Frequently asked questions

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Our Working with Care program formalises our approach to reducing the environmental impact of our own operations.

The program’s focus areas are:

- Climate change: Reducing our carbon footprint and becoming carbon neutral

- Packaging: Transitioning to more sustainable packaging solutions

- Environmental Safeguarding: We will work continuously to ensure we run our business in a way that safeguards the future of our planet. We will also be building environmental criteria into operational decision making.

Our targets for the Working with Care program:

- We will make all our tea and herbal infusions products carbon neutral by 2030

- By 2025, we will ensure that our consumer packaging is reusable or recyclable, and our tea bags are compostable. Where possible across our product range, we will also increase the recycled content of our packaging, find alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, and work to reduce the packaging we use.

No

Yes

We recognise the risk climate change poses to our business and our supply chains and are committed to taking steps to reduce our emissions and have an ambition to reach net zero by 2050.  Addressing climate change is particularly important for the gardens, farms and people that grow our tea and herbs in our supply chains, as extreme weather and natural disasters, like heat waves, irregular rainfall, flooding and drought, continue to affect the sowing and growing of healthy crops and the livelihoods of communities who rely on them.

To support our net zero ambition, we have committed to setting near- and long-term company-wide emission reductions targets in line with science-based net-zero in consultation with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We have established a Net Zero Steering Group that is working with external experts to measure and analyse its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and develop specific targets and a reduction roadmap.

Find out more here

Sourced with Care is Twinings’ responsible sourcing programme. For more information about our Sourced with Care program, visit: https://www.sourcedwithcare.co...

Tea is a beverage produced from the infusion in boiling water of processed leaves from the plant camellia sinensis. In most languages the word for tea is derived either from the Mandarin Chinese word ‘cha’ or the Fujianese dialect ‘te’.

The Chinese discovered some five thousand years ago that this plant could produce a wide range of flavours and characteristics. These variants are achieved by growing the plants in different soils and climates and at different altitudes just like the vine. Indeed, many tea varieties are often compared to fine wines.Left uncultivated, the tea plant – which is really a tree – would reach a height of around nine metres, but to ensure ease of plucking it is pruned to waist height.The plant is ready for plucking after three to five years, depending on altitude, and the top bud of the bush and the adjacent tender leaves are plucked.

All tea comes from the same plant – Camellia sinensis – and is grown all over the world where conditions are suitable, however, most green tea comes from Eastern China.

There are many ways of categorising tea, mainly by its colour ie. black, green, oolong and white. Within these broad groups are endless variations based on country of origin, estate location, altitude, specie of tea bush, manufacturing processes etc. The teas in the Twinings range all have their own individual characteristics as described on pack and are differentiated by colour, country and manufacturing process.Green tea, which is unoxidised and likened to white wine.Oolong, which is partially oxidised and likened to rosé.Black tea, which is fully oxidised and likened to red wine.White tea, which is the rarest and most delicate of tea.White tea represents the least processed form of tea.

The leaves are plucked and processed as quickly as possible by first withering (reducing moisture by spreading the leaves out on troughs), rolling (to shape the leaves), oxidation (turns the leaves from green to brown – not applicable for green tea), firing (application of heat to arrest the oxidation process and ensure the leaf is dry enough to be packed), sieving (grades the leaf by size & removes excess fibre.)

Follow these simple steps to ensure that the tea you serve is perfect every time.1. Only use freshly drawn cold water, ensure that kettles or water boilers are de-scaled regularly and that teapots are spotlessly clean.2. Teapots should be warmed with hot water, which is then poured away.3. Use the recommended number of tea bags or one teaspoon of loose tea per cup. For one person use a 300mL tea pot, for two persons a 600mL tea pot is recommended.4. Water should always be freshly boiled and boiling when added to black tea.5. Leave to brew for 3-5 minutes before serving. Stir before serving.6. Pour a little milk into each cup before pouring the tea through a strainer if necessary, and sweeten as required.

