English breakfast tea and coffee are the go-to drinks for getting a caffeine fix and are often enjoyed with added sugar, milk or syrups.
It’s these very additives that can drive up the calorie count of a hot, or iced drink, but it’s a hard habit to break when they taste so good.
But by making one simple swap to herbal alternatives, it’s easy to satisfy those sweet hot drinks cravings without compromising on taste.
In fact, it lends itself to many more flavour options and the added benefit of improved wellness, as explained by Krisi Smith, co-founder and chief mixologist of Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, she said: “Tea makes a fantastic addition to any wellness routine, in January and beyond. Certain tea blends infuse soothing and nourishing ingredients that have been used to support health and well-being for thousands of years.”
Krisi continued: “There are so many blends to support overall and general wellness, providing a hit for aiding sleep and boosting energy, plus a tea can also curb a sweet tooth, providing the flavour for a sweet treat.”
When it comes to choosing the perfect tea blend to satisfy your needs or cravings, there’s no shortage of options.
But where well-being is concerned, the Bird & Blend co-founder suggested a few specific combinations to target different health concerns.
She suggested swapping an ordinary breakfast tea for herbal blends that actually target the cause of feeling tired, under the weather or generally lethargic.
Krisi said: “Customers suffering from IBS, digestion troubles and bloating should opt for a tea with a combination of ginger, fennel, ginseng and oolong to boost metabolisms and stimulate digestion.
“Or, for those needing to aid recovery or soothe symptoms of colds and flu, opting for a tea blended with echinacea and eucalyptus can help. Choosing a tea with aniseed, chilli and peppermint can support an upset stomach or help clear sinuses too.
These blends actively soothe the body rather than a hot, sweet breakfast tea that will simply provide a caffeine hit and short-term relief that comes with sipping on a hot drink.
Those searching for a sweet treat alternative can opt for something a bit more exciting from Bird & Blend’s “Sweet Treat Tea” range. From sweet shop-inspired flavours to biscuit teas, cake and chocolatey flavours, there’s something for whatever takes your fancy.
Chocolate Digestives, Birthday Cake, Rhubarb & Custard and Salted Caramel Chai are all worth trying, each made with a unique blend of black, green or rooibos tea as a base.
When it comes to coffee, Krisi suggested switching rich black blends for the unique green ingredient known as matcha. She said: “Matcha tea offers natural vitality without the jittery side effects (like coffee can induce) and is a unique and flavourful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
“It has just the right amount of caffeine that stimulates the mind and helps keep us alert, while its amino acid L-theanine creates a calming effect, resulting in focused energy ideal for carrying out several daily activities. Although matcha contains caffeine, your body will absorb it and release it slowly.”
She warned that while you can drink matcha at any time of the day, it’s best enjoyed in the morning or before physical activity when you need a quick boost of energy. Krisi continued: “To experience the full benefits of matcha for mindfulness and balance, it’s best to use approximately 3g of matcha powder, which is equivalent to half a level teaspoon.
“A really popular and recommended way to drink it is as a latte, with hot frothy milk to augment the smooth buttery and grassy flavour of matcha. Or, try it iced, topped with oat milk and a shot of vanilla, for example.”
