax.
In addition to these amazing features, this is perfect for those who feel responsible for the environment. The brand takes sustainability into account and manufactures fully recyclable boxes. Not only that but they also produce tea bags that have no string. To unleash maximum flavor, you are suggested to steep the tea bag for 4 to 6 minutes.
What we liked: The quality that we loved the most is its value for the rice. It is a very economical option and you will not run out of teabags anytime soon.
What we didn’t like: This might not be an ideal choice for those who seek traditional flavors as the vanilla flavor is not optional. Moreover, it might be a little sweeter compared to other brands which might be a downside for consumers.6. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Rooibos Tea
Next up, we have the Rooibos tea from 365 by Whole Foods Market which enhances your tea journey with a vegan and keto-friendly product. Crafted from premium quality ingredients that will not cost you a fortune, this tea has been a must-add to many consumers’ shopping carts.
Featuring no oxalates and being naturally caffeine-free, it has been a popular choice for being beneficial for human health. It can be a healer at times when you are suffering from the flu as it has a unique citrusy-vanilla flavor. Moreover, you have the luxury to choose to brew it flavored or unflavored, whichever suits your preference as the flavors come separately.
What we liked: We love this because the extra flavor is optional which makes it fit for both who prefer extra flavor and who seek the traditional flavor.
What we didn’t like: As reported by some consumers, the flavors may not be strong enough for some of them.7. Freshpak Pure Rooibos Tea
Featuring the authentic South African flavor of Rooibos tea, this South African brand offers the real deal to you. What makes this brand different is its originality. They do not distort the true flavors of Rooibos by infusing with other flavors and preserves what Rooibos initially was known for.
Freshpack went through a repackaging process to cut down the cost and material used in the packaging and now offers two hug packs with 80 teabags each. The teabags too are tagless which makes them more sustainable. Therefore there is no doubt that it offers great value for money and is a very cheaper option and is absolutely perfect for tea fiends.
What we liked: We love the giant packs and the quantity is so large!
What we didn’t like: Since they come in big packs, it is difficult to keep them intact and therefore will not stay fresh. As they take a long time to finish, they eventually lose their strength of flavor.8. Golden Moon Organic Rooibos Tea
Being offered in the form of loose leaves, Golden Moon offers premium quality, hand-picked organic Rooibos tea. To keep the antioxidants intact, the leaves are not shredded or pulverized which in turn helps retain the woody flavor of the tea. You will be able to unlock many layers of flavors including a hint of caramel in your cup of tea.
Cultivated in the Cederberg, South Africa in peak summer and early autumn, this naturally sourced herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free and features many health benefits.
Moreover, the processing of the tea does not include the use of any artificial flavor or additives that may distort the natural tea experience. Being gluten-free and vegan, it can serve a vast customer base at once!
The packaging of the tea involves no use of plastic as the brand actively takes part in sustainable practices. Not only that but the brand ensures that no plastic waste is created and hence does not come in tea bags that would otherwise require disposal. It also makes an ideal gift for tea fanatics as it does not compromise its quality.
What we liked: It works as a magical alternative to caffeine-free drinks as it offers the same refreshment. Also, it is a great detox drink!
What we didn’t like: The strength of flavor may be a little weak for some people, otherwise it is almost our most favorite one.9. Twinings Tea Red African Rooibos Tea
It is no surprise that Twinings, a very popular brand known for its wide range of tea collections, offer Rooibos tea as well. Being crafted from 100% natural ingredients, this does not disappoint you or pose any risk to your health as there is no chance of harmful or artificial additives entering your body.
Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free so this product, too, is no different. Featuring a 20 count package, it is the easiest and fastest way to brew a wholesome cup of tea. Infused rose essence, the warm beverage can have a calming effect on you. Offered in the form of teabags, you are required to steep it between 2 to 5 minutes to release the flavors. This can also be used to make chillers like iced tea.
In addition to these, the brand provides a safe and hygienic working environment for its workers and meets the minimum wage requirement. As per them, their tea is fresh, woody, and earthy. The freshness is kept intact along with the flavors by packing it in foil-sealed.
What we liked: We like that this is a very close substitute to black tea but even better as it does not have caffeine in it.
What we didn’t like: Most consumers find the strength of flavor of the tea to be too weak or faded which might be a major downside.10. Tealyra - Pure Rooibos Red Herbal Tea
Infused with vanilla flavors, the Rooibos tea from Tealyra has an added sweetness to it. The vanilla-like flavor does not overpower the authentic taste of the Rooibos tea, you will just find a hint of vanilla which is perfect. Being free from calories and caffeine, the beverage can be enjoyed at any time of the day without distorting your sleeping hours.
