The not-so-fun part is the process of buying a tea pod that will help you concoct the tea of your dreams. So, to help you navigate the market for tea pods, here is a comprehensive buyer's guide.
What Should You Consider Before Buying Tea Pods?
So, we see you're in the market for a set of new tea pods but are unsure how to go about with the buying process. Well, here are two things that you should consider before everything else:
Flavor
From the earthy fumes of nutmeg tea to the bitter bliss of black tea. From the health that green tea promises to the refreshment that iced tea guarantees, the sky's the limit when it comes to the flavors that tea pods come in.
Our word of advice is to go crazy with the flavors. Try everything available and leave no stone unturned. You can start things off by reading through the customer reviews and shortlisting the flavors that seem to be the most liked. Then, you can go from there and develop and enhance your taste buds.
Quantity
The next thing that you must consider is the number of tea pods that you'll need. If you're simply looking to try out a new taste, a small batch of tea pods should be your best bet. However, if you're anything like us and drink tea religiously, why not buy the largest batch option? The best part about online shopping is that no one will judge you for going nuts with the amount!
What Should Your Tea Pod Be Made of?
When it comes to composition, you must break down your tea pod's ingredient list into two:
The Big Yes-es
You should say yes to ingredients that scream out health or flavor. Take our top-picked product, for example. The VitaCup tea pods not only include all the necessary goodies to brew up a rich and flavorful blend of different types of teas but also plenty of vitamins and nutrients that will help you get that nudge in the morning, and fortify your health in the long run.
The Big No's
It goes without saying but any sort of toxic chemicals or ingredients that will harm you should be a big NO when it comes to tea pods. If you're on a kosher diet, you must also say bye-bye to pods that contain non-kosher ingredients. Too much caffeine or artificial sweeteners should also be a big no.
How Much Do Tea Pods Normally Cost And Are They Worth Buying?
Are you seriously wondering whether tea pods are worth buying? Well, don't; if you've never tried a tea brewed from a tea capsule, you're missing out my friend. Most tea pods are also infused with added goodness in the form of nutrients and vitamins.
The extent of the ingredient's richness along with the number of tea leaves in it will obviously determine the tea pod's ultimate price. These price tags usually range from $0.50 to upwards of $2.00 per tea pod. Other factors that determine the tea pod's price include the brand name and the amount of tea pod servings. Packaging and rare flavors might also inflate the price.
It is worth noting that you'll also need to invest in a decent pod brewer to actually make the tea from the pod. Consider borrowing one from your next-door neighbor or friend if you're just trying out tea pods.
Buying Tips for the Best Tea Pods
Now that you know all about tea pods and their buying process, let's take you through these two tips that will help you set apart the best tea capsules from the not-so-best ones:
Brewing System
The tea made from a tea pod is brewed in a pod brewer. You simply load the machine up with fresh water, add a tea pod, and start the thing up. However, adding the tea pod part may not be so easy if the pod is incompatible with your brewing system. The easiest way to go about this is to check out the customer reviews or go for pods that are compatible with the most famous models of brewers.
Recyclability
Lastly, you must also make sure that your tea pods are made from recyclable materials. It's the twenty-first century, and no one likes people who don't care about the environment. We're about to go all cliche on you: A sustainable Earth means a sustainable you!
Tea Pod FAQ
Let's end things on a high note and answer any remaining queries about tea pods that you may still have:
Q: How do you use tea pods?
A: Tea pods are meant to be the more convenient cousin of teabags. All you need is a brewing system where you place the pod, along with some water. Start the machine up, and voila, you'll get a delicious cup of tea in mere minutes.
Q: What should I know before buying tea pods?
A: The first thing you need to know about tea pods is that they require a brewing system which you must buy separately. Next, you should decide on a flavor. If you're new to the game of tea-making, we recommend experimenting around with different flavors till you find the Juliet to your taste bud's Romeo.
It is worth buying a large batch once you've decided on a tea type and flavor. We also recommend going for pods that are made from recyclable materials and contain additional nutrients besides aromatic tea leaves.
Q: How much caffeine is in tea pods?
A: The amount of caffeine in tea pods varies from product to product. Firstly, the tea type determines the amount. Green tea contains the least amount of caffeine (usually 20-30 mg), while the amount of caffeine in black tea pods can go upwards of 50 mg.
A higher concentration of tea leaves inside the capsule will obviously inflate the Mgs of caffeine in it. You need not worry much, though. Humans can safely consume around 400 mg of caffeine in a day. However, you should stay safe and draw the line at 4 cups of tea.