Joybuy Insights

Buying herbal tea: how to compare varieties, ingredients and quality

For many households in Germany, herbal tea is part of the daily tea cupboard. The choice ranges from pure peppermint tea and fennel and camomile blends to Ayurvedic herbal tea with spices. However, this wide variety can make comparisons difficult.

Three common buying misconceptions can lead to unnecessary spending:

  • “Organic” is taken to mean a particular effect: The organic seal describes controlled organic production. It does not automatically indicate flavour, intensity or health properties.
  • Sustainability claims remain unclear: Terms such as “sustainable” are difficult to assess without a specific seal or verifiable certification.
  • Blends are judged solely by the product name: A “Herbal Pure” tea can contain numerous ingredients, while a pure fennel tea may actually contain fennel only. The ingredients list is therefore more important than the front of the packaging.

Criteria to check before buying

1. Ingredients list and flavour profile

With herbal tea in tea bags, the composition should be clearly stated. A pure peppermint tea, for example, contains peppermint only. A blend of peppermint, lemongrass, fennel and camomile, on the other hand, has a more complex flavour and can taste noticeably different depending on the proportions.

Look out for:

  • Order of ingredients: as a rule, they are listed according to their proportion by weight.
  • Quantities of highlighted ingredients.
  • Allergens, such as liquorice in certain spice blends.
  • Flavourings or added oils, if you do not want a particularly pronounced aroma.

If you are looking for a caffeine-free tea suitable for different times of day, classic herbal infusions often offer suitable options. Nevertheless, the specific ingredients list remains crucial.

2. Organic and sustainability labels

An organic herbal tea should display a recognised organic mark and the relevant inspection body’s code. According to the product information, Yogi Tea Glückstee organic herbal tea uses 100% certified organic ingredients. Other products may, for example, carry a Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade label for certain ingredients.

These claims do not mean the same thing:

  • Organic: refers to agricultural production in accordance with the applicable requirements.
  • Fairtrade: concerns social and economic conditions throughout the supply chain.
  • Rainforest Alliance: depending on the product, indicates certified raw materials and requirements relating to environmental and social standards.

A sustainable tea can therefore be assessed more objectively by checking which proportion is certified and which ingredient the claim refers to.

3. Bag weight, quantity and preparation

Do not compare only the number of tea bags; check the weight per bag as well. The selection includes, for example, 20 bags containing 1.5 g of camomile, 20 bags containing 3 g of fennel or 25 bags containing 2.25 g of peppermint.

For a safe food-grade infusion, the product information consistently recommends freshly boiled water. Depending on the variety, the recommended infusion time is usually between five and eight minutes. For a pot, the recommendation is often at least three to four bags per litre. If you drink tea regularly, you should therefore include the total contents and recommended dosage in your price comparison.

Our selection by buyer profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Teekanne Peppermint Tea 20 x 2.25 g

Teekanne Peppermint Tea 20 x 2.25 g

Why this product suits this profile: According to the product information, this tea contains 100% peppermint and has no complicated blend of ingredients. That makes it easier to choose your first variety and work out the cost per cup.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list prevents a promising blend name from being confused with a single herbal variety.

Main benefit & strengths

100% peppermint, 20 bags containing 2.25 g each and, according to the product information, caffeine-free and suitable for a vegan diet.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Yogi Tea Glückstee Organic Herbal Tea 17x2g

Yogi Tea Glückstee Organic Herbal Tea 17x2g

Why this product suits this profile: This Ayurveda-inspired organic blend combines cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, orange peel, mango and vanilla, among other ingredients. It is aimed at buyers looking for a layered spice and citrus profile.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specific ingredients list and clearly stated organic certification make the composition easier to understand than general wellness claims.

Main benefit & strengths

17 bags containing 2 g each, certified organic ingredients according to the product description and preparation with 250 ml of boiling water.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent drinkers
Meßmer Fennel-Anise-Caraway Tea 25x2g

Meßmer Fennel-Anise-Caraway Tea 25x2g

Why this product suits this profile: The blend of fennel, anise and caraway creates a clearly defined, subtly sweet and spicy flavour profile. With 25 bags, it is ideal for regular tea breaks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The three main ingredients are listed transparently. The product description also states that it is suitable for vegans and free from gluten and lactose.

Main benefit & strengths

25 tea bags, Rainforest Alliance certification according to the product information and easy dosing for a cup or one-litre pot.

Suitable for: Buyers focused on a specific variety
Teekanne Fennel Tea 20x3g

Teekanne Fennel Tea 20x3g

Why this product suits this profile: According to the ingredients information, this tea consists of 100% fennel, making it a straightforward choice for anyone who does not want an aromatic herbal blend.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The quantity of 3 g per bag and the recommended infusion time of at least five to eight minutes are clearly stated.

Main benefit & strengths

20 bags, 100% fennel according to the product information and made in Germany.

Comparing other varieties sensibly

For a wider selection, you can also consider camomile tea or sage tea alongside peppermint and fennel tea. Teekanne Camomile Tea contains camomile flowers as its sole ingredient. Meßmer Sage-Eucalyptus, on the other hand, combines sage with blackberry leaves, lemongrass, liquorice root and eucalyptus. If you prefer pure sage tea, Bad Heilbrunner Herbal Tea Sage offers a suitably concise ingredients list.

It is also worth looking at the organic version of fennel-anise-caraway tea: Teekanne Organic Fennel-Anise-Caraway Tea lists 60% fennel, 30% caraway and 10% anise from controlled organic cultivation. This allows you to compare the desired blend with a conventional version without focusing solely on the packaging design.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Herbal tea FAQ

Is herbal tea always caffeine-free?

Pure herbal infusions such as peppermint, fennel and camomile tea are naturally caffeine-free. With blends, you should check the ingredients list, as individual products may contain additional ingredients.

How long should herbal tea be left to infuse in a tea bag?

The specific recommendation depends on the variety. Many of the products mentioned recommend five to six minutes, while others specify five to eight minutes or longer. The instructions on the relevant packaging are decisive. Use freshly boiled water and follow the recommended infusion time.

How can herbal tea retain its flavour for longer?

Store the packet in a dry, cool place away from direct light. Strong smells from spice drawers or coffee can transfer to dried herbs. Individually wrapped bags also help preserve the aroma until preparation.