Is Sugar in Tea Bad for Weight Loss? Navigating Sweet Sips for a Healthier You

Introduction

For many of us, a warm, comforting cup of tea is a cherished ritual—a moment of calm in a busy day, a soothing end to an evening, or a refreshing pick-me-up. It's often viewed as a wholesome choice, a staple in wellness routines. But what happens when that seemingly innocent spoonful (or two, or three) of sugar makes its way into your mug? Or what about the hidden sugars lurking in your favorite bottled iced tea? The question "is sugar in tea bad for weight loss?" isn't just about empty calories; it delves into how our bodies process sugar, its impact on our metabolism, and the delicate balance of our gut health.

At Bala Health, we’re dedicated to cutting through the noise and misinformation to provide clear, science-backed insights that empower you to make informed decisions about your well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the often-overlooked connection between added sugar in tea and your weight loss journey. We'll uncover how different forms of tea can either support or hinder your goals, provide practical strategies for enjoying your brew more healthily, and highlight how a holistic approach, starting with a healthy gut, is foundational for sustainable wellness. Our mission is to help you feel better from the inside out with clean, functional solutions that actually work, and that includes understanding the seemingly small choices that can make a big difference.

The Sweet Truth: Understanding Sugar's Impact on Weight Loss

The allure of sugar is powerful, but its effects on our bodies, especially when it comes to weight management, are far more complex than simple calorie counting. While a cup of tea, in its purest form, can be a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle, the added sugars often accompanying it can profoundly disrupt our metabolic balance and derail weight loss efforts.

Beyond Empty Calories: How Sugar Affects Your Body

When we talk about sugar in the context of weight loss, it’s crucial to understand that not all calories are created equal. Sugar, particularly refined added sugar, is often referred to as "empty calories" because it provides a quick burst of energy without offering essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber.

One of sugar's most insidious effects, especially in liquid form like sweetened tea, is its impact on satiety. Unlike solid foods, sugary beverages often don't register with our brains in the same way, meaning they don't contribute to feelings of fullness. You might drink a large, sweetened iced tea and still feel hungry shortly after, leading you to consume additional calories on top of your normal intake. This phenomenon is a major contributor to overconsumption and, subsequently, weight gain. Imagine a busy professional who grabs a large, sweetened coffee or tea on their morning commute. It might seem like a quick energy boost, but by lunchtime, they're often ravenous because those liquid calories didn't provide lasting satisfaction. This cycle can make achieving weight loss goals incredibly challenging.

Moreover, sugar significantly impacts our blood sugar levels. When you consume sugary drinks, your body rapidly absorbs the sugar, leading to a sharp spike in blood glucose. In response, your pancreas releases insulin to transport this sugar into your cells for energy. However, frequent and excessive sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance over time, where your cells become less responsive to insulin. This can result in your body storing more fat, particularly around the abdomen, and contribute to chronic conditions. These blood sugar rollercoasters also cause energy crashes and intense cravings, creating a vicious cycle that makes healthy food choices difficult.

The science is clear: consuming too many foods and drinks high in sugar, refined carbs, or fat without beneficial nutrients can add extra calories without supporting your body’s needs. These habits can make weight loss a constant uphill battle. If you're ready to tackle sugar cravings and find your personalized path, we encourage you to take our 3-minute Weight-Loss Quiz. It's a powerful tool to help you understand your body better and kick-start your transformation.

The Gut-Weight Connection: Why Your Microbiome Matters

Beyond calorie intake and blood sugar regulation, there's another critical player in the weight loss equation: your gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract plays a profound role in nearly every aspect of your health, including metabolism, nutrient absorption, immunity, and even mood.

A balanced gut microbiome, rich in diverse beneficial bacteria, helps your body extract nutrients from food, synthesize vitamins, and maintain a healthy immune response. Conversely, an imbalance—known as dysbiosis—can contribute to inflammation, impaired metabolism, and increased fat storage, making weight loss significantly more difficult. What does this have to do with sugar? Consuming excessive amounts of sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your gut, allowing them to flourish at the expense of beneficial strains. This disruption can trigger systemic inflammation and negatively influence your body’s ability to manage weight effectively. For the busy professional struggling not only with afternoon brain fog but also digestive discomfort like bloating, supporting the gut-brain axis through a healthy microbiome can be a game-changer for energy levels and a leaner physique.

