Flavored iced tea comes of age as trendy and healthy alternative to coffee!

There's a new craze sweeping America. These are flavored iced tea which are typically basic black tea that's jazzed with fruit or herbal infusions, and drank cold from tall glasses.

The ready-to-drink iced tea segment in the past 15 years has grown from $200 million to over $2 billion in annual sales, said Joe Simrany, president of the New York-based Tea Association of the U.S.A. It's the single largest segment of the tea industry, and it explains why iced tea makes up more than 85% of all tea sales, according to Simrany.

Health benefits attributed to tea are luring many people to cold tea drinks. Tea is considered an excellent source of immune system-building antioxidants.

As awareness grows, more consumers are insisting on better quality teas and are seeking out organic and Fair Trade blends.

The iced tea market is growing exponentially, analysts say, and is expected to continue its upward ascent in the years to come.

According to Simrany of the tea association, many consumers are re-evaluating their diets, and some who previously drank sugar- and calorie-laden juices or soft drinks are coming over to tea.

Green tea gets the most attention when it comes to touting health benefits, Simrany said. But that's because Asian scientists are the ones doing most of the research, and green tea is popular in Asia. Black tea has almost identical components, he said.

You get the sense there's a whole world of teas, just waiting to be iced.

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Pomegranate Tea Benefits

Pomegranate Tea Benefits are believed to help ward off a considerable array of ailments and diseases. This is due to the effects of both the fruit and a corresponding tea base, each of which is individually known to be a store of healthy properties.

Pomegranate tea may refer to either a type of flavored tea or an herbal tea. The pomegranate flavored tea typically consists of a black, rooibos or oolong tea base combined with bits and pieces of pomegranate fruit and pomegranate juice or flavoring. On the other hand, pomegranate herbal tea is typically made using bits of dried pomegranate fruit that have been directly infused in hot water.

The pomegranate is a fruit that has been consumed and cultivated since ancient times. It grows mainly in the areas of the Mediterranean and the Middle East . It is a bulb to round-shaped fruit that is comparable in size to an orange. It has a hard outer peel, and has numerous seeds. Each of the seeds is enclosed in a deep-red, sweet-tasting liquid and this is called the aril. The arils are embedded in a white pulp.

The arils of the pomegranate are consumed raw or are made into pomegranate juice. These also form the main ingredient of the grenadine syrup that is commonly used to flavor some drinks, pastries and desserts.


The pomegranate has been used as a medicinal item for thousands of years. The Roman author and naturalist Pliny had noted as early as the 1 st Century AD that the fruit had therapeutic properties. For its part, Indian Ayurvedic medicine prescribed the use of the rind for dysentery.

These are due primarily to the wealth of nutrients and phytochemicals found in the fruit. Pomegranate is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B5, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols such as tannins and flavonoids. Other phytochemicals include polyphenolic catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins, such asprodelphinidins, delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin.

When combined with either black, rooibos or oolong tea base, the antioxidant and nutrient content of the tea may further enhance and complement the health benefits found in the pomegranate.

The following are the pomegranate tea benefits that may be derived from this brew:

• Pomegranate tea may help fight kidney and bladder disorders.
• Pomegranate tea may have potentials in lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, thereby also potentially reducing the risk for heart and cardiovascular ailments.
• Pomegranate tea may have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.
• Pomegranate tea may help fight diabetes.
• Pomegranate tea may help fight infection.
• Pomegranate tea may help contribute to protection of the neonatal brain from injury damage.
• Pomegranate tea may help fight osteoarthritis.
• Pomegranate tea may help fight Alzheimer's Disease.

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Passionfruit Tea Benefits

Passionfruit tea benefits are plentiful and are derived from both its tea component and its passionfruit fruit component.

Passionfruit tea is the term used to refer to a type of flavored tea that is typically made up of a black tea base that has been infused with the essence and flavor of passionfruit. It is sometimes accompanied by dried passionfruit pieces and possibly other berries, spices and blossoms. Passionfruit tea is quite astringent and has a slightly sweet and fruity taste.

The passionfruit comes from a vine species that is native to the northern and central portions of South America.


Known either by its scientific name of passiflora edulis or by its alternative common name granadillas, the passionfruit has a round to oval shape. Its color is either yellow or dark purple at maturity. It has a soft to firm, juicy interior and is strewn with numerous seeds. The fruit can be eaten as is and its juice can be extracted.

