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Top 23 Herbal Infusions
in the World

Last updated on July 08, 2026

Best Herbal Infusion Types in the World

01

Rooibos

3.9 ·

Rooibos is a South African plant whose leaves are commonly used for brewing tea. Originally, it was an inexpensive alternative to the European black tea. The name rooibos means red bush, referring to the plant's visual characteristics. Today, rooibos is mostly used for the preparation of tea, iced tea, and even red espresso, while its anti-aging and health benefits have been keeping the plant in the spotlight since the 18th century.

02

Yuja-cha

3.9 ·

Yuja-cha is a Korean citrus infusion that is mostly enjoyed during winter. It is made with yuya—a lemon-like citrus fruit native to China that was brought to South Korea during Tang dynasty. The tea can be prepared by mixing fresh sliced fruit with sugar and then combining it with warm water. The other way is to make a fruit preserve (yuja-cheong), which usually consists of sliced yuya, honey or sugar, and water. The tea is then prepared by dissolving the preserve in water. This warming tea should be enjoyed warm and is often claimed to be a soothing health remedy.

03

Tereré

3.8 ·

Similar to mate, tereré is a tea drink that originated in Paraguay and was invented by the Guarani people. Besides Paraguay, the beverage is also popular in Argentina and Brazil. It is an infusion of yerba mate that is prepared with cold water, ice cubes, and herbs such as mint, lemongrass, or lemon verbena. This non-alcoholic drink is very refreshing and low in calories, and if it is made with the addition of fruit juice (orange, lime, or pineapple), the beverage is then known as tereré ruso. For centuries, it was considered a social beverage and is traditionally prepared in a large vessel that is shared between people, signifying trust and communion. Tereré is typically consumed through a straw, also known as yerba mate bombilla.

04

Mugicha (Barley Tea)

3.8 ·

Mugicha is a Japanese name for barley tea—an infusion made by steeping roasted barley grains in hot or cold water. Technically, barley tea is a tisane, and nowadays, it is often made by using teabags consisting of roasted and ground barley. The drink has ancient origins and is enjoyed in many Asian countries. When brewed, barley tea has a light brown color and a savor, nutty and earthy flavor. It can be sweetened to preference, while the chilled, summer version is often served over ice. In China, barley tea is called dàmài-chá, and in Korea, it goes by the name boricha.

05

Mate

3.7 ·

Mate is a herbal infusion prepared with dried and ground leaves of the yerba mate plant. The drink originated among the native Guarani people who are believed to have been the first to harvest the plant and make mate. The leaves are traditionally steeped and served in a hollowed gourd, together with a bombilla—a specialized metal straw that also functions as a sieve. The drink is an integral part of the South American culture, and it has always been prepared and enjoyed at various gatherings, while both the gourd and the bombilla are typically shared among the entire group. The infusion is rich in caffein, and it is charaterized by a slightly bitter herbal flavor. Although it is a common drink in other South American countries such as Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and Brazil, Argentina is the largest producer and consumer of mate. Traditional mate should always be prepared with hot water, never boiling, while the varieties may employ cold water, sweeteners, fruit juice, or other additions.

06

Wedang jahe

3.6 ·

Wedang jahe is a spiced ginger drink from Indonesia, commonly enjoyed across Java and other parts of the archipelago as a warming and soothing beverage. The name comes from the Javanese word “wedang”, meaning a hot drink, and “jahe”, meaning ginger, highlighting its key ingredient and primary function. Made by boiling slices of fresh ginger root with palm sugar and occasionally enhanced with additional spices like cinnamon, cloves, pandan leaves, or lemongrass, wedang jahe is known for its bold, aromatic flavor and mild spiciness. It is typically served hot and is appreciated for both its taste and its comforting properties, particularly in the evening or during cooler weather. This drink is deeply rooted in Javanese culinary culture, where it is associated with hospitality and everyday well-being. It is commonly served in homes, warungs, and street stalls, sometimes as part of a larger offering of jamu, Indonesia’s herbal drink tradition. The ginger used in wedang jahe is often crushed or thinly sliced to maximize the release of its pungent oils, while palm sugar provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the heat. The result is a drink that is both invigorating and relaxing, often sipped slowly and valued for its ability to promote digestion, ease cold symptoms, and warm the body.

07

Mate de coca (Coca tea)

3.6 ·

Mate de coca is a herbal infusion that is made by steeping coca leaves or teabags consisting of coca leaves in hot water. This ancient drink has been traditionally enjoyed to treat altitude sickness, and due to the small amounts of alkaloids, it is also regarded as a slightly energizing drink. Although they share a similar name, mate de coca and mate—a herbal infusion often associated with Argentina—should not be mixed up. Coca tea is widely available and legal throughout South America, but outside the region, many countries ban the import and consummation due to the link between coca leaves and cocaine.

