9 Best Rooibos Teas for Caffeine-free Experience

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Daniel
Daniel
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Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 28, 2023
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Rooibos tea is gradually becoming a sensation and a favorite among many tea lovers. It is a type of red tea crammed with flavor, and it leaves no bitter aftertaste once it is consumed. Very few regions of the world are known to produce the best rooibos tea, and this is the main reason why the origin of a given brand is crucial. South Africa is the leading and dominant producer of this red tea, and most of those we review herein are from this region.

In this review, we focus on nine of the best quality rooibos teas. The editor’s pick is the Rooibos Rocks Rooibos Tea Organic Tagless Teabags from the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. It is grown using approved organic procedures that are sustainable and ethical. It has a mild and sweet taste and is caffeine-free. The package contains one hundred tea bags that can be used to make a steamy cup or an iced one. The product is certified by the USDA and contains no harmful additives or preservatives.

We focus on five critical elements in our detailed review of each of the nine products. We pay attention to the origin, ingredients, flavor, package, and weight of each brand. These features are fundamental in helping one decide on the best organic rooibos tea that will cater to their needs. A comparison table, detailed reviews of each of the teas, and a buying guide are included to make it easier for one to decide on the best brand for them.

Quick Summary

  • "This tea is produced by the brand that specializes in rooibos solely and is itself from South Africa, where this product comes from. It has a mild sweet taste with no additional flavorings"
  • "This is a remarkable blend that makes rooibos tea flavor stand out. It comes in a loose tea leaves pack and can inspire a relaxing tea brewing session"
  • "This is an authentic 100% rooibos tea that comes from South Africa and is sustainably farmed as well as organic. It’s caffeine-free and has no added flavorings or sugar"
  • "It’s another brand of organic rooibos tea that is sourced in South Africa. Its tea bags are whitened with oxygen to make it even more consumer-friendly"
  • "A UK classic, this tea comes from a brand with a long history of producing rooibos. Tealeaves are harvested by hand to ensure the taste and quality of the product"
  • "This tea is a great option for those who like rooibos tea but want to try something new. This blend has a natural vanilla flavor with hints of cherry and coffee"
  • "Another popular tea brand is behind this blend. It has a sweet taste, no artificial ingredients added and is very easy to prepare since it comes in teabags"
  • "This 100% rooibos tea comes straight from South Africa. It has a mildly sweet taste, contains no preservatives or colorants, and is great in any weather or time of day since it’s caffeine-free"
  • "This rooibos tea blend comes with an unexpected and interesting flavor of root beer, which is also spicy and herbal. Made for those who look for interesting tea combinations and want to try something new"

Top 9 Rooibos Teas Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9574 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
Features
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Ingredients: organic rooibos
  • Flavor: mildly sweet; full-bodied; no bitter aftertaste
  • Package: 100 teabags
  • Weight: 8.82 oz

More features: naturally caffeine-free; sugar-free; USDA certified; wrapped in five separate foil pouches

Rooibos Rocks is a brand of red tea cultivated using organic, sustainable, and ethical procedures in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. Its product is rich in flavor with a mild sweet taste that is rejuvenating and leaves no bitter aftertaste in the mouth.

The sole ingredient in this pack is organic rooibos tea with no additives or preservatives included in the beverage. This natural tea is caffeine and sugar-free, making it healthy and ideal for people trying to cut off the two or those who do not wish to consume it at all. Inside the package, the tea bags are separated into five foil pouches, which prevent oxidization and preserve the aroma of the tea for extended periods.

The package contains one hundred tea bags, and it weighs 8.82 oz. The farming and processing methods used for this brand are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), making this tea fit for human consumption.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Fresh
  • Affordable
  • Well packaged
  • Organic
  • Caffeine and sugar-free
  • Approved by USDA
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Less flavor
  • Some people didn’t like the taste
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9354 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
Features
  • Origin: Cape Floristic Region
  • Ingredients: organic rooibos, organic elderberries, organic hibiscus flowers, organic currants, organic blueberries, natural blueberry flavor, organic schizandra berries, natural strawberry flavor
  • Flavor: sweet blueberries; Schisandra berries; fruity notes
  • Package: loose tea leaves
  • Weight: 1 lb.