The main difference is in the size of leaf. Loose-leaf tea is unable to be packed into regular teabags due to its initial size and the swelled size of the infused leaf, which can burst the bags. Other than this, at Twinings we try to ensure that the loose-leaf and teabag variants of a blend are sourced from the same tea type, but of a different leaf size. The smaller leaf has a larger relative surface area and tends to brew more quickly making it ideal for teabags.

Water should always be freshly boiled and boiling when added to tea.

As the flavour of green tea is more delicate than that of its black counterpart, the water used should be first boiled and then allowed to cool slightly, ideally to approx. 85 - 90°C. Other than this the preparation is the same.

A ceremony originally developed by Buddhist monks as a way of staying awake during meditation. The ritual was at its height of popularity between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. The ceremony's greatest exponent was Sen Rikyú.

If you like to add milk and sugar, choose a black tea (you should never add milk to green tea.) Often the stronger blends like Assam, English Breakfast and Traditional Afternoon are better with milk but if your personal preference is for weaker tea then most black tea will be suitable.

This is very subjective and depends on personal preference. Those teas generally acknowledged to be the finest are usually grown at high altitude, hand-plucked finely (i.e. 2 leaves + bud or less), and often from the first flush (i.e. the first new growth of the season.) In terms of taste and appearance: teas that are bright with a lively flavour are often considered to be preferable, however, this is not necessarily true for every type of tea.

A ‘flush’ is new growth of tea on the tea bushes. “Flushes” differ depending on the area that the tea is produced. In China and India there are two main flushes, the first of which occurs in March/April time and the second in May/June time. The first flush usually has a much more pungent taste as it contains much more of the sap which has built up over the dormant winter months whereas the second flush is flavoursome but more rounded.

Tea is purchased on a supply and demand basis, which determines the worth of each individual lot of tea. Some top quality teas are hand-made in extremely small quantities making the cost of production and therefore the value very high. The cost of production and quality varies widely according to country and area.

Elevation can influence the final character of a tea, the flavour is often more delicate the higher the altitude however quality tea can be grown at any altitude above sea level.

Within Australia, in order to have a ‘gluten-free’ label on a product you consume, the product must go through a stringent lab test to confirm that no gluten has been detected. Whilst tea itself doesn’t contain gluten, our products haven’t undergone the relevant lab testing to be labelled ‘gluten-free’.
If you’re looking for more specific guidance on this, please see the back-of-pack ingredient list for each of our products and consult with your health care practitioner.

All of our teas and infusions are suitable for vegetarians, but not always suitable for vegans.

Occasionally the sides of a cup can be discoloured as the tea is drunk. The problem can arise when elements of the tea react with elements of the water to form non-soluble compounds. These compounds can take a couple of different forms:One gives the appearance of a film on the surface of the drink (sometimes looks oily and sometimes dusty)The other is to give the liquid a cloudy look (sometimes referred to as tea ‘cream’)Some of the water compounds are more prevalent in hard water areas, so the problem is often worse in these areas.The film on the surface can be deposited on the side of the cup and can be difficult to remove. Because of the ‘chalky’ nature of these insoluble compounds, we recommend cleaning with something such as bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice, vinegar or something similar.

Black Teas: Average caffeine content of 60-70 mg per cup – based on a serving of 200ml of water. Green & White Teas: Average caffeine content of 30-40 mg per cup – based on a serving of 200ml of water.The caffeine levels depend heavily on preparation methods (brewing time, stirring), the amount of tea leaves used, the size of the leaves and variations in the plant. Black & green teas are produced from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, so both green and black tea naturally contains caffeine with both containing broadly similar amounts.There are many types of tea containing different amounts of caffeine and the caffeine content of the beverage may vary widely depending upon brewing method and preferred strength. However it must be noted that, in common with all foodstuffs, an excessive intake is not recommended. In the case of caffeine, 'excessive' is generally regarded as being above 400 mg/day, equivalent to more than eight cups of tea per day with average caffeine content of 50 mg per cup. Pregnant women are however recommended to limit their daily caffeine intake from all sources to a maximum of 200 mg/day.Coffee can have anywhere between 60-280mg of caffeine per cup depending on the type strength and brewing time.

