Rooibos, often called red tea, comes from a shrub grown only in the Cederberg region of South Africa. It is naturally caffeine-free, smooth and slightly sweet with no bitterness — delicious plain, with milk or in creamy flavored blends.
Rooibos Tea
Total items: 23
Rooibos tea guide
Rooibos comes from a South African bush and is naturally caffeine-free, so it suits any time of day. Rooibos Pure is the classic red rooibos: sweet, nutty, with a hint of honey, and it takes milk well, much like a builder’s tea without the caffeine. Green Rooibos is unoxidised, lighter and more grassy.
Flavoured rooibos makes a good dessert cup: Caramel Latte Rooibos for a creamy treat, Rooibos Vanilla Guava and Tropical Escape for fruit, and Sleepy Nights as a calm evening blend.
Rooibos is forgiving: use 2–3 g per 240 ml with boiling water and steep 5–7 minutes. It does not turn bitter. More caffeine-free options are in our herbal teas. Free UK shipping is available.
Compare at a glance
| Tea | Taste | Milk? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooibos Pure | Sweet, nutty, honey | Yes | Caffeine-free “builder’s” |
| Green Rooibos | Light, grassy | No | Lighter cup |
| Caramel Latte Rooibos | Caramel, creamy | Yes | Dessert cup |
| Rooibos Vanilla Guava | Vanilla, tropical | Optional | Iced or hot |
| Sleepy Nights | Soft, herbal | No | Evening |
| Roman Province | Fruity, floral | No | Afternoon |
Rooibos tea FAQ
Does rooibos have caffeine?
No. Rooibos is not from the tea plant, so it is naturally caffeine-free and a popular choice for any time of day, including the evening.
How do I brew rooibos?
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 250 ml cup and boiling water. Steep 5 to 7 minutes. Rooibos does not turn bitter, so a longer steep simply gives a fuller, sweeter cup.
Can I drink rooibos with milk?
Yes. Rooibos takes milk and honey very well, and it makes an excellent caffeine-free latte. Brew it strong, then add warm milk.
What is the difference between red and green rooibos?
Red rooibos is oxidised after harvest, which gives the familiar red colour and sweet, woody taste. Green rooibos skips oxidation, so it is lighter, more herbal and slightly grassy.
How do you drink rooibos tea?
Drink it plain, with milk and honey, or iced. Steep with boiling water for 5–7 minutes; it won't turn bitter if you steep it longer.
What does rooibos taste like?
Rooibos is naturally sweet, smooth and nutty, with hints of honey and vanilla. It is low in tannins, so it is never astringent.