For many years, we continued to read labels and buy products just by seeing the word “tea.” For just as many years, we too have been selling the infusion of our Himalayan flowers and herbs under the name “herbal tea.” Yes, now it has become necessary for both you and us to call them infusions. This is because, on December 24, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a declaration stating that, from now on, the term “tea” will be used only for products made exclusively from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.
This is a significant declaration because, until now, there has been considerable confusion in the market regarding tea. Even in e-commerce, there were many difficulties in product listing and product differentiation. People were not aware of whether an herbal tea contains caffeine, since tea generally does. Consequently, any product that is dissolved in water, such as the rooibos, chamomile, tulsi, and lemongrass, will henceforth be referred to as infusions.
Why was it important for you to know this?
It was necessary to tell and explain this to you because in the food and beverages business, small words matter a lot. Some people try to attract and confuse customers through labels.
We are not among them. That is why it is important for us to tell you everything correctly. If you saw “herbal tea” written on a product label, you would assume that it is also a tea.
After this decision, brews made from rooibos, chamomile, tulsi, and lemongrass will now be viewed as useful plants in their own right. To be honest, we truly liked this new identity.
So then what will “tea” really mean?
In legal terms, it will mean that tea is made only from the leaves and extracts of Camellia sinensis. From this plant gives black, green, and oolong, tea. Now, only these will be called tea and nothing else. If you drink something that contains only flowers, roots, herbs, and fruits, it is an infusion, not tea. No brand will use the word tea or similar terms to sell these anymore.
What is an “infusion” or “tisane”?
An infusion is simply a way of consuming flowers, plants, and leaves. If you heat water and drink it steeped in it, that is an infusion. According to Ayurveda, people have been using such infusions for centuries to refresh and maintain their health. Chamomile, peppermint, rose, and lemongrass are not just legally but technically also tisanes or herbal infusions. Therefore, their marketing should now also reflect that.
Three Changes You Will Notice
Clearer Labels: Now, one word on the label has become clearer for you to read and understand. If you see “Chamomile infusion,” you will immediately understand that it is flowers and not tea leaves.
Better Product Positioning: This is, in many ways, a positive change for brands because now they will be able to position their products better. Now this is our biggest chance to tell our story and our sourcing. This is our chance to price correctly and explain that these are non-caffeinated drinks meant to be taken in the evenings or mornings.
Enforcement and Repositioning: Brands and online stores have already received instructions to change the names. Not only on labels but also in marketing and product descriptions. The regulator has warned that misuse of the term “tea” can be treated as misbranding.
At Nirvana Organic India, This Feels Aligned
At Nirvana Organic India, we would take this action as an opportunity to give our herbal drinks like the chamomile tea a new identity. We are planning our infusions, we are now capable of being able to explain how the ingredients were obtained and how it was produced.
We have already discussed clean sourcing, ingredient integrity, and slow wellness, but this time we will discuss this difference. Is there anything more you would like to know? Now, tell us.
One Small Invitation From Us
When you are making a relaxing evening drink to ensure you have a good night's sleep, use caffeine-free chamomile infusion today. You feel like taking a break in this fast life, then relax with our Himalayan infusions.
We want you to remember the word infusion, not merely because it is the rule, but because when you learn what is in your cup, it becomes a different experience.
Our single-origin chamomile infusion is thoughtfully grown, naturally dried, and carefully unpacked. It is not disguised; it is only complete flowers, just as they should be.
FAQs
Q1. Is it the same Chamomile infusion I used to purchase?
Ans. Yes. The flowers have not changed. It is the product label that has been just slightly modified. The same is what you are drinking. Use the soft chamomile infusion to bring relaxation and calmness.
Q2. Does this mean herbal tea was misleading before?
Ans. Herbal tea was used as a convenient word, though it was not a very specific term. The new rule merely gives language the correspondence with the plant source.
Q3. Will infusions now contain caffeine?
Ans. No. The majority of herbal teas, such as chamomile, tulsi, rooibos, and lemongrass, are naturally caffeine-free. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to take a look at the ingredient list.
Q4. Why does a single word like “tea” matter so much?
Ans. Small words are heavy in the labelling of foods. To the people who want non-caffeine, it is a clarity and that counts.
Q5. Is Nirvana Organic India changing anything besides the name?
Ans. Only the terminology. We indulge in clean sourcing and single-origin botanicals. That is all the label does now: demonstrate that more clearly.