The extraction of caffeine involves the tea leaves being 'washed', a process that removes almost all of the caffeine. The process we use is a well-established method which is very common across both the tea and coffee industries. Both Twinings and our suppliers have rigorous food safety measures in place to ensure our products are of high quality, safe and in line with Australian laws and regulations.

All Twinings Infusions are naturally caffeine free. The term “Herbal” or “Fruit” tea can be confusing which is why we refer to them as infusions. 

Most fruits naturally contain acids. It is generally understood that our saliva will neutralise the acids and wash them away. Our Infusions range from 3pH to 7pH.

All Twinings tea bags use bleached paper. The paper is bleached using an ‘oxygen bleaching’ process. This process is more environmentally sound than alternative chlorine based bleaching methods, due to the fact that the materials used are not released into the environment after use, but can be re-introduced to the bleaching process. Chlorine and chlorine derivatives (such as sodium chlorite) are more toxic chemicals and are far more harmful to the environment. Bleaching offers a cleaner, stronger, more premium teabag than can be produced with unbleached pulp. Taste tests have raised concerns about flavour contamination due when unbleached material is used.

Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine free drink/tea made from the Rooibos shrub “Aspalathus linearis”, which grows only on the North Western Cape of South Africa. The word 'Rooibos' means 'red bush' in Afrikaans, and is so-called because when the green, needle-like leaves of the plant are cut and left to dry in the sun, they turn a beautiful mahogany red colour.

In developing our Infusion blends we have focused on bringing you the best taste and experience, while ensuring they do not contain artificial flavours. In order to create Infusions that have the perfect combination of ingredients some of the blends do include natural and nature-identical flavours to deliver a richer and fuller taste.

Within Australia, in order to have a ‘gluten-free’ label on a product you consume, the product must go through a stringent lab test to confirm that no gluten has been detected. Whilst tea itself doesn’t contain gluten, our products haven’t undergone the relevant lab testing to be labelled ‘gluten-free’.

If you’re looking for more specific guidance on this, please see the back-of-pack ingredient list for each of our products and consult with your health care practitioner.

If you have any queries or specific concerns about consuming our Infusions range or a particular ingredient, we recommend that you speak with your midwife or local GP for further advice.

In developing our Infusion blends we have focused on bringing you the best taste and experience. We can proudly share that none of our blends in the Live Well range contain artificial colours or flavours.

In developing our Infusion blends we have focused on developing the best blends for individuals to Live Well every day. Our Infusions are not specifically developed for children. If you have specific queries about children consuming Infusions, or a particular ingredient we would advise that you consult with your early childhood nurse or GP for further advice.

We are absolutely conscious of making sustainability choices that have a positive impact to nature and our environment. We can proudly share that our packaging is not only sustainably friendly but also eco friendly with our tea bags being bio-degradable when disposed correctly.

Inner Cleanse with probiotics blend. Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 is a natural spore forming probiotic to support digestive health.

If you have any specific health queries please contact your doctor.

We have elevated our blends to incorporate fortification. This is to give you premium tasting teas with even more benefits than your regular tea. We have fortified blends now to support your immunity, sleep and energy, creating the perfect health ritual in your day.

The probiotics are in a spore-form which means the bacteria are within a protective casing which ensures they are not destroyed by the boiling water.

This blend was created with Ganeden BC30 probiotics. Each tea bag contains 250 million CFU* (colony forming units ) to support the good bacteria in your tummy.

Vitamin B6 is a water soluble vitamin that your body needs for several functions to support overall health and energy. This fantastic vitamin also contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

We use natural flavouring in our Honeybush, Orange and Mandarin herbal tea.

Our Honeybush, Orange and Mandarin herbal tea is free from caffeine.

Herbal teas (like our Honeybush, Orange & Mandarin tea) are perfect for unwinding, hitting pause and refreshing the senses.

Native to South Africa, honeybush is a naturally caffeine-free flowering plant. Also known as heuningbos by the Afrikaans, honeybush gets its name from its sweet-smelling yellow flowers that yield a golden honey-like flavour profile. 

