Herbal Tea vs Herbal Infusions: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever picked up a box of herbal tea, you’re not alone. For years, the term has been used across shelves, e‑commerce platforms, and café menus to describe everything from chamomile and tulsi to hibiscus and rooibos.

But here’s something many consumers don’t realise:

Not everything marketed as tea is actually tea.

In December, India’s food regulator FSSAI clarified a long‑standing distinction - only beverages made from and containing the camellia sinensis plan can be called as herbal tea.

 

So, What Is Tea, Really?

True tea comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis.

All traditional teas - Green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, matcha, hojicha, etc. 

- are made from the leaves of this single plant. What changes is how the leaves are grown, processed, oxidised, and brewed. These teas naturally contain compounds like caffeine, L‑theanine, and polyphenols, which contribute to their flavour profile and functional benefits. If it doesn’t come from Camellia sinensis, it isn’t technically tea.

What Are Herbal Infusions?

Herbal infusions (also known as botanical beverages or tisanes) are drinks made by steeping herbs, flowers, roots, spices, seeds, or fruits in hot water.

Examples include: chamomile, tulsi (holy basil), peppermint, hibiscus, rooibos, etc. 

Herbal infusions are naturally caffeine‑free and are often consumed for their calming, digestive, or wellness‑supporting properties.

They are wonderful in their own way - but they are not tea.

Why Has This Been Confusing for Consumers?

During our R&D journey at Dessoi, we noticed something interesting. A significant portion of products sold as herbal tea in the market did not contain any tea leaves at all. Instead, they were purely herbal infusions - often with a small asterisk on the back of the pack noting that the product does not actually contain tea.

While this information may technically be disclosed, it’s easy to miss:

• When shopping online

• On quick‑commerce platforms

• Or when the disclaimer is printed in very small text

For a consumer trying to make informed choices, this can feel confusing - and sometimes misleading.

Why Clear Labelling Matters

Food labels aren’t just regulatory requirements - they’re symbols of trust.

When a product is clearly labelled:

• Consumers know what they’re drinking

• Expectations around taste, caffeine, and function are set correctly

• People can choose products aligned with their lifestyle and health needs

Calling an herbal infusion what it actually is doesn’t reduce its value. If anything, it allows the product to stand confidently on its own merits.

 

Our Philosophy at Dessoi

At Dessoi, we’ve always believed that clarity builds credibility.

Whether it’s tea or an herbal infusion, we believe customers deserve to know exactly what’s in their cup - without decoding footnotes or asterisks.

Looking Ahead

As awareness grows and regulations evolve, we see this as a positive shift for the entire wellness space. Clearer definitions lead to better choices, better conversations, and ultimately, better products. And as a brand, that’s something we can all raise a cup to.