Adding this to your daily diet will help you enjoy all the health benefits that it offers. Even though it does not have any proven nutritional benefit, it is a good source of minerals and vitamins that are essential for your body including calcium, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and many more.
Zinc itself is known to strengthen your immune system so you can imagine all of these together can work wonders.
Rooibos is used as a herbal base in this tea as it can be experimented with and blended with a lot of other herbs, fruits, flowers, and flavors since it has a very mild taste. You can enjoy the tea both as a hot beverage as well as a chiller.
What we liked: This brand is popular for inducing and promoting better sleep so you can drink this before going to bed to have a sound sleep.
What we didn’t like: This is considered a rather expensive alternative.11. TICK TOCK Earl Grey Rooibos Tea
For the second last product in our review article, we have chosen another popular brand, TICK TOCK, which offers a Rooibos tea which is blended with Earl Grey tea that results in a very different tasting tea. The pack contains 40 superior quality tea bags with each tea bag containing 3.5 ounces of amazing tasting tea.
Featuring no artificial flavors, the tea is naturally caffeine-free and does not undergo any decaffeination process like decaf coffee or tea. It is low in tannin and your tea will not be from over steeping the teabag.
You can brew the tea between 2 to 4 minutes depending on your taste. The soothing properties of the tea make it enjoyable at any time of the day and can help promote better sleep when drunk before going to bed at night.
What we like: We liked the varying way that it can be enjoyed. You could add some milk or squeeze lemon juice or can put it in a pitcher to make some refreshing ice tea as well.
What we didn’t like: This might not be the one for those who seek authentic Rooibos tea flavors as it has a blend of Earl Grey tea.12. Kiss me Organics Rooibos Tea
Being effective in keeping your blood sugar on track, the organic Rooibos tea from Kiss me is rich in aspalathin, a special kind of antioxidant. The brand has goodwill in the market for selling natural and organic tea and coffee that pose no harm to the human body. Moreover, the USDA certification further boasts its organic property.
The naturally caffeine-free tea is an ideal nighttime beverage that helps induce better and sound sleep. Another of its very helpful health benefits is that it can alleviate cramps, nausea, and diarrhea as it contains antispasmodic properties.
Apart from that, the packaging of the product is extremely commendable as it comes with an in-depth ingredient list along with other important information that you may require to make a conscious purchase. Information like non-GMO is explicitly labeled on its pack so that you are not misled.
What we liked: The drink does not require you to add additional sugar as it is naturally sweet-tasting which we love.
What we didn’t like: Even though it does not have any major downside that is worth mentioning but it would be a bonus if it offered a green Rooibos option.What is Rooibos Tea?
As mentioned before, Rooibos tea falls under the herbal tea spectrum and originates from a plant called “red bush” whose scientific name is Aspalathus Linearis. Its origin goes far back to South Africa where the Khoisan people of the Clanwilliam region used to cultivate these leaves and process them for many medical remedies. South Africans have been enjoying this tea grown in the mountainous area of the Western Cape of South Africa for decades but it was first introduced to the northern hemisphere after a Swedish botanist, Carl Thunberg, visited South Africa and got himself acquainted with it.
The tea soon became popular among the people within a few years due to its distinct appearance and taste. Unlike regular tea, which generally originated from tea leaves, it comes from a plant that makes it similar to chamomile or hibiscus tea. Since it has to go through an oxidation process, it is induced with rich flavors and features a vibrant red-brown color. Featuring a mild earthy taste, it is caffeine-free and comes with a naturally sweet flavor that does not require you to add extra sugar, making this a tea accepted by a wide consumer base, even those on a diet or are diabetic.
Since it is free from caffeine you can now enjoy refreshing tea even in the evening without the fear of driving sleep away. Being high in antioxidants and Vitamin C has many other health benefits that make it a favorite choice among tea drinkers.
Benefits of Rooibos Tea
1. High antioxidants level
Rooibos tea is known for its high antioxidant content, especially aspalathin and quercetin. Antioxidants are effective in destroying harmful radicals in your body that cause damage to other body cells. If these free radicals are active in the body for a long time, you will be at a higher risk of illnesses such as cardiac disease and cancer.
