Why your herbal tea isn't 'tea' anymore in India

Healthy teas, including herbal, flower, ginger, chamomile, and hibiscus, will no longer be labelled as 'Tea' in India. As per the new Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) labelling rules, only beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant can be labelled as Tea. Earlier, herbal, flower and rooibos tea were marked under the label of tea by Food Business Operators (FBOs). 

However, black, green, white and 'oolong' tea will be considered as real tea as they are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. 

Herbal tea as a healthy morning drink

Herbal tea is often marketed as a healthy drink, and starting the day with a cup of herbal tea is a ritual in many homes. It is said that the beverage helps in digestion, builds the immune system, promotes heart health and aids in mental health as well.  

Even studies have found that herbal infusions from several botanical species contain high levels of polyphenols that exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. 

Since herbal teas are naturally low in calories when no sweeteners are added, they become a perfect light morning drink. Among other benefits of herbal teas are that they are rich in bioactive compounds that support metabolic function, cardiovascular health and immune system strength. 

What's behind the FSSAI move

The new changes were introduced by the FSSAI as the word 'tea' for such products--that are made from flowers, herbs, fruits or other plants-- was considered misleading. Calling herbal infusions “tea" amounts to misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 

FSSAI also added that the move was to curb misleading labels and ensure honesty in food marketing. 

From now on, products commonly known as chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, or rooibos tea will be called “herbal infusions" or “flower infusions," helping buyers better understand what they are consuming.