9 Best Rooibos Teas in 2025: Expert Picks for Flavor, Quality, and Value

Rooibos tea is a heartwarming, caffeine-free brew that's been warming our hearts and kitchens for years. Its smooth, naturally sweet taste has a way of making you feel all warm inside, and with its impressive store of antioxidants, you can feel good about what you're putting in your body.

By 2025, this humble South African tea has become a global hit, with a wealth of options available to suit every taste. From classic red rooibos to zesty green rooibos and innovative blends that pack in all sorts of tasty goodness, there's a flavor out there to suit even the most discerning palate.

This guide brings together the top rooibos tea options of the year. Each selection stands out for quality, flavor profile, and consistency. Whether you like your tea in loose leaf form, a handy bag, or a blend that harks back to the traditional South African rooibos recipes, you're in the right place.

Rooibos tea is made from the aspalathus linearis plant, a sweet little shrub native to South Africa. For centuries, the local Khoisan communities have consumed it, using the leaves to make a soothing, gentle brew. Rooibos has a long history of being enjoyed for its very calming properties, its smooth, herbal flavor and its absolutely natural charm.

Traditional rooibos goes through an oxidation process that creates its deep, rich color and full-bodied character. This beautiful red brew is comforting and soothing, with a hint of sweetness that's just irresistible. It's the perfect evening drink or, if you're looking for a caffeine-free alternative to black tea, this is the one.

There are loads of rooibos teas out there, each with its own unique flavor profile. Red rooibos is the classic - think sweet, earthy character and a smooth, naturally sweet taste that's just begging to be sipped on in the evenings. It's a firm favorite among those looking for a caffeine-free drink with real depth and character.

Green rooibos is a bit more delicate, with grassy notes and a clean taste that pairs beautifully with citrus, fruits and flowers. As it hasn't been oxidized, it retains a higher concentration of antioxidants, making it a popular choice for those looking to up their antioxidant intake.

And then there's the wonderful world of red bush tea blends - where rooibos meets all sorts of tasty treats, like fruit, spices, florals or a hint of vanilla. These blends take the warm, red rooibos tea base and add a bright or sweet accent to give you even more flavor and aroma to enjoy. Whether you're after a cinnamon-spiced cup or a fruity brew with a hint of honey and peach, there's a rooibos blend out there just for you.

Brand Overview: Gardenika is all about simplicity and purity - they offer USDA Organic and kosher certified teas that are as sustainably sourced as they are delicious. And if you're into wholesome, minimally processed herbal teas, Gardenika's got you covered.

Flavor & Experience: Their Earl Grey Rooibos Red Tea is a real winner - it starts off bright and citrusy, then mellows out with a hint of lemongrass and mint. The rooibos itself is silky smooth and has a warm, herbal depth that's just great.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Put a teaspoon of Earl Grey Rooibos Red Tea into some hot water and watch the citrus oils do their magic. As the minty notes rise up through the steam, the color deepens into a warm amber - perfect for sipping on a quiet afternoon.

Brand Overview: Harney and Sons has been around since 1983 - they're a family-owned American tea company that's all about doing things the right way. They blend traditional tea craftsmanship with eco-friendly practices that'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Flavor & Experience: Their Organic Rooibos is just what you'd expect from a top-notch rooibos - it's earthy, smooth and naturally sweet. There's a hint of nuttiness in there too, which adds a bit of warmth to the aroma. And with each sip, you'll feel all grounded and mellow, like you're sipping a cup of pure, unadulterated joy.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep a teaspoon of Organic Rooibos and watch the earthy aroma start to unfurl. As it infuses, the color turns a lovely medium-dark red and the sweetness starts to come out to play. All in all, it's a pretty perfect cup of tea to curl up with.

Brand Overview: Plum Deluxe has been around since 2008, and they're Portland-based. They specialize in creating unique small-batch loose-leaf teas that are full of imagination and creativity. They craft and blend delicious teas that will surely keep you coming back.

Flavor & Experience: Peach Bellini Herbal Tea is a real show-stopper - it's got juicy peach, mango and strawberry flavors all mixed up with a smooth rooibos base. It's bright, it's lively and it's full of those lovely fruit flavors that'll make your taste buds do the happy dance.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Use a teaspoon of Peach Bellini Herbal Tea and watch the fruit pieces start to unfurl in the heat. As it infuses, the color turns golden-bronze and the papaya scents start to rise.

Brand Overview: August Uncommon Tea is a California-based company that is all about pushing the boundaries of what tea can be. The brand prioritizes exceptional flavor and pairs artistic creativity with practical brewing tips, delivering a unique and enjoyable tea experience for adventurous tea lovers.

Flavor & Experience: Psychocandy is a bit of a mouthful, but trust us when we say it's worth it. It's got rich pumpkin sweetness, caramel depth and a warm, syrupy flavor that's just made for curling up with on a cold winter's night. And let's not forget that lovely earthy rooibos base, which keeps everything grounded and real.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Scoop a teaspoon of Psychocandy Roasted Pumpkin Caramel Rooibos Tea into your cup and watch the caramel tones start to unfurl. As it infuses, the color deepens into a gorgeous deep red-gold, and the pumpkin scents start to rise.

Brand Overview: Tea with Tae is a rapidly-growing company based in Colorado, and they specialize in creating floral teas that'll help you unwind and relax. They've got a whole range of stylish packaging options, too - perfect for gifting.