More features: direct trade tea; quality control

The tea blend from Rishi is enriched with ingredients that enhance both the flavor and nutritional benefits of this type of tea to the human body. The rooibos red tea in the amalgam is from the Cape Florist region.

The components in the pack are organic rooibos, organic elderberries, organic hibiscus flowers, organic currants, organic blueberries, natural blueberry flavor, organic schizandra berries, natural strawberry flavor. The blend is wholesome and beneficial to the body.

This package contains loose tea leaves ready for brewing. The traditional preparation method is appropriate for this tea if one is to enjoy its full benefits. The tea leaves to water ratio is one to eight ounces. The perfect temperature for this tea is 195°F and the steep time anywhere from five to seven minutes.

The quantity of the leaves used and the steep time can be altered to help one achieve their perfect cup. The flavor is a combo of sweet blueberries and Schisandra berries. This herbal blend is organic and caffeine-free, and it weighs 1 lb.

    What stands out?
  • Rich, fruity flavor
  • Organic
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Whole tea leaves package
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2859 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
Features
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Ingredients: 100% Organic Rooibos Tea
  • Flavor: sweet
  • Package: 80 teabags
  • Weight: 6.8 oz

More features: caffeine-free; sustainably farmed; single-origin; GMO-free; USDA certified

My Red Tea is among the best brands that sell organic rooibos tea from South Africa. It is 100% natural and has a sweet flavor. The package weighs 6.8 oz and has a total of eighty tea bags. This tea can be consumed at any time since it is caffeine-free. The farming methods used in growing it are sustainable and ethical.

It is intended for sale in the United States of America, and it meets all the requirements laid down by the USDA, and this control body approves it. The retailer prompts interested parties to review all the ingredients used in this blend as well as the allergens and all the product info before purchase to ensure that it is ideal for the user.

Inside the packaging, the teabags are sealed in four foil packages to help the tea retain freshness, flavor, and aroma during storage. This authentic tea has health benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels and helping with specific allergies, as indicated by many reviews on the internet.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Authentic red tea
  • Organically grown
  • USDA approved
  • Splendid sweet taste and aroma
    What could be better?
  • Faint flavor
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9552 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
Features
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Ingredients: rooibos tea
  • Flavor: full-bodied; fresh and bold
  • Package: 100 teabags
  • Weight: 8.8 oz

More features: organic; oxygen whitened teabags

Cederberg Tea Company is an enterprise that boasts of a large variety of rooibos tea, and this product from them is among those that have gained recognition among tea lovers. The origin of the red tea in this package is South Africa.

It is a full-bodied flavor tea packaged in one hundred teabags, each carrying 2.5 grams of leaves, and they weigh a total of 8.8 oz. The only ingredient is the red tea with no added flavors, preservatives, or any other substances.

The red tea is organic, and the leaves used are hand-picked while at the peak of maturity to ensure that the flavor is sweet and the aroma is rich. It is free of caffeine and friendly for people who are on the keto diet. This rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, and the tea bags are oxygen whitened and appropriate for recycling and wholesome natural experience.

Super-heated steam sterilization is used to get rid of any microbiology. Batches released into the market are also tested for bulk density and moisture levels to ensure it is safe.

    What makes it special?
  • Caffeine-free
  • Keto-friendly
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Super-heat steam sterilized
  • Organic
    What cons did we find?
  • Weak flavor
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5531 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
Features
  • Origin: Cedarberg Mountains of South Africa’s Cape
  • Ingredients: specially selected pure rooibos
  • Flavor: gentle
  • Package: 40 teabags
  • Weight: 3.2 oz

More features: harvested by hand; non-GMO; low in tannin; UK classic

Tick Tock is a brand established in 1903 that has some of the best tasting rooibos tea in the market. The package only contains pure, carefully picked rooibos tea from the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa’s Cape region. The pack includes forty unbleached tea bags, which have a mass of 3.2 oz. It is caffeine-free and has very low levels of tannin.

