Does Bigelow Green Tea Have Vitamin C?

Bigelow Tea offers a specific 'Green Tea with Elderberry Plus Vitamin C' blend that delivers 100% of the recommended daily value of this essential nutrient. However, their classic Premium Green Tea contains no added vitamin C. This crucial distinction highlights the importance of checking product labels, as the vitamin C content is not inherent to all green tea varieties.

Quick Summary

While classic Bigelow green tea does not contain vitamin C, the company offers a special Elderberry blend fortified with the vitamin. The presence of vitamin C depends entirely on the specific product formulation. Standard green tea is, however, rich in other antioxidants like catechins. Processing methods also play a significant role in preserving nutrients.

Key Points

• Specific Blends Have Added Vitamin C: Bigelow offers special immunity-focused green tea products, like the Elderberry blend, that are fortified with ascorbic acid to provide 100% of the daily value of vitamin C per serving.

• Classic Green Tea Does Not: The standard, unflavored Bigelow green tea does not contain significant amounts of added vitamin C and should not be considered a source.

• Heat Destroys Natural Vitamin C: The small amount of vitamin C naturally present in raw green tea leaves is largely destroyed during the heating and brewing process.

• Read the Label for Fortification: To ensure you are getting vitamin C, you must check the product packaging for explicit mentions of added vitamins or specific immunity blends.

• Green Tea is Rich in Other Antioxidants: While not a reliable source of vitamin C, green tea is packed with potent catechins and polyphenols that offer significant antioxidant benefits.

• Synergy Between Vitamin C and Catechins: Research indicates that adding vitamin C, such as citrus, to green tea can increase the stability and absorption of the tea's natural antioxidants.

• Vitamin C and Catechins Serve Different Purposes: Both are antioxidants, but they have distinct functions in the body, with green tea being a primary source of catechins and supplemented blends providing vitamin C.

Bigelow Tea's Classic Green Tea vs. Vitamin C Blends

When examining the nutritional content of Bigelow's green tea, it is vital to differentiate between their standard offering and specialty immunity-focused blends. The core difference lies in the ingredient list, which directly impacts the presence of vitamin C. Their classic Premium Green Tea is a simple blend of carefully selected green tea leaves, and as such, does not inherently contain added vitamin C. For consumers seeking this specific nutrient from the brand, Bigelow has developed distinct products.

The Vitamin C-Enriched Immunity Blends

To meet consumer demand for health-supporting products, Bigelow introduced their Green Tea with Elderberry Plus Vitamin C. This specific blend is explicitly designed to provide a significant boost of vitamin C, delivering 100% of the daily recommended value per cup. The addition of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is clearly listed in the ingredients, alongside other complementary flavors like elderberry and natural berry extracts. This formulation provides a delicious and convenient way to support the immune system, but it is not representative of the brand's entire green tea line.

Natural Vitamin C in Green Tea Leaves

While processed green tea infusions contain negligible amounts of vitamin C, the tea leaves themselves actually possess a notable quantity of the vitamin prior to brewing. The processing of tea, particularly the use of heat, degrades the vitamin C content significantly. A 2018 study assessing U.S. retail green tea found that brewed tea contained less than 0.5 mg of vitamin C per 100g, despite the unbrewed leaves showing higher amounts. This confirms that relying on a typical green tea infusion for your daily vitamin C intake is not an effective strategy, as the nutrient is not stable during the hot water brewing process.

Comparison of Green Tea vs. Other Vitamin C Sources

To put the matter into perspective, green tea's contribution to vitamin C is minimal compared to well-known fruit sources. While green tea offers exceptional antioxidant benefits from its polyphenol content, it is not a practical replacement for citrus fruits or other vitamin C-rich foods. The following table highlights this difference:

Source	Vitamin C Content (Approximate)	Key Benefit	Notes
Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry + Vitamin C	90 mg (100% DV) per serving	Immune support	Vitamin C is an added ingredient
Classic Bigelow Green Tea	Negligible	Catechin antioxidants	Primarily offers antioxidants and L-theanine
Orange Juice (1 cup)	97 mg [Source needed]	Excellent Vitamin C source	Provides a high concentration of vitamin C
Strawberries (1 cup)	89 mg [Source needed]	High Vitamin C, fiber	Good whole-food source of vitamin C

The Role of Antioxidants: Catechins vs. Vitamin C

It is important not to mistake green tea's antioxidant properties with its vitamin C content. Green tea's primary antioxidant power comes from compounds called catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Catechins have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help protect against cell damage. While both catechins and vitamin C are antioxidants, they serve different functions in the body. Green tea is an excellent source of catechins, whereas specific Bigelow blends are a reliable source of vitamin C due to fortification, not the tea leaves themselves. A study found that adding citrus juice or vitamin C to green tea could actually increase the stability and absorption of the green tea's natural antioxidants, highlighting a synergistic effect between them.

