What Is the Safest Brand of Tea to Drink? A Comprehensive Guide

According to a Consumer Reports study, most brewed teas contain safe levels of contaminants, but some products can contain concerning amounts of lead and pesticides. Navigating the market to find out what is the safest brand of tea to drink requires a closer look at sourcing, certifications, and packaging materials.

Quick Summary

Choosing the safest tea means opting for certified organic, loose-leaf products from transparent companies that test for contaminants. Avoid low-quality teas and bags made with plastics or chemicals to ensure a pure and healthy beverage.

Key Points

• Choose Certified Organic: To minimize exposure to synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, opt for teas with USDA Organic or equivalent certifications.

• Prefer Loose-Leaf Tea: Avoid potential microplastic contamination and chemical treatments from tea bags by using loose-leaf tea brewed with a stainless steel infuser.

• Vet Companies for Transparency: Look for brands that are open about their sourcing, farming methods, and provide third-party testing results for pesticides and heavy metals.

• Opt for Safe Packaging: If using tea bags, choose brands like Numi or Traditional Medicinals that use plastic-free, compostable, and unbleached materials.

• Beware of Low-Quality Brands: Some large-scale conventional brands have been linked to higher pesticide residue levels in past reports, so seek out more vetted alternatives.

• Brew Correctly: For maximum benefits and safety, use clean, filtered water, and consider adding lemon to aid antioxidant absorption.

The Case for Organic: Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

The primary reason to choose organic tea is to avoid pesticide residues. Unlike many conventional crops, tea leaves are typically not rinsed after harvesting, meaning any chemicals sprayed during cultivation can end up directly in your cup. Research by groups like Greenpeace and investigations by CBC News have uncovered high levels of pesticides in many popular, conventional tea brands. These tests have revealed residues of chemicals, some of which are banned in certain countries due to their health risks. Certified organic tea, on the other hand, is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, significantly reducing this risk.

Why organic isn't a silver bullet

It is important to understand that even organic certification is not a guarantee of a 100% pure product. Trace amounts of chemical contamination from nearby conventional farms can sometimes be found in organic produce. A transparent brand will provide third-party testing results to confirm purity beyond its certification. Additionally, sourcing matters, as a brand's commitment to safety can vary depending on where their tea is grown and processed.

The Heavy Metal Concern

Tea plants, particularly those grown in certain regions with contaminated soil, can absorb heavy metals like lead, aluminum, and cadmium. A Consumer Reports investigation found that while most brewed teas had low levels of these contaminants, a few products showed higher levels of lead in the final brewed drink. While the risk is generally low for most teas, it highlights the importance of choosing brands that actively test their products for heavy metals and provide that information to consumers. Reputable, higher-end tea brands are more likely to have stringent quality control measures in place to mitigate this risk.

The Problem with Tea Bags

Many conventional tea bags pose another potential safety issue. The pyramid-shaped 'silky' sachets are often made from plastics like food-grade nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These plastics can leach microplastics and chemicals into your tea, especially when exposed to hot water. Even some paper tea bags are problematic, as they can be treated with epichlorohydrin to prevent them from disintegrating.

For the safest and purest brew, the best practice is to switch to loose-leaf tea. For those who prefer the convenience of bags, seek out brands that use plastic-free, commercially compostable bags made from materials like unbleached hemp or abaca fibers.

Key Brands Prioritizing Safety

Several brands stand out for their commitment to safety, transparency, and high-quality sourcing. These companies often go beyond standard organic certification to provide a product free from harmful additives.

• Pique Tea: Known for its cold-extraction process and rigorous testing for pesticides and other toxins. Their teas come in convenient single-serve packets.
• Numi Organic Tea: A Certified B Corp with Fair Trade and USDA Organic certifications. Numi uses unbleached, hemp-based tea bags and is transparent about its sourcing.
• Traditional Medicinals: Another B Corp focusing on certified organic herbs. They use compostable bags made from hemp and wood pulp.
• Rishi Tea: A Direct Trade company offering mostly certified organic teas. They use commercially compostable, plant-based PLA tea bags and test for heavy metals and radiation.
• Art of Tea: Sources from the top 2% of tea producers worldwide and lab-tests their organic teas for contaminants. Their bags are 100% microplastic-free.
• Vahdam Teas: This climate-neutral and Fair Trade brand provides loose-leaf options with transparent sourcing from India.

