Best Rooibos Teas Reviewed & Rated

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1. Rooibos Rocks Tea
Test Winner: 1. Rooibos Rocks Tea

Rooibos is an Afrikaans name meaning “red bush” because of its distinctive orange-reddish color that it has once left to dry. Rooibos tea is specifically grown in South Africa in the mountainous Cederberg region. The rooibos tea bushes have adapted to this special altitude, rocky soil composition, climate and surrounding vegetation. Thus, the ones with the indigenous genetic composition do not flourish in any other region in the world.

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  • Rocks
  • 5 out of 5
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  • Sugarfree
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My Red tea
  • My Red tea
  • 4.6 out of 5
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  • No calories
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FreshpakOffer
  • Freshpak
  • 4.3 out of 5
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It is not a tea as such but a herbal infusion of dried leaves. Rooibos tea is a favorite for many as it is free of caffeine and loaded with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Its natural earthy and sweet taste is also a key likable feature as it can be taken without sugar or milk. However, it is not a hard and fast rule to take it plain. You can infuse it with other herbs, fruits, spices and even sweeten it to your liking.

The tea is made by first picking it when the plant is green then dried, lightly fermented till the leaves transform to a deep red-brown color, steamed, dried again, sterilized and then packed. During the fermentation process, the leaves are oxidized to enhance the flavor. The unoxidized green rooibos tea is available though it is not as popular as the red oxidized type.

Chemical composition of rooibos tea

The unprocessed green rooibos is high in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as compared to the red, processed type. Rooibos tea is high in polyphenols including flavonols, flavones, flavanones, dihydrochalcones, and aspalathin. The polyphenols have antioxidant and astringent properties. They cause contraction of mucous membranes and exposed tissues, and thus, soothe sore throats, allergies, peptic ulcers, protect the skin and give relief to other minor irritations.

The red rooibos tea is higher in benzoic and cinnamic acids. Benzoic acid has valuable medicinal properties and has for a long time been used to treat fungal infections, as an antiseptic, analgesic, expectorant and decongestant. Cinnamic acid gives rooibos tea the very mild honey-like odor and the naturally sweet taste.

Compared to other teas and coffee, rooibos tea is naturally free of caffeine and has very low tannin levels.

10 Best Rooibos Teas

1. Rooibos Rocks Tea

1. Rooibos Rocks Tea
Rooibos Rocks tea is sourced from Cederberg region in South Africa, one of the best-known areas for producing rooibos tea. The product is certified by USDA to be a 100% naturally organic with no preservatives or colorants. The tea bags are naturally caffeine-free with no added sugar but are naturally sweet. They can be taken hot or chilled to get a relaxing and calming effect and also to relieve stress.
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Features/Specifications

  • Tagless and unbleached tea bags
  • 100% naturally organic
  • Zero calories and sugar-free
  • Naturally mildly sweet
  • Free of preservatives and colorants
  • Caffeine free
  • Comes as a pack of either 100 or 200 teabags
  • Packed in 5 separate pouches to preserve freshness
  • Sourced from South Africa

Price/Value

These tea bags are slightly more pricey than other rooibos teas, but it is worth your money as it is organic and grown in the finest tea-producing zones. The best thing about this product is that it has 100 tea bags in each packet, making it one of the top in terms of quantity.

Verdict

Rooibos Rocks tea bags are a value product as they are organically made, naturally grown and are their quantity is not disappointing at all. If you are aiming to lose weight, it would be wise to consider them as they are naturally mildly sweet, no added sugar, and you can enjoy them without adding any sugar or cream. They can be taken by the whole family, and they will last you longer.

Pros
  • No bitter aftertaste
  • Free of artificial additives
  • Organic
  • No added sugar
  • Mildly sweet
  • Can be taken without sugar or milk
Cons
  • Has an unpleasant odor

2. My Red Tea

2. My Red Tea
My Red Tea is 100% organic, non-GMO and is sourced from South African Cederberg mountains, one of the richest botanical regions globally. The tea is specially made with no color, preservatives or any other artificial ingredients. It is 100% caffeine free, making it suitable for all ages. Just like all other rooibos teas, My Red Tea is low in tannins, packed with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Each packet has 80 tea bags, packaged in sealed cellophane packages for freshness and quality. The tea bags are then packed into four individual packs with 20 unbleached tea bags each. The tea is naturally sweet, and if you are aiming for a low-calorie diet, you do not have to add sugar.
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Features/Specifications

  • USDA certified organic
  • Packed as tagless tea bags
  • No artificial additives
  • Non-GMO
  • Free of caffeine
  • Each packet has 80 tea bags
  • Zero calories
  • Can be served hot or chilled
  • Packed in four separate cellophane packages to preserve freshness

Price/Value

The tea is in the higher price range of rooibos teas, but it is worth considering that 10% of the profits go back to the tea farmers, to continually educate them on the best farming practices. Another factor that has contributed to the price is that the packaging is done with environmentally friendly materials which are re-usable and not cheap at all. Moreover, there are 80 tea bags in each package, which is considerably higher than most other products.

