Growing up in my house, popcorn was revered. It was The Ultimate Snack. I have the fondest, most sensory-specific memories of helping my mom toss kernels into the hot stir crazy machine, watching them circle around in sizzling oil until they were all popped and fluffy. We’d flip the machine upside down into its handy attached-bowl, and when we REALLY wanted a treat, we’d smother it in melted butter and big flakes of crunchy salt. HALLELUJAH.
Or when we’d travel to my family’s cottage up north, we’d swing by the upstate Piggly Wiggly to pick out our traditional Midwestern-cabin-snack-food of mini cereal boxes (not having to share Lucky Charms with my sister was the ultimate luxury) and– you guessed it– Jiffy Pop. And of course, there would be an all-out throwdown over who got to be the one to vigorously shake it over a fire until the pan was unnaturally puffed and full of oily, salty, puffy goodness.
All of this to say? I know my popcorn, you guys.
So I’ve been eyeing this selection from David’s Tea for a long time, but abstaining– what if it didn’t meet my strict popcorn-sommelier standards? Finally I had a free tea reward and decided to take the plunge. And– spoiler alert– I’m so glad I did! First things first, this tea SMELLS divine. Like roasty, toasty, buttery popcorn, with just a touch of that kettle corn sweetness. The internet tells me that this tea is a green with apple bits, popped corn and a touch of maple. Now, I’d be hard-pressed to believe you on the “green” thing until it’s actually brewed– the bag mostly looks like apple chunks and popcorn pieces, but sure enough, the leaves emerge as you steep. Brewed, the flavors really come out. A touch of honey helps the popcorn flavor emerge even further, though it doesn’t necessarily make it all the more sweet. I get a little vanilla, a little apple, a little green and a hint of maple– and while the popcorn flavor isn’t overwhelmingly there, that roasty, buttery flavor is predominant, and that’s good enough for me. I might not be making popcorn daily with my mom anymore, but this tea is the perfect replacement for that salty nighttime ritual. Just don’t make me share any with my sister.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green Tea
Where to Buy: DAVIDsTea
Description
This blockbuster blend mixes green tea with apple and real popcorn.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Hustling with Wise Ape Tea Co #performancetea
In the late mornings, Wise Ape Tea Co’s Performance Tea-Chocolate Hustle has been my jam. I always seem to get a snack craving around 9am-10am every morning. Instead of reaching for a sugary snack or chips to keep me going until lunch, I’ve been brewing up this tea and having a healthier snack like a trail mix or fresh fruit. I have to say, I’ve seen a huge increase in my energy level and I don’t feel like I’ve hit a wall.
Brewed with freshly prepped boiled water and allowed to steep for 4-5 minutes (and cooled for 2), this tea gives you all the love. Rich earthy tones mingle gorgeously with a subtle hint of minty cooling freshness. The cocoa nibs really adds another level of lush earthy richness in every sip. A wonderful perk me up style of flavor. All of the flavors play well together and are very well balanced.
Wise Ape Tea Co is one I’ve had my eye on for a while. I was incredibly intrigued by their logo and am currently eyeing their tea shirts. . . especially the shirt with their mascot doing yoga. Besides their amazing Performance Tea and their tea merch, Wise Ape Tea Co is another wonderful example of a tea company spreading the word on finding balance in your life.
“WISE APE IS MORE THAN JUST A TEA, IT’S A TRIBE OF LIKE MINDED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FOCUSED ON SELF-EVOLUTION WITH AN ALTRUISTIC ATTITUDE.”
I’m excited to see what Wise Ape Tea Co. has in store for them in the future. I would love to see more blends in their performance line. Even though this is a bagged tea, this tea is perfect for those on the go moments. I’ll be a customer for sure. Personally, I’m hoping in the future they will have loose leaf versions of their performance tea for those loose leaf fiends like myself to enjoy.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Yerba Mate
Where to Buy: Wise Ape Tea Co.
Description
A powerful blend of ancient adaptogenic herbs, rich cacao nibs, and pure roasted yerba mate join forces to heighten your focus, energy, and clarity. Fill your cup with a delicious elixir primed to fuel your daily hustle, without the crash.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Peanut Butter Cup from The NecessiTeas. . . .
