What is Sadaf tea made of? A guide to its premium ingredients

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

Since 1982, Sadaf Foods has introduced a range of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food products, with their premium teas being a standout item. A primary ingredient in many of their most popular blends, such as their Special Blend with Cardamom, is high-quality Ceylon black tea sourced from Sri Lanka.

Quick Summary

Sadaf tea is predominantly made from premium Ceylon black tea leaves sourced from Sri Lanka, providing a rich, full-bodied flavor profile. The signature cardamom flavor comes from infusions of authentic cardamom spice, which may be natural or artificial depending on the specific blend. The company also offers other popular teas, including pure black tea, jasmine green tea, and Earl Grey.

Key Points

Core Ingredient: Sadaf tea is primarily made from high-quality Ceylon black tea, sourced from Sri Lanka.
Signature Flavor: The popular cardamom blend is achieved by infusing the Ceylon black tea with authentic cardamom spice, featuring either natural or artificial flavoring.
Variety of Blends: Beyond cardamom, Sadaf offers other teas, including pure black tea, jasmine green tea, and Earl Grey.
Quality Assurance: The company emphasizes the use of whole tea leaves and individual foil wrapping for tea bags to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Product Format: Customers can choose between premium loose leaf tea, which provides a more nuanced flavor, and convenient, foil-wrapped tea bags.

The Core Ingredient: Ceylon Black Tea

At the heart of many Sadaf tea varieties, including their Special Blend with Cardamom and their Special Black Tea, is 100% pure Ceylon tea. Ceylon tea is a type of black tea sourced exclusively from the finest tea gardens in Sri Lanka. This region's unique climate and soil conditions are celebrated for producing high-quality tea leaves with exceptional flavor and aroma.

Unlike lower-quality teas that may use crushed leaves, Sadaf emphasizes the use of whole or larger leaf pieces in its blends. This attention to leaf size helps to preserve the tea's natural oils, which results in a richer, more nuanced flavor and a smoother taste profile.

The Cardamom Connection

The most recognizable Sadaf tea for many consumers is the Special Blend with Cardamom. The aromatic, sweet, and spicy flavor of cardamom is a classic in Middle Eastern and Persian cultures. Sadaf infuses its high-quality Ceylon black tea with this spice to create a popular and comforting brew. Some product variations specify natural and artificial cardamom flavor, which helps to maintain a consistent flavor profile in every cup.

Other Popular Sadaf Tea Blends

While the cardamom blend is a favorite, Sadaf offers a diverse portfolio of other tea products to cater to different tastes. These include:

Special Black Tea: This unflavored blend is made simply with 100% pure Ceylon tea leaves, ideal for those who prefer a classic, robust black tea experience.
Organic Jasmine Green Tea: This naturally scented blend combines premium organic green tea with the floral aroma of night-blooming jasmine flowers.
Earl Grey Tea: A traditional blend where Ceylon black tea is infused with the citrusy aroma of bergamot flavor.

The Difference Between Sadaf Loose Leaf and Tea Bags

For tea connoisseurs, the form of the tea leaves can significantly impact the final brew. Sadaf offers many of its blends in both loose leaf and convenient tea bag formats, each with distinct advantages.

Comparison Table: Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags


Feature	Sadaf Loose Leaf Tea	Sadaf Tea Bags
Tea Grade	Made from high-quality whole or broken leaves.	Can contain smaller particles, but Sadaf ensures quality leaves even in its foil bags.
Flavor Nuance	More complex, fuller depth of flavor due to larger leaf size.	Consistent flavor profile and rich taste, optimized for convenience.
Steeping Process	Requires more time for leaves to fully expand and release flavor.	Quicker brewing time, ideal for busy lifestyles.
Convenience	Requires a strainer or infuser, more effort but greater control.	Grab-and-go convenience, individually wrapped in foil for freshness.
Cost	Can be more cost-effective per cup for regular drinkers.	Often has a higher per-cup cost for the convenience.
Sustainability	Generally considered more sustainable due to less packaging and potential for multiple steeps.	Individual packaging creates more waste, though some tea bags use plant-based fibers.

The Sadaf Quality Assurance Process

Since its founding in 1982 by two brothers from Iran, Sadaf Foods has committed to sourcing and providing high-quality ingredients, including for its popular tea blends. Their process is focused on selecting premium components and ensuring product freshness, with each tea bag being foil-wrapped for maximum flavor retention. The company maintains its family-owned roots and strong commitment to authenticity, which is reflected in the high-quality ingredients used.

Conclusion

Sadaf tea is made from high-quality Ceylon black tea leaves from Sri Lanka, and its most famous blend is infused with the aromatic and comforting spice of cardamom. The company offers different varieties to suit individual preferences, from pure black tea to floral jasmine green tea and citrusy Earl Grey. Whether choosing the superior flavor profile of loose leaf or the convenience of foil-wrapped tea bags, consumers can count on Sadaf's longstanding commitment to providing an authentic and premium tea experience. For further information on their range of teas and other specialty products, visit the official Sadaf website: www.sadaf.com.

Brewing the Perfect Sadaf Tea

For the best results, always start with fresh, cold water. Bring the water to a boil and then pour it over your Sadaf tea bag or loose leaf infuser. For black tea, a steep time of 3-5 minutes is recommended to achieve the desired strength and robust flavor. Adjust the time based on personal preference. Adding milk, sugar, or honey can complement the rich taste of the cardamom or black tea blends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sadaf primarily sources its high-quality Ceylon black tea leaves from Sri Lanka, a region known for producing premium teas.

The main flavor in Sadaf's Special Blend Tea is cardamom, which provides a rich, warm, and aromatic taste that complements the black tea base.

Some of Sadaf's flavored teas, including certain cardamom and Earl Grey blends, use a combination of natural and artificial flavorings to ensure a consistent taste profile. Other products, like their pure black tea, do not.

Yes, many Sadaf teas are certified kosher (RCC Certified), and the company is committed to providing kosher products for consumers.

Loose leaf tea is generally considered a higher grade due to its larger, whole leaves, which often results in a richer and more nuanced flavor. However, Sadaf's tea bags are also made with quality leaves, not dust, and are foil-wrapped to preserve flavor and freshness.

While the health benefits depend on the specific blend, black tea contains antioxidants, and cardamom is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Sadaf's jasmine green tea also offers antioxidant benefits from the green tea base.

To maintain freshness, Sadaf tea should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. The foil-wrapped tea bags help to protect the contents, but an airtight container is recommended for loose leaf varieties.