K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Kashrus information regarding teas

December 14, 2016 - From the cRc Twitter Feed:
Unflavored orange pekoe or Green tea leaves (including matcha) or tea bags are acceptable without hashgachah if they contain no other ingredients. Flavored or herbal tea leaves or tea bags require kosher certification. Earl Grey with bergamot oil is acceptable without hashgachah, but Earl Grey with bergamot flavor requires kosher certification. All of the above is limited to tea leaves and tea bags, but all prepared (liquid) tea or instant tea powder sold in retail containers, requires kosher certification.

From the cRc in response to the editor's question: If the package contains just plain leaves with no flavorings then the product does not need a hecksher.