Are you new to tea? Or maybe tried tea before and found it unappealing but willing to give it a second chance? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the best teas for those who don’t typically like tea, offering a variety of flavors and health benefits to help you find your new favorite.
If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for tea newbies right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.
What is the Best Tea for People Who Don’t Like Tea?
1. Yaupon Tea
Yaupon tea is an excellent choice for newcomers. Steep too long and your brew is bitter; don’t steep enough and you have lightly flavored water. One of the best things about yaupon is that it lacks the tannins found in traditional tea, meaning it won’t get bitter no matter how long you steep it. Steep your leaves as long as you want to get a perfect cup or even keep a mug refilled with water all day long beside you. Yaupon tea also contains less caffeine than coffee, providing a gentle energy boost without the jitters.
Benefits:
- Easy to brew and can be made in a variety of ways including a hot steep, cold brewed, or iced so you can find your favorite method.
- Gentle boost of energy from caffeine that is less than in a normal cup of coffee meaning you won't get jitters.
- Enjoy a subtle sweetness that can be accentuated with a bit of honey but is also delicious and refreshing all on its own.
- May cause sleeplessness if consumed in large quantities all at once.
Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to find a new favorite tea. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.
2. Chai Tea
For those with a sweet tooth, chai tea is a great option. This traditional masala chai from India combines black tea with aromatic spices and herbs, creating a rich, sweet flavor profile. It’s a perfect go-to tea for tea lovers seeking a comforting drink with a sweet taste and numerous health benefits. For example, the black tea base may help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Benefits:
- Combat nausea with gingerol from ginger in the brew that can help settle an upset stomach.
- Encourage a healthy gut with the help of antibacterial properties from cinnamon, cardamon, black pepper, and cloves included in the brew.
- Promote healthy blood sugar levels due to the ginger and cinnamon that can both help lower blood sugar levels.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness if large amounts consumed at once, similar to yaupon due to the caffeine.
3. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, known for its vibrant fuchsia color, offers a unique flavor profile with floral notes and a hint of cranberry-like tartness. It’s a popular herbal tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for tea drinkers. Some animal studies have shown that hibiscus tea can increase antioxidant activity, though these results are still being researched in humans.
Benefits:
- Boost your immune system and remove toxins with the powerful antioxidants including vitamin C and beta-carotene.
- Fight off bacteria with potential antibacterial properties seen in animal studies and that indicate hibiscus tea can reduce bloating, gas, and cramping.
- Brew with ease and complement its sweet undertones with a favorite sweetener such as honey.
Side Effects:
- May interact with medicines like acetaminophen if consumed in very large quantities.
4. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a great way to start for those who enjoy a minty, refreshing flavor. It’s known for its soothing properties, making it an excellent choice for sore throats and digestive issues. This menthol based flavor can help clear out sinuses and make it easier to breathe while also freshening your breath instantly. There is also research that suggests it can also kill germs that cause dental plaque, helping protect your teeth. A refreshing glass that has a cooling effect, this is a yummy option for those trying out tea.
Benefits:
- Ease headaches as peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant while the menthol increases blood flow and creates a cooling sensation.
- Decrease nasal congestion in large part due to the vapors that increase the perception of airflow, easing congestion pain and discomfort.
- Easy to complement the flavor with ginger, honey, or fruits to find a delicious cup for anytime.
Side Effects:
- Can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the muscles around the stomach sphincter.
5. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea, a member of the mint family, offers a mild, citrusy flavor and is perfect for those seeking a calming beverage. It has traditionally been used as a relaxing tea and to improve mental function. This tea’s fruity flavors and aromas make it a good choice to help ease the transition to tea.
Benefits:
- Improve your mood as studies have shown lemon balm tea can reduce the negative mood effects of stress.
- Increase concentration and memory as studies have also shown that lemon balm can improve both though it doesn’t hold off fatigue setting in.
- Get more sleep with lemon balm’s calming effect that can ease getting to sleep and staying asleep.
Side Effects:
- May upset your stomach or cause dizziness if too much is consumed consistently.
6. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is one of the most common teas globally, known for its spicy kick and numerous health benefits. Ginger has a long history of use especially in Asia and can now be found in numerous products ranging from soda to candies to home goods. For those new to tea, it can be a useful bridge due in part to its familiarity. An acquired taste, flavor, and smell can help connect newcomers with the great benefits including reducing inflammation.
Benefits:
- Bolster your immunity with antioxidants that protect your body from toxins and free radicals while also relieving symptoms similar to cold and flu.
- Ease nausea or motion sickness as some studies show ginger influencing the vomiting center of the brain.
- Enjoy it hot for a warming mug on a cold night or a soothing mug to relieve congestion.
Side Effects:
- May increase bloating if you consume too much.
7. Black Tea
While there are many sweet teas on the list, perhaps you’re looking for a good tea from a different angle. For coffee drinkers looking to transition to tea, black tea is a strong cup of tea that offers a robust flavor. English breakfast and Chinese green tea are among the most common teas in this category, but black tea has a higher caffeine level than many other teas, making it a good alternative for a morning pick-me-up. Made from oxidized tea leaves, black tea has a darker flavor than many other teas and in combination with l-theanine, it can help improve attention and focus.
Benefits:
- Improve immune function with polyphenols and other antioxidants in black tea that remove free radicals and protect your organs and cells.
- Support a healthy gut with polyphenols in black tea that promote good bacteria while inhibiting bad bacteria.
- Simple to modify with sweeteners, milk, fruit, and herbs to add flavor and aroma layers and complexity to your cup.
Side Effects:
- May increase sleeplessness due to caffeine if consumed in large quantities.
The Bottom Line
These teas provide a wide range of flavors and health benefits, making them ideal for those who don’t typically enjoy tea. From the subtle sweetness of yaupon to the robust flavor of black tea, there’s something for everyone. Give these teas a try and discover the beauty of tea for yourself.
If you want to get our best tasting tea for people who don’t like tea, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have serious health-related issues you should reach out to a medical professional. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