Passionfruit tea can be made by placing about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea or 1 passionfruit teabag in a mug of newly-boiled water. Allow it to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves/teabag and drink. Adding a hint of honey or sugar can be made to sweeten the tea. The tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold.


Passionfruit tea benefits are derived from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from its passionfruit constituent. Black tea is high in antioxidants like catechins and quercetin. It is also abundant in amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E).

Meanwhile, the passionfruit is similarly rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is quite rich in vitamin A and C, fiber, and iron which contribute substantially to the health benefits of the entire brew.

The following are the potential passionfruit tea benefits that may be derived from this flavorful brew:

• Passionfruit tea may help lower the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases as it may help lower blood pressure.
• Passionfruit tea may help in lowering the risk for developing tumors and cancer due to the antioxidant content of both the tea leaves and the passionfruit.
• Passionfruit tea may help fight skin and tissue damage.
• Passionfruit tea may help strengthen the bones.
• Passionfruit tea may help cleanse the colon and improve digestion.
• Passionfruit tea may help relaxation.
• Passionfruit tea may help enhance the immune system by combating microbes and viruses.

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Orange tea benefits

Orange tea benefits are believed to be quite potent and these are derived from both its tea component and its orange fruit and juice components.

Orange tea is the term used to refer to a type of flavored tea that is made up typically of a black tea base that has been infused with orange flavor (usually from orange juice), and garnished with dried orange pieces and orange peel. Orange tea has a citrusy aroma and has a slightly tangy taste.

The orange is a citrus fruit with finely-textured skins whose thickness differs according to the variety. The fruit has a pulpy and juicy flesh. The diameter of the orange fruit typically ranges from two to three inches.

Orange tea benefits can be derived and enjoyed through these methods:

• Simply place about a teaspoon of ready-made loose leaf orange tea in a cup or mug of newly-boiled water and allow to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves and then drink. To sweeten the tea, add a hint of honey or sugar.
• Dunk one orange teabag into a mug of newly-boiled water and allow to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the teabag and then drink.

Orange tea benefits come from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from its orange flavoring and fruit constituents. Black tea is abundant in antioxidants like catechins and quercetin. It is likewise rich in amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E).

Meanwhile, the orange fruit also possesses countless health benefits that come from the wealth of nutrients that are found in its flesh, and even in the peel.

Some of these nutrients include:

• vitamin C
• fiber
• folate
• thiamine
• potassium
• vitamin A
• calcium

Apart from these nutrients, oranges also contain antioxidants and other phytonutrient compounds such as citrus flavonones (e.g. herperidin), anthocyanins and other polyphenols. Together, these healthy components in fruit are believed to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and anti-cholesterol properties.

The following are the potential orange tea benefits that may be derived from this flavorful brew:

• Orange tea may help lower the risk for certain cancers.
• Orange tea may help lower the risk for various heart and cardiovascular diseases.
• Orange tea may help ward off viruses and bacteria.
• Orange tea may be helpful against asthma.
• Orange tea may help fight osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Orange tea may help prevent kidney stones.
• Orange tea may help control blood sugar levels and thus may be helpful for those with diabetes.
• Orange tea may help fight ulcer.

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Mango Tea Benefits

Mango tea benefits are quite considerable and are derived from both its tea component and its mango fruit and flavoring components.

Mango tea is generally used to describe a type of flavored tea made up of a black tea base that has been infused with mango flavor, and accompanied by dried mango pieces and other complementary-tasting fruits. Mango tea is quite aromatic and has a slightly tangy taste.

The mango is a fleshy fruit that belongs to the genus Mangifera, in the family Anacardiaceae.The ripe mango fruit comes in different sizes and colors. The most common color of a ripe mango is bright yellow, but various cultivars also yield fruits that are orange, red or green. The fruit bears a single flat, oblong-shaped pit that has a fibrous surface. In some cultivars, the pit is surrounded by a thick coating of soft, pulpy flesh that typically tastes sweet. Other cultivars have a firmer and harder flesh. This seed or pit contains the plant embryo.

Mango tea benefits can be derived and enjoyed either of several ways:

• Simply place about a teaspoon of ready-made loose leaf mango tea in a mug of newly-boiled water and allow to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves and then drink. To sweeten the tea, add a hint of honey or sugar.
• Dunk one mango teabag into a mug of newly-boiled water and allow to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the teabag and then drink.
• Home-made mango tea can also be made by placing 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black Ceylon tea or one black tea bag in a mug of hot water for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves or the bag then add fresh mango juice to the mix. The strength of the mango flavor will be dependent on the quantity of the juice. This is ideally served iced on a hot, humid day.

