Best Guayusa Tea: Loose Leaf & Teabags Reviewed (2023)

Guayusa tea is a natural and energizing drink from South America. It’s often called a “cousin of yerba mate”.

Guayusa leaves contain high levels of antioxidants and it’s also rich in minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.

In this guide, I’ll review my favorite guayusa tea products. I will also tell you where to buy the best guayusa tea at a reasonable price.

My Favorite Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea Products

At home, I often use loose leaf guayusa tea and a French press to prepare my guayusa tea. This allows me to adjust the strength and amount of the tea, and it’s also a more affordable option compared to buying tea bags.

Here are the best loose leaf guayusa teas available on Amazon:

Best Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea: WAYKANA Organic Guayusa Tea

The WAYKANA Organic Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea is a beautifully balanced blend that pays homage to the ancient traditions of the Amazonian people.

This high-quality guayusa tea has a mild and smooth taste. It is quite finely ground and has a very green color.

This is my number one recommendation for loose leaf guayusa tea.

• Amount: 16 oz / 1 lb (450 g)
• Type: Organic loose leaf guayusa tea

WAYKANA Guayusa is grown by indigenous Kichwa farmers. The company was founded by two Ecuadorians, Juan and Demetrio, with a vision to provide a healthy and energizing drink and support the indigenous communities by contributing to their development.

It is grown, harvested, and processed in a traditional way in Ecuador’s Napo Amazon region. This product has USDA and EU organic certifications, and it is guaranteed, that pesticides or fertilizers are not used in the cultivation of the plants.

WAYKANA has excellent quality control to ensure each batch is top-notch grade.

Best Value: Davidson’s Organic Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea

Davidson’s Organic Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea is a premium product that’s surprisingly affordable. With its organic certification, you can be assured of its purity and the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

• Amount: 16 oz / 1 lb (450 g)
• Type: Organic loose leaf guayusa tea

On opening the package, there’s a welcoming play of herbal freshness with a touch of forest floor undertones, transporting one to the heart of the Amazon.

Davidson’s Guayusa leaves showcase a rich green, finely cut texture, indicative of careful cultivation. Their even appearance suggests a consistency in quality, representative of the brand’s reputation.

This guayusa offers a harmonious mix of subtle vegetal flavors paired with a touch of natural sweetness. I like the light, grassy nuance of this tea. It’s a delightful sip from start to finish!

Nice & Fresh: RUNA Organic Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea

RUNA Organic Loose Leaf Guayusa Tea is a captivating blend, reflecting a seamless marriage of tradition and modernity.

It’s grown by indigenous Kichwa people who say that they feel “RUNA” when they drink guayusa. It means “fully alive” and that’s where this brand got its name!

• Amount: 16 oz / 1 lb (450 g)
• Type: Organic loose leaf guayusa tea

The company was founded by Tyler Cage (with his friend) who lived in the Ecuadorian rainforest for two years to learn about the local languages. The goal of the company is to use sustainable farming methods and to support and generate profit for the local people who are farming guayusa.

RUNA guayusa loose leaf tea tastes naturally smooth and is a bit sweet. Its taste is quite bold for a guayusa tea. It is a high-quality product and a bit pricier than most brands.

My Favorite Guayusa Tea Bags

Guayusa tea bags provide a very easy and convenient option for making a cup of this healthy and energizing tea.

You can easily take them with you to the office or when traveling. All you need to prepare your drink is a cup and some hot water.

Here are my favorite options:

Best Guayusa Tea Bags: PACHA Guayusa Tea Bags

PACHA Guayusa tea bags are a great option if you want to make guayusa tea without any extra hassle.

• Amount: 100 tea bags (4.6 oz /130 g)
• Type: Organic guayusa tea bags

The brew, despite being from a tea bag, offers a surprisingly rich and full-bodied experience. It washes over the palate with ease, leaving behind a soothing aftertaste.

One cup of guayusa tea brewed with one PACHA tea bag has about 40 milligrams of caffeine. This is about half of what you would get from a standard cup of coffee.

Need a stronger energy boost? Just use two bags to make one cup of tea.

If you want your guayusa tea in the most convenient form, this is the way to go!

Flavored Guayusa Tea Bags: WAYKANA Organic Amazon Guayusa Chai Tea Bags

In addition to pure guayusa tea products, I also wanted to introduce my favorite blend.

WAYKANA’s Organic Amazon Guayusa Chai Tea Bags offer a novel twist on traditional chai. It’s a harmonious blend for those seeking both comfort and adventure in their cup.

