Pukka

Smell 5/5: Strong chamomile

Flavour 4/5: It kicks off with a strong chamomile punch and just when you think it’s all about chamomile, subtle earthy hints sneak in, giving the brew a cozy, grounded vibe. As you sip, you get a gentle chamomile aftertaste wrapped in a sweet whisper of manuka honey.

Colour: Bright amber

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

 Deposit: Yes

 Infused: 7 min

 Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Bags/herbal

Manufacturer's description: Delicious notes of chamomile flowers, sweetly lifted by hand-pollinated vanilla and manuka honey.

The tea has been approved by  Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Organisation, EU/Non-EU Agriculture and B Lab standards.

We blend only the finest organic herbs using a mastery of science and traditional wisdom, naturing both you and our traditional planet with every delicious sip. 

Ingredients – Chamomile flower (68.5%), fennel seed (sweet and bitter fennel seeds), licorice root (10% FairWild certified by dry weight), manuka honey flavour (3.5%), vanilla flavour (3.5%).

Manufacturer's advice: Use water boiled to 100˚ (210˚F) and leave the bag to soak between 5 – 15 minutes.

Storage: No description provided.

Wight (g): 32g

Price (£): 4.75/20 bags

Price per bag (£): 0.24

Price per 1kg (£): 237,50

Bags 4/5: Every single bag is wrapped into a paper sachet.

Package 5/5:  The box design is beautiful, warmly blue with chamomile and vanilla plant flowers on it.

Purchased: Tesco/Buttershaw/Bradford/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs LTD

Additional notes: Opening the box, the first thing that hits you is a delightful blend of vanilla and chamomile scents  —really inviting and soothing. The tea bags themselves are individually wrapped in sachets, which is neat and keeps things fresh, though I’ve seen brands like Greenfield and Ahmed Tea London take that care up a notch. Still, it’s a nice touch.

When brewing, the chamomile flavour is definitely strong and calming, but it tends to overshadow the subtle hints of vanilla that you’d expect from that initial aroma. There’s also a gentle aftertaste of manuka honey, which adds a touch of sweetness, but I found myself wishing the vanilla had a bit more presence to balance out the herbal punch. 

Warning: One thing that caught me off guard was the inclusion of liquorice in the mix. Now, liquorice isn’t just a flavour — it can impact health, especially for folks with high blood pressure. I was surprised there wasn’t a clear warning on the packaging, since it’s pretty important info for anyone managing hypertension. 

Also, there’s no guidance on how to store the tea properly. You’d think that would be a no-brainer, but a quick reminder on the box could really help keep things fresh and tasty for longer.

All in all, it’s a pleasant brew with a few small areas where the makers could step up their game, especially when it comes to transparency and flavour balance. 

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 28/12/24

COLD

Smell 5/5: This blend that brings together the cool zing of peppermint and the sweet, earthy charm of liquorice aromas.

Flavour 3/5: A cup of tea that greets your palate with a smooth, mild liquorice touch, gently mingling with subtle whispers of peppermint; eventually, a burst of peppermint sneaks in right at the finish, leaving behind a sweet, lingering aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more. Later,  your tongue picks up on a soft, tingling numbness that stands out from the usual brew. 

Colour: Bright amber

Tested (ml): 200ml cold water

Deposit: Yes

Infused (min): 10 min

HOT:

Colour: Bright amber, cloudy

Smell 4/5: This tea that greets you with a soft, refreshing peppermint aroma, mingling effortlessly with a subtle hint of sweet liquorice. 

Taste 3/5: . This blend combines the smooth, sweet notes of tender liquorice with a refreshing splash of peppermint, creating a flavour that’s both soothing and lively. As you sip, the gentle sweetness lingers longer than usual in your mouth in the aftertaste.

