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The herbal tea aisle looks more like a health and wellness centre than a section of the supermarket these days. The manufacturers would like us to think these drinks can do us good - a lot of good. With the global market for caffeine-free hot drinks predicted to be worth £3.3 billion by 2025, the world’s food and drink giants have joined the herbal tea charge.
Industry analysts report that new flavours with ‘mildly stimulating effects and medicinal properties’ are driving the trend. Blends of different herbs offering ‘multiple health benefits’ are the most sought after, followed by ginger, camomile and cinnamon. Infusions designed specifically with the wellbeing of women in mind are also on the rise.
The boom is supported by wellness websites and blogs saying that the antioxidants in herbal teas - substances that can help protect the body against disease - make them the healthiest hot drink choice. “The benefits of herbal tea might convince you to quit coffee: everything from your skin to your stress levels can improve”, states one. Another says: “Get glowing skin with these herbal teas”.