What's in Trader Joe's Sleepy Time Tea? Exploring the Well Rested Blend

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

Trader Joe's popular 'Sleepy Time' tea, which has since been rebranded as 'Well Rested Herbal Tea', is a soothing, caffeine-free blend designed for evening relaxation. This comforting beverage, much loved by fans of the grocery chain, includes a distinct combination of floral, fruity, and minty notes to help you unwind and prepare for a restful night.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific ingredients found in Trader Joe's Well Rested Herbal Tea, formerly known as Sleepy Time or Bedtime tea, and explores the role each botanical plays in the blend's flavor and reputed calming effects.

Key Points

Name Change: The product formerly known as 'Sleepy Time' or 'Bedtime' tea is now called 'Well Rested Herbal Tea' at Trader Joe's.
Core Ingredients: The tea features a blend of chamomile flowers, lemongrass, spearmint, tilia flowers, peppermint, and passionflower.
Flavor Profile: The flavor is a balanced mix of calming floral notes from chamomile, refreshing mintiness from spearmint and peppermint, and citrusy zing from lemongrass.
Calming Effects: Key ingredients like chamomile and passionflower are traditionally used to help promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep.
Caffeine-Free: As an herbal blend, the tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an ideal beverage for unwinding in the evening.
Comparison: The blend is often compared to Celestial Seasonings' Sleepytime tea due to their similar ingredients and function.

The Rebranded Name and Its Ingredient List

Trader Joe's calming herbal tea, once called 'Sleepy Time tea' by many, is now known as 'Well Rested Herbal Tea,' previously 'Bedtime Herbal Tea'. The ingredients can be found on {Link: Steepster steepster.com/teas/trader-joes/33789-well-rested}. This combination of botanicals creates a complex and layered flavor profile for a soothing experience.

Unpacking the Key Soothing Botanicals

Each ingredient in the Well Rested blend contributes to its flavor and traditional calming properties.

The Calming Core: Chamomile and Passionflower

Chamomile is a traditional herb used for relaxation and sleepiness. Passionflower also has a history of use for anxiety and insomnia. These flowers provide a calming base for the tea.

The Minty Freshness: Spearmint and Peppermint

Spearmint and peppermint add a refreshing minty flavor. Peppermint can aid digestion, while spearmint offers a milder, sweeter mint note.

The Fruity and Floral Notes: Orange Blossom, Hawthorn, and Rosebuds

Orange blossoms and rosebuds provide a light floral aroma, and hawthorn berries add a slightly tart, fruity taste, adding complexity to the blend.

The Citrus Zing: Lemongrass

Lemongrass brings a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the other elements.

Trader Joe's vs. Celestial Seasonings: A Flavor Comparison

Trader Joe's Well Rested tea is often compared to Celestial Seasonings' Sleepytime blend. While similar, there are subtle differences:


Feature	Trader Joe's Well Rested Tea	Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Original	Note on Differences
Core Ingredients	Chamomile, Spearmint, Lemongrass	Chamomile, Spearmint, Lemongrass	Both use a similar herbal base.
Additional Botanicals	Tilia Flowers, Peppermint, Passionflower, Blackberry Leaves, Orange Blossoms, Hawthorn Berries, Rosebuds	Tilia Flowers, Blackberry Leaves, Orange Blossoms, Hawthorn	Trader Joe's includes Peppermint, Passionflower, and Rosebuds.
Flavor Profile	Often described as smoother and creamier, with a pronounced mint and chamomile character.	A well-balanced and classic blend, often perceived as slightly less complex than the TJ's version.	The addition of passionflower and peppermint in the TJ's blend likely contributes to its slightly different taste.
Price Point	Typically more affordable per box due to the store-brand nature.	A standard market price for a name-brand herbal tea.	Trader Joe's offers excellent value for a high-quality product.
Steeping Suggestion	Steep for 3-5 minutes for optimal flavor.	Steep for 4-6 minutes.	Both suggest a similar brewing time for a flavorful cup.

How to Brew Your Tea

Brew one tea bag in 8 ounces of boiling water and steep for 3-5 minutes, covering the cup to keep in essential oils. Some suggest adding milk for creaminess.

Conclusion

Trader Joe's Well Rested Herbal Tea, formerly known as 'Sleepy Time tea,' is a caffeine-free blend of chamomile, mints, and floral and fruity notes designed for relaxation. Its ingredients work together to create a soothing and flavorful beverage. You can find more information about the product and reviews on RateTea.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trader Joe's makes a similar product now called 'Well Rested Herbal Tea'. The 'Sleepy Time' name is a trademark of Celestial Seasonings, but the TJ's blend is often compared to it.

The tea contains a blend of botanicals, including chamomile, lemongrass, and spearmint, among others. For the full list of ingredients, see {Link: Steepster Steepster.com}.

Yes, as an herbal tea, it is naturally caffeine-free. It is specifically blended for evening consumption to help with relaxation, not energy.

The flavor is a harmonious mix of mint and floral notes. It has a prominent spearmint and peppermint taste, with a comforting chamomile and a hint of fruity sweetness from the other botanicals.

No, according to the Steepster page referencing the older 'Bedtime Tea', the blend contains no artificial colors, flavors, or additives. The current product is also a simple herbal blend.

It is recommended to place one tea bag in an 8-ounce cup, add boiling water, and steep for 3-5 minutes for optimal flavor.

The tea is generally well-tolerated. However, people with allergies to the daisy family may have a sensitivity to chamomile. If you are pregnant or taking medication, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider.