What Are Natural Flavours in Tea? Understanding the Flavours Behind Every Sip

Have you ever enjoyed a cup of Just the Tea and wondered what gives your favourite blend its delicious aroma and flavour?

From the comforting sweetness of vanilla to the bright notes of citrus and the delicate aroma of flowers, some of these flavours come from ingredients known as natural flavours.

But what exactly are natural flavours? How are they made, and how do they differ from artificial flavourings or essential oils?

Let's spill the tea!

What Are Natural Flavours?

Natural flavours are ingredients derived from natural sources, such as plants, fruits, herbs, and spices, and are used to enhance the taste and aroma of foods and beverages.

At Just the Tea, we believe a great cup of tea should be full of flavour without relying on artificial flavourings.

That's why our blends featuring natural flavours use flavourings formulated to comply with organic production requirements.

These flavours complement the natural characteristics of our organic tea leaves, herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices, creating a delicious and balanced cup.

Natural, Organic-Compliant, and Thoughtfully Crafted

The natural flavours used in our teas are carefully selected for their quality, taste, and compatibility with organic standards.

We've intentionally chosen to work with a supplier committed to providing natural flavours that are:

• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Sugar-free

Formulated to comply with applicable organic production requirements

This commitment allows us to create delicious, flavourful blends without relying on artificial flavourings.

It's important to understand that organic-compliant doesn't necessarily mean an ingredient is independently certified organic. Rather, it means the ingredient meets the applicable requirements for use in certified organic products.

How Are Natural Flavours Made?

Natural flavours are created by extracting or obtaining aromatic compounds from natural sources using processes suitable for food production.

Depending on the formulation, food-grade ethyl alcohol may be used as a solvent or carrier to help extract and distribute these flavour compounds.

These components are then carefully combined to create specific flavour profiles, whether fruity, floral, creamy, or spicy.

The exact formulations are proprietary to the manufacturer. Our supplier advises that the relevant organic certifiers have access to the ingredient information needed to assess compliance with organic production requirements.

The result is a carefully crafted flavouring designed to complement the natural ingredients in our tea blends.

Are Natural Flavours the Same as Essential Oils?

Not quite!

Although natural flavours and essential oils can both originate from plants, they aren't necessarily interchangeable.

Natural flavours used in our teas are specifically formulated for food and beverage applications.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts commonly used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and other applications. Some essential oils are suitable for food use under specific conditions, but not all are safe to consume.

That's why it's important to use flavouring ingredients specifically intended for food products rather than adding aromatherapy essential oils directly to your tea.

Why Do We Use Natural Flavours in Our Teas?

Nature provides an incredible variety of flavours, and we love celebrating them.

Many of our blends already contain delicious organic ingredients such as dried fruit, citrus peel, herbs, flowers, and spices.

Natural flavours allow us to complement these ingredients and create a more consistent, balanced flavour experience from one cup to the next.

They can help bring out the sweetness of vanilla, the brightness of citrus, or the comforting aroma of maple without overpowering the tea itself.

Our goal isn't to mask the natural character of tea. It's to enhance it.

Do All Just the Tea Blends Contain Natural Flavours?

Not at all!

While some of our blends feature carefully selected natural flavours to enhance their taste and aroma, many of our teas and herbal infusions are made without any added natural flavourings.

These blends let the natural characteristics of tea leaves, herbs, flowers, roots, and botanicals shine on their own.

Whether you enjoy naturally flavoured blends or prefer teas made exclusively with whole tea leaves and botanicals, there's something for every tea lover at Just the Tea.

Prefer tea without added natural flavours? Explore our No Added Flavours Collection and discover the beauty of tea in its simplest form.

Are Natural Flavours Artificial Flavourings?

No. Natural flavours and artificial flavourings are different categories of ingredients.

Natural flavourings are obtained from natural sources using appropriate food-processing methods, while artificial flavourings may contain synthetically produced flavouring substances.

At Just the Tea, we carefully select ingredients that align with our commitment to quality, organic standards, and delicious flavour.

Taste the Difference with Just the Tea

We believe drinking tea should be a moment of enjoyment, discovery, and connection.

Whether you're sipping a bright citrus blend, indulging in a comforting vanilla rooibos, or discovering a fragrant floral infusion, every ingredient plays a role in creating the experience.

Our natural flavours are just one part of that process, working alongside carefully selected organic tea leaves, herbs, fruits, and botanicals.

So the next time you enjoy your favourite Just the Tea blend, you'll know a little more about the ingredients behind every delicious sip.

Sip into Wellness.