The convenience of tea in a can, right? But, how good can tea be when put into a can, sealed, and waiting for us to consume it? While the convenience of tea in a can is appealing, canned teas contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients. Which ones are best and which ones should we leave on the shelf? Can teas have any benefits? There are ways to find out canned teas that you can always trust.
There are many different tea varieties in a can. There are as many varieties as we have in dry-leaf teas. The possibilities are endless. I have my favorites and they are not always the healthiest of choices, but you can splurge now and again.
Some of the most popular brands of teas are:
- Arizona
- Snapple
- Lipton
Nestea REAL BREWED TEA: Arizona's Green Tea is a premium blend of green tea, with just the right amount of ginseng, honey, and cane sugar.
My favorites may not be as popular but they are just as good, if not better (read those ingredients)
- Tejava
- Honest
- Peace Tea
- White Claw
- Liquid Death
Liquid Death – Armless Palmer 
When I talk about teas in a can I also want to include those that are in a bottle? Is there a difference between tea in a can and tea in a bottle? There is but I want to learn about it just as much as you do. Let’s explore the possibilities of tea in a container, can, or glass jar.
Tea in a can. We are talking about tea or herbal teas that are served in a can. It’s convenient and easy. For on-the-go traveling, trips to the beach, or even just hauling the kids around for soccer practice. But, canned tea also comes with ingredients we may not want to be consuming. One of my favorites is Natural Flavors.
Want to know more about “Natural Flavors” Click HERE
- 100MG of natural caffeine
- No added preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial sweeteners
- Certified USDA Organic
- Clean panel
History of Tea in a Container
Where did it all begin and whose bright idea was it to take our tea from our cups and process it into a can or jar?
The history of processed tea in containers does not date back long. Around the middle of the 20th century is when it began. Because the idea came to fruition or because the industry was capable of completing the task. But the era had come for fast food and convenience and the idea was born. Tea in a can, to go.
The first canned tea came from Japan and was called Oronamin C. Oronamin C was made by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical company. It was very different from the canned tea of today. It was marketed as healthy containing healthy ingredients like minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. It also boosted energy. Perhaps, the first “energy drink”. I joke.
It did take some time to catch on. In a few years, about 20. In 1980, ready-to-go tea in containers hit the streets. In Japan, some brands became available. Those brands were:
- Kirin
- Suntory
- And a familiar name:
- Coca-Cola
These teas were a little different. They were sweetened and flavorful. They were then put into vending machines and made more available.
It’s now the 1990’s and ready-to-go teas have spread to Europe and North America. The world is now enjoying readied-to-go teas in a can. They are everywhere and different brands are showing up. The people love the ease and well as taste.
Today, the industry is worth billions of dollars with a lot of brands and flavors. Ready-to-go tea is available in supermarkets, stores, and even online.
More recent are ready-to-go teas in glass containers. Sold in glass bottles and vacuum sealed. Unlike aluminum cans, the tea in glass containers is see-through and more aesthetic to the eye. The taste is different also. Now you can see what’s in your container and still have the convenience of ready-to-go tea.
You can have tea anywhere, take it to the park, to the game, shopping, or even that long car ride. Ready-to-go tea in a can or a glass jar. Convenience.
- USDA organic
- Certified vegan
- Made with fair trade ingredients
- Made with natural fruit flavors; Non-GMO
- 80 calories per serving
Benefits Of Tea In A Can
The number one advantage of tea in a can or tea in a container is convenience. It’s simple and easy.
You have to read those labels to make sure you are getting the most out of your tea experience. Tea is a healthy drink. Yet pre-made teas while all teas in a can are not the same and some may contain ingredients that are not the best.
Antioxidant properties: Tea contains antioxidants this help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage done to cells.
Improved heart health: Tea can help reduce cholesterol and improve the function of your blood vessels.
Certain Diseases: Tea may also help with certain diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, cancers, and some neurodegenerative diseases.
Hydration – Tea in a can is good for hydration next to drinking water.
**It’s worth noting that the health benefits of tea can vary depending on the type and preparation of the tea. Individual factors such as age, gender, and health status as well. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Now moving on to those glass containers. Glass containers with tea do happen to have a higher health benefit perception compared to tea in a can. This goes back to the 1960s and 70s when aluminum was discovered to be unhealthy. Today’s cans are made with safer metals and lined with BPA-free material. (At least this is what we’re told).
The Disadvantage of Tea In A Can
Keeping it cold – is always an issue. Tea in a can does not have ice in it and you can’t freeze it (it expands, don’t try it). You can carry a cooler but then the convenience sort of flies out the window.
Sugars – Tea in a can could contain an excessive amount of sugar.
Artificial sweeteners – Some tea in a can could contain artificial sweeteners that could disrupt your digestive system.
Artificial flavors – sometimes disguised as “natural” flavors. My biggest pet peeve. Read more about artificial flavors here.
88888 artificial flavors posted here
Caffeine – depending on how sensitive you are to caffeine. Tea in a can may be something you have to drink with caution. The excessive amount of caffeine may cause jitters, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and headaches.
Medications – As with anything you partake of make sure that the ingredients will not counter your medications.
BPA – The main fallback with tea in a can is that the can is lined with a material, most likely to save the drink from aluminum. But, the liner can contain BPA bisphenol-A a chemical that can pose serious health risks.
Some of the negative ingredients used in canned teas are:
The not-so-good news is that you do need some sort of preservative for your tea in a can. But which one is best? That is an individual choice. This should be done by educating yourself on those ingredients.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Ascorbic acid is a natural preservative that’s used in canned tea. It acts as an antioxidant and helps to prevent the oxidation of the tea, which can cause it to spoil.
Citric Acid: Citric acid is another natural preservative. It’s used in canned tea. It acts as a flavor enhancer and helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Potassium Sorbate: Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative. That is used in canned tea. It helps to prevent the growth of yeast, mold, and bacteria, which can cause the tea to spoil.
Sodium Benzoate: Sodium Benzoate is another synthetic preservative. That is used in canned tea. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which can cause the tea to spoil.
Some of the best choices for tea in a can are:
Ito En Oi Ocha Green Tea: This canned green tea is made from 100% Japanese green tea leaves. It is free of added colors, flavors, and sweeteners. It’s also rich in antioxidants and has a refreshing taste.
Tejava
Harney & Sons Organic
Steaz Organic Lightly Sweetened Green Tea: This canned green tea is lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar. It has only 50 calories per can. It’s also made with fair trade, organic ingredients. It is certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free.
Honest Tea Organic Peach Tea: This canned tea is made with real organic peaches. It is lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar. It contains only 70 calories per can and is certified organic and Fair Trade.
And finally, the one I can’t wait to try is Liquid Death Iced Black Sweet Tea! If you find it before me, let me know what you think!
Conclusion
The best way to drink tea is of course loose leaf, brewed in your cup and enjoyed. But not everyone has the time or circumstances to enjoy tea that way. Then you turn to the convenient tea in a can or tea in a glass bottle. Either one is still a good alternative when tea is the choice. The health benefits are still there as long as you read that label and are sure that is what you are getting. Good healthy tea in a can.
