Tazo Wild Sweet Orange Herbal Tea (20ct filterbags)

Tazo's standard rectangular filterbags are paper heat-sealed with polypropylene. Hernandez et al. 2019 (Environ. Sci. Technol., McGill) measured ~11.6 billion microplastic and ~3.1 billion nanoplastic particles released per cup from plastic-containing tea bags brewed at 95 °C. Banaei et al. 2024 (Chemosphere, UAB Barcelona) confirmed polypropylene bags shed ~1.2 billion particles per mL and demonstrated particle uptake by human intestinal cells in vitro. There is no established safe exposure threshold for chronic ingestion of polypropylene nanoplastics from food contact materials.

'Natural flavors' is a regulatory catch-all (FDA 21 CFR 101.22) that can include dozens of undisclosed compounds, processing aids, and solvents. Adds nothing of nutritional value and erodes ingredient transparency.

Industrial citric acid is mass-produced via Aspergillus niger fermentation on glucose substrates. Used here as a tartness and preservative agent at trivial doses.

Glycyrrhizin in licorice has demonstrated soothing effects on mucosal tissue but in chronic high doses can raise blood pressure and lower potassium (pseudohyperaldosteronism). Trace amounts in a tea blend are low risk for healthy adults but a real concern for hypertensive or pregnant users.

Blackberry leaves contain ellagitannins and flavonoids; mild astringent and antioxidant activity.

Source of d-limonene, hesperidin, and naringin — flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Aromatic citrus oils.

Citral and geraniol; mild antimicrobial and digestive-soothing.

Spearmint contributes carvone and rosmarinic acid; aromatic and digestive-soothing.

Polyphenols and aromatic geraniol/citronellol. Traditional culinary and aromatic ingredient.

Anthocyanin-rich; randomized trials show modest blood-pressure reduction (5-7 mmHg systolic). Adds tartness and a strong vitamin C load.