Infused (min): 5

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

Deposit: Yes

Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Infusion

Tea sold as: In bags

Manufacturer's description: A clean cooling blend of peppermint leaf and sweet licorice root – a soothing flavour for after mealtime. Together, they strike a gentle balance of taste: refreshing, comforting, and naturally delicious.

Peppermint hits the high notes, cool and crisp. Licorice root brings the bass, sweet and grounding, a treat for your taste buds.

Peppermint leaf is traditionally known to help maintain a normal digestive system.

Ingredients: Licorice (40%), peppermint (60%).

The tea has been accredited by the Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Association, EU/Non-EU Certification and Fair Wild Foundations.

Tea box – cardboard, sachet – paper, teabag – food waste.

Manufacturer's advice: Boil water to 100o C (210o F), infuse for 5 – 15 min. To enjoy cold, brew hot and cold. Serve over ice.

Enjoy at least 2 cups a day for optimum effect.

Drink as part of a balanced, varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

Warning: Contains licorice – people suffering from hypertension should avoid excessive consumption. Seek professional advice during pregnancy.

Storage: -

Weight (g): 30

Price (£): 2.99

Number of bags: 20

Price per bag (£): 0.15

Price per 1 kg (£): 99.67

Bags: 5/5

Design of the tea box: 5/5

Purchased: Lidl/Shelf/Cardedal/Halifax/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs

Additional notes: I found the hot version was not so enjoyable as I expected. That said, the flavours felt a bit on the light side — definitely not bold or punchy — and I really wished the taste was dialled up a notch to make it more memorable. When I tried it cold, the experience was a bit underwhelming again; the flavours seemed to hide until I warmed the tea in my mouth. The ice cubes clinking in the glass were honestly the most exciting part of the cold brew! It came across as a little watery for my liking, so if you prefer something with a stronger kick, you might want to stick with the hot cup.

One thing I appreciated was the brewing instructions right on the sachets, which made it easy to get things just right. 

However, I do think the packaging could use some improvement. The sachets are made from processed paper, which is eco-friendly, but I wish they were foil-lined to better protect the tea’s freshness over time. 

Also, there weren’t any storage tips included on the package, which feels like a missed opportunity since most brands include that kind of info. 

Comments about the tea description: Was there a cool and crisp flavour of peppermint? No, but it was pleasant

Was there a sweet and grounding flavour of liquorice? Yes, quite obvious

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 29/08/26

COLD

Smell 5/5: The aroma has a harmony of a gentle lemon and ginger aroma, 

Flavour 3/5: Watery, tender turmeric flavour with a mild spiciness lingering gently in the aftertaste, offering a subtle warmth.

Colour: White, bright yellow, cloudy

Tested (ml): 200ml cold water

Deposit: Yes

Infused (min): 10 min

HOT:

Colour: Golden, yellow, cloudy

Smell 5/5: It has a lemon aroma complemented by a mild ginger scent, creating a bright and subtly spicy fragrance that is both uplifting and gentle.

Taste 3/5: A spicy turmeric flavor with subtle sweet undertones, leaving a long-lasting spiciness balanced by delicate floral hints on the tongue. The sensation includes a gentle, pleasant numbness that enhances the overall tasting experience. 

Infused (min): 5

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Infusion

Tea sold as: In bags

Manufacturer's description: Ginger leads with bold, spicy warmth. Galangal joins from the same fiery family as ginger. Turmeric rounds off the blend.

Ginger root is traditionally known to help maintain a normal digestive system.

The tea has been accredited by the Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Association, EU/Non-EU Certification and Fair Wild Foundations.

Tea box – cardboard, sachet – paper, teabag – food waste.

Ingredients: Gangal root (21%), ginger root (62%), licorice root, turmeric root (4%).

Manufacturer's advice: Boil water to 100o C (210o F), infuse for 5 – 15 min. To enjoy cold, brew hot and cold. Serve over ice.

Enjoy at least 3 cups a day for optimum effect.

