Rooibos, sometimes known as "Red Tea" (although not from the actual tea bush), is an herb that grows only in South Africa. Our rooibos is slightly fruity and smooth with a mild, herbal texture. Very forgiving - won't over-steep.
Customers use these reviews to describe their experience with Rooibos, including flavor, aroma, preparation preferences, strength, and how the tea fits into daily routines. Browse the full review history page by page to compare tasting notes, steeping tips, and favorite ways to enjoy this tea.
This taste like everything I expected to taste like going back to when I first had rooibos. The only thing I don't like about rooibos is the leaves are finely cut. It is a pain to clean my mesh cup which is why I buy paper tea filters. However, I will not dock a star for that. Enjoy for taste.
I much prefer honeybush and green rooibos to red rooibos. Red rooibos is somewhat medicinal tasting and that flavor ruins some of the flavors and blends in which it appears, but solo it’s not terrible and also not something I’d go out of my way to drink when there are much tastier options. On the plus side though, I like that it’s caffeine free!
I'm sure this is great if you like rooibos, but I find it too medicinal. Not my cup of tea.
I usually like rooibos but this one tasted a little too medicinal for me. Not bad, but definitely not one of my favorites; I certainly wouldn't buy it.
06/02/20: This has a similar clean sort of taste to black tea, but without any of the bitterness or astringency and with a more woodsy/nutty undertones. It also seems like a good quality rooibos with primarily leaves and fewer stems. It's nice plain, but I prefer adding just a touch of cream to bring out the nutty flavor. It makes such a nice caffeine-free bedtime tea when I'm not in the mood for a flavored blend and just want something simple and comforting.
CommuniTEA update: Still really enjoy this one, sometimes something simple is a nice break from all the flavored teas. I don't get much of a medicinal taste like others do, just a smooth woody flavor with some mild notes of honey in the aroma. Good for 2-3 infusions.
Teeny red-brown wood bits were noticed in my communiTEA packet. No aromas were noted.
I had a sample of this tea on my shelf a couple of years ago, but failed write a review. It lasted one day on the shelf. In order to do a fair review today, I decided on a “no additions” steep. I wanted to taste this one raw! I also strained any sawdust from the tea using a fine matcha strainer prior to steep.
When hot, an intense red color was noted in the cup. Mild woody and mineral aftertastes were noted.
When warm, smooth and slightly nutty tastes were noted. Wet wood tastes and aromas were moderate. No fruity or sweet flavors were noted.
When all’s said and done, I drank it all. However, it smells and tastes like wet wood! I feel plain rooibos would be best used in non-caffeinated strong-flavored teas using additions like mint, cocoa, etc. Therefore, it does have some redeeming value. Some folks like rooibos plain for health reasons because it is high in antioxidants. Fine for them, but raw rooibos won’t be found on my shelf. (5 mins @ 212ºF, no additions)
Super earthy and woody. Plenty of flavor. The smell and look of red rooibos has always reminded me of the red mulch my grandmother used to use in her flower beds.
Smells like wood dust. A nice enough smell by itself, but who would want to taste it. The taste is ok. Definitely not something I would ever choose on my own. And the mess in my strainer - ugh. Not a fan.
I was pleasantly surprised with this tea. I loved the earthy flavor. It was mild but noted.
This was my first time having raw rooibis. I've got to say I am plesently suprised as to how good it was. Very smooth and a moderate sweet undertone. I was expecting something very medicinal, but wow this is actually some pretty good stuff. Probably not an every day drinker, but something for the occasional cup of tea
Excellent plain rooibos, quality and flavor, will order again
CommuniTEA gave me another gift today-a lesson in judgement. I am not a fan of rooibos-having tried many blends through Adagio, I’m always disappointed to find that they taste fake or medicine like. When today’s packet revealed to contain a simple serving of straight rooibos, I was grumpy and debating whether or not I even wanted to open it. But this is why I joined-to try new things and expand my horizons! I soldiered on, preparing a small cup of elegant red brew. (212 degrees, 3 minutes.) Dry and in the packet, I smelled what is becoming a very familiar medicine like smell of the distinctive rooibos. However, upon steeping, an almost earthy smell appeared, and the flavor was also earthy. It was much more pleasant than I expected! It still won’t likely join my tea collection, but lesson learned: don’t judge a tea blend by its ingredient list without first tasting.
I just can't get on board with a rooibos tea. Whenever I drink it I get horrible acid reflux... :(
It’s always better when mixed with another flavor. Not as nice on its own.
Aaaaahhh red rooibos. Smooth and nutty and delicious.
This rooibos is rich and nutty flavored. Very smooth and soft and full in mouthfeel. A great choice for times when caffeine isn't wanted.
I much prefer this in a blend than on its own. Adagio has so many interesting blends that I get very disappointed when the tea of the day is not a blend.
