In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHealth BenefitsNutritionHow to EnjoyPrecautionsFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Health Benefits
Nutrition
How to Enjoy
Precautions
FAQs
Close
Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
Flavored teas have surged in popularity over recent years, offering a delightful twist to traditional tea drinking. The versatility of flavored teas means that you can probably find a blend you enjoy–from lavender to pomegranate, citrus, tropical and more.
When talking about the health benefits of flavored teas, we are referring to those that have no added sugars. These are blends that you can steep at home or order from a coffee shop that include only tea leaves and/or other herbal ingredients (fruits, flowers, spices)–versus a bottled flavored tea sweetened with sugar.
Some flavored teas may be made from true tea leaves (black, green, white) and contain caffeine, while others will be herbal blends that are caffeine-free.
After finding your favorite flavor (or multiple flavors you love), you might want to include them in your daily rotation. Here’s what happens to your body when you do:
Related:The Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Maximum Antioxidant Absorption, According to Dietitians
Health Benefits of Flavored Teas
Hydration
One of the notable health benefits of flavored teais its contribution to hydration. Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health, and flavored teas offer a delicious alternative to plain water. The infusion of fruits, herbs and spices adds enjoyable flavors that make you want to sip a cup regularly. This can be a huge benefit if you know youdon’t drink enoughplain water throughout the day.
Additionally, many flavored teas are naturally low in calories, making them a refreshing option for hydration if weight loss is one of your goals.
Immune Function Support
Many flavored teas incorporate ingredients such as ginger, turmeric and citrus fruits, all known for their immune-supporting properties. For instance, ginger and turmeric possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities,whilecitrus fruitsare a source of vitamin C, a nutrient that supports immune function.By enjoying flavored teas with these beneficial components, you can help buoy your body’s natural defenses.
Blood Sugar Control
If water tastes too plain for you, flavored tea can hit the spot—and it contains no added sugars like sodas, juices and sports drinks. This is beneficial if you’re actively managing your blood sugar, as limiting added sugars helps prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.What’s more, some flavored teas contain cinnamon, a spice that’s linked toblood sugar regulation. (One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the amounts in tea blends are far smaller than the dosages used in studies. Flavored tea may be an additional way to incorporate cinnamon into your eating plan.)
It can be surprising just how pleasantly sweet some flavored teas can be—and this all comes from fruits and spices in the mix. Meaning: You won’t have to add additional sweeteners. By choosing flavored teas with no added sugar, you can enjoy a flavor-filled drink that supports your overall metabolic health.
Related:The #1 Habit You Should Break for Better Blood Sugar Balance, According to a Dietitian
Heart Health
If you’re drinking herbal teas, some of these ingredients may also offer particular perks for your heart. For example, some blends feature hibiscus leaves, which have anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that may also help relax blood vessels for improved cardiovascular health.
Nutrition Profile
Most herbal teas have a similar nutritional profile, as long as ingredients that contain added sugars or sodium are not included. Always look at the Nutrition Facts label on your sip before you steep. As an example, here is the nutritional profile of one serving of acai-green tea:
One note regarding ingredients: Some flavored teas will contain pieces or the juice of fruits (like apples or pomegranate), while others will use natural flavors. Natural flavors do not provide the same healthful compounds that the actual foods themselves do.
How to Enjoy Flavored Teas
Enjoying flavored teas involves a few simple steps to make a truly great cup:
Flavored Tea Precautions
First, check the ingredients for potential allergens, as some flavored teas may contain nuts, dairy or other allergens that could cause adverse reactions. Additionally, be mindful of the caffeine content, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants or consuming tea in the evening, as it might disrupt your sleep. Look for any added sugars or artificial sweeteners before deciding if the tea blend fits with your health goals.
Lastly, if you are pregnant or have specific health conditions, it’s always a good idea to talk to your health care provider to make sure that what you’re drinking is safe for you.