Great question. To make this tea hot, simply boil your kettle, get your favourite mug, and drop in one teabag per cup. Grab the kettle Just before it clicks over and fill your mug with near-boiled water (we recommend brewing Honeybush, Orange & Mandarin at 90 degrees). Brew for three to four minutes, and enjoy without milk.

You can find an easy tutorial on how to whip up any of our teas cold here. 

Our Honeybush, Orange & Mandarin isn’t certified organic.

Our Honeybush, Orange & Mandarin is vegan-friendly. 

If you have any queries or specific concerns about consuming our Infusions range or a particular ingredient, we recommend that you obtain advice from a suitably qualified medical professional.

Traditionally, Matcha is made from Japanese green tea leaves that have been ground down into a very fine powder. Matcha yields its dark green colour from being grown in shaded areas. In our Matcha Green, we combine Matcha and green tea to deliver a double hit of green goodness.

It’s matcha time! To make this tea hot, simply boil your kettle, get your favourite mug, and drop in one teabag per cup. Grab the kettle Just before it clicks over and fill your mug with near-boiled water (we recommend brewing Matcha Green at 90 degrees). Brew for three to four minutes, and while we recommend enjoying Matcha Green without milk, if you prefer milk, go for it. 

You can find an easy tutorial on how to whip up any of our teas cold here. 

Our Immune Support+ is loaded with ingredients that help you stay one step ahead each and every day. With bold berry flavours and echinacea for a hit of antioxidants, we’ve also fortified this tea with Vitamin D to support the normal function of your immune system

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that you can get through either food, the sun, supplements, or our Immune Support+ tea. Vitamin D aids in the regulation of immune system-supporting cells. 

Our Immune Support+ tea is a medley of delicious, bright berry flavours with a light finish. Our Immune Support+ tea is a medley of delicious, bright berry flavours with a light finish. 

This tea is a soothing blend of blackcurrant, raspberry, echinacea, elderberry and Vitamin D. 

Our Immune Support+ doesn’t contain caffeine. 

If you have any queries or specific concerns about consuming our Live Well range or a particular ingredient, we recommend that you obtain advice from a suitably qualified medical professional.

Our Vanilla Earl Grey is a modern twist on our classic bergamot beauty, with a touch of velvety vanilla flavour. Think creamy and sophisticated with a bold citrusy zing. 

Our Choc Chai Tea Latte is the perfect balance of bold chai spices and a healthy coating of creamy cocoa. Think a classic chai you’d order at a cafe but with a delicious chocolatey twist. Our Choc Chai Tea Latte is the perfect balance of bold chai spices and a healthy coating of creamy cocoa. Think a classic chai you’d order at a cafe but with a delicious chocolatey twist. 

Great question. Our tea lattes are inspired by a velvety cuppa that one may order at their local cafe. Expertly blended by our master blenders, our 3-in-1 creamy tea lattes are full of flavour and silky smooth, aiming to give you a moment of indulgence at home, in the office or on-to-go. 

It’s tea latte time! To prepare hot, empty contents of one sachet into your favourite mug. Add 200 mL of hot water, stir until dissolved and enjoy. For a creamier experience add a dash of milk. 

To prepare cold, empty contents of sachet into your favourite glass. Add 25 mL of hot water and stir until dissolved. Add 150 mL of cold water or your choice of milk, stir and enjoy!          

All of our tea lattes contain caffeine. 

All of our tea lattes contain dairy. 

As each of our tea lattes are master blended a little differently, each tea will have an Nutritional Information Panel on the the right-hand side of the box. If you’d like to check the fat content of a particular tea latte, we would recommend checking there. In general, all of our tea lattes contain less than 1.8-2.2 grams of fat (derived from cocoa butter) per serve.

 

Short answer? It’s absolutely up to you. Our tea lattes contain milk powder for a delicious cuppa on its own, or if you prefer it extra creamy, add a dash of your milk of choice. Want to kick it up a notch? Brew your latte with boiling water as normal, froth your milk and add to your mug for a seriously scrumptious cafe-style sip.