Anyone who knows me knows I love peanut butter, especially Reese’s cups. The best ones are the ones for the Holidays, the eggs for Easter or the pumpkins for Halloween or the trees for Christmas. They seem to have more peanut butter! I have kind of always stayed clear of teas that attempted to replicate the delicious Reese’s candies though because I always figured they would end up tasting like stale hot chocolate mixed with goopy peanut butter. I don’t know why I thought this, but I did, up until now.
I spotted Peanut Butter Cup by The NecessiTEAs and I took a whiff of it- wow. Cue the mouth watering! It smells so peanut buttery and as if I just opened up a package of Reese’s. I brewed this one with near boiling water for the full 7 minutes- I wanted flavor! Well, flavor is what I got! Boy was I wrong about this blend, though.
I could totally taste both chocolate and peanut butter, but neither was overpowering. The liquid wasn’t thick and goopy either. Quite the opposite, actually. This blend was very light but still packed with flavor. Not only could I taste peanut butter but I could taste a simple nuttiness from the almonds. I could detect a bit of the apple pieces too, and this just added a nice sweetness to the overall cup. The chocolate, while present, was not overpowering and there was just enough to give the illusion of a true Reese’s cup, but not too much as to make me feel like this was a chocolate beverage. There are also caramel pieces included in this blend, and I have to say I just LOVE that! The caramel added a very small touch, just the right amount to give the drink a creamy mouth feel and some extra sweetness.
I’m telling you this was really well done. I literally drank it down in less than 5 minutes and then I was sad because that’s all I had! I can not wait to order my own tin of this. I really recommend you try it. It is a totally guilt free version of Reese’s cups and perfect for an after dinner delight! Total win. Thanks, NecessiTEAs.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal/Tisane
Where to Buy: The NecessiTeas
Description
This blend is seriously addicting, over the top yummy and double-delicious. It’s quite amazing and tastes just like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup! To sweeten the deal, this chocolate peanut butter bliss is completely guilt-free!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Malibu by Bruu Tea
Hello tea friends!
This comes straight from the Bruu Tea Club box from February. It isn’t available to buy on the website but it may in the near future.
The information card from the box mentioned this blend has a Pina Colada charm to it.
Ingredients: Apple, Rosehip, Pineapple, Coconut and Hibiscus.
Opening the packet I am met with a sweet fruit melody that screamed tropical punch as it filled my nostrils. It also had a creamy scent among the sweet and juicy fruit. In terms of blend the pieces are mostly medium sized.
Steeping Instructions: 1tsp – 100C – 6 minutes
Once steeped the tea is red in colour and bares a super tropical fruity scent with a touch of sourness.
The first few sips reveal an insanely sweet and fruity drink with a sour aftertaste. Pineapple and coconut were the dominant fruit flavours and the hibiscus lingered in the after taste with a touch of dryness.
It’s only a fruit blend but it’s very tasty, much stronger than I expected. Though sour, the hibiscus is acceptable and it dies down quickly. I think this would be nice mixed with a mild green tea.
It may not be Pina Colada but it’s tropical and tasty!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Bruu Tea
(This is not currently for sale)
Description: A dreamy fruit tea with lashings of coconut. Works great on its own, blended or as an ice tea.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Whole Leaf Green from Chai Safari. . .
I’ve been sampling some really ‘out there’ flavored teas lately. While I am a HUGE fan of that on most days – it’s always nice to have a tea that is ‘stand alone’ GOOD. That’s where Whole Leaf Green from Chai Safari comes in.
According to the company’s website their Whole Leaf Green hails from the Himalayan Hill Estates and uses the entire leaf that has been delicately rolled.
The aroma is gentle, the briskness is on the more mellow to mellow-medium strength, and it’s even a little drier on the tongue that most greens are but not in a bitter or grassy way. Maybe a more bittersweet with a small boost of robustness to it, too, while still being a SMOOTH cuppa! Maybe even on the verge of slightly savory – come to think of it.
Overall – the flavor isn’t overly intense but still extremely valid and satisfying. This is a Green Tea I would gladly SHARE and SUGGEST to the masses!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Chai Safari
Description
Especially chosen from the Himalayan hill estates, this tea is made out of very tender WHOLE-LEAF as evident in the infusion; delicately rolled and completely unoxidised to give you a very light pale greenish-yellow Liquor with a smooth taste you are sure to fall in love with. Bid adieu to the bitterness in taste widely associated with Green tea. We bet you will fall in love with this Tea more as a savory then a health drink. Needless to say, this is extremely rich in antioxidants.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
