Does tea contain sulphites? The surprising truth about natural and added sulphites

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

A 2020 Canadian Food Inspection Agency survey found that over 99% of dried tea products tested did not contain detectable levels of undeclared sulphites. While this is a reassuring statistic, it doesn't tell the whole story when addressing the question: does tea contain sulphites?.

Quick Summary

Tea naturally contains low levels of sulphites, particularly black tea, and some herbal teas may have higher levels from ingredients or processing. Sulfites are also used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and prevent discoloration, especially in some tea bags.

Key Points

Natural Traces: The tea plant itself contains naturally occurring, low levels of sulphites, particularly black tea.
Added Preservatives: Sulphites can be added as preservatives in some herbal or fruit teas, particularly those containing dried fruits.
Teabags Concern: Some low-quality paper teabags might be bleached using sulphites, although high-quality brands generally avoid this.
Sulphite Sensitivity: A small percentage of the population, especially those with asthma, have a sensitivity to sulphites, which can cause allergy-like symptoms.
Label Transparency: In many countries, including Canada, sulphites exceeding a certain threshold must be declared on product labels.
Loose Leaf is Safer: Choosing high-quality, loose leaf tea is the most reliable way to avoid potential added sulphites and minimize exposure.
Organic Options: Opting for certified organic teas can further reduce the risk of consuming unintended additives.

Do Teas Naturally Contain Sulphites? The Inherent Presence

Yes, tea plants themselves, specifically the Camellia sinensis plant from which black, green, and white teas are derived, can contain trace amounts of naturally occurring sulphites. Sulphur is an essential element for the tea plant, playing a role in its growth and health. The processing of black tea, which involves fermentation (oxidation), can also contribute to the presence of sulphites. This is similar to many other fermented foods and beverages like wine and sauerkraut that contain naturally occurring sulphites. The level of these naturally occurring sulphites is generally considered low and is not a concern for the vast majority of consumers.

The Role of Processing and Additives

While natural levels are usually low, sulphites can also be intentionally added to certain tea products during processing, primarily as a preservative. This is more common in fruit-flavored or herbal teas that contain other ingredients which may require sulphite preservation.

Preservation and Color: Sulfites help prevent microbial spoilage and maintain the color of the ingredients, especially in dried fruit pieces found in some herbal or fruit teas.
Teabags and Bleaching: There is a common concern that some paper teabags are bleached using sulphites. While reputable brands use processes that avoid this, it is a risk to consider with lower-quality products.
Cross-Contamination: In facilities that process other high-sulphite foods like dried fruits or spices, there is a risk of cross-contamination for tea products. This is a key reason why sensitive individuals should look for allergen warnings on packaging, particularly for herbal tea blends.

Comparison of Sulphite Content in Teas

To help navigate the different types of tea, the table below compares the potential for sulphite content based on manufacturing and processing methods.


Tea Type	Typical Sulphite Content	Primary Source of Sulphites	Recommendations for Sensitive Individuals
Loose Leaf Black Tea	Very Low (Natural)	Naturally occurring from the tea plant and fermentation.	Generally safe, but source matters. Buy from reputable, high-quality vendors.
Loose Leaf Green/White Tea	Very Low (Natural)	Naturally occurring. No fermentation process adds sulphites.	Very low risk. Good choice for most individuals with sensitivities.
Bagged Black Tea	Potentially Low (Natural or Added)	Natural presence, but potential for additives in the bag itself or from processing.	Stick with unbleached teabags and reputable brands. Loose leaf is safer.
Bagged Herbal/Fruit Tea	Can be Higher (Natural & Added)	Natural presence from herbs, plus higher likelihood of added sulphites from dried fruits or preservatives.	Check ingredient labels carefully for 'contains: sulphites' or 'may contain' warnings.
Flavored Tea Blends	Potentially Higher (Added)	Added flavors or ingredients may contain sulphite preservatives.	Scrutinize ingredient lists. Look for allergen warnings.

Navigating Sulphite Sensitivity and Symptoms

For individuals with a sulphite sensitivity or asthma, consuming sulphites can trigger a variety of allergic-like symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. It is important to note that a sulphite sensitivity is not a true allergic reaction (IgE-mediated) but rather an intolerance.

Common symptoms include:

Wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness
Hives and skin rashes
Headaches
Stomach cramps and diarrhea
In rare cases, anaphylaxis, particularly for those with severe asthma

If you suspect you have a sulphite sensitivity, the best course of action is to avoid products that are likely to contain them. The good news is that for tea, especially high-quality, unadulterated varieties, sulphites are typically not a major issue.

How to Find Sulphite-Free Tea

Choose Loose Leaf Tea: This is the most reliable way to avoid potential additives used in teabags or multi-ingredient blends.
Read Labels: In many countries, like Canada, products with more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphites must be declared on the label. Look for terms like 'contains: sulphites'.
Opt for Organic: Certified organic products often have stricter regulations regarding preservatives and additives. Choosing organic loose leaf tea can significantly reduce the risk.
Buy from Reputable Suppliers: Purchasing from established, high-quality tea merchants who are transparent about their sourcing and processing practices can provide assurance.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

To answer the central question, does tea contain sulphites? Yes, in most cases, but typically only in trace, naturally occurring amounts. The potential for higher, added levels is largely limited to certain processed teas, such as herbal or fruit blends, or low-quality bagged teas where sulphites may be used as a preservative or bleaching agent. For the majority of consumers, this poses no health risk. However, for the small percentage of individuals with sulphite sensitivity, caution and careful label reading are essential. By choosing high-quality loose leaf or organic options, sensitive individuals can minimize exposure and safely enjoy their daily cup of tea.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand on Sulphites

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulfa refers to sulfa-based drugs, and a sulfa allergy is a reaction to these medications. Sulphites, however, are naturally occurring compounds and food additives. The two are chemically unrelated, and an allergy to one does not imply a sensitivity to the other.

Sulphites are required to be declared on product labels in countries like Canada and the US if they exceed a certain concentration (e.g., 10 ppm). However, trace amounts from natural sources or cross-contamination might not always be declared, especially on imported or bulk teas.

Yes, green tea contains very low levels of naturally occurring sulphites from the tea plant itself. Since green tea is not fermented like black tea, its natural sulphite content is likely lower. Green tea is generally a safe choice for those with sensitivities, particularly loose leaf varieties.

There are no reliable home testing kits for sulphites in tea. For those with severe sensitivity, the best method is avoidance based on product labeling and choosing low-risk options like loose leaf tea from reputable sources. A supervised food challenge with an allergy specialist is the only definitive way to confirm a sensitivity.

No, sulphite sensitivity is considered an intolerance, not a true IgE-mediated allergy. While it can cause serious, allergy-like symptoms, including respiratory issues for asthmatics, it is not an immune system overreaction in the same way as a peanut allergy, for example.

Some herbal teas can contain sulphites, particularly if they include dried fruit or are processed in facilities handling other sulphite-preserved ingredients. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency found traces of undeclared sulphites in a few herbal tea products during a 2014-2015 survey.

While organic tea is less likely to contain added sulphites, it is not a 100% guarantee. Natural sulphites from the tea plant and potential cross-contamination can still occur. Always check the specific product's label for allergen warnings, especially if you have a known sensitivity.