The Bottom Line
The health benefits of flavored teas largely depend on their ingredients, but they are generally hydrating, sugar-free drinks that may also contain compounds that help regulate blood pressure. However, some commercially available flavored teas may contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and other additives, so it’s important to look at the ingredients to know exactly what you’re getting in your cup.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFlavored teas can be a healthy beverage choice if they are made from natural ingredients and do not contain added sugars or artificial additives. These teas often retain the health benefits of their base teas, such as antioxidants and nutrients, while providing enjoyable, diverse flavors. However, it is important to check the ingredient list to ensure that the ingredients used are in line with what your body needs.Some flavored teas do contain added sugars, which may not support certain people’s health goals. It’s essential to read the labels carefully to identify any hidden sugars or sweeteners. Opting for naturally flavored teas without added sugars ensures you enjoy their benefits without the extra calories.Drinking tea every day can be a healthy habit, particularly if you choose true teas such as green, black, white or oolong. These teas are known for their high levels of flavan-3-ols, a type of plant compound that offers numerous potential health benefits, including heart-health support. Research suggests that drinking 2 to 3 cups of tea per day may be associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flavored teas can be a healthy beverage choice if they are made from natural ingredients and do not contain added sugars or artificial additives. These teas often retain the health benefits of their base teas, such as antioxidants and nutrients, while providing enjoyable, diverse flavors. However, it is important to check the ingredient list to ensure that the ingredients used are in line with what your body needs.
Some flavored teas do contain added sugars, which may not support certain people’s health goals. It’s essential to read the labels carefully to identify any hidden sugars or sweeteners. Opting for naturally flavored teas without added sugars ensures you enjoy their benefits without the extra calories.
Drinking tea every day can be a healthy habit, particularly if you choose true teas such as green, black, white or oolong. These teas are known for their high levels of flavan-3-ols, a type of plant compound that offers numerous potential health benefits, including heart-health support. Research suggests that drinking 2 to 3 cups of tea per day may be associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and Immune Function.Nutrients. 2017; 9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, Münch G, Leach D, Low M, Li CG.Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators. Molecules. 2022 Jun 16;27(12):3877. doi:10.3390/molecules27123877DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH.Added Sugars Drive Insulin Resistance, Hyperinsulinemia, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.Mo Med. 2022;119(6):519-523.Moridpour AH, Kavyani Z, Khosravi S, Farmani E, Daneshvar M, Musazadeh V, Faghfouri AH.The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res. 2024 Jan;38(1):117-130. doi:10.1002/ptr.8026Crowe-White KM, Evans LW, Kuhnle GGC, et al.Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(6):2070-2083. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac105Vendrame S, Klimis-Zacas D.Potential Factors Influencing the Effects of Anthocyanins on Blood Pressure Regulation in Humans: A Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1431. Published 2019 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/nu11061431Martins DRDS, Lescano CH, Justo AFO, et al.Effect of Different Extraction Methods on Anthocyanin Content in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and their Antiplatelet and Vasorelaxant Properties.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2023;78(2):342-350. doi:10.1007/s11130-023-01067-5United States Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Acai Green Tea.Kim TL, Jeong GH, Yang JW, Lee KH, Kronbichler A, van der Vliet HJ, Grosso G, Galvano F, Aune D, Kim JY, Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Koyanagi A, Hong SH, Dragioti E, Cho E, de Rezende LFM, Giovannucci EL, Shin JI, Gamerith G.Tea Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.Adv Nutr.2020 Nov 16;11(6):1437-1452. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa077
