*Disclosure - I get a tiny commission for purchases made through the links in this post, but I was already a regular customer who recommended this tea all the time! Bird & Blend Tea Co is an ethical, independent, B-Corp Certified company, and their tea bags are plastic free. I would only recommend companies that align with my values.*
I love Rooibos tea (pronounced Roy-boss). It is a red herbal tea made from the fermented leaves of a plant native to South Africa, the Aspalathus linearis shrub.
Having started drinking it mainly because it's naturally caffeine free, I now love it so much I drink it more than black tea. After months of bad sleep I was trying to cut down as much as possible, and I'd rather lose the caffeine from tea than stop drinking coffee!
The other reason that it's a better option for me is that it is low in tannins. Tannins in regular tea interfere with iron absorbtion, and as a vegetarian, I don't want that.
Milk can be added to it, so it's great knowing I can drink this at any time of day without any negative effects, while still feeling like I'm having a proper cup of tea, not herbal.
I discovered rooibos through my favourite tea company, Bird & Blend Tea Co, and after trying lots of their delicious blends, these are my top 6 that are always in my cupboard...
Best for a 'normal' cup of tea
Rooibos Breakfast Cuppa is perfect for a standard breakfast type of tea. It has a hint of honey and feels just as good as a normal tea in the morning. I love to have this in the biggest mug I own.
Rooibos Earl Grey is blended with oil of bergamot, to give it the signature floral flavour and scent. As a big fan of Earl Grey, this does not disappoint, and is so good with a slice of cake to balance out the sweetness.
Best for a fun flavour
Rhubarb & Custard is so delicious it might be my absolute favourite tea. I already love anything rhubarb, so I had to try this one. It probably sounds a bit weird, but it works so well and is not like the sweets. The fruity rhubarb flavour makes the tea more refreshing feeling, and the custard part is just a slight creaminess. This one is great for an afternoon boost.
Wedding Cake is delicious when you want something that feels like a treat. The vanilla sponge, coconut & rose flavours are so lovely, and it even has pretty little edible heart confetti in the tea! This would also be a very cute wedding gift with some nice mugs.
Best for a soothing cuppa
Moondrop Dreams is a nice alternative to having a herbal chamomile tea before bed. It's flavoured with lavender and lemon, so it's relaxing, but fruity and refreshing at the same time.
Welsh Cake Cwtch is a really comforting wintery drink. The sweet bakery notes, cinnamon spice and tangy fruit flavour makes it taste just like you're eating a welsh cake with your cuppa.
Are you a rooibos fan? Let me know your favourites! And check out my shop if you'd like some fancy table linens or vintage tableware to elevate your tea drinking experience.