The Pricey Reason You Should Never Buy Bottled Tea

In a country flooded with juices, sodas, and energy drinks, many Americans still love to sit down to a nice, relaxing cup of tea. Generally sugar-free and naturally full of antioxidants, it's no wonder that annual U.S. tea sales total more than $13 billion, according to Statista data.

Natural teas contain polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, per a study published in Nutrients. However, consumers seeking the drink's health benefits should think twice before stocking up on bottles from the supermarket. 

In a study presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, researchers found that many popular bottled teas contain far fewer polyphenols than home-brewed green or black tea, which may contain 50 to 150 mg of polyphenols per cup. Researchers tested six brands of store-bought tea and discovered that half of them contained almost no antioxidants, while the rest contained trace amounts that would carry virtually no health benefit. In some teas, the polyphenol count was so low that consumers would have to drink 20 bottles to equal the amount of polyphenols in one cup of the home-brewed beverage. With many teas bottled as individual servings that cost considerably more than a single tea bag, the price can add up.

Even looking at product labels won't necessarily prevent you from wasting your money. While some manufacturers do list their tea's polyphenol count on the bottle label, there are no government guidelines for measuring and listing polyphenolic compounds, so the listed number could be incorrect.

For those who drink tea specifically for its antioxidant benefits, it's best to stick with a homemade beverage so that you can control the strength of the brew and limit any additives. Extra ingredients, such as sugar or dairy, can reduce the number of polyphenols in your tea, so a plain cup is likely the best way to go. 

When brewing your tea, whether you're using loose-leaf tea or tea bags, tailor your methods to the type of tea you'll be using. Black and oolong teas should be steeped in hot water (about 210 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 4  to 5 minutes, while green tea should be steeped at 180 degrees for about 4 to 15 minutes.

The next time you find yourself craving a cup of tea, fight the urge to just grab a bottle from the store. Whether you like black, green, or even herbal teas, there are so many options for making a healthy cup of tea at home.