Drink as part of a balanced, varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

Storage: -

Weight (g): 36

Price (£): 2.99

Number of bags: 20

Price per bag (£): 0.15

Price per 1 kg (£): 83.06

Bags: 4/5

Design of the tea box: 5/5

Purchased: Lidl/Shelf/Cardedal/Halifax/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs

Additional notes: The hot version of the infusion was not impressive; the turmeric root dominated the flavor, leaving almost no space for lemon. 

Although it was a good infusion overall, but not to my taste.

The cold brew was worse than the hot brew, tasting much more watery than tea. I concluded I would never brew it cold with ice cubes. Instead, I recommend brewing it hot, letting it cool, then adding ice cubes. This longer process extracts flavours more efficiently and makes the brew more enjoyable.

I wish the sachets were made of foil for better product safety, protecting the tea from adverse weather conditions for longer.

Warning: The manufacturer did not mention possible side effects related to the liquorice root content. It’s important to note that people with hypertension (140/90 mmHg or higher) should avoid excessive consumption of liquorice and related teas due to potential side effects. Pregnant women should also seek specialist advice.

I appreciated that the brewing instructions were included on the sachets.

However, I could not find any storage instructions. While it may seem common sense, including this information on the package is standard practice among most manufacturers and would be helpful.

Comments about the tea description: Was there a bold, spicy warmth from ginger? Yes

Did turmeric round up the flavour of the blend? Yes, but too much.

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 31/08/26

Smell 5/5: greets you with a bright, zesty lemon scent, gently mingling with a smooth, sweet hint of liquorice. 

Flavour 4/5: This tea has a spicy edge that’s balanced out by a smooth hint of liquorice and the subtle sweetness of manuka honey. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, a bright, citrusy note sneaks in, giving your palate a refreshing little jolt. The best part? It leaves behind a soft, lingering warmth that’s comforting without overpowering your taste buds. 

Colour: Yellow, golden/white

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

Deposit: Yes

Infused (min): 5

Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Herbal infusion

Tea sold as: In bags

Manufacturer's description: Powerful Supreme matcha green, the spicy-sweet heat of lemon ginger and a touch of manuka honey; the freshness of three mints, and the floral sweetness of night time.

A cup to soothe the senses.

Ingredients: Ginger root (38%), lemongrass, lemon peel (15%), liquorice root, natural lemon flavouring (5%), natural manuka honey flavouring (2%).

The tea has been accredited by the Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Association, EU/Non-EU Certification and Fair Wild Foundations.

Tea box – cardboard, sachet – paper, teabag – food waste.

Manufacturer's advice: Boil water to 100o C (210o F), infuse for 5 – 15 min.

Storage: -

Weight (g): 29

Price (£): 2.99

Number of bags: 20

Price per bag (£): 0.15

Price per 1 kg (£): 103.10

Bags: 4/5

Design of the tea box: 5/5

Purchased: Lidl/Shelf/Cardedal/Halifax/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs

Additional notes: This tea offers a nicely balanced flavor that's generally quite enjoyable, with a gentle sweetness that’s a bit mysterious—it's hard to tell if it’s coming from the liquorice or the natural hint of manuka honey. I think it could be even better if the lemon and liquorice notes were dialled up a notch to give it a more vibrant, delicious kick. 

One thing I’d change is the packaging; using foil sachets would make the tea more resilient against weather conditions and keep it fresher for longer, which is always a plus.

I really appreciate that the sachets include clear brewing instructions and a quick taste description — that’s a thoughtful touch that makes brewing easier and more enjoyable.

Warning: I noticed the packaging doesn’t mention any potential side effects related to liquorice root. Since liquorice can affect blood pressure, especially for those with hypertension, it would be great if they included a heads-up for sensitive individuals. 

Also, while it’s common knowledge to store tea in a cool, dry place, having explicit storage instructions on the package would be helpful and more professional.