At Bala Health, we believe that feeling better truly starts from the inside out. Our mission is to provide clean-label, trustworthy formulas that deliver real results, and we know that a healthy gut is foundational to this. That’s why our potent 2-in-1 Pre+Probiotic formula is designed to support a thriving gut environment. We’ve meticulously crafted it with 10 clinically studied strains and 50 Billion CFU, combined with prebiotics, to help nourish your beneficial bacteria and support digestive balance. Our science-first approach means we use only clinically validated ingredients and doses backed by real research, ensuring you get what works, with no fluff or gimmicks. This transparency is central to who we are, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.

Tea's Dual Nature: When Your Brew Helps or Harms

Tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, is globally revered for its rich flavor and potential health benefits. However, its impact on your weight loss journey can vary dramatically depending on how you prepare and consume it.

Unsweetened Tea: A Wellness Ally

When enjoyed without added sugars, syrups, or excessive cream, tea can indeed be a powerful ally in your wellness journey. Different types of tea—green, black, oolong, and various herbal infusions—offer unique benefits:

• Green Tea: Known for its high concentration of catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea has been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties and potential to support metabolism and fat burning. EGCG is thought to work by boosting thermogenesis and inhibiting certain enzymes that break down norepinephrine, a hormone that signals the body to burn fat.
• Black Tea: The most widely consumed tea globally, black tea undergoes more oxidation than green tea, resulting in the formation of beneficial polyphenols like theaflavins and thearubigins. While its EGCG content is lower, black tea still offers antioxidants and can contribute to overall health. Studies have shown an inverse association between hot black tea consumption and markers for metabolic syndrome, including lower BMI and waist circumference, in populations where it's regularly consumed in its natural form.
• Oolong Tea: This semi-oxidized tea falls between green and black tea in terms of processing and boasts a unique profile of polyphenols. Research suggests oolong tea may also aid in fat oxidation and metabolism.
• Herbal Teas: While not technically from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal infusions like peppermint, ginger, chamomile, and rooibos offer a range of benefits without caffeine (in most cases) and are naturally calorie-free and sugar-free. They can aid digestion, reduce stress, and provide hydration, all of which indirectly support weight management.

The key takeaway from numerous studies, including large-scale analyses, is that hot, unsweetened tea consumption is often inversely associated with markers of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This means tea consumers tend to have lower mean waist circumference and lower BMI compared to non-consumers, after accounting for various lifestyle factors. This is largely attributed to the beneficial polyphenolic compounds and natural metabolism-boosting properties of tea, coupled with the absence of added sugars. The simple act of choosing unsweetened tea supports hydration, provides antioxidants, and can be a soothing, calorie-free part of your daily routine.

The Hidden Trap: Sugar and Additives in Tea

While unsweetened tea shines as a healthy beverage, its sweetened counterparts tell a very different story. The "hidden trap" lies in the vast array of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and calorie-dense additives that transform a healthy drink into a sugar bomb.

Consider the popular options you find in coffee shops or grocery aisles:

• Sweetened Iced Teas: Many commercially bottled iced teas are laden with sugar, often rivaling or even exceeding the sugar content of sodas. These liquid calories don't provide satiety, meaning you're consuming a significant amount of sugar without feeling full, leading to an easy surplus of calories.
• Flavored Lattes and Tea-Based Drinks: A chai latte, matcha latte, or other specialty tea drinks, especially from cafes, often come with generous pumps of sugary syrups and full-fat milk or cream. A single "venti" sweetened tea latte can easily pack hundreds of calories and dozens of grams of sugar, equivalent to multiple candy bars.
• Traditional Brews with Excessive Additions: Even homemade tea can become a sugar trap if you consistently add several spoonfuls of sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners, along with high-fat milk or cream. While a minimal amount of natural sweetener might be acceptable in moderation, many people habitually add far more than necessary.

