The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
Ready to Drink Tea in an Instant
Following on the heels of iced tea, it took over 40 years for instant tea and
ready-to-drink teas (RTD) to make their debut and become popular.

The taste for powdered instant tea didn't really catch on until the 1950's, and
even then it was a poor substitute for the real thing.  Even today it's still con-
sidered to be sort of like the kool-aid of teas.
Instant tea is made by brewing tea leaves
and removing the liquid.  Sugar and preserv-
atives are added, and sometimes flavorings,
such as lemon or berry flavor.  All you have
to do is add it to water, stir, and you've got
tea-sort of.

Another innovation that followed iced tea
was ready-to-drink (RTD) teas.  Realizing the
huge marketing potential, it didn't take long
for the soft drink manufacturers and tea
companies to join together to create ready
to drink tea-based products.

Available in cans and bottles, ready to drink
tea can be found in supermarkets, vending
machines, convenience stores, and every-
where in between.  Made with green tea,
black tea, and now white tea, RTD teas come
sweetened,
and unsweetened, flavored with lemon, peach, or berries, or un-
flavored, carbonated and non-carbonated.

Some taste of tea--others not so much, containing more sugar and
flavorings than actual tea.  Some tout health benefits and claim to
be all natural.

I have to admit that if I'm on the run, hot and thirsty, I'll reach for
a Snapple, sweetened, with lemon, or a bottle of Lipton sweetened
black tea with lemon, over a soft drink, and they're both pretty good.  So it comes down to a
matter of convenience rather than taste for me.  But I'm no snob about it.

My thoughts on instant or RTD tea is this;  if you like the taste and it's something you enjoy,
then go for it.  Like with all teas, it comes down to personal tastes and preferences.  If it tastes
good to you--then it's good.  Enjoy.




For information and to learn more about the tea, visit our other
pages:

The history behind iced tea and recipe for this summertime classic.
Learn the history behind iced tea and how a spur of the moment decision led to its   
creation, and the recipe for brewing up a glass or pot of this summertime classic.

What are the six main types of tea?
Learn about the six main types of tea, how
they are produced, and the different
processing methods that distinguish them
from one another.

How do I choose the right tea for me?
Buying loose leaf tea for the first time can
be confusing, but we've taken the work out
of it for you.  With lots of helpful tips
and information, we've turned confusing
into confident.

Organic teas aren't just good for you,
but Mother Earth, too.
Learn how organic teas are grown, and how
to ensure the tea you're buying is certified
organic by the country it was grown in.

Learn how to brew loose leaf tea.
Easy step by step instructions and a few helpful tips
will have you brewing the perfect cup or pot of tea
the first time, every time.

Learn how tea helps you to lose weight the healthy, natural way.
Drinking just three cups of tea a day not only helps you take off those
unwanted pounds, but also provides a powerhouse of other health benefits as
well.  

Make brewing tea a breeze with a few useful tools.
Brewing tea is an easy task, but with a few choice tools
and accessories, you can make it easier and even more
enjoyable.

Flavored Teas - Everyone's Favorite!
Satisfy your favorite cravings with a healthy,
low calorie cup of tea.  
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accessories, visit:
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Scented teas are a fragrant and refreshing treat for the taste buds.
Having been perfected by the Chinese many centuries ago, these delicate, refreshing, and relaxing teas
are not only tasty, but sport many health benefits as well.

So who is Earl Grey, anyway?
Earl Grey is probably the most recognizable of blended teas, but there are many other tasty blends that
make the perfect beginning or end to your day.

Learn where and how the beloved teapot began.
Nearly every home has a teapot--some that are used daily, and some decorative and beautiful to look
at.  Learn where and how the beloved teapot of today began its journey centuries ago.