The leaves used are grown organically, and no artificial flavors or any other form of additives are found in the tea. It is the UK classic that one can take with hot with milk or a lemon slice. Also, it can be made into ice tea with mint to enhance the flavor.

This brand of rooibos tea is smooth, fresh, and full of flavor and aroma. Sustainable farming methods are used in the growth of this tea, ensuring that it is around for generations to come.

The recommended preparation time is between two to four minutes. The lack of tannin in this tea means that it will have no bitter aftertaste irrespective of how long it brews.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Affordable
  • Non-GMO
  • Low tannin levels
  • Full of taste
  • Easy to prepare
    What could be better?
  • Costly shipping
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7925 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.8
Features
  • Origin: not specified
  • Ingredients: rooibos; natural vanilla flavor; vanilla bean
  • Flavor: vanilla; nutty with hints of cherry and coffee
  • Package: 20 teabags in a box, pack of 6 boxes
  • Weight: 1.3 lbs.

More features: sustainable teabags

The manufacturer does not avail details on the origin of the leaves used in the production of this Celestial Seasonings red rooibos tea. Many reviews point towards this brand is among the best vanilla rooibos tea ever produced.

Other than the rooibos tea leaves, the producer includes natural French vanilla flavor and vanilla bean in the blend to give the nutty flavor with hints of cherry and coffee. It is perfect for relaxation and has properties that reduce anxiety. It is ideal for an array of home remedies as well.

A total of twenty teabags are in the package, which weighs 1.3 lbs. Both the farming methods and teabags used in the production of this brand are sustainable and organic.

For the perfect cup, the teabag should steep in hot water for four to six minutes. It can be taken hot or chilled as ice tea. This tea does not contain any caffeine or gluten, making it an excellent choice for people on the Keto diet or anyone else who cuts off gluten and caffeine.

    What stands out?
  • Rich vanilla flavor
  • Eco-friendly teabags
  • Organic
  • Keto-friendly
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • No airtight foil packaging
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3035 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.7
Features
  • Origin: not specified
  • Ingredients: 100% pure rooibos
  • Flavor: sweet
  • Package: 20 teabags in a box, pack of 6 boxes
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs.

More features: hand-selected tea leaves; made without artificial ingredients

The manufacturer lists their product as being among the best red rooibos tea made from well-chosen hand-picked leaves from various parts of the world. The tea is grown by trusted farmers who adhere to the standards set by Twinings.

This blend contains 100% pure rooibos tea with no preservatives or additives. The manufacturer recommends steeping the tea bag for at least four minutes to allow the release and infusion of the flavor and naturally sweet taste of the tea. Milk and sweeteners can be used to enrich the flavor and taste of the drink further.

Although this tea has numerous health benefits, including flushing out unwanted toxins in the body, diabetes, and weight management, among others, the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This, therefore, means that it cannot be used as a substitute for the medication used in treating, curing, or preventing a given ailment.

This product comes in a pack of six with a total of twenty tea bags, which make up the 1.4 lbs. weight of the whole package.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Organic
  • Hand-picked leaves
  • Fresh flavor
  • Easy to prepare
  • No artificial ingredients
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Some find its taste a bit weak
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4781 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.1
8.6
Features
  • Origin: Mountainous Region of the Cederberg in South Africa
  • Ingredients: rooibos
  • Flavor: full-bodied; sweet and earthy
  • Package: 80 bags
  • Weight: not specified

More features: no preservatives or colorants used; imported from South Africa

Laager South African Rooibos Tea is a product from the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa and is among the best tasting rooibos tea from this locality.