08

Chamomilla bohemica

3.5 ·

Chamomilla bohemica is a dried flowerhead of the chamomile plant from the Flos chamomilla vulgaris species, produced in the Bohemia area in the Czech Republic, consisting of Prague, Central and South Bohemian, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Liberec, Hrádec Králové and Pardubice regions. The designated area of production is characterized by loamy and sandy soils and the average annual rainfall of 500-700 mm/m2, providing favourable conditions for growing the chamomile plant of an excellent quality, where it was grown before the 1950s. As there is lots of sunshine in the region, it influences the essential oils and chamazulene content in the plant. It is harvested in a gentle way, and there is even a special machinery developed especially for the harvest of the flowerheads. The product is mostly sold in tea bags, and used in the preparation of herbal teas, consumed hot to take full advantage of the beneficial properties of this unique plant.

09

Sobacha (Buckwheat Tea)

3.2 ·

Although it is often labeled as tea, sobacha is an infusion or a tisane made with roasted barley. The blend can include grains, leaves, or flowers. Apart from Japan, the drink is popular in several Asian countries, including China (kuqiaocha) and South Korea (memil-cha). To prepare it, roasted kernels are simply steeped in hot or cold water. Alternatively, it can be made with teabags. The resulting drink has a yellow or a light brown hue, with an earthy and nutty flavor, subtle bitterness, and hints of sweetness. Buckwheat tea is a nutritious drink, and many believe that it has numerous health benefits.

10

Daechu-cha

3.0 ·

Daechu-cha is a South Korean tea made from jujubes. This tea can be made from dried jujubes, which are boiled in water, or with a jujube preserve, which is diluted in warm water. The tea is usually dark red or brown and is often praised for its health properties. When served, daechu-cha is usually garnished with pine nuts.

Best Herbal Infusions in the World

01

Vahdam

4.9 ·

Vahdam Teas is a premium brand that brings the finest teas from India directly to your cup. Known for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, Vahdam offers a wide selection of handpicked teas that range from classic black and green teas to vibrant herbal infusions and chai blends.

Their teas are sourced from the top tea estates in India, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Vahdam also places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, fair trade practices, and environmental responsibility, making every cup a mindful choice.

Whether you're a connoisseur or new to tea, Vahdam’s offerings are perfect for those who seek both indulgence and wellness in every sip.

Awards
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2022, 2021)
02

Pluck Tea

4.8 ·

Pluck Tea’s Canadian teas represent the perfect blend of traditional love for tea and innovative, modern approaches. This Toronto-based company is renowned for crafting premium teas, hand-blended in small batches to ensure high quality and freshness in every package.

Pluck Tea takes pride in its commitment to local and sustainable practices - each tea uses Canadian ingredients, often sourced from nearby regions, such as lavender from Prince Edward Island and grape skins from southern vineyards. Always aiming to provide a unique experience for every tea lover, Pluck Tea offers a variety of blends - ranging from rich black teas with full-bodied flavors to refreshing green teas, calming herbal infusions, and exotic rooibos. Their offerings are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a cup of tea that not only has exceptional flavors but also reflects their dedication to sustainability and ethical standards.

03

Yerba Mate Pajarito

4.8 ·

Yerba Mate Pajarito is one of the most renowned Paraguayan yerba mate brands, with a tradition dating back to 1956, when the Raatz family began producing and hand-packing mate in Bella Vista, Itapúa. Over time, the small family workshop grew into a modernized facility that today manages extensive plantations and maintains full control over every stage of production - from cultivation and drying to milling and packaging.

The brand has remained faithful to the classic Paraguayan processing style, known for its pronounced bitterness, full aroma, and subtle smoky notes resulting from traditional drying methods. Pajarito offers a wide range of products, including classic blends, premium selections, herbal and citrus infusions, as well as convenient instant and tea-bag formats tailored to contemporary consumers.

Today, their mate is exported to more than 40 countries, and the brand’s reputation rests on consistent quality, an authentic flavor profile, and a strong preservation of Paraguayan identity in the global yerba mate landscape.

04

Santa Margarita

4.8 ·

Santa Margarita is a family-owned Paraguayan company with more than six decades of experience in producing herbal teas, phytotherapeutic blends, and yerba mate products, combining local botanical resources with modern quality standards. Founded as a small herbal workshop in San Juan Bautista, it has grown into a modern enterprise that collaborates with hundreds of local harvesters and small producers, promoting sustainable and environmentally conscious agriculture.