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and Immune Function.Nutrients. 2017; 9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, Münch G, Leach D, Low M, Li CG.Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators. Molecules. 2022 Jun 16;27(12):3877. doi:10.3390/molecules27123877DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH.Added Sugars Drive Insulin Resistance, Hyperinsulinemia, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.Mo Med. 2022;119(6):519-523.Moridpour AH, Kavyani Z, Khosravi S, Farmani E, Daneshvar M, Musazadeh V, Faghfouri AH.The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res. 2024 Jan;38(1):117-130. doi:10.1002/ptr.8026Crowe-White KM, Evans LW, Kuhnle GGC, et al.Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(6):2070-2083. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac105Vendrame S, Klimis-Zacas D.Potential Factors Influencing the Effects of Anthocyanins on Blood Pressure Regulation in Humans: A Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1431. Published 2019 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/nu11061431Martins DRDS, Lescano CH, Justo AFO, et al.Effect of Different Extraction Methods on Anthocyanin Content in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and their Antiplatelet and Vasorelaxant Properties.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2023;78(2):342-350. doi:10.1007/s11130-023-01067-5United States Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Acai Green Tea.Kim TL, Jeong GH, Yang JW, Lee KH, Kronbichler A, van der Vliet HJ, Grosso G, Galvano F, Aune D, Kim JY, Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Koyanagi A, Hong SH, Dragioti E, Cho E, de Rezende LFM, Giovannucci EL, Shin JI, Gamerith G.Tea Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.Adv Nutr.2020 Nov 16;11(6):1437-1452. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa077
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and Immune Function.Nutrients. 2017; 9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, Münch G, Leach D, Low M, Li CG.Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators. Molecules. 2022 Jun 16;27(12):3877. doi:10.3390/molecules27123877DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH.Added Sugars Drive Insulin Resistance, Hyperinsulinemia, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.Mo Med. 2022;119(6):519-523.Moridpour AH, Kavyani Z, Khosravi S, Farmani E, Daneshvar M, Musazadeh V, Faghfouri AH.The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res. 2024 Jan;38(1):117-130. doi:10.1002/ptr.8026Crowe-White KM, Evans LW, Kuhnle GGC, et al.Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(6):2070-2083. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac105Vendrame S, Klimis-Zacas D.Potential Factors Influencing the Effects of Anthocyanins on Blood Pressure Regulation in Humans: A Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1431. Published 2019 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/nu11061431Martins DRDS, Lescano CH, Justo AFO, et al.Effect of Different Extraction Methods on Anthocyanin Content in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and their Antiplatelet and Vasorelaxant Properties.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2023;78(2):342-350. doi:10.1007/s11130-023-01067-5United States Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Acai Green Tea.Kim TL, Jeong GH, Yang JW, Lee KH, Kronbichler A, van der Vliet HJ, Grosso G, Galvano F, Aune D, Kim JY, Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Koyanagi A, Hong SH, Dragioti E, Cho E, de Rezende LFM, Giovannucci EL, Shin JI, Gamerith G.Tea Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.Adv Nutr.2020 Nov 16;11(6):1437-1452. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa077
Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and Immune Function.Nutrients. 2017; 9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211
Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, Münch G, Leach D, Low M, Li CG.Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators. Molecules. 2022 Jun 16;27(12):3877. doi:10.3390/molecules27123877
DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH.Added Sugars Drive Insulin Resistance, Hyperinsulinemia, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.Mo Med. 2022;119(6):519-523.
Moridpour AH, Kavyani Z, Khosravi S, Farmani E, Daneshvar M, Musazadeh V, Faghfouri AH.The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res. 2024 Jan;38(1):117-130. doi:10.1002/ptr.8026
Crowe-White KM, Evans LW, Kuhnle GGC, et al.Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline.Adv Nutr. 2022;13(6):2070-2083. doi:10.1093/advances/nmac105
Vendrame S, Klimis-Zacas D.Potential Factors Influencing the Effects of Anthocyanins on Blood Pressure Regulation in Humans: A Review.Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1431. Published 2019 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/nu11061431
Martins DRDS, Lescano CH, Justo AFO, et al.Effect of Different Extraction Methods on Anthocyanin Content in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and their Antiplatelet and Vasorelaxant Properties.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2023;78(2):342-350. doi:10.1007/s11130-023-01067-5
United States Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Acai Green Tea.
Kim TL, Jeong GH, Yang JW, Lee KH, Kronbichler A, van der Vliet HJ, Grosso G, Galvano F, Aune D, Kim JY, Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Koyanagi A, Hong SH, Dragioti E, Cho E, de Rezende LFM, Giovannucci EL, Shin JI, Gamerith G.Tea Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.Adv Nutr.2020 Nov 16;11(6):1437-1452. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa077
