The next time you pick up a packet of herbal or flower “tea”, you may notice something missing from the label. India’s food regulator has stepped in to clear long-standing confusion around what can officially be called tea, and the decision could change how many popular beverages are marketed.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has clarified that, in India, the word “tea” can only be used for beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant. This move came after authorities observed several food businesses selling herbal, floral, and plant-based drinks under the tea label, even though these products do not contain traditional tea leaves.
Under existing food regulations introduced in 2011, tea has a clear and specific definition. All recognised forms of tea must come from the same plant, even if they look or taste different. Black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, Kangra tea, and even instant tea in solid form all qualify because they are produced from Camellia sinensis. What sets these varieties apart is how the leaves are processed, including steps like oxidation and drying, not the source of the plant itself.
The issue arises with beverages made from herbs, flowers, fruits, or other plant ingredients. While these drinks may be brewed in hot water and consumed like tea, the regulator says they are not tea by definition. Using the word on such products can give consumers the wrong impression about what they are buying. Food labelling rules require product names to clearly reflect their true nature, especially on the front of the package. Calling a herbal infusion “tea,” even indirectly, is considered misleading and falls under misbranding laws.
To enforce this clarity, all food businesses, including online marketplaces, have been instructed to stop using the word “tea” for products that do not come from the tea plant. These beverages can still be sold, but they must be classified appropriately, such as under proprietary or non-specified food categories, depending on their ingredients.
State food safety authorities have also been asked to closely monitor compliance and take action against those who ignore the directive. The aim, regulators say, is not to limit consumer choice but to ensure transparency, so people know exactly what they are drinking when they reach for their daily cup.
