Great news, tea lovers! The FDA has officially updated its regulations, allowing tea, water, and coffee with less than 5 calories per serving and no additional caffeine to be claimed as healthy—and that means Tejava, your favorite authentic unsweetened, 0-calorie tea, fits the bill perfectly!

But what does the claim "healthy" really mean? We’re here to break it down.

Food claims play a huge role in how we shop, helping us make informed choices for ourselves and our families. Since 1994, the FDA has regulated the use of the term ‘healthy’ to ensure it accurately reflects a product’s nutritional value. But as nutrition science has evolved, so have the standards—and it's time for an update!

The new rule aligns with the latest dietary guidelines, providing more accurate, up-to-date information while reducing misleading claims. When you see the word healthy, you can trust it aligns with today’s nutrition standards.

So, what’s the scoop?

According to the Dietary Guidelines (2020-2025), a healthy diet isn't just about food, it’s about what you drink, too! The FDA update reinforces what nutrition experts have been saying for years: tea, black coffee, and water are some of the best beverage choices because they keep you hydrated without unnecessary sugars or calories.

And here’s where it gets interesting!
Not only do plain and carbonated waters, unsweetened teas (like Tejava!), and black coffee qualify as healthy, but they can also include certain calorie-free extras like natural flavors, essential minerals (electrolytes like sodium, calcium, and potassium!), and even low- or no-calorie sweeteners—without losing their healthy status. That means more variety, without compromising on wellness.

The catch? Beverages must have less than 5 calories per serving and have no added caffeine to meet the criteria for the healthy claim.

But how does this change the way we think about beverages we consume every day? Well, let’s explain.

Tea: The Healthy Trendsetter

When it comes to drinks that have long been synonymous with wellness, tea has always been in the spotlight. From the calming qualities of a warm cup to the refreshing burst of iced tea, it’s clear that tea is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience, a moment in time. And with the FDA’s guidance, unsweetened tea options like Tejava teas are officially getting the recognition they deserve!

Consumers are reaching for tea throughout the day, with a majority enjoying sweetened ready-to-drink tea during meals, and a good amount opting for unsweetened RTD tea with meals as well. But beyond meals, tea is a go-to drink for relaxation, a drink used to cool off, and even as a post-exercise treat. Tea drinkers are a health-conscious bunch, looking for simplicity, refreshment, and a clean ingredient list. The FDA’s new guidance confirms what we’ve always known: tea, especially when it has a simple ingredient list like Tejava tea, is the healthy choice. The best part? With 0 calories, no sweeteners, sugars, or added preservatives, Tejava tea fits perfectly into this newly minted category of healthy drinks, letting you sip confidently.

Coffee: The Energy Booster

Coffee, the ultimate pick-me-up! Whether it’s that first cup in the morning or an afternoon boost, coffee has been the beverage of choice for many looking to fuel their day. But when it comes to health, perceptions are mixed. While coffee provides antioxidants and boosts alertness, it’s often weighed down by additives like sugar or syrups that add unwanted calories.

Some ready-to-drink coffee options are taking a turn towards the better. RTD coffee is now a major player in the healthy space, especially with its trend of low-calorie and less-sweetened varieties. Many are opting for 0-calorie coffee or lightened versions, not just for energy but for health benefits. Despite its lower percentage of anytime consumption compared to water and tea, coffee still shines as a beverage that provides a significant pick-me-up, especially at breakfast, in the workplace or on-the-go. And now, with the FDA’s new guidance, you can confidently call your cup of cold brew or espresso a healthy choice—just be mindful that there is no additional caffeine.

Water: The Hydration Hero

Water is hydrating and a non-negotiable part of any wellness regimen. But in the context of our daily beverage choices, water can sometimes feel... well, plain. Despite its health benefits, it’s often overlooked for something with more flavor.

Zero Calorie Flavored Water (Still or Sparkling) is changing that perception. While it’s often consumed anytime—especially as a refreshing option when it’s hot or to cool off—it’s clear that it’s not just for hydration anymore. Whether you’re sipping it at lunch, work, or on-the-go, water-flavored options are now considered more fun, offering a way to stay healthy and indulge in flavor without added sugars or sweeteners. And now, with the FDA’s healthy guidance, water beverages might get the recognition they deserve as a guilt-free, refreshing choice that can easily fit into your health-conscious lifestyle.

 

The Authenticity  of Tejava

Tejava tea has always been about keeping it simple—just tea leaves sourced from Java, Indonesia and water, nothing else. While some beverages rely on artificial flavors, preservatives, or added sweeteners, Tejava keeps it authentic which is why it stands out in this newly recognized category of healthy drinks. Tejava's journey begins with quality, starting with sourcing the top tea leaves from each plant, picked during peak harvest months and carefully selected for great flavor. The result? A bold, smooth, tea that’s refreshingly smooth, with no bitterness or added preservatives.

Now, with these new standards, it’s even easier for health-conscious consumers like you to identify truly healthy beverage options. Tejava has always fit that mold, and this new guidance reinforces what we’ve believed all along: real, unsweetened tea is one of the best choices you can make for your health.

A Fun Tea Fact You Might Not Know!

Did you know that tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water? People have been sipping tea for thousands of years, not just for its taste but for its benefits. From ancient Chinese dynasties to modern wellness trends, tea has remained a staple for hydration, relaxation, and energy. And while many traditional teas are often sweetened, the trend toward unsweetened, clean-label options has gained major momentum.

With Tejava, you get all the natural goodness of tea with none of the unnecessary extras. It’s a drink that fits seamlessly into your daily routine—whether you’re looking for a refreshing midday boost, a hydrating post-workout drink, or a clean alternative to sugary beverages.

So next time you’re browsing the beverage aisle, keep the new FDA guidance in mind and know that Tejava has been ahead of the curve all along. Authentic, unsweetened, no sugars or added preservatives, and 100% refreshing. Cheers to making healthier choices, one sip at a time!

 

Sources

Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Food labeling: Nutrient content claims; Definition of term “healthy” (Final rule). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.fda.gov