Verdict

These tea bags are a good buy if you want to support environmental-friendly products as you enjoy the benefits that red tea has to offer. They are natural, organic, non-GMO and free of sugar. Also, when buying the tea, you will be sure that you are supporting the South African farmers for sustainable production of rooibos tea.

Pros
  • No calories
  • Naturally sweet
  • No added calories
  • Sustainably and ethically farmed
  • Packed in non-bleached bags
  • Has a strong, rich natural flavor
Cons
  • The tea bags easily break loose

3. Freshpak

3. Freshpak
If you do not like the strong natural flavor of rooibos or if you are the person that likes it really rich, then Freshpak brand gives you the option of either the mild flavor or extra strength rooibos leaf. The Freshpak rooibos tea is imported from South Africa and packed in the US. The tea bags are tagless and wrapped in packs of the 80s.
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Features/Specifications

  • Tagless
  • Free of caffeine
  • Available as either extra strength rooibos tea or mild flavor
  • Naturally sweet
  • Each pack has 80 tea bags
  • Delivered as a twin pack, so you get 160 tea bags
  • Can be served as hot or chilled

Price/Value

It is very reasonably priced considering that it comes as a delivery of 160 teabags that last for a long time.

Verdict

Freshpak is one of the few brands that have different rooibos tea flavors. The manufacturer gives you the joy of choosing between the strong and mild flavor. We are all different, some people like their tea richly flavored while others want to enjoy the benefits without the strong earthy taste and herb-like smell. Well, Freshpak rooibos tea offers you both, you just have to choose what works for you. In addition, the price is unbeatable for 160 teabags.

Pros
  • Has many tea bags
  • Reasonably priced
  • No added sugar
  • Available as two flavors
  • No bitter taste with the mild flavor
Cons
  • Has a strong herbal smell
  • Easily loses flavor

4. Twinings Tea

4. Twinings Tea
Twinings Rooibos tea is sourced from South Africa but packed and distributed in London. This product stands out as the tea bags are individually packed so that they can maintain freshness for longer. The twinings company has been making quality teas for over a century, so you can be sure of quality and safety. The tea is 100% rooibos with no other additives or preservatives.
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Features/Specifications

  • Free of artificial additives
  • Zero calories
  • Individually packed tea bags
  • 20 tea bags in each packet
  • Can be served hot or chilled
  • Kosher certified

Price/Value

Twinnings tea is a bit overpriced considering that they are only 20 tea bags in each package. However, it would be prudent to consider that it will maintain freshness for longer, thanks to its packaging style and that it is 100% pure rooibos tea.

Verdict

If you like your teas fresh and also if you like carrying your tea bags around, then Twinings rooibos tea is the best to consider. The tea bags are individually packed, meaning that you can get one of them from the main pack and carry it with you, without worrying about it running loose or losing its flavor.

Pros
  • Teabags packed individually
  • Has a mild flavor
  • Free of artificial additives
  • Zero calories
  • Soothes the throat
  • Maintains freshness longer
Cons
  • Has a herb-like aroma
  • Overpriced

5. Numi Organic

5. Numi Organic
If you like your tea flavored, then Numi has you covered. It is available in 22 flavors including chamomile lemon, dry desert lime, decaffeinated ginger, jasmine, mate lemon, and white rose. The tea is organic and only blended with real fruits, flowers, and spices for the different flavors. Another key feature is that the tea is odorless.
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Features/Specifications

  • USDA certified organic
  • Tagless tea bags
  • Available in 22 flavors
  • Flavored with real fruits, flowers, and plant spices
  • Non-GMO project verified
  • Packaging is recyclable
  • Free of caffeine
  • Free of fragrances, oils, and artificial flavorings
  • Package has a total of 54 tea bags

Price/Value

Numi rooibos tea is reasonably priced for differently flavored tea bags and a 54-tea bag count for each order.

Verdict

Numi gives you the opportunity to enjoy naturally flavored rooibos tea as opposed to the plain traditional natural flavor. With the different flavors and individual packing, you can use them for a party or any other large gathering. In addition, the price is very reasonable for 54 tea bags.

Pros
  • Only flavored with natural ingredients
  • Odorless
  • Each tea bag is individually packed to maintain freshness
  • Free of artificial additives
  • Organic and environmental-friendly
Cons
  • Covering of the tea bags easily breaks

6. House of Rooibos

6. House of Rooibos
House of Rooibos manufacturer has been in the business of rooibos tea for a long time and has managed to maintain an excellent reputation. Their rooibos tea is 100% organic, sourced from South Africa in a well-controlled farm. They go ahead to include tasty recipes for you to try out. It has no preservatives, no added sugar, has zero calories and is packed in four batches of 20 tea bags, making a total count of 80.
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Features/Specifications

  • Pure and organic
  • Free of additives
  • Non-GMO
  • Packaging is recyclable
  • Has 80 tea bags in each packet
  • Packed in packs of 20s
  • Includes tasty recipes on how to prepare your tea

Price/Value

House of RooibosTheare all-natural and free of any artificial additives.

Verdict

This option is for those who like their rooibos tea natural with that earthly taste, odor and all the minerals, vitamins and antioxidants untouched by ultra-processing and artificial additives. It is also worth considering if you like organically grown products and those that are easy on the environment.