The impact of full-cream milk in traditional teas, like Indian chai, is another factor. While delicious, full-fat milk contributes calories and saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess throughout the day across multiple cups, can add up and hinder weight loss. Using skimmed or low-fat milk, or unsweetened plant-based alternatives, can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of your milky tea.

One of the biggest challenges is identifying "hidden sugars" on food and drink labels. Manufacturers use a variety of names to disguise added sugar, making it difficult for consumers to track their intake. Look out for ingredients like:

• Sucrose
• Glucose
• Fructose
• Maltose
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Molasses
• Hydrolyzed starch
• Invert sugar
• Corn syrup
• Honey (while natural, still a sugar)

Our commitment at Bala Health is to transparency, not just in our products but in empowering you with knowledge. Understanding these hidden sugars allows you to make more informed choices, ensuring your daily tea ritual truly supports your wellness goals rather than undermining them. When you are serious about achieving your wellness goals and simplifying your daily routine, consider how our science-backed solutions, like our potent 2-in-1 Pre+Probiotic formula, can provide essential support for your digestive health.

Navigating Your Tea Habits for Weight Loss

Transforming your tea habits can be a simple yet impactful step on your weight loss journey. It's not about giving up your beloved brew, but rather making conscious choices that align with your health goals.

Smart Swaps: Reducing Sugar in Your Cup

The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to reduce sugar in your tea. Here are some smart swaps:

• Gradual Reduction: If you currently take two spoonfuls of sugar, try one and a half for a week, then one, and so on. Your taste buds will adapt over time.
• Natural Flavor Enhancers: Instead of sugar, infuse your tea with natural flavors. A slice of lemon or orange, a few fresh mint leaves, a stick of cinnamon, a slice of ginger, or a few cardamom pods can add delightful depth without extra calories or sugar. These can be particularly soothing for the person who often reaches for sugary drinks for comfort.
• Alternative Sweeteners (in Moderation): If you still crave sweetness, consider natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. While generally considered safe, moderation is key, as relying too heavily on intense sweetness can still perpetuate sugar cravings. A small amount of honey or maple syrup is also a natural sugar, so use sparingly and factor into your daily intake.
• Choose Unsweetened Varieties: When buying bottled iced tea or ordering at a cafe, always specify "unsweetened." Many establishments offer unsweetened options that you can then flavor yourself with a splash of lemon or a dash of cinnamon.
• Brew Your Own: The best way to control what goes into your cup is to brew your tea at home. This allows you to select high-quality tea leaves and customize the flavor without hidden ingredients.

This transition from a super-sweet tea to a more balanced flavor profile is a journey, not a switch. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate small victories. Every less spoonful of sugar is a step towards better health and more effective weight management.

Beyond the Cup: Holistic Strategies for Sustainable Weight Management

While optimizing your tea habits is important, it’s crucial to remember that weight loss is rarely achieved by focusing on just one aspect of your diet. A holistic approach, which considers your entire lifestyle, is the most effective and sustainable path to feeling your best.

• Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly, savor your food, and avoid distractions during meals. This practice helps prevent overeating and promotes a healthier relationship with food.
• Prioritize Hydration: Make water your primary beverage. Adequate hydration is vital for metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions. Sometimes, what feels like hunger is actually thirst.
• Load Up on Fiber and Protein: Incorporate plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. These nutrients keep you feeling fuller for longer, reduce cravings, and support muscle maintenance during weight loss.
• Prioritize Quality Sleep: Sleep is a non-negotiable component of weight management. Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite (ghrelin and leptin), leading to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Manage Stress Effectively: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can promote abdominal fat storage and increase cravings for high-calorie foods. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
• Embrace Consistent Movement: Regular physical activity, a mix of cardiovascular and strength training, burns calories, builds muscle mass (which boosts metabolism), and improves insulin sensitivity. It's a powerful tool for both weight loss and overall vitality.