Comparison of Safer Tea Brands

Feature	Pique Tea	Numi Organic Tea	Rishi Tea	Traditional Medicinals
Organic?	Yes, USDA Certified	Yes, USDA Certified	Mostly Certified Organic	Mostly Certified Organic
Packaging	Single-serve packets	Unbleached, hemp-based bags	Plant-based PLA bags	Compostable hemp/wood pulp bags
Sourcing	Transparent, multi-generational farmers	Fair Trade certified	Direct Trade	Sustainable & Fair Trade
Testing	Screened for pesticides/toxins	Microbiology and identity testing	Tests for radiation	Stringent raw ingredient tests

The Safest Brewing Practice

To ensure your cup of tea is as safe and clean as possible, consider adopting these practices:

1. Opt for loose-leaf tea: This avoids any chemicals or plastics that might be present in tea bags. Use a stainless steel or glass infuser to brew.
2. Buy from reputable, transparent brands: Choose companies that openly share their sourcing information and third-party testing results.
3. Choose certified organic: This minimizes exposure to synthetic pesticides.
4. Use clean water: Brew with filtered water to reduce the risk of any contaminants from tap water.
5. Add a lemon wedge: Research suggests adding lemon can help stabilize and increase the absorption of tea's beneficial compounds.

Conclusion

While tea is overwhelmingly safe and offers many health benefits, taking a proactive approach can ensure the cleanest cup. The safest brand of tea to drink is not a single product but rather a profile of what to look for: certified organic, loose-leaf, from a transparent company that performs third-party testing. Prioritize brands like Pique Tea, Numi Organic Tea, and Rishi Tea, which have demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and safety. By making informed choices about sourcing and brewing, you can enjoy your tea with peace of mind.

---

For additional information on tea safety, you can explore the Gimme the Good Stuff website's 2024 Healthy Tea Guide. (https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/blogs/guides-and-product-reviews/how-to-avoid-toxins-in-tea-2024-healthy-tea-guide)

---

A Note on Low-Quality Tea Brands

It is worth reiterating that some popular brands have been flagged in the past for potential issues. Investigations have highlighted certain conventional brands like Lipton, Tetley, and Twinings for containing pesticide residues. While these brands may be affordable and widely available, those prioritizing maximum safety may prefer to opt for brands with more robust organic and sourcing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main safety risks associated with some tea brands?

Some tea brands may pose risks from pesticide residues, heavy metal contamination (like lead or aluminum absorbed from soil), and potential microplastic leaching from certain tea bag materials, particularly plastic-based silky sachets.

Are organic tea brands guaranteed to be pesticide-free?

Certified organic tea is grown without synthetic pesticides, but trace amounts of chemicals can sometimes be found due to environmental factors. For the highest level of purity, look for brands that also provide third-party lab testing results.

Is loose-leaf tea really safer than tea bags?

Yes, loose-leaf tea is generally safer. Many tea bags, especially silky sachets, are made of plastics that can release microplastics when heated. Paper bags can also be treated with chemicals like epichlorohydrin.

Which tea bag materials are safest?

The safest tea bags are made from commercially compostable, plant-based materials like unbleached hemp, wood pulp, or abaca fibers. Brands like Numi and Traditional Medicinals use these types of safer bags.

Do I need to worry about heavy metals in my tea?

Heavy metals are present in soil and can be absorbed by tea plants. While Consumer Reports found brewed tea to be generally low in contaminants, some products can be a concern with regular consumption. Opting for transparent brands that test their products is a good precaution.

How can I check if a tea brand is safe and transparent?

Check for reputable certifications like USDA Organic and Fair Trade. Review the company's website for transparency reports, which should detail their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and third-party testing protocols for heavy metals and pesticides.

What are some examples of transparent and safe tea brands?

Brands often recommended for safety and transparency include Pique Tea, Numi Organic Tea, Rishi Tea, Traditional Medicinals, Art of Tea, and Vahdam Teas.