Pros
  • Organic
  • Caffeine free
  • Extremely rich in antioxidants
Cons
  • Sometimes the tea bags break

7. Celestial Seasonings

7. Celestial Seasonings
Celestial rooibos tea gives you 14 incredible and tasty flavors to choose from including pomegranate green, honey van chamomile, India spice, safari spice, safari chai and country peach passion. The flavors include some which are naturally sweetened with natural honey, so you do not have to put on extra calories from processed sugar. The tea bags are tagless and packed in recyclable boxes.
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Features/Specifications

  • Available in 14 different flavors
  • The tea bags are tagless
  • Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
  • Well-packed in reusable boxes
  • Each pack has 20 teabags
  • Can be served hot or cold

Price/Value

Celestial rooibos is slightly pricey considering that it only has 20 tea bags per packet. However, it is worth considering if you want naturally flavored rooibos tea and even naturally sweetened. Also, it is worth considering if you cannot stand other teas that are strongly flavored and have a strong herb-like smell since it is light in taste and sweet smelling.

Verdict

Although pricey, we strongly recommend it if you want a natural product that is naturally flavored, with a good taste and no smell. In addition, if you like your tea sweet and tasty, some of the Celestial rooibos products are naturally sweetened with honey, spices, and real fruits.

Pros
  • Many different flavors
  • Has a choice of naturally sweetened rooibos
  • Packed with reusable material
  • Light taste
  • No strong odor
Cons
  • Pricey

8. Davidson's Tea Bulk

8. Davidson's Tea Bulk
Davidson’s Tea is unique because it is not finely broken down then packed into tea bags but it is just naturally dried then packed into a single bag as loose leaf. This is an advantage as you can manipulate it and mix it with other herbs of your choice. Also, in this form, it does not lose its flavor quickly. It is a USDA certified organic product, Kosher stamped and available in over 100 natural flavors.
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Features/Specifications

  • USDA certified organic
  • 105 natural flavors
  • Loose leaf tea not packed in tea bags
  • Available in 16-ounce bag

Price/Value

This tea is budget-friendly and the product to go for when you want something that you can use for a long time.

Verdict

Loose leaf tea enables you to brew some richly flavored tea and enjoy most of the minerals and health benefits just the way you like it. You can also crash it further with other flavors or additives of your choice. The best thing about this rooibos product is that it is very affordable and the tea will last you longer than most other products.

Pros
  • Very many flavors to choose from
  • Certified organic
  • Loose leaf tea that you can mix with other herbs
  • Lasts long
  • Does not easily lose its strong flavor
Cons
  • Has an unpleasant aftertaste

9. Laager

9. Laager
Laager rooibos tea is harvested, packed and shipped from South Africa. It is finished to taste natural with no bitter aftertaste and a rich a flavor suitable for all ages. The tea is 100% natural without additives, caffeine, preservatives or colors. Each pack has 80 quality tagless tea bags packed in one plastic bag to seal in moisture and prevent loss of flavor.
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Features/Specifications

  • 100% natural, no artificial additives at all
  • Tagless tea bags
  • 80 tea bags in each pack
  • Packed in an inner plastic bag to keep them fresh
  • No bitter after-taste

Price/Value

Laager tea bags are fairly priced for 80 tea bags that are all-natural without any artificial additives. They are also worth your money if you want rooibos tea with a mild taste and no bitter after-taste.

Verdict

For a mild rooibos flavor, Laager tea outshines other products. This makes it suitable for most ages at any time. In addition to its great taste, is that it is free of sweeteners, preservatives, and colorants. Other than its single bag packaging, all other features of this tea are fabulous.

Pros
  • Free of artificial additives
  • No bitter after-taste
  • Has a nice mild flavor
  • No flavor enhancements for those who like it plain
  • Suitable for all ages
Cons
  • The inner packaging bag is unresealable

10. Bos

10. Bos
Bos rooibos tea is available both as loose leaf and in tea bags, giving you the freedom of picking the form of your preference. The loose leaf form is packed as a 5.68-ounce bag while the tea bag packet has 40 sachets. Bos rooibos tea is organic, has zero calories, and has no added sugar. However, it still retains its rich, hearty flavor.
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Features/Specifications

  • USDA certified organic
  • Packed in unbleached tea bags
  • Have no tags
  • Foil-wrapped to preserve freshness
  • No added sugar
  • Available in tea bags and as loose dried leaves

Price/Value

It is moderately priced but worth buying if you want the type of tea with a mild taste. If you prefer a stronger taste, then the loose-leaf form would be worth your money as you can brew it to get the strength of flavor that you want.

Verdict

Considering that this rooibos tea is in both tea bag and loose-leaf form for you to make both a mild and strong flavor, then it is the product to select. If you are a beginner in taking the tea or you are not sure of the strength of flavor that you like, then these two Bos forms will be excellent to try out.

Pros
  • Available both as dried leaves and in tea bags
  • Does not easily lose flavor
  • Certified organic
  • Quality foil packaging
  • Has a pleasant taste
Cons
  • Too mild for those who like a stronger taste


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