If you’re looking for a little chocolate to keep you in good spirits, a chocolate tea might be the perfect thing. These naturally sweet teas make the perfect cup whether you’re in the mood for a taste of decadent dessert, or are just looking for something sweet to treat yourself with. And with far fewer calories than real chocolate, they can be a guilt-free way to enjoy a little something special.
What is chocolate tea?
Chocolate has been used for thousands of years, both for its medicinal benefits as well as for its taste. Chocolate-infused drinks originated in Mesoamerica, where cacao was a commodity in high demand. Mayan, Aztec, and Olmec civilizations in Central and South America all grew, traded for, and consumed the highly sought after item.
In English, the word “chocolate” derives from the Nahuatl word xocolatl, which refers to the drink made by combining cacao and water. Chocolate was spread from the Americas to Europe, Asia, and Africa after European colonization and conquest. Today, whether consumed as a beverage or as a confection, chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world!
When people talk about chocolate tea, they’re usually referring to tea that has chocolate, cacoa nibs, or cocoa powder added to it for a rich, chocolate-y flavor. Chocolate teas can be made with true teas from the camellia sinensis plant, or added to herbal teas like rooibos or mate. Whether you’re looking for something sweet to perk you up in the morning or sip as you wind down at the end of the day, chocolate teas are rich, soothing, and hit the spot when you’re in the mood for something sweet!
Health benefits of chocolate teas
Teas made with cacao and chocolate have a wide variety of health benefits. Chocolate and cacao contain flavanols that help to protect the heart and lower blood pressure, making them a great choice for people trying to incorporate heart-healthy foods into their diet. Chocolate teas may also have positive effects on treating diabetes, reducing heart disease, and improving overall heart health.
Chocolate and cacao are also high in antioxidants, helping to reduce free radicals in the body, promoting cellular health and even helping to ward off certain types of cancer. While chocolate itself is calorically dense, chocolate teas can be a great way to enjoy the flavor of chocolate with far fewer calories.
Our chocolate teas
If you’re looking for a caffeinated cup, an herbal tea to end the day with, or are just looking for something sweet and tasty, we have a variety of chocolate teas to choose from that are sure to sate your sweet tooth and warm you from the inside out!
1. Coco Loco
This tasty brew includes black tea, shredded coconut, and cacao nibs for a sweet treat that’s sure to boost your spirits whenever you brew up a cup. Our Coco Loco tea is velvety-smooth and naturally sweet, with no added sugar or other sweeteners. Coco Loco contains a moderate amount of caffeine, so we recommend enjoying it in the morning if you’re sensitive to caffeine. This is a delicious, decadent tea that is as aromatic as it is downright tasty! Enjoy it on its own, or with a splash of milk and a dash of sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
2. Nutty Mocha Mate
Mate is an herb that’s grown in South America and is popular in countries like Chile and Argentina. While it does contain caffeine, many people experience the effects of the caffeine present in mate differently than they experience the caffeine in tea or coffee, reporting a sustained, uplifting effect that boosts concentration and mental acuity. Our Nutty Mocha Mate is a blend of toasted mate, dark chocolate chips, sunflower petals, and hazelnut that brews up into a rich, sweet cup full of chocolate-y goodness. If you’re a fan of all things mocha, this tea is sure to hit the spot!
3. Chocolate Mint Rooibos
This rooibos tea flavored with peppermint, cacao bean pieces, and calendula has the bright, sweet flavor of an after-dinner mint chocolate. Whether you’re looking to indulge in dessert without the calories, or are just in the mood for a sweet, soothing, caffeine-free cup, Chocolate Mint Rooibos is a popular chocolate tea that’s sure to brighten up your day. Rooibos, an herb that is primarily grown in South Africa, tastes somewhat similar to black tea but is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
4. Chocolate Strawberry
All the flavor of fresh strawberries dipped in decadent chocolate in one little cup! This blend of cocoa peel, strawberry, apple, rose hips, hibiscus, orange peel, and calendula is a sweet, slightly tart tea that’s sure to hit the spot when you’re craving a little sweetness in your life. In addition to all the health benefits of cocoa, a cup of Chocolate Strawberry also contains all of the benefits of hibiscus, a popular floral tea ingredient known for its high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C.
5. Chicory Chocolate Herbal Tea
Rich, dark, and energizing without the jitters, Chicory Chocolate is a roasty, toasty, and thoroughly cozy alternative to coffee. This herbal blend features chicory root, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and dandelion root. Delicious on its own, it's also great with a splash of milk!
FAQs
How do you make chocolate tea?
The exact preparation instructions for chocolate tea vary depending on the type of tea base. For black teas and herbal teas, we recommend preparing the tea with boiling water and infusing for about three to five minutes.
What is chocolate tea good for?
Cacao nibs have been shown to be high in antioxidants and good for heart health. Depending on the rest of the ingredients in a particular blend, loose leaf tea can also have a variety of other health benefits, like reducing inflammation or soothing sore throats.
Does chocolate tea have caffeine?
It depends on the blend of tea. Cacao nibs generally contain a very small amount of caffeine. If the tea blend has a black tea or mate base, the tea will contain additional caffeine.
