The Tao of Tea Rooibos Tea Loose Leaf

When brewed properly, this rooibos has a medium-bodied profile with earthy and floral notes, plus natural hints of caramel and honey. Some describe it as similar to black tea but naturally caffeine-free. That said, about a third of reviewers found it bland or lacking flavor, so brewing technique really matters here—steeping time and water temperature can make or break the taste.

There's a real consistency issue with this product. Some batches arrive wonderfully fresh with robust flavor, while others seem stale or inferior quality right out of the tin. The packaging has also been inconsistent—some get the traditional tin, others receive a cardboard tube—which might affect freshness. If you get a good batch and brew it correctly, the taste can be excellent, but it's a bit of a gamble.

Here's a heads up: the leaves are very finely ground, and multiple reviewers mention they escape through standard strainers and mesh infusers, leaving sediment in your cup. You'll likely need a fine-mesh strainer, paper filter, or be prepared to deal with some floaties. It's not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to plan for.

This rooibos actually works really well with additions—reviewers have had success enhancing it with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices. If you're someone who likes to experiment and blend teas, this is actually a strength. The medium-intensity base won't overpower your additions, and the natural caramel and honey notes complement sweeteners nicely.

This is better for advanced tea drinkers rather than beginners. If you appreciate nuanced earthy and floral notes, enjoy blending teas, and have the patience to dial in brewing parameters, you'll likely get good results. It's also great if you want a caffeine-free option that's more complex than typical herbal teas. However, if you want a foolproof, consistent product that tastes great right out of the box every time, this might frustrate you.

At its price point, some reviewers do consider it good value when you get a fresh batch. You're getting 4 ounces of loose leaf, which makes many cups. But the inconsistency—both in packaging and product freshness—means you're taking a risk. If you're okay with potentially needing to return a bad batch and are willing to work with the fine grind issue, the good batches offer decent value for a quality rooibos.