The Guide > Food & Drink > Drinks > Tea
Tea
Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. It is highly addictive and causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (headaches being the most common) if you stop drinking it suddenly. Most people get their caffeine fixes from coffee and tea, but it is also present in cola drinks, energy drinks and chocolate (the darker the chocolate, the more caffeine it contains).

Caffeine is a strong diuretic and can cause insomnia, tremors and reduced fertility in men. It's bad news for pregnant women too.
  • Typical caffeine quantities: Red Bull (250ml can) - 80mg; Mother (500ml can) - 160mg; Coca-Cola can - 40mg; Coffee - 80-100mg typically; Tea - about half that of coffee (varies greatly); A chocolate bar - up to 10mg
  • Find out how much caffeine you consume each day using Choice's Caffeine calculator. Caffeine calculator
Pesticide residues have been found on many popular tea brands, both conventional and organic. Loose leaf organic tea in a teapot is probably your best bet.
Features: Organic
Koala Tea Company is a 100% Australian owned company that offers Certified Organic herbal tea and flavoured teas. Based in Lismore (NSW), their products can be ordered through their website.
Manufacturer: Koala Tea Company
Features: Organic, Australian owned and made
100% Australian owned company that has been making certified organic teas since 1998, using locally sourced fruits and herbs, and biodegradable, unbleached teabags. Based in Melbourne, VIC.
Manufacturer: Tea Tonic
Features: Fairtrade, organic
Tielka is a 100% Australian owned company that offers fairtrade and organic loose leaf tea. They specialise in white, yellow, green, oolong, black, pu-erh and floral varietals that are ethically sourced and imported directly from tea farmers. Ph: 1300 843 552
Manufacturer: Tielka
Features: Organic, Fairtrade
Your one stop shop for fair trade and organic tea and coffee. Online sales. Tradewinds is a volunteer based not-for-profit company, with profits funding targeted projects that open new opportunities for producer communities.
Manufacturer: Tradewinds
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