It is a naturally sweet tea that is low in tannins, and this helps get rid of the bitter aftertaste that most teas have. The rich earthy flavor makes this a refreshing drink for any hour of the day. It can be taken hot during cold weather, and it also makes a good pitcher of cold iced tea during summer.

The leaves used in this blend are carefully picked and processed using organic methods. It contains no colorants, additives, or preservatives. The tea is packed and shipped from South Africa, and each box includes eighty teabags and weighs 7 oz.

This tea contains potent antioxidants and vitamins that help the body in different ways. Boosting the functions of the immune system and keeping the body hydrated is among the benefits that one reaps when they drink this tea. This tea is organic and caffeine-free as well.

    What stands out?
  • Caffeine-free
  • 100% organic
  • Healthy
  • Excellent taste
  • No bitter after taste
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The flavor is very mild
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8259 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.1
8.5
Features
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Ingredients: organic South African rooibos, organic licorice root, organic fennel seeds, organic cloves with natural sambuca, cinnamon and clove flavor
  • Flavor: herbal; spicy; sweet
  • Package: loose tea leaves
  • Weight: 1 lb.

More features: USDA certified; good for 240 cups of tea; money-back guarantee

Positively Tea drew the inspiration for the production of this red tea from the classic soda fountain beverage. An assortment of ingredients is used to develop the flavor and aroma found in this blend. Each of the components used has nutritional benefits that raise the value of this tea in one’s home significantly.

The ingredients used in this blend are all-natural. They are organic South African rooibos, organic licorice root, organic fennel seeds, organic cloves with natural sambuca, cinnamon, and clove flavor. They come together to give a spicy, sweet, and herbal sensation.

This brand is reviewed as one of the best loose rooibos teas available in the stores. The weight of this page is 1 lbs., and the amount of tea brewed is anywhere from 150-240 cups depending on the amount of the loose leaves used for every pot brewed.

This red tea is certified as organic by USDA, and it has antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals, which are great for the body. It also contains no caffeine.

    What are its best features?
  • USDA certified
  • Organic
  • Caffeine-free
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • The spicy and sweet flavor
    What could be improved?
  • The mixed flavor may not favor everyone


Things to Consider

Tea lovers may already be aware of what to look for when trying out new brands. It is intricate for one to know the properties of the tea they are getting before the purchase is made. Below we discuss key features of the rooibos tea that one needs to be aware of and why they are crucial.

Why would you choose to drink rooibos tea?

9 Best Rooibos Teas for Caffeine-free ExperienceRooibos red tea has been around for many years, but it is not as popular as the other types of brews in the same category. Rooibos has multiple nutritious benefits, and here are some of the reasons why one should choose to drink it:

  • Caffeine-free – rooibos tea does not contain any caffeine and has low levels of tannins, which make it ideal for people who cannot take beverages with caffeine, such as pregnant women and children.
  • Full of antioxidants – rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, which have many health benefits to the human body. Some of the noteworthy ones present in the tea are aspalathin and quercetin.
  • Relieves pain – this type of tea has anti-inflammatory properties necessary in the reduction of aches, pain, and inflammation. It also contains anti-spasmodic elements that lessen abdominal pain, such as menstrual cramps. It has been said to alleviate the painful indications of arthritis.
  • Improved skin texture – alpha hydroxyl compounds present in many beauty products and helps improve the appearance of the organ is present in rooibos tea. Alpha hydroxyl helps reduce wrinkles on one’s skin. Zinc present in the tea helps treat common skin issues such as eczema and acne. Additionally, it has anti-aging properties that give the skin a youthful glow.

Numerous other benefits of this variation of tea have not been listed here. Checking the ingredients used in each brand is fundamental in knowing the merits of buying the tea.

Features to consider before you buy rooibos tea

Rooibos tea has a decent number of features that one must-have in the back of their mind to ensure that the best brand is acquired. Here are some of the elements that must be taken into consideration.

Origin

The best rooibos tea green or red is known to be from the mountainous districts of South Africa.

