Zevia

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Zevia Earl Grey Tea Blood Orange is a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product prides itself on using non-GMO ingredients, a positive aspect for consumers looking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their diet.

The tea is brewed from fair trade black tea leaves, ensuring that the sourcing of the tea supports better trading conditions and promotes sustainable farming practices. The use of purified water in the brewing process is another beneficial feature, as it suggests a commitment to purity and quality in the product.

However, the absence of organic certification results in a less favorable view of the product, as organic ingredients are often preferred by health-conscious consumers. The inclusion of stevia leaf extract as a sweetener is a point of contention. While stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that provides a sugar-free alternative, its categorization as an added sugar in this scoring system reflects a preference for products without sweeteners of any kind.

The presence of natural flavors and citric acid raises some concerns. “Natural flavors” is a broad term that can encompass a variety of substances, and without additional transparency, it is difficult to assess the health impact fully. Citric acid, commonly used for flavoring and preserving, is also scrutinized, although it is naturally occurring in citrus fruits.

The Zevia Earl Grey Tea Blood Orange’s score reflects a balance between its commendable features, such as fair trade black tea and non-GMO ingredients, and the deductions for not being organic and including ingredients like stevia and natural flavors. While this product may be suitable for those looking to avoid added sugars and GMOs, it falls short of the highest standards set by some health-conscious consumers who prioritize organic ingredients and minimal processing.