The name "TEABIRD tea" can be confusing, as it refers to at least two different products from different companies: an American hard tea and a Malaysian organic tea brand. This guide breaks down the specific ingredients for each to clear up any confusion and help you know exactly what is in your cup.
Ingredients in TEABIRD Hard Sweet Tea
Launched in 2024, TEABIRD is an American hard sweet tea, meaning it is an alcoholic beverage. The brand's focus is on using real, natural ingredients to create a bold, fresh flavor. Unlike some competitors, it is made with real brewed tea, not just tea flavoring.
TEABIRD Original Hard Sweet Tea
The ingredient list for the original flavor is straightforward and emphasizes simplicity and quality.
- Real Brewed Black Tea: Provides the authentic, earthy tea flavor that forms the core of the beverage.
- Pure American Spring Water: Used to perfect the crisp, clean taste of the product.
- Pure Cane Sugar: Adds the signature sweetness without relying on high-fructose corn syrup.
- Sugar Brew/Malt Base: The fermented base that provides the alcoholic kick to the beverage.
TEABIRD Half & Half Hard Tea
This flavor profile builds on the original by adding a zesty twist, reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer.
- Real Brewed Tea: The base tea component remains the same.
- Zesty Lemonade: A key addition that provides a bright, citrus flavor to complement the tea.
- Pure American Spring Water: Ensures a clean and refreshing finish.
- Sugar Brew/Malt Base: The source of the alcohol, consistent across their hard tea line.
Ingredients in Tea Bird Tea Organic Blends
Tea Bird Tea is a Malaysian independent tea brand founded in 2015, focusing on a wide range of organic blends. Their philosophy is centered around creating natural, toxin-free teas using high-quality whole leaf tea, fruits, spices, and herbs. Their ingredients are sourced from countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, and Malaysia. Each blend has a unique ingredient list, but some common characteristics and examples include:
- Organic Black Teas: Used as the base for blends like their Earl Grey.
- Natural Flavoring: Examples include the natural bergamot flavor in their Organic Earl Grey.
- Herbs and Spices: Common additions for flavor and wellness benefits, such as ginger for their “Ginger Snaps” blend or mint for “Cool Mint”.
- Fruit Pieces: Included in blends like their “Strawberry Lemonade Tea” or “Berry Blush”.
- Vegetable Pieces: Some blends incorporate vegetable elements.
- Pure and Biodegradable Teabags: The brand emphasizes that they use natural, compostable corn starch teabags, without any glue or staples.
For an accurate ingredient list for a specific blend from Tea Bird Tea, it is best to check the product packaging or the brand's website for the exact composition.
Sourcing and Manufacturing Differences
Beyond just the core ingredients, the two companies have different approaches to sourcing and production:
- TEABIRD Hard Tea: Focuses on American-sourced spring water and cane sugar, with an emphasis on creating an American hard sweet tea.
- Tea Bird Tea: Sources organic raw materials sustainably from multiple countries, with blending and packaging taking place in Malaysia.
Comparison Table: TEABIRD vs. Tea Bird Tea
| Feature | TEABIRD Hard Sweet Tea | Tea Bird Tea (Organic Blends) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Hard (alcoholic) beverage | Organic loose-leaf & teabags |
| Base Ingredients | Real brewed black tea, pure American spring water, pure cane sugar | Wide variety of organic black teas, green teas, herbs, fruits |
| Sweeteners | Pure cane sugar (Original), Pure cane sugar + lemonade (Half & Half) | Varies by blend, often unsweetened unless brewed with added sugar |
| Target Audience | Adults (age 21+) seeking a refreshing alcoholic tea | Health-conscious individuals looking for organic, natural, toxin-free teas |
| Brand Origin | United States | Malaysia (with international presence) |
| Packaging | Canned beverages | Colourful tins and corn starch teabags |
Conclusion
The fundamental difference in ingredients between the American TEABIRD Hard Sweet Tea and the Malaysian Tea Bird Tea lies in their purpose and composition. The American brand is an alcoholic beverage centered around a few core ingredients—brewed black tea, sugar, and water—with a malt base. The Malaysian brand, on the other hand, is a non-alcoholic organic tea company that uses a vast array of natural and ethically sourced herbs, fruits, and teas to create their diverse blends. For those seeking a canned alcoholic beverage, TEABIRD Hard Tea is the product; for organic, natural, and traditional tea experience, Tea Bird Tea is the intended product. To explore the full range of Tea Bird Tea's organic offerings, you can find more information on their website: https://www.teabirdtea.com/.
