· 4 min read
How to read a herbal tea label in India
The front of a tea pack is marketing. The back is regulated. Here is how to read it so you know exactly what you are paying for.
01 The FSSAI licence number
Every packaged food sold in India must carry a 14-digit FSSAI licence or registration number along with the FSSAI logo. You can enter that number on the FSSAI website to see who holds the licence and what kind of business it is. If a herbal tea has no number, or the number does not check out, put it back.
02 Ingredient order and 'proprietary blend'
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first one is what you are mostly drinking. A long list that starts with 'natural flavours' or 'maltodextrin' tells you the herbs are not the main event. Be wary of packs that hide proportions behind the phrase 'proprietary blend' without naming each herb.
03 What 'organic' means in law
In India, a product can only be labelled organic if it is certified under NPOP or PGS-India and carries the Jaivik Bharat logo. 'Natural', on the other hand, has no legal definition. A pack can say natural and still contain flavourings, so read the ingredient list rather than the adjective.
04 Claims a food is not allowed to make
Under FSSAI's advertising and claims regulations, a food product cannot claim to prevent, treat or cure a disease. Phrases like 'cures diabetes' or 'lowers cholesterol in 7 days' on a tea pack are red flags, both for the law and for the honesty of the seller. Words like 'supports' or 'part of a healthy routine' are the regulated, truthful register, and it is the one we use.
Vanmool infusions are food products, not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a medical condition, please speak to your doctor before use.
