6 Philly-Based Healthy Tea Brands to Start Sipping Now
These locally crafted teas are designed with wellness in mind, from supporting gut health to offering all kinds of antioxidants.
These healthy tea brands are all made in the Philly area. / Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
Philly’s tea scene has moved beyond the everyday bag-in-cup experience to more wellness-focused selections. Whether you’re in need of gut health support or something to naturally lull you to sleep, these six local tea trailblazers bring innovative twists to a mug near you.
For Gut Health … Halfday
The brainchild of two Rowan grads, these green and black teas — in flavors like peach, raspberry, and honey with ginseng — pack eight grams of prebiotic fiber to help regulate your digestive system and feed the good bacteria in your gut.
For All-Natural Goodness … Reveal Avocado Seed Brew
When a pair of Drexel Food Lab scientists realized most antioxidant-rich avocado seeds end up in landfills, they developed this tea-like brew made from upcycled avocado seeds. The line has digestive health benefits similar to kombucha, no added sugar, and three times more antioxidants than green tea.
For Holistic Health … Dope Botanicals
It’s no secret we love this “a‘plant’ecary” started by sisters Taahirah and Nakia Stith. At their Rittenhouse shop, find teas, tonics, smoothies, and the like made from organic and ethically foraged herbs that aim to help a variety of issues — from pain management to sleep disruption to hormonal health.
For a Mood Boost … Craft Tea
Mount Airy’s Mike O’Brien, a self-proclaimed “mad tea scientist,” serves up loose-leafs with outside-the-box flavor combos. (Think: licorice and marshmallow root or lemongrass, catnip leaf and butterfly pea flowers.) For a total chill-out vibe, each blend even comes with a suggested vinyl pairing so you can match your mood to music.
For Sleep Support … Ayoka Apothecary
One of our staffers uses Ayoka Apothecary’s lavender green tea “Soothe” as her pre-bedtime tea. (No wonder: Lavender is reported to be a natural relaxant and anxiety-reducer.) Other calming loose-leafs from Ayoka include “Ade” made from chamomile and orange peel, “Peace” with peppermint and lemon, and “Third Eye” featuring hibiscus and jasmine.
For Self-Care Staples … Terra Luna
Terra Luna’s tea blends (and skin-care products!) are not only made with ingredients from their plot on a West Kensington farm, but run the self-care gamut. Feeling sluggish? Try the “Flow” tea, good for lymphatic system support. Have nausea or tummy troubles? Steep the “Relief” blend which can help with bloating, improve digestion, and curb queasiness.