What stood out the most was the lovely little note inside the box about how herbs can support well-being and offer a peaceful moment during your tea time. Plus, their tips on relaxing your eyes and mind were a nice, calming bonus. 

Comments about the tea description: Was there a spicy-sweet heat of lemon and ginger? Note really, but very mildly.

Was there a touch of manuka honey flavour? Yes, but very gently.

Was it a cup to soothe the senses? Absolutely, yes.

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 01/09/26

Smell 4/5: Tender camomile

Flavour 5/5: It has a cosy floral hug, with delicate hints of chamomile and linden dancing lightly on your palate. It’s got this subtle, tender sweetness. What’s really cool about this brew is that slight iron undertone that adds a unique edge, balancing out the softness perfectly. After you finish your cup, there’s this unexpected but pleasant little numbness on your tongue.

Colour: Golden, cloudy

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

Deposit: Yes

Infused (min): 5

Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Herbal infusion

Tea sold as: In bags

Manufacturer's description: Powerful Supreme matcha green, the spicy-sweet heat of lemon ginger and a touch of manuka honey; the freshness of three mints, and the floral sweetness of night time.

Ingredients: Chamomile flower (18.1%), holy basil leaf, lavender flower (14%), linden flower, lime flower, liquorice root, oatmeal, valerian root (4.9).

The tea has been accredited by the Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Association, EU/Non-EU Certification and Fair Wild Foundations.

Tea box – cardboard, sachet – paper, teabag – food waste.

Manufacturer's advice: Boil water to 100o C (210o F), infuse for 5 – 15 min.

Storage: -

Weight (g): 29

Price (£): 2.99

Number of bags: 20

Price per bag (£): 0.15

Price per 1 kg (£): 103.10

Bags: 4/5

Design of the tea box: 5/5

Purchased: Lidl/Shelf/Cardedal/Halifax/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs

Additional notes: If you're on the lookout for a calming cup to wind down your evenings, this tea blend might just become your new favorite ritual. The mix of chamomile and linden flowers creates a gentle floral base that’s perfectly balanced by a hint of liquorice — not too strong, just soothing enough to help you relax without overpowering your senses. It’s genuinely a lovely nighttime companion.

One thing to note: the tea bags aren’t foil-wrapped, so they might be a bit vulnerable if exposed to humid or bad weather. A foil sachet would definitely help keep things fresh and safe for longer. 

On the bright side, the manufacturer thoughtfully includes brewing instructions right on the sachet, which is a nice touch that makes it easy to get that perfect cup every time.

Warning: While the blend is enjoyable, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The liquorice root in the mix means this tea isn’t for everyone — especially if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant. Liquorice can cause some unwanted effects if consumed too much, so moderation is key. Interestingly, the linden flower might help balance this out by gently lowering blood pressure, but it’s still wise to be cautious. Also, valerian root is part of the blend, which is usually safe short-term but can cause headaches or drowsiness if overdone.

One small downside is the lack of storage guidance on the packaging, which most teas usually have. Common sense says keep it cool and dry, but a little reminder would be appreciated. 

What really stood out, though, was the sweet note from the makers inside the box, encouraging you to take a moment to relax your eyes and mind while sipping. It’s a thoughtful little detail that adds to the overall calming experience this tea aims to provide. 

Comments about the tea description: Was there any floral sweetness flavour? Yes, lovely and enjoyable.

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 01/09/26

Smell 4/5: It had a delicate, mildly woody aroma.

Flavour 3/5: The tea presented an iron-like taste with a gentle bitterness that leaned toward unpleasant. It is followed by a woody aftertaste and a long-lasting dryness in the mouth, creating a complex but somewhat challenging sensory experience. 

Colour: Bright amber

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

Deposit: Yes

Infused (min): 5

Caffeine-free: No

Tea type: Herbal infusion

Tea sold as: In bags

Manufacturer's description: Powerful supreme matcha green, the spicy-sweet heat of lemon ginger and a touch of manuka honey; the freshness of three mints, and the floral sweetness of night time.