Flavor & Experience: Rooibos Chai is a bit of a spice-lover's dream come true. It's got cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves all mixed up with a smooth, earthy rooibos base. It's a bit like a warm hug in a cup - all comforting and soothing, with a lovely spicy kick.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep a teaspoon of Rooibos Chai and watch the spices start to unfurl. As it infuses, the color deepens into a lovely deep red and the aroma starts to rise.

Brand Overview: Piper and Leaf is an Alabama-based family business that is the real deal when it comes to artisanal tea. Their Southern-inspired blends are all about infusing premium black teas with juicy fruits, fragrant herbs, and warm spices to give you a taste of the authentic South.

Flavor & Experience: Bright citrus zings through this tea, with ginger and peppermint kicking in alongside soft florals. It's all on a bed of smooth, green rooibos that keeps the cup feeling crisp and refreshing, with just a hint of warm spice to round things out.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Add a teaspoon of Mistletoe Grove to your cup and let the citrus come alive. The aroma that fills the air is a real treat - light and lively, with ginger and herbs mingling together beautifully.

Brand Overview: iLola somehow managed to beautifully balance the richness of traditional tea with a very modern interest in wellness. Their clever Tea Discs make loose-leaf tea feel so much more accessible - not only are they a breeze to use but they're also a friendly option for the planet and have been thoughtfully crafted to bring you a really special tea experience.

Flavor & Experience: Cape Carousel No. 63 has a Tropical mango sweetness hits the spot, paired up with delicate citrus and floral notes that really make this tea pop. It's all built on a foundation of clean, smooth green rooibos, which lets the bright character shine. The result is a flavor that's uplifting, fruity, and just a bit sweet.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Take a teaspoon of Cape Carousel No. 63 and let its fruity aroma waft up. As it infuses, the tea turns a lovely light gold color, and the mango and florals start to bloom. It's like sipping a sunny day in a cup - smooth, sweet, and totally uplifting.

Brand Overview: Beach House Tea is a family-owned business in Washington state that is all about capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest in every single blend. They use only the freshest ingredients they can get their hands on, and it really shows in the quality of their loose-leaf teas.

Flavor & Experience: This tea combines the crunch of crisp apple with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, all over a rooibos base that's as comforting as a crackling fire. It's like stepping into a real apple orchard on a fall day - the aroma is cozy and inviting, and the flavor is all about balancing fruitiness with earthy sweetness.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Use a teaspoon of Apple Orchard Cider and let the spices unfurl into the rooibos base. As it warms up, the tea turns a deep amber color, and the apple and clove aromas really start to shine. And when you take a sip, it's like settling into a favorite armchair on a chilly afternoon - smooth, sweet, and utterly comforting.

Brand Overview: Somage is an Aussie company that has been around for over 15 years, and it really shows in their top-notch tea blends. They're all about sourcing the best botanicals and combining traditional techniques with modern innovation to create truly unique flavors.

Flavor & Experience: This tea is all about balance - smooth rooibos, soothing lavender, calming chamomile, and spicy ginger all mingle together in perfect harmony. The aroma is mellow and peaceful, and the flavor is rounded and comforting.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep a teaspoon of Herb Harmony and let the florals come alive. As it infuses, the liquor turns warm and softly aromatic, with a hint of rooibos at the base. And when you take a sip, it's like finding your happy place - smooth, peaceful, and utterly soothing.

Rooibos tea, also called red bush tea, has a rich history. For centuries, the Khoisan people in South Africa's Cederberg Mountains have harvested the aspalathus linearis plant, bruising and drying its leaves to make this nutritious drink.

South African rooibos tea is loved globally for its smooth, naturally sweet flavor and gentle, earthy aroma. The unique climate and mineral-rich soils bring out a rich quality in each cup. From a local herbal remedy, rooibos has become a worldwide staple, known for its smooth flavor, natural sweetness, and versatility.

Today, red bush tea symbolizes South African tradition, offering a delicious, caffeine-free drink that soothes the body and delights the taste buds.

Rooibos tea isn't just delicious; it's packed with antioxidants and shows promising early studies on how it interacts with our metabolism. It's a great addition to a balanced lifestyle and fun to drink after a meal due to its smooth, comforting taste.

Rooibos contains antioxidants that help the body combat everyday oxidative stress. Many enjoy it as a naturally caffeine-free drink fitting perfectly into a balanced routine. Plus, rooibos can be cold brewed and stored in the refrigerator, making it a refreshing and versatile drink for tea lovers worldwide—including those in China.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brewing rooibos tea just right is key to unlocking its full flavor and smooth, aromatic character. Whether you prefer tea bags or loose leaves, follow these simple steps for a super rich smooth cup every time.

Rooibos tea has a delightful smoothness and a naturally sweet taste that makes it just as appealing to newbies as it does to seasoned tea drinkers alike. Whether you're in the mood for a classic black tea, a zesty green tea, the traditional red rooibos, green rooibos for a refreshing twist, rich honeybush blends, or other rich flavors, the teas on this list are the standout options for the new year 2025.

Several of these choices come in loose leaf form - which is always a winner for anyone who wants the full, rich flavor and the ability to dial in a brewing method that's just right for them. And every single product shows off what makes rooibos so special - a soothing taste, a balanced aroma, and of course a complete lack of any caffeine.

Get stuck into the full rooibos range and find your new go-to cup, and if you need a nudge in the right direction choosing a new blend, the Taste of Tea crew are always here to lend a hand.