Teastimonials - Totally Honest Tea Reviews - flavouring https://teastimonials.com Totally Honest Tea Reviews Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:32:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://i0.wp.com/teastimonials.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-pexels-photo-1526049.jpeg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Teastimonials - Totally Honest Tea Reviews - flavouring https://teastimonials.com 32 32 196818912 Twinings Time to Unwind – More like, time to buy a different tea https://teastimonials.com/2023/09/04/twinings-time-to-unwind/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/09/04/twinings-time-to-unwind/#comments Mon, 04 Sep 2023 16:32:41 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2337 Twinings Time to UnwindBrand: Twinings

Flavour: Time to Unwind

Ingredients: Lemon balm (43%), chamomile (18%), lime flower (3%), natural strawberry flavouring with other natural flavourings (12%), liquorice root, beetroot, vitamin B12, natural flavouring

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: Around £3.50

Bags Per Box: 20

Review: It smells like a bunch of flavouring…with a touch of fruit. The flavour isn’t too bad…because you can’t really taste anything. It’s like water…and then a hint of…something. Maybe chamomile. Yet, despite all that, there’s then an aftertaste that really lingers. This might be the addition of B12 – and flavourings. The combination strips your mouth with fakeness. All that said, we’ve had worse and can imagine someone – maybe – enjoying this. We just…no, we won’t be buying it again. There are much better alternatives out there.

Best time of year to drink this: No idea

Best time of day to drink this: Evening / night


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/09/04/twinings-time-to-unwind/feed/ 1 3921
Bird & Blend Earl Grey Crème – Not enough Earl Grey-ness https://teastimonials.com/2023/06/12/bird-blend-earl-grey-creme/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/06/12/bird-blend-earl-grey-creme/#respond Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:28:01 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2280 Bird & BlendBrand: Bird & Blend

Flavour: Earl Grey Crème

Ingredients: Ceylon black tea, vanilla pieces, blue cornflowers, natural flavouring

Caffeine Factor: Caffeinated

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: £7 for 50g

Review: It smells like tea – not really sure what else to say. It pretty much tastes of black tea, too. There’s not enough Earl Grey-ness, and the vanilla and cornflowers don’t really add anything, so…we don’t see why you’d bother with this one over other Earl Grey blends on the market. Nothing bad, just…we like Bird & Blend’s other flavours so much more.

Best time of year to drink this: Anytime

Best time of day to drink this: Morning and afternoon


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/06/12/bird-blend-earl-grey-creme/feed/ 0 3867
M&S Strawberry & Mint – Enough with the artificial flavouring, PLEASE!! https://teastimonials.com/2023/05/28/ms-strawberry-mint/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/05/28/ms-strawberry-mint/#respond Sun, 28 May 2023 12:26:28 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=1676 M&G Strawberry & MintBrand: Marks & Spencer

Flavour: Strawberry & Mint

Ingredients: Hibiscus, dried apples, peppermint (15%), strawberry flavouring, dried strawberries (2%)

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: £5

Bags Per Box: 15

Our Review: The overriding smell is…elderberries…even though there aren’t any in the blend. Maybe it’s the flavouring? We also get some mint, but…no strawberry at all. The taste is basically hibiscus mixed with mint – again, no strawberry. There’s also a hit of feet (flavouring) and something that’s gone off…like it’s sat in a cupboard a long time. It’s not an ‘avoid’ but it’s also not pleasant. Some people might like it…but we thought it was pretty yuck. There’s just no need for artificial flavouring, guys – when will people learn!?

Best time of year to drink this: Summer

Best time of day to drink this: Afternoon


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/05/28/ms-strawberry-mint/feed/ 0 3845
Bird & Blend Rhubarb & Custard – This company can do no wrong https://teastimonials.com/2023/05/28/bird-blend-rhubarb-custard/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/05/28/bird-blend-rhubarb-custard/#respond Sun, 28 May 2023 12:17:39 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2280 Bird & BlendBrand: Bird & Blend

Flavour: Rhubarb & Custard

Ingredients: Rooibos, rhubarb pieces, calendula, vanilla pieces, flavouring

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: £7 for 50g

Review: It smells exactly like rhubarb and custard. In fact, you can smell the rhubarb across the room. It’s strangely fizzy, too, a little like one of those rhubarb carbonated drinks. The flavour is milder, though – you definitely get the rhubarb, and the vanilla makes it a little creamy, but thankfully it’s not super sweet. It’s really nice! A lovely, balanced dessert tea to have in the evening. We can also imagine it being delicious served chilled in the summer. All in all, a winning blend!

Best time of year to drink this: Summer

Best time of day to drink this: Afternoon or evening, especially after a meal


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/05/28/bird-blend-rhubarb-custard/feed/ 0 3843
Twinings Redbush Caramel Velvet – Wayyyyy too expensive for what it is https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/21/twinings-redbush-caramel-velvet/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/21/twinings-redbush-caramel-velvet/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:14:17 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2337 Twinings Redbush Caramel Velvet Flavour InfusionBrand: Twinings

Flavour: Redbush Caramel Velvet

Ingredients: Redbush, caramel flavouring (2.5%), safflowers (1%)

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: Around £6

Bags Per Box: 15

Review: It smells like rooibos with artificial vanilla. The flavour is also strong on the rooibos, a little creamy, and very sweet…and very fake. For that reason, it’s not for us. However, we can imagine some people liking it. The main issue is the price. It’s so expensive for something that is ultimately a very generic tea with artificial flavouring. It’s not terrible, but we don’t see why anyone would bother. It’s also a total mystery why the safflowers are in this blend or what they’re meant to add to the taste.

Best time of year to drink this: …autumn?

