Lately we have been getting the question, “What is the natural flavoring in your tea?”
Yes, our teas are naturally flavored (and gluten-free), NOT artificially flavored. So then what is ‘natural flavoring’? Natural flavoring is used”… if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.” (http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm214868.htm) So what exactly does this mean? According to Title 21, Section 101, part 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the definition is:
‘”The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.“‘ (http://www.vegsource.com/articles/natural.flavors.htm)
This means that our teas that are all naturally flavored have natural flavors derived from organic materials, like oranges and spices that enhance and/or intensify the flavor of our flavored teas. S the next question that we get about our flavored teas is, “What are the flavors?” Since we do not flavor our teas, our suppliers do, we do not have access to the exact recipes that are use (a.k.a. they are protected as a Trade Secret). We can only tell our customers what we are told, like the Citrus Sunrise is an herbal tea with different citrus fruits, and what it tastes like to us (in the case of the Citrus Sunrise, bright and citrusy).
For more information about what a Trade Secret is, check out our upcoming blog on the subject!
CLICK HERE to shop for your flavored teas at Sereni-tea!
References:
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm214868.htm (Looked at on 1/29/2015 at 10:30 AM PST.)
http://www.vegsource.com/articles/natural.flavors.htm (Looked at on 1/29/2015 at 10:40 Am PST.)