Mango tea benefits come from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from its mango flavoring and fruit constituent. Black tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins and quercetin. It is likewise abundant in amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E).

Meanwhile, the mango fruit has traditionally been used as a source of beneficial nutrients for the body. It is quite rich in vitamins A, B6, C, E, as well as in the antioxidant beta-carotene, fiber, and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc which contribute greatly to the health benefits of the entire brew.

Combining the fruit and the black tea base into mango tea has become quite widespread in the last several years due to the exploding popularity of cold tea drinks among the general public, the improvement of tea-mixing technology, and the jump in "coolness" factor for flavored teas in general.

The following are the potential mango tea benefits that may be derived from this flavorful brew:

• Mango tea may help in lowering the risk for developing tumors and cancer due to the antioxidant content of both the tea leaves and the mango fruit.
• Mango tea may help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body.
• Mango tea may help improve digestion.
• Mango tea may be helpful for individuals with diabetes.
• Mango tea may be helpful for a healthy immune system.
• Mango tea may be helpful for overall health and well-being.

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Cherry Tea Benefits

Cherry tea benefits are numerous and are gotten from both its tea component and its cherry fruit component.

Cherry tea refers to a type of flavored tea that usually consists of a black tea base, usually Ceylon tea, which has been combined with cherry flavor, and garnished with dried cherry pieces and possibly other fruits and spices. Cherry tea possesses a flavorful aromatic and has a slightly sweet taste.

The cherry is a type of stone fruit that has fleshy tissues. The fruit is succulent and possesses a sweet flavor with certain sour notes. The flesh encloses a stone at its core. There are several different types of cherries. The colors of the cherry fruit range from bright to dark red. It is believed that the darker the color of the cherry, the more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are enclosed within.

Cherry tea can be enjoyed either of several ways:

1. Simply place about one teaspoon of cherry tea into a mug of newly-boiled water and allow it to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves and drink. Adding some honey or sugar can help sweeten the tea.
2. A home-made cherry tea can also be made using 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black Ceylon tea or one black tea bag. Place it in a mug of hot water for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the wet leaves or the bag then add fresh cherry juice to the mix. The strength of the cherry flavor will be dependent on the quantity of the juice. This is ideally served iced on a hot, humid day.
3. In place of black Ceylon tea, rooibos tea may also be used to make cherry tea. Just follow the procedure in #2.

Cherry tea benefits are derived from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from its cherry fruit and flavoring components. Black tea has an abundance of antioxidants like catechins and quercetin. It is also rich in amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E).

Meanwhile, the cherry fruit is considered by many to be a 'superfood' due to the wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that it possesses. It is very rich in vitamin C and E, fiber, iron, potassium and calcium. It is likewise rich in the antioxidant anthocyanins and substance pectin, which contribute substantially to the health benefits of the entire brew.

The following are the potential cherry tea benefits that may be gotten from this brew:

• Cherry tea may help in lowering the risk for developing tumors and cancer due to the antioxidant content of both the tea leaves and the cherry fruit.
• Cherry tea may help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels and may in turn lower the risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Cherry tea may help fight inflammation and muscle pain, as well as pain from arthritis, gout, and headaches.
• Cherry tea may help strengthen the immune system and keep the health in check.
• Cherry tea may help enhance the mood and vigor.
• Cherry tea may help contribute to detoxification.
• Cherry tea may be promising for the reduction of uric acid levels in the body.

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Blueberry Tea Benefits

Blueberry tea benefits are numerous and are gotten from both its tea component and its blueberry fruit component.

Blueberry tea is the term used to refer to a type of flavored tea consisting of a black tea base that has been infused with blueberry flavor, and garnished with dried blueberry pieces and possibly other berries and even spices. Blueberry tea is quite aromatic and has a slightly sweet and tart taste.

Blueberry comes from shrubs that are part of the heath family. The fruit grows in clusters and are deep blue to black in color. The skin has a waxy streak that serves as its protective coat. Blueberry flesh is transparent and envelops very small seeds.