A supremely smooth blend of the finest green tea and matcha.

Ingredients: Green tea (98%), matcha (2%)

The tea has been accredited by the Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Association, EU/Non-EU Certification and Fair Wild Foundations.

Tea box – cardboard, sachet – paper, teabag – food waste.

Manufacturer's advice: Boil water to 100o C (210o F), infuse for 3 min.

Storage: -

Weight (g): 29

Price (£): 2.99

Number of bags: 20

Price per bag (£): 0.15

Price per 1 kg (£): 103.10

Bags: 4/5

Design of the tea box: 5/5

Purchased: Lidl/Shelf/Cardedal/Halifax/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs

Additional notes: This organic matcha tea is pretty straightforward— nothing groundbreaking in taste, pretty much on par with your typical green teas. 

I ended up brewing it with nearly boiling water, even though the packaging suggested otherwise. From my experience, green teas often come out better that way, so I went with my gut on that one. 

One thing I wish was different: the sachets aren’t foil-wrapped, which would do a better job at keeping the tea fresh and protected from moisture or other environmental factors for longer. 

On the plus side, the instructions printed right on the sachet were clear and easy to follow, plus they included a quick note on what kind of flavour or experience to expect. That was a nice touch.

In the box was a thoughtful little message about the herbal benefits of the tea and how it’s meant to offer a calming break, complete with some tips on relaxing your eyes and mind. I liked that — it felt personal and genuine. The only real miss was the lack of storage advice. Sure, it’s mostly common sense, but it’s always helpful when brands include that info, especially since lots of others do. 

Comments about the tea description: Was there any flavour of matcha green tea?

Was it a supremely smooth blend of the finest green tea and matcha? No, it had unpleasant bitterness

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 01/09/26

Smell 4/5: It greets you with a gentle, mild peppermint aroma that’s never overpowering, soothing and refreshing without trying too hard. 

Flavour 4/5: A subtle iron-rich depth that grounds your senses, then gently unfolding into a soothing peppermint coolness. Just when you think it’s done, a soft, sweet aftertaste lingers, wrapping up the experience with a tender, comforting finish.

Colour: Dark amber

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

Deposit: Yes

Infused (min): 5

Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Herbal infusion

Tea sold as: In bags

Manufacturer's description: Powerful Supreme matcha green, the spicy-sweet heat of lemon ginger and a touch of manuka honey; the freshness of three mints, and the floral sweetness of night time.

Purely spearmint, peppermint and field mint.

Ingredients: Field mint leaf (16%), peppermint leaf (45%), spearmint leaf (39%)

The tea has been accredited by the Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Association, EU/Non-EU Certification and Fair Wild Foundations.

Tea box – cardboard, sachet – paper, teabag – food waste.

Manufacturer's advice: Boil water to 100o C (210o F), infuse for 5 – 15 min.

Storage: -

Weight (g): 29

Price (£): 2.99

Number of bags: 20

Price per bag (£): 0.15

Price per 1 kg (£): 103.10

Bags: 4/5

Design of the tea box: 5/5

Purchased: Lidl/Shelf/Cardedal/Halifax/England

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs

Additional notes: This three-mint tea blend surprised me with its warm, cozy flavor rather than the usual cooling sensation you might expect. What really stood out was the gentle, lingering sweetness that slowly unfolded with every sip —definitely the highlight of the experience.  

I also appreciated the thoughtful note inside the box, where the maker shared some cool insights about the health perks of the herbs and even offered tips to help relax your eyes and mind while you enjoy your cup. 

That said, I do wish the tea bags were wrapped in foil instead of just paper. It would make the tea more protected from humidity and weather, keeping it fresher for longer. 

Also, there weren’t any storage instructions on the package, which seems like a small but important detail. Most brands include that info, so it would be great to see it added here for clarity.