Its most recognized brands, such as Kurupí yerba mate and the Té Guaraní herbal tea line, are widely distributed in Paraguay and exported to several countries across the region. Santa Margarita stands out for its commitment to product quality, environmental responsibility, and community development, making it one of the most prominent producers of natural and traditional herbal products in Paraguay.

05

Char Flower Tea

4.8 ·

Char Flower Tea is a Thai producer of premium floral and functional teas headquartered in Bangkok, specializing in teas made from carefully selected flowers and botanicals sourced from different regions of the world. The brand was established to combine the traditional culture of floral tea drinking with contemporary design and high quality standards. Its product range includes rose, lotus, water lily, chamomile, white chrysanthemum, and imperial chrysanthemum teas, as well as blooming teas and carefully crafted blends of tea, flowers, and fruit. Production is based on the use of whole dried flowers without artificial colors or flavors, preserving the natural appearance, aroma, and taste of each botanical ingredient. Particular attention is given to the selection of raw materials and processing methods that help maintain the flowers' natural characteristics. In addition to single-flower teas, the company offers premium gift sets and products intended for the hospitality sector, including luxury hotels. Char Flower Tea products are available through specialty retailers, department stores, and the company's official online store, and they are also featured in hotels and wellness establishments as part of their premium beverage selection.

06

Yerba Mate Campesino

4.7 ·

Yerbatera Campesino is a Paraguayan yerba mate producer founded in 1988, which over the past three decades has grown into one of the country’s most recognizable brands. Its raw material comes from plantations in the Itapúa department, giving the yerba a distinctly Paraguayan character - strong bitterness, earthy and lightly smoky notes, and a stable, long-lasting aroma.

The blends typically combine leaves and stems, allowing the infusion to remain intense through multiple pours, suitable both for traditional hot mate and refreshing tereré. In addition to its classic varieties, Campesino offers a wide range of flavored yerbas featuring herbs, citrus, and other natural additives, making the brand appealing both to experienced drinkers and those new to yerba mate.

Today, Yerbatera Campesino is present on international markets and has built its reputation on consistent quality, a diverse product range, and adherence to the traditional Paraguayan style.

07

Las Marías

4.6 ·

Las Marías is an Argentine producer of yerba mate and tea, headquartered in Corrientes Province, and is best known for brands such as Taragüi, Unión, La Merced, and Mañanita. The company was founded in 1924, when Víctor Elías Navajas Centeno established what became the southernmost yerba mate plantations in the world and laid the foundation for a vertically integrated production model.

The Taragüi brand was introduced in 1940 and went on to become one of Argentina’s most recognized yerba mate brands. Las Marías remains a family-owned business, now managed by the fourth generation, with a strong emphasis on controlling the full production chain from cultivation and harvesting to processing, packaging, and distribution.

In addition to yerba mate, the company also produces black tea, green tea, and herbal infusions. Its operations combine agricultural expertise with industrial-scale manufacturing, supported by a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Las Marías has played an important role in modernizing the yerba mate industry while helping expand the international visibility of Argentine infusion culture. Today, it is considered one of the country’s most significant producers in the tea and mate sector.

08

Teapigs

4.5 ·

Teapigs offers a wide range of teas, including black, green, rooibos, herbal blends, as well as matcha and chai teas, all carefully sourced from various parts of the world, such as India, China, Kenya, and South Africa. The company prides itself on an ethical approach to production, working directly with farms and producers who adhere to sustainable practices and fair labor conditions. Teapigs not only focuses on delivering exceptional flavor but also ensures that all their products are packaged in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Teapigs is known for its innovative tea blends and the use of biodegradable pyramid tea bags that allow for maximum flavor extraction.

Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2022)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2023)
09

Tily Tea

4.0 ·

Tily Tea is a specialized herbal tea brand from Singapore, known for its thoughtfully crafted blends that combine functionality, tradition, and a modern approach to daily wellness. The brand carefully selects ingredients that complement and enhance one another - bringing together familiar herbs like chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos with traditional Eastern botanicals such as astragalus, codonopsis, red dates and calendula. Their most well-known blend, Digest Ease - featuring peppermint, mandarin, and ginger - was awarded the prestigious Great Taste Award in 2025, further affirming its therapeutic value and popularity among consumers.

Tily Tea successfully bridges ancient herbal wisdom with the contemporary needs of urban lifestyles, offering teas that are simultaneously therapeutic, flavorful, and visually appealing.

Awards
Great Taste Awards - 1 Star (2025)
About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 23 Herbal Infusions in the World” list until July 08, 2026, 987 ratings were recorded, of which 625 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

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