South Africans are invited to explore the world without leaving home… by simply putting the kettle on! From traditions and languages to everyday habits, each country brings its own unique identity – and tea is no exception. One of the simplest ways this cultural richness is experienced daily is by enjoying a cup of tea, widely considered one of the world’s most recognised shared rituals.
“Tea is one of the most universal beverages in the world, but the way it’s enjoyed differs beautifully from country to country,” says Candice Sessions, Marketing Manager for Tetley. “From its origins in China, tea has travelled across generations and continents, with each culture shaping its own traditions, flavours, and rituals. That’s what makes tea so special; it’s global, yet deeply personal.”
Bringing these traditions closer to home, Tetley’s wide range of teas allows South Africans to experience a world of flavour in a single cupboard. From bold black teas and aromatic chai blends to refreshing green teas and modern matcha-inspired options, each cup offers a sensory journey to a different part of the world.
“Through Tetley, we can sample an assortment of international flavours and cultures from the comfort of our homes, while being transported to different countries through the sensorial journey of tea!” notes Sessions. To celebrate this, she has shared 5 key teas, along with their origins.
A World of Tea in Every Cup
- Earl Grey – from the United Kingdom
History: In the United Kingdom, tea became deeply embedded in daily life during the 19th century, popularised through the tradition of afternoon tea. Earl Grey tea is one of the most iconic blends to emerge from this culture, traditionally associated with Charles Grey, a British Prime Minister in the 1830s.
Flavour profile: Earl Grey is a black tea infused with bergamot oil, giving it a distinctive citrusy, floral aroma balanced by black tea’s richness.
How it’s enjoyed: Typically served in the afternoon between meals, Earl Grey is enjoyed plain, with lemon, or with milk, depending on preference. It is often paired with light snacks such as sandwiches or pastries as part of the traditional afternoon tea ritual.
Try: Tetley Earl Grey.
- Masala Chai – from India
History: In India, tea is not just a drink but a daily ritual and cultural connector. Masala chai evolved from ancient Ayurvedic traditions, in which spices were blended with tea for warmth and wellness.
Flavour profile: A robust black tea base infused with spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper, often balanced with milk and sugar for a creamy, aromatic taste.
How it’s enjoyed: Chai is consumed throughout the day, from morning routines to social gatherings. It is shared in homes, workplaces, and street-side stalls, symbolising hospitality, conversation, and community connection.
Try: Tetley’s wide range of Chai teabags and lattes.
- Matcha – from Japan
History: In Japan, matcha originated through Buddhist monks who brought powdered tea from China. It became central to the Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual built on harmony and respect.
Flavour profile: Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder with a vibrant green colour, earthy notes, and a natural umami depth. It is rich in antioxidants and promotes calm, sustained energy.
How it’s enjoyed: Traditionally whisked with hot water in ceremonial settings, matcha is now enjoyed both in the traditional fashion and in a variety of different formats, including hot and cold lattes and flavoured blends, popularised by contemporary café culture.
Try: Tetley’s range of Matcha Lattes (NEW!)
- Green Tea – from China
History: As the birthplace of tea, China’s tea culture originated over 4,000 years ago, where green tea has long been associated with well-being as part of a daily ritual.
Flavour profile: Light, fresh, and grassy with subtle herbaceous notes depending on the variety. Ranges from delicate to more astringent.
How it’s enjoyed: Green tea is typically brewed with hot (not boiling) water, without milk or sugar. It is often enjoyed throughout the day as part of personal wellness routines.
Try: Tetley’s diverse range of Green Tea flavours and options.
- Rooibos Tea – from South Africa
History: In South Africa, rooibos has been consumed for generations as a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion rooted in local tradition. It is only grown locally, in the Cederberg valley of the Western Cape, and over the years has become popular in many countries for its inherent health benefits.
Flavour profile: Smooth, slightly sweet, and earthy with a naturally rounded taste.
How it’s enjoyed: Rooibos is typically served hot with or without milk, sugar, honey, or lemon, and is also enjoyed iced. It is a staple in South African households and valued for its incredible health benefits and taste.
Try: Laager Rooibos, which comes from the same family of brands as Tetley.
Discovering Global Flavours at Home
Tetley has steadily expanded its range, inviting South Africans to explore a world of taste inspired by different cultures and traditions. The newest addition, Tetley Matcha Lattes, blends the rich heritage of Japanese tea with contemporary trends, offering a modern twist on a centuries-old ritual.
This launch highlights Tetley’s passion for connecting people through tea and making international flavours more accessible and enjoyable. As the world’s second-largest tea brand, Tetley is savoured in 40 countries, with millions of cups enjoyed daily.
A South African favourite, Tetley offers a wide variety of blends and formats – from Tetley Premium Blend and Tetley Green Tea to Tetley Pure Chamomile, Tetley Chai, and Tetley Decaf. Now, tea lovers can add the indulgent Tetley Matcha Latte to their favourites.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is tea enjoyed differently around the world?
Tea traditions vary widely across cultures, from the mindful matcha ceremonies of Japan and the spiced chai culture of India to British afternoon tea rituals and the long-standing green tea heritage of China. Each reflects unique cultural values, flavours, and preparation methods.
- What types of tea does Tetley make?
Tetley offers a wide variety of teas, including green tea, black tea, chai blends, herbal infusions, and the newly launched Matcha Lattes, allowing consumers to experience international tea traditions at home.
- What brands are part of the Joekels range?
Joekels produces and distributes a range of well-known beverage brands in South Africa, including Laager Rooibos, Tetley, Tea4Kidz, Tea Time, and Society Coffee, catering to diverse tastes and wellness preferences.
Keep Updated!
Follow @TetleyTeaSA on Facebook and Instagram for healthy tips and recipes. The Tetley range can be purchased from all major supermarkets, as well as online at www.joekels.co.za