• Amount: 16 tea bags (1.13 oz /32 g)
• Type: Organic guayusa tea blend in tea bags

WAYKANA Amazon Guayusa Chai contains guayusa and other organic ingredients including ginger, cardamom, pepper, and cloves. It’s basically a traditional chai blend where black tea has been replaced with guayusa.

If you like the taste of Indian chai tea but want to have an extra energizing kick, give this one a try!

How To Choose The Best Guayusa?

Choosing the best guayusa tea depends on various factors, from farming methods and flavor profiles to ethical considerations.

Here are my tips for finding the best guayusa tea:

1. Origin and Authenticity

Ensure that the guayusa comes from its native regions, primarily the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, where it has been traditionally cultivated and consumed.

Some brands may work directly with indigenous communities, supporting local farmers and traditional practices.

2. Certifications

I recommend choosing guayusa with organic certifications to ensure you’re getting a product free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Fair Trade certification means that the producers get fair wages and work under ethical conditions.

While guayusa is naturally non-GMO, a certification can provide extra reassurance.

3. Processing and Purity

Always check the ingredient list. Pure guayusa will have no additives, but blends (like guayusa chai) might have other herbs or spices.

4. Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags

Loose leaves often provide a fresher flavor and allow you to adjust the strength. However, tea bags offer convenience.

5. Flavor and Freshness

Like all teas, personal preference plays a big role. Some guayusa teas might have a more pronounced earthy flavor, while others might be smoother or slightly sweeter.

Choose a product that is packaged in a way that preserves its freshness, like resealable pouches or airtight tins.

6. Brand Reputation and Reviews

Online platforms, forums, and e-commerce sites can provide customer reviews which can give insights into the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the guayusa.

If you prefer brands with strong environmental or social missions, investigate if the brand participates in reforestation efforts, community support, or other initiatives.

7. Caffeine Content:

While guayusa is naturally caffeinated, the exact caffeine content can vary. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or want it for a specific purpose (like a morning boost), you might want to check the estimated caffeine content if provided.

8. Price

Guayusa can vary in price based on factors like origin, processing, and brand. Decide on a budget and compare products within that range.

9. Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

As guayusa gains popularity, it’s essential to support brands that prioritize sustainable farming practices to ensure the protection of the Amazon rainforest.

Where to Buy Guayusa Tea?

Guayusa tea has gained popularity over the years, and there are several places where you can buy it.

I recommend buying guayusa from Amazon for a couple of reasons:

• Amazon usually gives you the best price and they can also ship anywhere in the world.
• There are a lot of reviews of each product on Amazon, so you can check them out before making the order.

You might also find guayusa at:

• Health Food Stores: Many health and organic food stores, such as Whole Foods Market, carry guayusa tea in their tea and coffee section.
• Specialty Tea Shops: Some specialty tea shops may carry guayusa tea given its unique properties and growing popularity.

Guayusa Tea Has Many Benefits and Uses

Guayusa is typically grown organically by small Ecuadorian family farms. Its taste lacks the bitterness of yerba mate and is often described as smooth and earthy.

If you need some extra energy, guayusa tea is a great alternative to coffee!

This herbal tea contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline and like yerba mate, it will increase your energy levels and mental focus.

Guayusa tea has a smooth and slightly sweet taste that many find pleasant. This tea is also packed with beneficial compounds and has many medicinal uses.

Want to read more about Guayusa? Check out my comprehensive guayusa guide to learn more about this amazing herbal tea.

Guayusa Tea FAQ

What is the best guayusa tea?

My favorite loose leaf option is WAYKANA Organic Guayusa Tea. If you prefer tea bags, then I recommend PACHA Guayusa Tea Bags.

Where can I buy guayusa tea?

You can find many good guayusa tea products on Amazon. Some tea shops and health stores might also have it on the stock.

How does guayusa tea taste?

Guayusa tea tastes quite similar to yerba mate tea but it is less bitter. The taste is smooth and a bit sweet.

Now that I have introduced my favorite guayusa teas and you know where to buy them, it’s time to try it!

Whether you want loose leaf guayusa, tea bags, or a blend, you can find the best products in this article.

If you like yerba mate or green tea, I’m sure you will also enjoy guayusa.

Also, check out this guide with some of the best yerba mate brands available.

I hope you found this article useful and interesting. Please post a comment below and tell me what is your favorite guayusa tea brand!

Enjoy your Healthy Guayusa Tea and feel its Natural Energy!

-Joonas

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