Understanding the Label: A Guide for Consumers

When choosing a Bigelow green tea, consumers should always read the ingredient list to determine if vitamin C has been added. The term 'green tea' alone should not be assumed to imply a significant source of vitamin C. This is a common misunderstanding that can lead to misinformed dietary choices. For example, the product 'Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry Plus Vitamin C' has the added benefit clearly stated on its packaging. In contrast, the classic 'Premium Green Tea' will simply list 'Green Tea' as its sole ingredient. This provides transparency for consumers to select the product that best aligns with their health goals.

Conclusion: A Clear Distinction in a Cup of Tea

In conclusion, the question of whether Bigelow green tea contains vitamin C depends entirely on the specific product. The classic, unflavored Bigelow green tea does not provide a significant amount of this nutrient, as the heat from brewing degrades the vitamin C naturally present in the raw leaves. However, Bigelow offers specialty products, such as their Green Tea with Elderberry, which are fortified with added vitamin C to provide a specific health benefit. Consumers must look for the explicit mention of 'Plus Vitamin C' on the packaging to ensure they are getting this nutrient. For those seeking the inherent antioxidant power of green tea, the catechins remain the primary benefit, and they are distinct from the added vitamin C in special blends.

Sources:

1. Bigelow Tea: Everything You Need to Know About Bigelow Green Tea With Elderberry Plus Vitamin C
2. O-CHA.net: The active substances in green tea
3. O-CHA.net: Vitamins - Green tea
4. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Effects of Green Tea and Black Tea on Digestive Enzymes and Nutrient Absorption [Source needed, not in results]
5. PubMed Central (PMC): Role of green tea as an antioxidant in periodontal disease
6. Cleveland Clinic: How Green Tea Can Benefit Your Health
7. PubMed Central (PMC): Green Tea: Current Knowledge and Issues
8. Purdue University: Citrus juice, vitamin C give staying power to green tea antioxidants

References

Bigelow Tea. "Everything You Need To Know About Bigelow Green Tea With Elderberry Plus Vitamin C." May 23, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.bigelowtea.com/blogs/tea-wellness/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bigelow-green-tea-with-elderberry-plus-vitamin-c [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. Nutritionix. "Calories in Green Tea, Classic, Tea Bags from Bigelow." Nov 22, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.nutritionix.com/i/bigelow/green-tea-classic-tea-bags/673851573344ca00081ffddb [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. FASEB. "Vitamin C content in dried and brewed green tea from the US retail market." Oct 03, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.956.8 [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. Cleveland Clinic. "How Green Tea Can Benefit Your Health." Sep 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/green-tea-health-benefits [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. "Bigelow Tea introduces new offerings featuring recommended dose of vitamin c." Jun 09, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/news/27164/bigelow-tea-introduces-new-offerings-featuring-recommended-dose-of-vitamin-c/ [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. Fairway. "Bigelow Green with Elderberry Tea Bags, 18 count, .90 oz." [Online]. Available: https://www.fairwaymarket.com/product/bigelow-green-with-elderberry-tea-bags-18-count-90-oz-id-00072310008625 [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. PMC. "Green Tea: Current Knowledge and Issues." Feb 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11899301/ [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. Purdue University. "Citrus juice, vitamin C give staying power to green tea antioxidants." Nov 13, 2007. [Online]. Available: https://www.purdue.edu/uns/x/2007b/071113FerruzziTea.html [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025]. PMC. "Role of green tea as an antioxidant in periodontal disease." 2012. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3498696/ [Accessed: Oct 11, 2025].

Frequently Asked Questions

Does regular Bigelow green tea contain vitamin C?

No, the classic, unflavored Bigelow green tea does not contain a significant amount of vitamin C. The nutrient you find in some Bigelow green teas is added as a fortifying ingredient in specific immunity-focused blends.

Which Bigelow green tea product has vitamin C?

The Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry Plus Vitamin C is specifically formulated to contain added vitamin C. You can identify it by the 'Plus Vitamin C' mention on the packaging.

Is the vitamin C in green tea destroyed by heat?

Yes, vitamin C is a heat-sensitive nutrient that is largely degraded when exposed to the hot water used for brewing tea. This is why traditional green tea infusions contain very little of the vitamin.

Does Bigelow add vitamin C to all of its green teas?

No, Bigelow only adds vitamin C to certain specialty and immunity-focused green tea products. Their standard and classic green teas do not contain it.

How can I tell if a Bigelow tea has added vitamin C?

You can tell if a Bigelow tea has added vitamin C by reading the ingredient list on the packaging. The product name will often include 'Plus Vitamin C' or 'Immunity', and ascorbic acid will be listed as an ingredient.

Are the antioxidants in green tea the same as vitamin C?

No, the primary antioxidants in green tea are catechins and polyphenols, which are distinct from vitamin C. While both are antioxidants, they function differently in the body. Green tea's natural antioxidant power comes from catechins.

Can I add citrus to green tea to get more vitamin C?

Adding citrus fruits like lemon to green tea will provide vitamin C and may even help improve the absorption of the tea's natural catechins. This is an effective way to combine both benefits.