I had this with some sucralose. I did enjoy it, and I can tell this cup has quality. The mouthfeel is almost syrupy, which I find enjoyable, and it’s quite good all on its own. I like that it’s caffeine free. This is the oxidized version of green rooibos, and although I like this, I much prefer its unoxidized counterpart.
I have never enjoyed rooibos much, and this tea didn’t feel any different. It’s mildly sweet and smells very earthy - almost reminds me of cough syrup and sore throat. I think it may taste better with crushed ginger and swirled with a stick of cinnamon. However if you get in the lazy mode that I’m in today, add a shot of whiskey and call it a day.
I think red rooibos is much better as part of a blend. (I prefer green rooibos.)
This is just one of those teas I cannot tolerate. Too medicinal in taste for me no matter how I try to spruce it up.
This tea is everything rooibos should be – deep and a tad earthy with caramel vanilla undertones. It’s perfect alone, with cream and sugar, as a latte, or as refreshing iced tea. The particles are small and woody, so it’s not pleasant if your strainer passes them into your cup. A first-brew is a rich, smooth amber, while a rebrew gives a golden drink with more honey sweetness. Those who don't love rooibos might want to start with 1/2 tsp per cup or quicker brews, or add sweetener until they do love it. With so many flavored blends of rooibos out there, I probably wouldn’t drink this plain often, but it is high-quality and pleasant.
I was not looking forward to this tea in today's CommuniTea. But I made and I still tried it. And I was shocked that I actually liked it. I need to add sugar but it was a decent cup of tea.
Enjoyed the sweet, woody taste. Good plain, or as a base for blends.
I know this tea can be very divisive and everyone has an opinion on it. have to say, i prefer this tea mixed with other things. Herbs or fruits or the flavor of nuts. Its okay on its own, earthy but shines in an ensemble. It has its merits if you want to practice blending at home this is a great base line for a caffeine free blend. Plays well with others especially as an iced tea. I sampled this Tea as part of the CommuniTEA February Box.
very easy to drink and refreshing tea to make iced
Enjoyed, but nothing special. Not sure I would purchase again.
Rooibos tea has an earthy flavor but also offers calming sensations. I enjoy this cup at work in the afternoon when I need a pick-me-up but without the caffeine.
love this tea! Great Flavor for a minimum amount of tea. I drink about 8 cups a day, so I make a full pot with about 2.5 tsp tea!
Delicious. My wife says it tastes a lot like medicine, though I tend to enjoy it.
I'm generally not a fan of herbal teas. But this Rooibos is wonderful. I drink black tea in the mornings to get the day started. Then I switch to Rooibos in the afternoons and evenings. It has a lovely flavor without needing milk, sugar, or honey. Give it a try!
A robust, non-caffeinated tea. One of my all time favorite teas grown on this planet.
This is my boyfriend’s favorite tea so I always keep it on had. It doesn’t have an after taste like some other teas I’ve had
Smooth with warm undertones. Just what I want for black tea flavor without the caffeine.
This is one of my favorite teas. I usually like to add it to other teas add to lovely flavor profile. It's great with Oat-milk.
On its own, it is an acquired taste. Sugar helps, especially if you let it steep a long time. It reminded me a bit of sassafras tea, but not as flavorful. It blends beautifully and is the base of many wonderful tisanes.
earthy kinda dirt like taste, reminds me of playground tanbark, much prefer the green variety
Excellent quality and taste! Very soothing after dinner.
Can't ask for a better rooibos than the original! A cup of rooibos before bed is always nice!
Best Rooibos I have found in the states. So smooth.
I wasn't quite sure about this tea at first but really enjoy it now. I've tried many of the Rooibos Adagio has and really like this one. I like it after dinner to enjoy with a dessert or just by itself. I keep this stocked in my tea collection.
Very smooth and fruity, mint like numbing of my lips and tounge when I drink this I love it recommend
I have been drinking this every morning with my breakfast. It is delightful and has become a new must drink favorite tea! It is so different from any other tea I've ever had, I'm drinkin some now, and the smell is delicous. Sometimes I drink it plain, sometimes I add milk and/or honey. It actually even tastes good if my cup gets cold!
My partner and I both enjoy the Rooibos. He enjoys an occasional cup after a long day.
I'm so used to the other Rooibos each with flavors, so this tea was just okay. Nothing great, just a good tea.
Good basic rooibos. Nice flavor, but make sure you have a fine mesh strainer for it.
One of my favorites so far. Love a cup in the morning with some milk and honey.
I love that this is a naturally decaffeinated tea but still robust in flavor - one of my favorites.
I like plain rooibos. It is intense, and I can add flavors such as ginger or rose petals as I like
This is great just as it is, as well as with additions where I can be as creative as I want!