Best time of day to drink this: After lunch or dinner


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/21/twinings-redbush-caramel-velvet/feed/ 0 3813
Twinings Inner Strength – It takes strength to get through the cup https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/14/twinings-inner-strength/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/14/twinings-inner-strength/#respond Fri, 14 Apr 2023 21:27:15 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2337 Twinings Inner StrengthBrand: Twinings

Flavour: Inner Strength

Ingredients: Rooibos (83%), maca root (7%), cinnamon (5%), natural honey flavouring with other natural flavourings (2%), natural flavouring, chai spice flavouring (1%)

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free (but maca is still an energy booster!)

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: Around £4

Bags Per Box: 18

Review: It smells like creamy rooibos…and maybe a little fruity…with a hint of spice. It tastes…gross! Unsurprisingly, it’s completely artificial. That’s what you get when most of the ingredients are flavouring with flavouring with other flavouring. Perhaps it’s named ‘Inner Strength’ because that’s what you need to get through a cup of it…? Definitely an AVOID.

Best time of year to drink this: Never

Best time of day to drink this: Never


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/14/twinings-inner-strength/feed/ 0 3810
Twinings Rosy Fig Flavour White Tea – A truly special treat https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/14/twinings-rosy-fig-flavour-white-tea/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/14/twinings-rosy-fig-flavour-white-tea/#respond Fri, 14 Apr 2023 21:18:36 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2337 Twinings Rosy Fig Flavour White TeaBrand: Twinings

Flavour: Rosy Fig Flavour White Tea

Ingredients: White tea, rose petals (5%), fig, rose and almond flavourings (0.5%)

Caffeine Factor: Caffeinated

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: Around £10 for 40g

Review: As you’d hope, it smells rosy and figgy! The flavour is delicious. It’s a smooth white tea with no bitterness and a light rosiness that manages not to taste of perfume. It’s so figgy, too, blending perfectly with the rose petals without being overpowering. Keep in mind that Tulsi doesn’t even like figs – but this is so gentle and delicious. It’s really special – a definite must-have!

Best time of year to drink this: Anytime

Best time of day to drink this: Brunch / afternoon


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/14/twinings-rosy-fig-flavour-white-tea/feed/ 0 3807
Twinings Nutty Chocolate Flavour Assam Tea – A very pleasant brunch treat https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/02/twinings-nutty-chocolate-flavour-assam-tea/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/02/twinings-nutty-chocolate-flavour-assam-tea/#respond Sun, 02 Apr 2023 10:29:45 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2337 Twinings Nutty Chocolate Flavour Assam TeaBrand: Twinings

Flavour: Nutty Chocolate Flavour Assam Tea

Ingredients: Black tea, cocoa nibs (20%), hazelnut flavouring (8%)

Caffeine Factor: Caffeinated

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: Around £2-3

Bags Per Box: 12

Review: It smells like…tea and hazelnut flavouring – really sweet. The taste was surprising. We expected an overwhelming hazelnut flavour, but it’s more like gentle black tea with a subtle sweetness. It doesn’t taste artificial. In fact, it gets nicer with each sip and makes a very pleasant brunch treat.

Best time of year to drink this: Anytime

Best time of day to drink this: Brunch / afternoon


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/04/02/twinings-nutty-chocolate-flavour-assam-tea/feed/ 0 3796
Harrods Autumn – Why why WHY add all that flavouring? https://teastimonials.com/2023/03/19/harrods-autumn/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/03/19/harrods-autumn/#respond Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:21:09 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2280 Harrods AutumnBrand: Harrods

Flavour: Autumn

Ingredients: Rooibos (28%), cocoa husk, ginger root (15%), apple pomace (12%), cinnamon pieces (10%), citric acid, flavouring (macadamia, brittle, roasted almond, cheesecake, hazelnut), sunflower petals, safflower petals

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: £11 for 125g

Review: Unsurprisingly, this smells and tastes really fake. It goes through two phases. First you get the natural ingredients, and they’re quite pleasant. Then you get the flavouring, and it just lingers. It’s this indistinguishable sweet flavour that hangs around for a party and dehydrates you. Why why why throw in all that flavouring? Especially for that price tag! Cut all that out and this could have been really nice. Someone will probably like it, but for us, it’s a no.

Best time of year to drink this: Autumn, they say

Best time of day to drink this: After a meal – it’s definitely a dessert drink


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/03/19/harrods-autumn/feed/ 0 3770
Harrods Summer – The Strange Case of the Disappearing Flavour https://teastimonials.com/2023/03/19/harrods-summer/ https://teastimonials.com/2023/03/19/harrods-summer/#respond Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:09:13 +0000 https://ifteacupscouldtalk.wordpress.com/?p=2280 Harrods SummerBrand: Harrods

Flavour: Summer

Ingredients: Apple (45%), hibiscus (27%), rosehip (10%), beetroot, sweet blackberry leaves, strawberry pieces (2%), blackberries, raspberries, flavouring (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry), safflower petals

Caffeine Factor: Caffeine-free

Organic Ingredients: Unknown

Price Range: £11 for 125g

Review: Looking at those ingredients…you know what to expect. It smells sweet and fruity, and a bit beetrooty. The first sip is like your totally average hibiscus tea, with a hint of beetroot…and then you swallow it and all the flavour just disappears. The overriding tasting note is water, no matter how long you brew it. It’s pointless, especially for that price tag.

Best time of year to drink this: Summer, they claim, but why bother?

Best time of day to drink this: Afternoon?


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog so you don’t miss out on tea reviews, new flavour announcements, recommended tea accessories, and much more!

]]>
https://teastimonials.com/2023/03/19/harrods-summer/feed/ 0 3767