FSSAI Herbal Tea Guidelines: What Is Tea and What Is Not
For years, anything steeped in hot water quietly earned the name tea. From tulsi and hibiscus to lemongrass and chamomile, we called them all herbal tea without a second thought. But recently, India’s food regulator stepped in to clear the confusion. And what it said has reshaped how we understand tea itself.
This article breaks down the real meaning behind FSSAI herbal tea guidelines — not in legal jargon, but in simple words every tea lover can understand.
Who Is FSSAI and Why Its Words Matter
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the official body responsible for food safety, standards, and labelling in India. When FSSAI defines a term, it becomes more than a suggestion — it becomes the rule.
And when it comes to tea, FSSAI is very precise.
FSSAI’s Definition of Tea (This Is the Key Point)
According to FSSAI regulations, the word “tea” can be used only for products made from one specific plant:
Camellia sinensis
This single plant gives us:
- Black tea
- Green tea
- White tea
- Oolong tea
- Orthodox tea
- Instant tea
If a product does not come from Camellia sinensis, it cannot legally be called tea — no matter how popular or healthy it is.
Why Herbal Tea Is Not Considered Tea by FSSAI
Herbal drinks are made using:
- Leaves like tulsi or mint
- Flowers like hibiscus or chamomile
- Roots like ginger or turmeric
- Seeds and spices like fennel or cardamom
None of these ingredients comes from the tea plant.
That’s why FSSAI clarified that herbal tea is a misleading term under food laws. From a legal and labelling point of view, these drinks fall into a completely different category.
This clarification is at the heart of the FSSAI herbal tea discussion.
What Should Herbal Tea Be Called Instead?
FSSAI does not ban herbal drinks. It only insists on honest labelling.
Approved and acceptable terms include:
- Herbal infusion
- Plant infusion
- Botanical infusion
- Herbal beverage
- Proprietary food (depending on formulation)
So your lemongrass or tulsi brew is still valid — it just shouldn’t be sold under the name tea.
Why Labelling Matters More Than We Think
Labelling isn’t just about rules. It’s about trust.
When consumers see the word tea, they expect:
- Tea leaves
- A certain taste profile
- Familiar caffeine behaviour
- Standardised quality
Herbal infusions behave very differently. Using the word tea for them creates confusion — and that’s exactly what FSSAI wants to avoid.
This is why the FSSAI herbal tea clarification focuses strongly on misbranding and consumer transparency.
Impact on Brands, Sellers, and Online Stores
The rule applies to:
- Tea and herbal brands
- Local manufacturers
- Importers and exporters
- Online marketplaces
Any product that doesn’t contain Camellia sinensis but uses the word tea on its label may face:
- Mandatory label changes
- Regulatory notices
- Penalties under food safety laws
That’s why many brands are now switching to the term “herbal infusion” quietly and responsibly.
What About Traditional Indian Herbal Drinks?
India has brewed herbs long before labels existed. Kadhas, kashayams, and flower infusions are deeply cultural.
FSSAI isn’t rejecting tradition.
It’s simply separating tradition from terminology.
Culture stays untouched.
Labels become honest.
Why This Clarity Is Actually Good for Tea Lovers
Clear definitions help:
- Protect the identity of real tea
- Maintain quality standards
- Reduce exaggerated health claims
- Build long-term consumer trust
Tea doesn’t need to borrow credibility from herbs.
Herbs don’t need to borrow the name of tea.
Both deserve respect — separately.
Final Thoughts: Tea Is Tea, Infusion Is Infusion
The message from FSSAI is simple and fair:
- Tea comes from Camellia sinensis
- Herbal drinks are infusions
- Names should reflect truth, not trends
Understanding FSSAI herbal tea rules helps us drink more mindfully — not just what feels good, but what’s honestly named.
And at the end of the day, whether it’s tea or an infusion, what matters is the pause it gives you.
One cup. One moment.
Also, read tea vs coffee, which is good?
