In today's fast-paced world, many of us turn to tea as a comforting and rejuvenating beverage. However, not all teas are created equal, and the prevalence of harmful additives and degradative growing practices used in the production of standard tea can pose risks to our health and the environment. In this blog post, we'll explore the adverse health impacts of substances found in conventional tea as well as the importance of choosing non-toxic tea brands like the five options recommended below for a safer tea-drinking experience.
Below is a list of harmful substances commonly present in conventionally grown and processed tea:
Pesticides: Conventional tea cultivation often involves the use of pesticides and herbicides to control pests and weeds. However, the residue from these chemicals can remain on tea leaves and when consumed regularly, they may pose health risks such as hormonal and reproductive disorders, and can even lead to cancer. [1]
Fluoride: Tea plants (not herb plants) absorb toxins, like fluoride, at a higher concentration than the surrounding soil, which allows a large amount of fluoride to be released during tea infusion. [2] Tea often exceeds the upper tolerable intake limit (UL) for fluoride, meaning regular tea consumption can lead to musculoskeletal issues among other health concerns, the full extent of which remains unexplored. [3] Children, in particular, are at the highest risk. When shopping for teas, keep in mind that certain teas like black, oolong, and green teas have been found to have a much higher fluoride concentration than other teas like herbal and white. [4]
Heavy Metals: Similar to fluoride, some teas have been found to contain elevated levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum due to the tea plants absorbing metals from the soil during the growing process. [5] We are regularly exposed to heavy metals each day, but over exposure to heavy metals can cause them to accumulate in the body leading to endocrine disruption, cancer, and other adverse health effects. [6] A helpful tip to reduce heavy metal exposure in teas is to only allow tea to steep for three minutes or less. [7]
Artificial Flavors & Additives: Many commercially available teas contain artificial flavors, colors, and additives to enhance taste and appearance, but most artificial flavors are derived from petroleum. [8] Furthermore, these additives can have negative impacts on health in excess consumption including diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. [9]
Plastics: Many tea bags are made with microplastics or other concerning materials that can leach into tea while being steeped. Plastic tea bags are typically made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and even paper tea bags or ‘plastic free’ tea bags may still contain plastic fibers in the sealant or coatings. [10] Most humans consume plastic in some form each day, but plastics can lead to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and many other health conditions as the full impact of plastics on human health is still somewhat unknown. [11][12] Also, many food packaging materials like tea bags also contain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known carcinogens. [13] Overall, it’s best to stick with loose leaf tea to avoid potential exposure to toxic plastics in tea bags.
In addition to the above health concerns, conventional tea production practices contribute to environmental degradation such as soil depletion and water pollution due to the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides as well as deforestation. [14] By selecting non-toxic and eco-friendly tea options, we can support more sustainable tea growing practices that minimize harm to the planet and are better for our health.
Top Non-Toxic Tea Brands
Choosing teas that are sustainably grown and processed as well as free of harmful substances can be challenging with so many tea choices to navigate. Opting for loose leaf tea helps eliminate many of these unwanted substances, so you'll need a tea infuser (a stainless steel infuser or glass infuser provide safe options). The following five tea brands offer chemical-free tea that prioritize eco-friendly tea farming practices.
Please note, many of these brands sell other teas that are bagged or not organic, that is why next to each recommendation I specifically indicate 'organic loose leaf teas only' as these are the tea options that I am referring to that offer the safest selection. Yogi is the only exception as their tea is all bagged, but is safe.
Rishi Tea & Botanicals (Organic Loose Leaf Teas Only)
Rishi teas, specifically their organic loose leaf teas, are free of pesticides, artificial flavors, and other contaminants. Their buyers travel to the tea plant farms throughout the year to inspect the quality of the teas and ensure that the crops are chemical-free. Also, their teas are all non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) and free from ingredients containing gluten or dairy. Regarding their teas grown in Japan, they receive annual test results from the Japanese tea industry with non-detect findings for radioactive isotopes of Cesium and Iodine following the Fukushima incident.
I reached out to them to learn more about the testing they do to affirm their teas are safe. They do conduct regular testing at the origin of growth for heavy metals including lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium. Additionally, tests are performed to check for pesticides, moisture, yeast, mold, and other microbiological contaminants. They stated that their testing program is in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. With regards to their certified organic teas, they comply with the organic standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program and their primary facility (in Milwaukee) is Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified.
Mountain Rose Herbs (Organics Loose Leaf Teas Only)
Mountain Rose Herbs carries organic loose leaf tea that is free of pesticides and other harmful contaminants. Additionally, they have a full microbial and analytical lab onsite so that they can thoroughly test their teas to ensure they are free of harmful substances. They use this lab to check the teas for moisture, foreign matter, pathogens, and herbicide residues. Testing for heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium) and sulfites is performed by a third party lab. This testing allows them to further support the health and safety of customers. Learn more about their testing here.
Available on their website.
Yogi is one of the only tea brands that offers non-toxic bagged tea. Their organic teas are free of pesticides and all of their teas are non-GMO. In addition, they are a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership and require their suppliers to routinely perform Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and/or Food Safety Audits. Also, all of their ingredients are tested for heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, and their ingredients comply with FDA standards. However, loose leaf tea is still a safer option overall.
I reached out to learn more about their tea bags. The tea bags are a non-heat sealable filtration paper made from manila hemp (abaca) fibers and wood pulp, and they do not contain any plastics and are free of PFAS. The bags undergo a bleaching process that is entirely natural and devoid of any chemicals or toxins, such as dioxin (likely carcinogenic chemical compound), and the string attached to the tea bag is made from organic materials. Though further transparency regarding the exact processing of their tea bags is preferred. The suppliers confirmed that the tea envelopes do not contain PFAS and are also not added during the manufacturing process. Learn more about their process here.
Arbor Teas (Loose Leaf Organic Teas Only)
Arbor Teas offers loose leaf organic tea that is free of pesticides and GMOs. I reached out to them to learn more about how they test their teas to ensure safety measures are met. All of the unflavored organic tea (camellia sinensis) and base organic tea (found in the flavored blends) as well as the herbal teas are tested for heavy metals. The organic roots including dandelion, burdock, and echinacea, and the organic spearmint and peppermint are tested via batch testing for heavy metals annually. The fruit and flower petals used in the flavored blends including organic hibiscus, organic yaupon, organic nettle, and organic chamomile are not tested. They confirmed that all testing is consistently below specifications set by the European Herbal Infusions Association (EHIA).
Samples from all of their teas are submitted for microbiological testing including E-coli, salmonella, yeasts, and mold. Furthermore, their Japanese teas are tested for radiation by an independent third party due to the radiation concerns of Japan's Fukushima. Also, their backyard compostable packaging is PFAS free. I appreciate the transparency of Arbor Teas and that they do their best to provide quality teas to tea enthusiasts everywhere.
Available on their website.
Golden Moon Tea (Organic Loose Leaf Tea Only)
Golden Moon Tea provides organic loose leaf tea that is free of artificial flavoring and other harmful additives. During the growing process, the tea plants remain free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified crops.
Embracing non-toxic tea that’s grown using sustainable tea production practices is crucial for our well-being and the health of the planet. Look for teas that are certified organic, free from pesticides and synthetic additives, and grown using environmentally friendly methods.
Organic teas like those recommended above offer safer, more eco-friendly tea choices. By prioritizing organic and naturally-grown teas, we can get back to enjoying this beloved drink without compromising on health or ecological integrity. Let's raise our tea cups to a healthier and more sustainable tea-drinking experience for all!
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