Comments about the tea description: Was there freshness of three mints? Very considerate, not a lot.

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 01/09/26

Smell 4/5: Tender cinnamon

Flavour 5/5: a cup of tea that wraps you in a warm hug of vanilla sweetness, perfectly balanced with a kick of ginger and a sprinkle of cinnamon. There’s also a subtle hint of liquorice that adds a little twist, making each sip a delightful surprise. After you drink it, you’ll notice a gentle, almost teasing burn at the tip of your tongue — like a tiny spark that keeps things interesting without overpowering. 

 Colour 4/5: Cloudy, bright amber

Tested (ml): 200ml hot water

 Deposit: Yes

 Infused: 10 min

 Caffeine-free: Yes

Tea type: Bags

Manufacturer's description: A caffeine-free lift flushed with cinnamon warmth. Gorgeous organic chai spices, laced with the sultry sweetness of vanilla. Dusky tones blended expertly with five other herbs for the perfect caffeine-free lift. It is a caffeine-free burst of chi spices. The ultimate naturally sweet treat for yourself.

The tea has been approved by  Kosher Certification, Organic Soil Organisation, EU/Non-EU Agriculture and B Lab standards.

A few ingredients – cardamom pod (5%), cinnamon bark (40%), ginger root (20%), licorice root, sweet fennel seeds, vanilla flavour (5%).

Manufacturer's advice: Use water boiled to 100˚ (210˚F) and leave the bag to soak between 5 – 15 minutes.

Storage: No description given.

 Price (£): 4.75/20 bags

Price per bag (£): 0.27

Price per 1kg (£): 118.75

Weight: 40g

Bags: These tea bags come wrapped in simple little sachets colored in a mix of burgundy and brown, giving off a cosy, earthy vibe. Each bag is tied with a string that ends in a neat tag—pretty classic and straightforward. It’s nice to see that the manufacturer keeps things minimal by using plain paper for the wrappers. While that simplicity has its charm, it does make you wonder if the bags can really stand up to moisture or stay fresh for long. Considering the premium price tag that brands like Pukka put on their teas, it feels a bit surprising they don’t invest in sturdier packaging. Still, if you’re into a no-frills, natural look, these sachets definitely hit that note. 

Class 1 – Greenfield

Class 2 – Yoga Tea

Class 3 - Pukka

Package 5/5: This tea comes in packaging adorned with charming vanilla flowers, giving it a fresh and cozy vibe that makes your tea time feel a little more special. 

Purchased: Tesco/Kings Cross/Halifax

Manufacturer: Pukka Herbs/packed in the UK

Additional notes: Right when I opened the box, a strong, inviting aroma hit me — it was pretty impressive. Tearing open the sachet, the scent of cinnamon immediately took me back to cosy Christmas mornings, which was a lovely surprise. 

Warning: What caught me off guard, though, was that the packaging didn’t mention anything about liquorice root and its side effects. If you have high blood pressure (think 140/90 or above), it’s probably a good idea to go easy on this one. Also, pregnant women should seek advice from their GP.

Another thing that felt a bit odd was the complete silence on how to store the tea. Sure, most people probably know to keep it somewhere cool and dry, but I’ve seen other brands mention it just as a helpful reminder. 

Also, I found it pretty interesting that the brewing time recommended is anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes—that’s quite a range! 

Despite those little quirks, I genuinely enjoyed every sip. The blend is well-crafted, and you can tell the makers put real care into it. Definitely a tea worth trying if you like a warm, cinnamon-spiced cup. 

Donated: During our workshop sessions at Kings Cross Library in Halifax, England, Gaia Holmes kindly received a donation of some lovely tea. It wasn’t just about having a drink—it was about giving everyone in the class a little moment to pause, relax, and recharge between all the learning and creative work. Sharing this tea became a simple way to bring everyone together, turning breaks into something a bit more special and cosy. 

Tested: Bradford/England

Date: 04/06/24