Another powerful and important antioxidant called glutathione is in abundant amounts in Rooibos tea which prepares your body to fight against toxins, inflammation, and pathogens. Even though both types of Rooibos tea are a powerhouse of antioxidants, green Rooibos tea is richer in antioxidants compared to the red ones.
2. Helps in weight loss
Even though Rooibos tea is not proven to have nutritional benefits but the components in it sure do help you stay healthy. Studies have shown that people who drink Rooibos tea on a regular basis are seen to lose weight. The polyphenols and flavonoids present in the tea are obesity-fighting agents. On the other hand, it is known to have high leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone that signals your brain that you are fuller for a longer time which shrinks your appetite. Moreover, it slows down the formation of new fat cells and speeds up your metabolism.
3. Promotes Sleep
Teas are known to be high on caffeine content but unlike other blends of tea, Rooibos tea is a herbal tea that induces sleep. Drinking this herbal tea before going to bed will lower your cortisol levels which help you with a sound sleep. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can meddle with your sleep if they are present in high amounts in your body.
Moreover, the presence of magnesium and potassium can help you calm your nervous system and boost melatonin production.
4. Good for bones
The polyphenols present in Rooibos tea are known to be good for bones. Rooibos is capable of enhancing osteoblast activity and is therefore suggested for improving bone health. Studies found that flavonoids luteolin and orientin are the two substances responsible for improving the mineral content of bone cells.
5. Helps prevent wrinkle
The ingredient that is responsible for better skin health is alpha hydroxyl acid. Rooibos tea does have a high content of this particular ingredient and is efficient in reducing skin wrinkles. The development of wrinkles is further slowed down by the superoxide dismutase present in the red bush.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Rooibos Tea
1. Packaging
When talking about the packaging you may compare how the overall tea pack looks like. However, when talking about packaging, it is more important to consider whether your Rooibos comes in the form of loose leaves or teabags. Most brands are now concerned with sustainable practices and therefore go for packaging that involves fewer materials and loose tea leaves are easier to pack this way. However, this particular type of packaging is perfect for those who are regular tea drinkers.
On the contrary, if you are someone who enjoys Rooibos tea occasionally you would want to preserve it in a safe system where they stay fresh and intact. So for those, teabags are a safer option especially the ones which have fewer tea bags in one box.
2. Taste
Even though Rooibos tea is naturally sweet, many consumers may not prefer the raw taste of the red bush. They will rather prefer going for a blended option. Blended options can also give you the luxury to alter and boost the nutrition content of the tea and maximize the benefits.
However, adding flavors will distort the authentic taste of Rooibos and may not ensure a natural tea experience.
3. Origin
Even though the herbal tea is of South African origin, many American brands have been in the business of processing this tea and offering it in the market. However, it is solely upon your decision whether you would want to preserve the authenticity and go for South African brands or you have your faith in the American brands which are involved in helping local communities through the manufacture of this tea.
FAQ
1. What is the major difference between red and green rooibos tea?
The main difference between the two kinds is fermentation. Red rooibos tea is brewed with fermented plant leaves and has a unique earthy taste. They have a naturally sweet taste. On the other hand, green rooibos tea is brewed with unfermented plant leaves that have a distinct grass-like taste and are richer in antioxidants compared to the other kind.
2. Does rooibos tea possess health risks?
Rooibos tea is not a tea kind that is risky or has many side effects. However, if you suffer from any hormone-sensitive diseases like breast cancer, drinking large amounts of rooibos tea can result in detrimental issues as the tea is an effective agent in estrogen production. Moreover, if you are on any prescribed medication, it is wise to consult your doctor before you drink the tea.
3. Does rooibos enhance sleep?
Studies show that it is effective in stress and anxiety relief which in turn results in better sleep. Moreover, since it does not contain caffeine, it will not interfere with your sleep and can be drunk at any time, even before you go to bed.
4. Can rooibos tea be drunk during pregnancy?
It did not show any negative impact on pregnant women rather it is considered good for them as they are high on antioxidants.
Ending Remarks
If you have reached this section, then we hope that our article was helpful and effective in convincing you to make your Rooibos tea purchase right away! Even though most brands have some qualities like being caffeine and gluten-free and non-GMO, once you take a close look at them separately, they each have a unique trait to offer to you.
Enjoyed both hot and cold, this South African herbal tea does have some amazing health benefits and we are hopeful that you have made your mind up which one to go for that will boost your mood, induce a good night sleep and offer the ultimate refreshment from the best Rooibos Tea brands that we have jotted down.
Happy brewing!