Why you should avoid flavourings in tea - even 'natural' ones

Many tea and health drinks brands use natural flavourings to enhance their blends. This is because they are a cheap and easy way to intensify the taste of herbal teas. But even so-called ‘natural’ flavourings can have an un-natural impact on women's health. Here’s why.

What Are Natural Flavourings?

While the term ‘natural’ may sound appealing, it can be misleading. These flavourings are highly refined, chemically altered, and can often contain compounds that don’t naturally occur in the original source. The result? A product that tastes strong but lacks the health benefits of whole, organic herbs, tea and chocolate.  This is why you'll never find them in our botanical blends.

The Hidden Dangers of Flavourings

One of the key reasons we refuse to use flavourings – even natural ones – is due to their potential impact on hormones. Many flavouring compounds, even those labeled as natural, act as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals interfere with the body’s delicate hormonal balance, potentially leading to issues such as:

• Disrupted menstrual cycles

• Fertility challenges

• Increased risk of hormone-related conditions, such as PCOS and endometriosis

• Mood and energy fluctuations

What’s Really in Natural Flavourings?

While the term "natural" suggests purity, natural flavourings are an ultra processed food. They can legally contain up to 90% of other substances that enhance the flavour profile. Some of the chemicals found in natural flavourings include:

• Propylene glycol – A solvent also found in antifreeze.

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) – A preservative known to disrupt hormones.

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – A flavour enhancer that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Regulatory agencies may classify these additives as safe, but given how often they are used across foods and drinks in the supermarkets, we cannot know what their cumulative effects and potential health impacts may be. 

Health Implications of Natural Flavours

The inclusion of various chemicals in natural flavourings can lead to several health issues, including:

• Allergic Reactions – Sensitive individuals may experience allergic responses to certain chemicals used in natural flavourings.

• Endocrine Disruption – Chemicals like BHA can interfere with hormone function.

• Digestive Issues – Solvents and emulsifiers can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other digestive problems.

Given that our teas are designed to support female health – from pregnancy to postpartum recovery and beyond – we believe that using any ingredient that could interfere with hormones is simply not an option.

Real Ingredients, Real Benefits

Instead of relying on artificial or processed flavourings, we craft our blends using whole, natural and organic ingredients. Herbs, flowers, and fruits provide not only delicious, authentic flavors but also offer natural health benefits. For example:

• Raspberry leaf – Supports uterine health and menstrual regulation

• Peppermint – Aids digestion and relieves nausea

• Ginger – Boosts circulation and reduces inflammation

• Rose petals – Naturally uplifting and rich in antioxidants

By choosing whole ingredients over flavourings, we ensure that every sip of HotTea Mama tea delivers real benefits without hidden risks. You can be confident that you are nourishing your body with genuinely natural ingredients, not ultra processed ones.