The climatic conditions in this area support the growth of high-quality rooibos tea. Over the years, individuals have tried to grow this tea under controlled conditions, and some of them are available in the market, such as the Twinings of London Pure Rooibos Herbal Red Tea, which has been discussed above. If it is a first-time purchase, it is better to go with brands that source tea from South Africa as it is the most authentic.

Ingredients

9 Best Rooibos Teas for Caffeine-free Experience

Rooibos tea is compatible with an array of other components that can be added to the blend to improve the aroma and taste of the same. For some companies, only rooibos tea is used in the mix in a bid to protect its naturalness. Paying attention to what is in the blend is critical in helping one know if the brand is appropriate for them or not. People with allergies ought to be particularly keen on this.

Flavor

Naturally, rooibos tea has a sweet and nutty flavor. Some brands go the extra mile to include ingredients that alter or perk up the taste of the tea. The Positively Tea Company Organic Root Beer Rooibos discussed above has an herbal, spicy, and sweet flavor due to the components added to the blend.

Package

The packaging is an aspect that cannot be overlooked.

The foil inside the box is necessary to keep the tea fresh for a long time.

Brands of this tea that lack this feature, such as the Celestial Seasonings African Red Herbal Tea, tend to lose their freshness quicker after being opened. Though if you don’t like excessive packaging, that’s a great choice for you.

Weight

The weight of the package is an indication of how much rooibos tea can be prepared. So if you want to stock it up and have it always on hand, it is reasonable to look in the direction of bigger packages, such as Cederberg Tea Company Red Rooibos Tea.

FAQ

What is the best way to drink rooibos tea?

The best way to drink rooibos tea varies from one person to the next. The general rule for the preparation of the tea is that eight ounces of water ought to be used for each tea bag or a full teaspoon of loose leaves. The recommended steeping time is between four to six minutes. Most brands indicate this aspect, and following the manufacturer’s instructions is paramount. The tea can be taken as it is or sweeteners such as sugar or honey can be added to enrich the sweet taste. Other than sweeteners, dairy or plant-based milk can be added too.

What is the best temperature for brewing rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea, like most herbal ones, requires the highest temperature to brew when compared with the other types of tea. The recommended brewing temperature for rooibos is between 200°F and 212°F. Manufacturers, in some cases, indicate the heat that the tea is to be exposed to, as is the case with Rishi Tea Organic Blueberry Rooibos, which is to be brewed at 195°F for the best taste and flavor. Check the website of the brand acquired to see if the best temperature has been listed before using the recommended one.

What is the best way to sweeten rooibos tea?

Various types of sweeteners can be used to augment the taste of rooibos tea. Sugar, honey, or date syrup are among the top three options available that are compatible with rooibos tea. The amount of sweetener added depends on the person that takes the tea. Some people recommend taking this variation of tea without sweeteners as they are known to lower the nutritional benefits of the tea. Honey and date syrup are natural sweeteners, and they may be the best fit for using with rooibos tea as opposed to sugar. Though, it is important not to forget that rooibos is naturally quite sweet.

Our verdict

The number one product in our comparison table above is the Rooibos Rocks Rooibos Tea Organic Tagless Teabags. It is also the Editor’s Pick because it is naturally caffeine and sugar-free. The United States Department approves of its agriculture, and it is an organic blend from the South African region. Inside the box, there are five foil packages that ensure the one hundred tea bags remain fresh over time.

The Rishi Tea Organic Blueberry Rooibos, which is among the best loose tea leaves in this family, comes in second, and it has a lot to offer. It is an organic blend from South Africa as well. Assortments of natural ingredients have been added to the tea to enrich the taste and nourishing benefits too.

My Red Tea is also a brand that caught our attention due to its splendid sweet taste and aroma. It is among the best rooibos teas that have the approval of the USDA.

9,9
Total Score
Rooibos Rocks Rooibos Tea Organic Tagless Teabags - Editor’s Choice
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