Where Does Chick-Fil-A Source Its Tea From?

Tea is an ancient, versatile drink that comes in many forms. From Southern sweet tea to traditional Chinese tea, just about anyone can find a variety of tea that suits their tastes. Science suggests that numerous types of tea can promote heart health, lower the risk of disease, and improve someone's overall quality of life.

However tasty and nutritious it may be, the state of a tea relies on the quality of the leaves and herbs used, and the brewing process itself. Low-quality tea reduces the health benefits associated with its consumption and can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth – literally and figuratively. It's also important to purchase ethically, sustainably sourced tea that doesn't disrupt local ecosystems or exploit labor.

When we think about where to source high-quality tea, we might envision apothecaries, organic grocery stores, or even farmer's markets. However, it's unlikely that we'd list a fast-food restaurant as a resource for high-quality tea.

But if you've ever had Chick-fil-A's widely-popular iced tea, you might be wondering where it comes from. As it turns out, Chick-fil-A ethically sources high-quality tea made from a tried and true blend that was designed and tested specifically for the chain.

Chick-fil-A's tea recipe has remained unchanged for over three decades. For the last 30 years, the fried chicken franchise has sourced its tea blend from Tetley, a beverage manufacturing company that sources its own tea stash from 35 different countries around the world. Tetley actually exists as a founding member of the Ethical Tea Partnership –a tea sustainability company that's also dedicated to pioneering a safer and more equitable market for tea growers and their families. Tetley says that all of its tea comes from Rainforest Alliance Certified gardens.

The specially-crafted Chick-fil-A tea is tested by a team of experts committed to bringing high-quality tea to the chain's menu. The tea we know and love from Chick-fil-A is made with a distinct blend of herbs that culminates in a signature amber hue that pairs well with sugar and lemon — perfect for assembling an Arnold Palmer fashioned with Chick-fil-A's equally famous lemonade.

Chick-fil-A also says that it uses only filtered water to brew its tea for a clean, crisp, and unchanging flavor that people seem to love.

Next time you're craving a single cup of high-quality iced tea, instead of purchasing a whole box of tea bags, stop by your local Chick-fil-A instead.