For a personalized approach that considers all these factors—from nutrition to lifestyle—and helps you cut through the guesswork, why not find your personalized gut-health roadmap with our comprehensive quiz? It’s designed to help you understand your unique needs and chart a clear course toward your wellness goals.

Bala Health's Approach: Supporting Your Journey from the Inside Out

At Bala Health, our commitment is to simplify wellness with clean, functional, science-backed formulas. We understand that feeling truly well—energized, balanced, and vibrant—starts deep within your body, particularly with a healthy gut. Our integrity means we deliver what we promise: effective solutions, not just empty claims.

The Foundation: Gut Health for Overall Wellness

The cornerstone of holistic health, and often the unsung hero of weight management, is a balanced gut microbiome. When your gut is thriving, it sets the stage for efficient digestion, optimal nutrient absorption, and a robust immune system. This internal harmony is essential for everything from stable energy levels to a healthy body composition. For instance, if your gut isn't absorbing nutrients effectively, your body might signal hunger even after eating, perpetuating a cycle of overconsumption.

Our potent 2-in-1 Pre+Probiotic formula is a testament to our science-first approach. We formulated it with 10 clinically studied strains and a powerful 50 Billion CFU count, along with prebiotics, to support your body's natural functions. The prebiotics act as food for the beneficial probiotic bacteria, helping them to flourish and create a balanced gut environment. This isn’t about a magic pill; it's about providing foundational support that helps ease occasional bloating, supports digestive balance, and nurtures your microbiome so it can do its crucial work more effectively. We believe health shouldn’t be complicated, which is why our products and messaging are easy to understand and integrate into your daily life.

To truly support your digestive system consistently and provide your gut with the ongoing care it needs, we offer significant savings on our 4-bottle and 6-bottle bundles. This isn't just about a single purchase; it's about investing in a sustained wellness journey, ensuring you have a continuous supply of the support you need to feel your best every day. We empower our customers by offering transparent pricing and value, so you can make the best decision for your long-term health. Explore our clinically-backed Pre+Probiotic now and discover the difference a healthy gut can make.

The Ripple Effect: Gut Health and Beyond

A healthy gut doesn't just impact your digestive system; its benefits ripple throughout your entire body, influencing everything from your mood to your appearance. When your gut is thriving, it can also lay the groundwork for a natural glow. Proper nutrient absorption, supported by a healthy gut, is foundational for radiant hair, skin, and nails. If your body isn't efficiently taking in the vitamins and minerals from your food, it can show on the outside.

Our dedication to comprehensive wellness led us to develop our Hair, Skin & Nails formula. This clean formula complements the foundational work of our Pre+Probiotic by providing targeted support with key ingredients like Biotin and Collagen. It’s designed to help nourish your natural beauty from within, helping you discover your inner glow. We see beauty not just as superficial, but as a reflection of your overall internal health. Just like with our gut health products, we believe in supporting consistent results. For the best value and to ensure continuous support for your beauty regimen, consider our 3-month and 6-month "Subscribe & Save" plans. This makes it simple and affordable to maintain your routine and support your natural radiance.

No matter your specific wellness goals—whether it's weight management, better digestion, or a vibrant glow—getting clear on your personalized strategy is key. We strive to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your health. Kick-start your transformation—start the quiz today! It's an easy, insightful way to map out your unique path to optimal health.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Tea Routine and Beyond

Integrating small, consistent changes into your daily routine can yield significant results in your wellness journey. Here are actionable tips to help you reduce sugar in your tea and embrace a healthier lifestyle:

• Become a Label Detective: Don't just assume a drink is healthy. Always check the ingredients list and nutritional panel for hidden sugars. Look for terms like corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, and fruit juice concentrates. If "sugar" is among the first few ingredients, it’s likely a high-sugar product. This habit extends beyond tea to all packaged foods.
• Brew Your Own Tea: This is the ultimate control measure. Buying loose-leaf or tea bags allows you to dictate exactly what goes into your cup. Experiment with different varieties—green, black, white, oolong, and a vast array of herbal infusions—to find your favorites without added sugar.
• Time Your Tea Intake: While tea is generally beneficial, be mindful of when you consume it. If you're sensitive to caffeine, avoid caffeinated teas close to bedtime to ensure quality sleep, which is critical for weight management. Also, if you experience digestive discomfort, consider avoiding tea on an empty stomach and maintaining a gap of at least 30 minutes between tea consumption and meals to optimize nutrient absorption.
• Hydrate Strategically: Make it a habit to drink a glass of water approximately 30 minutes before and after consuming tea, especially caffeinated varieties. This helps maintain proper hydration levels and can mitigate any potential dehydrating effects of caffeine, supporting overall bodily functions vital for metabolism.
• Pair Wisely: If you occasionally indulge in a slightly sweetened tea or a small treat, pair it with a meal rich in protein and fiber. This helps to slow down sugar absorption, minimize blood sugar spikes, and increase satiety. Avoid accompanying your tea with unhealthy, high-calorie snacks like biscuits, cookies, or processed namkeen. Instead, opt for a piece of fresh fruit, a handful of unsalted nuts, or plain yogurt.
• Focus on Whole Foods: The most impactful long-term strategy is to build your diet around whole, unprocessed foods. When your plate is filled with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats, you naturally reduce your intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, which are often the biggest culprits in weight gain. This approach naturally simplifies your food choices and supports a balanced metabolism.

Remember, supporting your body's natural functions with a clean, effective supplement like our Pre+Probiotic can be a powerful addition to these lifestyle changes. It’s designed to work in harmony with your efforts, ensuring your digestive system is primed to extract the most from your nutritious diet.

Addressing Common Concerns: Beyond Sugar in Tea

As we delve deeper into the nuances of tea and weight loss, it's natural to have further questions about other ingredients and factors that influence your daily brew.

The Role of Milk in Tea for Weight Loss

Milk is a common addition to many tea varieties, especially black tea and traditional chai. However, the type and quantity of milk can significantly impact the calorie and fat content of your drink.

• Full-Fat Milk vs. Skimmed Milk: Full-fat milk, while providing a creamy texture and some nutrients, is higher in calories and saturated fat. If you're having multiple cups of milky tea throughout the day, these calories can quickly accumulate and contribute to your overall energy intake, potentially hindering weight loss. Skimmed milk or low-fat alternatives offer a way to enjoy the creaminess with fewer calories and less fat.
• Plant-Based Alternatives: Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be excellent options. However, it's crucial to check labels carefully. Many plant-based milks come in sweetened varieties, which can reintroduce the very sugars you're trying to avoid. Always opt for "unsweetened" versions. Making a simple swap from full-cream milk to skimmed milk or an unsweetened plant-based option can significantly reduce the calorie impact of your milky tea, a small change that contributes to larger weight management goals.

The Caffeine Question: Is It Helping or Hurting?

Tea contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that can offer certain benefits for weight loss, but also has potential drawbacks if consumed excessively.

• Metabolic Boost: Caffeine is known to temporarily boost metabolism and increase fat burning, at least in the short term. This effect is one reason why plain, black coffee and unsweetened teas are often recommended in weight loss plans.
• Moderation is Key: While a moderate amount of caffeine can be beneficial, excessive intake can lead to undesirable side effects such as anxiety, jitters, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased heart rate. Poor sleep, as we've discussed, directly impacts weight management by disrupting appetite-regulating hormones.
• Decaffeinated and Herbal Options: If you are sensitive to caffeine or wish to reduce your intake, consider decaffeinated versions of your favorite teas or explore the vast world of herbal infusions. Many herbal teas, like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger, are naturally caffeine-free and offer their own unique health benefits, making them excellent choices at any time of day, especially in the evenings.

