Tazo's Certification: Not All Teas Are Created Equal
When asking if Tazo tea is really organic, it's important to understand that the brand's entire portfolio is not uniformly organic. For years, Tazo produced both organic and conventional tea products. However, Tazo has made a significant and public commitment to increase its organic and sustainable offerings through a multiyear transition plan. The key takeaway for consumers is to always check the specific product's packaging for official organic certification labels, such as the USDA Organic seal, as this is the only way to be certain of its organic status.
Tazo's Transition to Regenerative Organic
In August 2022, Tazo's parent company ekaterra announced a strategic shift towards a regenerative organic approach for its tea portfolio. This transition involved reformulating four of Tazo’s best-selling blends: Zen, Awake English Breakfast, Chai, and Darjeeling, to meet the new standards. This move goes beyond basic organic practices by focusing on holistic agricultural methods that improve soil health, conserve biodiversity, and address farmer and worker well-being.
These newly reformulated 'Regenerative' blends are certified with multiple marks of assurance:
- USDA Organic Certified: This confirms the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients and was produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
- Fair Trade USA Certified: This ensures the ingredients were sourced under fair trade standards, which support farmers and the environment.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified: This certification promotes sustainable, climate-smart farming practices and biodiversity conservation.
The regenerative organic approach aims to create a more resilient and sustainable tea supply chain. For the conscientious consumer, this provides a clear path to purchasing products that not only meet organic criteria but also support broader environmental and social goals. However, customers should note that some conventional Tazo teas still remain on the market, so careful label reading is essential.
Potential Concerns and a Clearer Path Forward
Before Tazo's regenerative organic transition, some concerns were raised about the presence of pesticides and undeclared ingredients like "natural flavors" in conventional products. A 2018 report found that some Tazo varieties exceeded safe levels of certain pesticides. Additionally, some conventional blends used “natural flavors” and were noted to be partially produced with genetically engineered ingredients. These issues highlight the importance of understanding what organic certification actually guarantees.
The USDA Organic seal prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in products bearing the label. Therefore, consumers choosing Tazo's certified organic teas can be confident that these specific concerns are mitigated. The new Regenerative Organic Certified blends further reinforce this commitment, offering a more ethically and sustainably produced option.
Comparing Organic and Conventional Tazo Teas
To help shoppers make informed decisions, here is a comparison of Tazo's organic and conventional products, based on available information:
| Feature | Tazo Certified Organic (Regenerative) | Tazo Conventional Teas (Older Products) |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Use | Prohibited from using most synthetic pesticides. | Historical reports indicated some varieties may contain pesticide residues. |
| Synthetic Fertilizers | Prohibited. | Permitted in farming practices. |
| Genetically Modified Ingredients (GMOs) | Prohibited and often Non-GMO Project Verified. | Some older labels noted ingredients from potential GE sources. |
| Natural Flavors | Some certified organic blends contain natural flavorings, which must be derived from natural sources. | May contain unspecified "natural flavors" from uncertified sources. |
| Certifications | USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and/or Rainforest Alliance Certified. | Varied, but do not carry the USDA Organic seal. |
Tazo's Certified Organic Tea Offerings
Tazo offers several certified organic blends that cater to different tastes and needs. Some examples include:
- Organic Zen™: A blend of organic green tea, spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass.
- Organic Chai: A bold blend of organic black teas and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Organic Calm Chamomile: A caffeine-free herbal tea with chamomile, hibiscus, and rose petals.
These products are clearly marked with the USDA Organic seal on the packaging, signaling that they meet the strict government standards for organic production. For customers seeking the assurance of organic ingredients, opting for these specific products is the best strategy.
Conclusion: Navigating Tazo's Offerings
So, is Tazo tea really organic? The most accurate answer is that some Tazo teas are genuinely organic, but not all of them. The brand has been proactive in transitioning some of its most popular blends to Regenerative Organic Certified status, which includes meeting USDA Organic standards. However, other conventional products still exist in their lineup. For health-conscious consumers who prioritize organically and sustainably sourced ingredients, it is crucial to check the packaging for the USDA Organic seal and other related certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance. By doing so, you can enjoy Tazo's unique blends with confidence, knowing you are supporting environmentally conscious and ethical farming practices.
To learn more about the strict requirements for organic products, consult the USDA Organic Standards.
Your Organic Tea Checklist
- Check for the Seal: Always look for the official USDA Organic certification seal on the Tazo box to ensure the product is organic.
- Understand 'Regenerative': Tazo’s new regenerative blends go beyond basic organic to support soil health and biodiversity.
- Fair Trade Means Ethics: Certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance on Tazo's organic products ensure ethical sourcing and worker well-being.
- Not All Blends Are Organic: Do not assume all Tazo teas are organic; older or uncertified products may not meet organic criteria.
- Read the Ingredients: For non-organic blends, be mindful of ingredients like "natural flavors," which are not transparently sourced.
- Taste Differences: Some consumers have noticed subtle flavor differences between the conventional and newly reformulated organic blends.
- Support Sustainability: By choosing Tazo’s certified organic and regenerative teas, you are supporting a brand's efforts towards more sustainable practices.
Tazo's Certifications in Detail
- USDA Organic Certified: This product contains at least 95% organically produced ingredients. This includes being grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and being free of genetically modified organisms.
- Fair Trade Certified: A product bearing this certification ensures it was made according to fair trade standards that promote safe working conditions, environmental protection, and a transparent supply chain for workers and farmers.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified: This certification focuses on farming practices that are more sustainable and climate-smart. It emphasizes the protection of natural resources, biodiversity, and carbon-storing forests.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: Many of Tazo's organic and herbal teas carry this verification, confirming that the ingredients are not genetically modified.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while not every product in the Tazo portfolio is organic, the company's commitment to transitioning its best-selling blends to Regenerative Organic status provides a reliable path for consumers seeking certified organic options. The presence of multiple respected certifications—USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance—on these products gives consumers confidence in their environmental and ethical claims. Ultimately, the burden is on the consumer to check the packaging for these specific seals to confirm the organic and sustainable nature of their chosen Tazo tea.
