Tea vs. Tisane: What’s the Difference?
Not all tea is… technically tea. In fact, some of your favorite blends may not contain any tea leaves at all.
Let’s break it down:
Tea refers to any drink made from the Camellia sinensis plant. That includes black, green, oolong, white, and even pu-erh.
Tisane (pronounced “ti-zahn”) is the proper name for herbal infusions—made from herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, or roots. Think: chamomile, peppermint, ginger, rose.
So when you sip something caffeine-free, floral, or spice-heavy with no actual tea leaves? That’s a tisane.
But we still call it tea—because the ritual is the same. ☕
When to Choose Which?
Tea (Camellia sinensis):
- Looking for caffeine
- Want traditional flavor and antioxidants
- Curious about how terroir affects taste
Tisane (herbal):
- Avoiding caffeine
- Seeking relaxation, digestion, or sleep support
- Craving floral, fruity, or spice-forward blends