Relatable Scenario: The Busy Parent's Challenge

"Between work, school runs, and managing the household, I barely have time to think about my own health. I know I should cut down on sugary drinks, but a sweetened tea is my only comfort sometimes, and I often feel bloated and sluggish." This is a common struggle. For the busy parent or anyone juggling a demanding schedule, making healthy choices can feel overwhelming. The key is simplifying wellness. Small, strategic changes can make a profound difference without adding more stress. Swapping a sugary tea for an unsweetened one, or choosing a plain herbal infusion, is a simple habit shift. Integrating a reliable supplement like our Pre+Probiotic takes minutes but provides foundational gut support, which can translate to better energy and reduced bloating—two things crucial for anyone feeling drained. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin? Our Weight-Loss Quiz can help you cut through the noise and provide a clear starting point tailored to your unique lifestyle. We believe that health shouldn't be complicated, and our mission is to empower you with easy-to-understand tools and effective solutions.

Conclusion

The question "is sugar in tea bad for weight loss?" has a clear answer: while tea itself can be a beneficial component of a healthy lifestyle, added sugar in tea can indeed be detrimental to your weight loss efforts and overall well-being. The empty calories, the lack of satiety from liquid sugars, the disruption to blood sugar levels, and the negative impact on your crucial gut microbiome all contribute to making weight management more challenging. Unsweetened hot tea, on the other hand, offers a range of antioxidants and metabolism-supporting compounds, making it a truly health-promoting beverage.

Achieving sustainable weight loss and vibrant health isn't about deprivation; it's about making informed, empowering choices. It’s about understanding what you put into your body and how it impacts you from the inside out. At Bala Health, we are founded on the principle of fighting gimmicks and misinformation, providing clean-label, trustworthy formulas backed by real science. We want to empower you with the knowledge and tools to simplify your wellness journey.

Ready to take control of your wellness journey and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach? Start by nurturing your internal foundation. Explore our potent 2-in-1 Pre+Probiotic formula, designed with clinically studied strains and prebiotics to support digestive balance and help you feel better from the inside out. For the best value and consistent support on your path to wellness, remember to select our convenient 4-bottle or 6-bottle bundles. Then, to get a clear, personalized roadmap tailored just for you, take our 3-minute Weight-Loss Quiz today. Invest in yourself – you deserve to feel your best, from the inside out, with solutions that truly work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can drinking unsweetened tea help me lose weight?

Yes, absolutely! Unsweetened tea, especially green, black, and oolong varieties, can be a beneficial addition to a weight loss plan. They are calorie-free, provide hydration, and contain beneficial compounds like antioxidants and (in caffeinated teas) small amounts of caffeine that can temporarily boost metabolism. Studies often show a positive correlation between regular unsweetened tea consumption and healthier weight markers.

2. What are "hidden sugars" I should look out for in beverages?

"Hidden sugars" are various forms of sugar used by manufacturers that may not be explicitly labeled as "sugar." Common examples in beverages and processed foods include high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrate, molasses, invert sugar, and syrups (like corn syrup or rice syrup). Always check the ingredients list carefully, especially for items listed early on, as these indicate higher quantities.

3. How does gut health relate to weight management?

Your gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms in your digestive tract, plays a significant role in weight management. A balanced gut helps with efficient nutrient absorption, metabolism, and immune function. An imbalanced gut (dysbiosis), often exacerbated by high sugar intake, can contribute to inflammation, impaired metabolism, and can influence how your body stores fat, making weight loss more challenging. Supporting your gut health with prebiotics and probiotics can help foster a balanced microbiome, which is foundational for overall wellness and can positively impact your body's ability to manage weight.

4. Is it better to use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar in tea?

While artificial sweeteners (like sucralose, aspartame, or saccharin) don't add calories like sugar, their impact on long-term weight management and health is still a subject of ongoing research. Some studies suggest they might alter gut microbiome composition, potentially perpetuate a preference for sweet tastes, or even affect appetite regulation. Natural, zero-calorie alternatives like stevia and monk fruit are generally considered better options in moderation. However, the best approach for weight loss and overall health is to gradually reduce your reliance on intense sweetness altogether and accustom your palate to the natural flavors of tea and other foods.