Blueberry tea can be enjoyed either of several ways:

Simply place about a teaspoon of ready-made blueberry tea or gourmet blueberry tea loose leaf mix in a mug of newly-boiled water and allow to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves and drink. Adding a hint of honey or sugar can be made to sweeten the tea.

Home-made blueberry tea can also be made by placing 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black Ceylon tea or one black tea bag in a mug of hot water for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves or the bag then add fresh blueberry juice to the mix. The strength of the blueberry flavor will be dependent on the quantity of the juice. This is ideally served iced on a hot, humid day.

In place of black Ceylon tea, either rooibos tea or white may be substituted to make blueberry tea. Just follow the procedure in #2.


Blueberry tea benefits are derived from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from its blueberry flavoring and fruit constituent. Black tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins and quercetin. It is likewise abundant in amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E).

Meanwhile, the blueberry fruit is widely considered a 'superfood' due to the wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that it possesses. It is quite rich in vitamin C and E, fiber, and the antioxidant anthocyanins which contribute substantially to the health benefits of the entire brew.

The following are the potential blueberry tea benefits that may be derived from this flavorful brew:

• Blueberry tea may help in lowering the risk for developing tumors and cancer due to the antioxidant content of both the tea leaves and the blueberry fruit.
• Blueberry tea may help lower blood pressure and may lower risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Blueberry tea may help lower the risk for developing liver ailments.
• Blueberry tea may help improve brain function and may help lower the risk for developing related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
• Blueberry tea may help promote gastrointestinal health as it has ellagic acid that may help protect metabolic pathways.
• Blueberry tea may help strengthen the immune system and keep the health in check.
• Blueberry tea may help promote urinary tract health.

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Strawberry Tea Benefits

Strawberry tea benefits are derived from both its tea component and its strawberry fruit component.

Strawberry tea is the term used to refer to a flavored tea type that is typically composed of a black tea base that has been infused with the essence and flavor of strawberries. It is sometimes accompanied by dried strawberry pieces and possibly other berries. Strawberry tea is a delectable brew that has that familiar sweet and fruity flavor of strawberry.

Known by its scientific name fragaria ananassa, the strawberry is a fruit that comes from the flowering plant in the Rose family. While there are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in flavor, size and texture, one can usually identify a strawberry by its red flesh that has small seeds piercing its surface, and a small, regal, green leafy cap and stem that adorn its crown.

Strawberry tea is typically made by placing about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf strawberry tea or 1 strawberry teabag in a mug of newly-boiled water. Allow it to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves/teabag and drink. Adding a hint of honey or sugar can be made to sweeten the tea. The tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

Strawberry tea benefits are derived from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from its strawberry fruit constituent.

Black tea is high in antioxidants like catechins and quercetin.

It is also abundant in amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E).







Meanwhile, the strawberry fruit is similarly rich in vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin C, fiber, manganese, iodine, potassium, folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B5 and omega 3 fatty acids which contribute substantially to the health benefits of the entire brew. It is also rich in such phytonutrient substances as anthocyanins, flavonols, terpenoids and phenolic acid which further add to its healthy properties.

The following are the potential strawberry tea benefits that may be derived from this flavorful brew:

• Strawberry tea may help in regulating blood sugar.
• Strawberry tea may help in decreasing the risk for developing tumors and cancer due to the antioxidant content of both the tea leaves and the strawberry fruit.
• Strawberry tea may help in fighting inflammation due to the phytonutrient contents of both the tea leaves and the strawberry fruit.
• Strawberry tea may help enhance the immune system by combating microbes and viruses.
• Strawberry tea may be helpful in improving heart and cardiovascular health as it contains phytonutrient substances which may help decrease overall levels of fat in the system and may help block the activity of enzymes that lead to high blood pressure.
• Strawberry tea may have certain anti-aging properties.

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Apple Tea Benefits

Apple tea benefits are numerous and are basically derived from both its tea component and its apple fruit component.


Apple tea is typically made from robust and brisk black tea enhanced with flavor from apples and sometimes accompanied by dried apple pieces and occasionally some spices. Other fruits such as blueberries, lemon and oranges may also be added to give a zesty tang to the basic apple-flavored tea.


Apple tea is particularly popular in Turkey where it is called Elma Çay and is considered somewhat of a national staple drink. Apple tea is almost always available from street vendors, restaurants, tea gardens, and even carpet shops. It is also widely used in households to accompany meals and as drink to be served to guests. It is typically drunk to warm the body during the cold season and served with ice during the hot summer months.

Apple tea can be enjoyed either of several ways:

1. Simply place about a teaspoon of readily-made Turkish apple tea or gourmet apple tea loose leaf mix in a mug of newly-boiled water and allow to steep for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves and drink. Adding a hint of honey or sugar can be made to sweeten the tea.
2. Home-made apple tea can also be made by placing 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black Ceylon tea or one black tea bag in a mug of hot water for about 3 to 4 minutes. Discard the leaves or the bag then add fresh apple juice to the mix. The strength of the apple flavor will be dependent on the quantity of the juice.
3. Dried slices of apple fruit may also be added to freshly-brewed black tea. Simply brew the tea in the manner mentioned in #2. The fruits should be added while the tea is still hot so that the nutritious benefits of the apple can be unlocked and combined with that of the tea.

Apple tea benefits are mainly obtained from the healthy constituents of the black tea leaves as well as from the apple flavoring and fruit component.

Black tea is rich in antioxidants like (catechin, quercetin), amino acids, minerals (such as magnesium, sodium, potassium) and vitamins (like vitamins B, C and E). On the other hand, apples are also rich in vitamin B and C, fiber, and antioxidants and these contribute substantially to the health benefits of the entire brew.

The following are the potential apple tea benefits that may be derived from this flavorful brew:

• Apple tea may help reduce the risk for certain cancers, particularly those involving the colon, lung and prostate, due to its quercetin content.

• Apple tea may help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body and hence may contribute to lower risk for cardiovascular diseases.

• Apple tea may help prop up the immune system and enhance the body's resistance from bacteria and viruses.

• Apple tea may help in fighting arthritis and other forms of inflammation.

• Apple tea may help in the general maintenance of health and well-being.

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Flavored Tea Benefits

Flavored tea benefits are quite varied. However, almost all of them carry the basic common health benefits of their black or green tea base.


Flavored tea generally refers to tea leaves that have been imbued with additional - mostly fruit - flavoring and oftentimes garnished with dried pieces of fruits, flowers, spices, nuts and herbs. The most popular tea varieties used as base for flavored tea are green tea and black tea, although oolong and rooibos tea leaves are also increasingly used to make these teas.


In many places, flavored teas are enjoyed cold as their fruity essences are thought to be great substitutes for refreshing fruit juice drinks.


Flavored tea benefits are typically derived from the healthy constituencies found in the tea leaf base as well as from the fruit, nut or herb garnishes that are used to accompany and flavor the tea.

The black or green tea base typically contains the following constituents: antioxidants (polyphenols and theaflavin), vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, manganese and potassium.

The accompanying fruits and herbs also contain some of these nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. Working in tandem and unlocked by hot water, all of these contribute to flavored tea benefits that are of vital importance to the health of its drinkers.


The tradition of giving flavor to tea leaves goes a long way. According to old Chinese legend, flavored tea started when growers of the tea plant camellia sinensis planted a variety of fruit-bearing trees near tea plants to provide these with moisture and protection from the sun. When the apricot, plums and peach trees bloomed and blossomed, the young buds and sprouts of the nearby tea gardens absorbed their essences and aromas, which were then passed on to those who drank the infusions.


Nowadays, there exists a considerable array of technologies that allow tea manufacturers to make flavored teas using almost any ingredient of their choosing. As such, the collection of flavored teas available in the market at present is quite staggering.

Some of these include:

apple tea
apricot tea
banana tea
blueberry tea
chocolate tea
cherry tea
lychee tea
mango tea
orange tea
passionfruit tea
pineapple tea
pomegranate tea
strawberry tea


Many people who do not particularly like to drink tea in their normal form typically take a liking to flavored tea first as these have fruity tastes that are more palatable to tea beginners. Flavored tea is known to mask the smoky taste of plain black tea or the vegetal and grassy taste of green tea as the leaves absorb other flavors quite easily.

The following are the potential flavored tea benefits that may be derived from teas using black or green tea as base:

Flavored tea may help lower cholesterol levels

Flavored tea may help strengthen the immune system

Flavored tea may aid in lowering the risk for cancer and tumors

Flavored tea may help in reducing the risk for strokes

Flavored tea is believed to help lower blood pressure

Flavored tea may help facilitate good digestion

Flavored tea may help fight inflammation

Flavored tea may help in the maintenance of overall health and well-being.

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