What is Rooibos?
Rooibos (meaning "red bush" in Afrikaans) is an herbal tea from the Aspalathus linearis plant. Unlike black or green tea (which come from the Camellia sinensis plant), Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, and high-quality Rooibos has a bold, naturally sweet taste.
Where does Rooibos come from?
Rooibos is indigenous to South Africa's Cederberg region—the only place in the world where Rooibos grows naturally. The Red Tea Co. Rooibos is sustainably sourced and certified organic.
What does The Red Tea Co.’s premium Rooibos taste like?
Our Rooibos tea is naturally sweet with a smooth, and velvety mouthfeel. You will pick up notes of honey, caramel and subtle dried fruit (fig) with a lingering hint of vanilla.. It's full-body flavour can be enjoyed on its own, and its bold enough to shine with a splash of milk or in a tea-misto. Our Rooibos esspresso-grade even creates delicious lattes. [AC1]
What makes Rooibos sourced by the Red Tea Co. special? We source only the highest-grade, single-origin, long-cut loose leaf Rooibos. This translates to a bold, rich, naturally sweet flavor that can be enjoyed with a splash of milk, as a tea misto, or as a full latte. The Red Tea Co. Rooibos is 100% organic with all-natural ingredients. Quality is everything to us—we use no fillers, no artificial flavors, and take no shortcuts.
Why loose leaf instead of tea bags? Loose leaf Rooibos gives you the freedom to brew your way—strong, subtle, or shared with friends—while avoiding the microplastics and waste from conventional tea bags. Ours is long-cut, single-origin, and full of natural flavour.
Does Rooibos have health and wellness benefits? Rooibos has earned a reputation as a superfood since it has been found to support heart health, brain health, gut health, immune function, blood sugar balance, reduced inflammation, and more. High-quality Rooibos is packed with antioxidants, naturally caffeine-free, and low in tannins (which means it's gentle on your stomach and won't stain your teeth like black tea or coffee).
What are the specific antioxidants found in Rooibos?
Rooibos contains rare antioxidants like Aspalathin and Nothofagin, plus Quercetin, Luteolin, Orientin, Isoorientin, and Rutin—known to support heart health, reduce stress, and protect your cells naturally.
Is Rooibos acidic? No! Rooibos is naturally low in acidity, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs and tooth enamel—unlike coffee or black tea.
Can I drink it any time of day? Absolutely. Zero caffeine means you can enjoy a cup of Rooibos at 3pm, 10pm, or even midnight without affecting your sleep. It's a true any-time beverage.
Can Kids drink Rooibos? Yes! Rooibos is 100% caffeine-free and can be enjoyed by all ages. Many parents tell us it's the first tea their kids actually enjoy.
Is it a good option during pregnancy or while nursing?
Yes. Since Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, many expecting or nursing folks make it their go-to warm drink. As always, check with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How do I prepare Rooibos tea? Add 1 tbsp of The Red Tea Co. loose leaf Rooibos to a strainer or infuser, pour 6-8oz of hot water over it, and steep for 3-5 minutes. The longer you steep, the richer the flavor — and unlike other teas, high-quality Rooibos never gets bitter.
How do I make a Rooibos Misto? Steep 1 tbsp of The Red Tea Co. loose leaf Rooibos in 5oz hot water for 3-5 minutes. Strain, then add 1-2oz of steamed or frothed milk (dairy or plant-based). No sweetener needed—Rooibos is naturally sweet and smooth!
How do I make a Rooibos latte? Add ~13g of Red Tea Co.'s signature Rooibos Espresso grind to your espresso machine or AeroPress (just as you would for coffee). Then add 3-4oz of steamed or frothed milk (dairy or plant-based). Since Rooibos is naturally sweet, you don't need to add sweetener (though those with a sweeter tooth may enjoy adding a touch of honey).
Does it really taste good with milk? Yes! Unlike other herbal teas that get watery or weak with milk, The Red Tea Co.’s high-quality Rooibos has a full body and many of our blends taste delicious with milk – plain Rooibos, Rooibos bourbon vanilla, Rooibos Ginger, Rooibos Chai and Rooibos Cacao to name a few.
Do I need to add sweetener for it to taste good?
Since The Red Tea Co. sources only the highest-grade Rooibos, you'll get plenty of natural sweetness in your cup. That said, if you have a sweeter tooth, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup (pairs beautifully!) or any sweetener of your choice.
Can I cold brew Rooibos? Absolutely! Add 1-2 tbsp of The Red Tea Co. Rooibos to 8oz cold water and let it steep in the fridge for 8-12 hours. It makes a naturally sweet, refreshing iced tea. We'll be sharing recipes in our newsletter and on Instagram — sign up on our website and follow us @theredteaco for more tips!
How long will it stay fresh? If tightly sealed, The Red Tea Co.'s high-quality Rooibos can stay fresh for years. Food regulations require a best-before date, which we set at 4 years from packaging. Once opened, we recommend enjoying it within 12 months for peak freshness—though it's so good, you'll finish it way before then! As with most good things, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
What if I have allergies? All our blends list every ingredient clearly on the product page and packaging. We use 100% organic, all-natural ingredients with no fillers or additives. If you have specific concerns, reach out—we're happy to answer any questions. And as always, please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.