Little Citizens' Herb Teas

Tea isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when kids are thirsty. But the Republic of Tea’s new line of Rooibos-based teas may change the way parents think. The purity of the leaves instantly puts parents’ concerns to rest—they’re naturally caffeine-free, all natural and organic—and the South African red tea offers an antioxidant boost. (The Rooibos herb is revered for its numerous health properties in South Africa, so much so that mothers fill their babies’ bottles with the tea.)

Of course, this information does little to intrigue kids, so the company poured extensive efforts into research and development. Kid-centric focus groups determined the winning flavors—Strawberry Vanilla, Tangerine and Apple Cherry—as well as the mascot—Bamboo the Panda, who sits atop a colorful stack of books on the tea tin label. (The books signify the company’s involvement with Room to Read, an organization that provides books to children in developing countries. For every tin sold, the Republic of Tea contributes one dollar.)

By hitting both targets—parents who carry the wallets throughout the store and kids who pull and tug at them all the while—Republic of Tea may have brewed a winner.

Little Citizens’ Herb Teas ($10.50 for a tin containing 36 unbleached, round tea bags) can be purchased nationwide at natural and specialty food stores like Whole Foods and Wegmans, on the company’s website, through mail order or by calling 800.298.4832.—Kara Mayer Robinson

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