Cup of Confusion Cleared -FSSAI Clarifies Tea vs. Herbal Infusions

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a crucial clarification that reshapes how beverages are marketed in India’s booming wellness and lifestyle sector. In its December 24, 2025 notification, the regulator stated that only products derived from the Camellia sinensis plant—the traditional tea plant—can legally be labeled as “tea.”

What Qualifies as Tea

• Beverages such as black tea, green tea, Kangra tea, instant tea, and orthodox varieties all qualify under the definition of “tea.”
• These products are processed from leaves plucked from Camellia sinensis, a plant cultivated across India’s tea estates.

What Does Not Qualify

• Popular infusions marketed as “herbal tea,” “rooibos tea,” “flower tea,” or “fruit tea” do not meet the legal definition.
• FSSAI emphasized that labeling these products as “tea” amounts to misbranding under food safety law. Instead, they must be marketed as “herbal infusions” or “plant-based beverages.”

Why This Matters

• The clarification comes amid rapid growth in India’s wellness beverage market, where herbal blends are often promoted as healthier alternatives.
• Misuse of the term “tea” has created confusion among consumers, leading FSSAI to tighten rules to ensure transparency and fair trade practices.
• Industry experts believe this move will protect traditional tea producers while also encouraging innovation in herbal beverage branding.

Consumer Impact

• Shoppers may soon notice revised packaging on herbal and floral blends, with clearer labeling that distinguishes them from actual tea.
• This ensures consumers know whether they are buying true tea leaves or herbal infusions, helping them make informed choices.

Broader Context
India is one of the world’s largest tea producers, with Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas enjoying global recognition. By reinforcing the definition of tea, FSSAI aims to preserve authenticity, safeguard consumer interests, and maintain India’s reputation in the global tea market.

Sources:NDTV Food, Times of India, The Hindu, India Today