Tea V/s Tisane – 31 Comparable Aspects To Take Into Consideration

Ever wondered about what merges tea and tisane or what draws them apart? Read my 31 key features about tea versus tisane that ought to be known by tea lovers.

I am a passionate Tea blogger and running my own tea shop in Kolkata city has often made me think about the aspects that are common in tea and tisane. At the same time, I am also keen to know how they differ. So, I decided to write a blog about 31 luring points that are sure to act as a testimony in tea v/s tisane. 

Tea V/s Tisane: 31 Prime Attributes To Consider

Tea and tisane are both loved and have their fair share of audience. Now, if you have never wondered about what sets them apart or points where they are similar read my blog about 31 unique characteristics that defines them to the tee.

ORIGIN
Tea China	Tisane China
SOURCE
Tea Camellia Sinensis	Tisane Plants
TYPES
Tea Milk Tea Black Tea Chai Tea	Tisane Chamomile Mushroom Hibiscus
MEANING
Tea A hot or a cold beverage	Tisane A hot beverage
CALORIES
Tea 92	Tisane 2.5
BREWING TIME
Tea 1-4 minutes approximately.	Tisane 3-15 minutes approximately.
STEEPING TIME
Tea Varies	Tisane 15 minutes approximately
CAFFEINE CONTENT
Tea 14-70 mg	Tisane Caffeine-free
OPTIONS TO SERVE
Tea Hot or cold	Tisane Hot
BEST VARIETIES
Tea Black Green Matcha	Tisane Rooibos Ginger Chamomile
BENEFITS
Tea Better sleep Morning Booster Cures Headaches	Tisane Helps to relax Aids in digestion Helps in weight loss
DIFFERENT NAMES
Tea Chai Tae Tee	Tisane Herbal Tea Medicinal Tea Infusion
BEST TIME TO DRINK
Tea All day	Tisane After Meals
CAN BE CONSUMED DAILY?
Tea Yes	Tisane Yes
UNIQUE FLAVORS
Tea Kashmiri Noon Chai Sulaimani Chai Chocolate Chili	Tisane Peach tea Caramel Apple
TEABAG USAGE
Tea High	Tisane Low
MILK DEPENDENCY
Tea Varies	Tisane Best enjoyed without milk
CONSISTENCY & TEXTURE
Tea User Dependent	Tisane User-Dependent
COMMON ACCOMPANIMENTS
Tea Biscuits Fruits Cookies	Tisane Scones Waffles Citrusy Salads
KEY INGREDIENTS
Tea Water Tea Leaves	Tisane Hot water A tea of your choice
VEGAN FRIENDLY
Tea Yes	Tisane Yes
COUNTRIES WHERE POPULAR
Tea India China Ireland	Tisane India Japan UK
LEVEL OF CUSTOMIZATION
Tea High	Tisane Low
SUGAR USAGE
Tea Variable	Tisane Low
CELEBRATORY DAYS
Tea 21st May	Tisane 21st May
NUTRITIONAL VALUE(with sugar  & milk)
Tea 92 calories approx.	Tisane 39 calories
HERBAL & HEALTHY OPTIONS
Tea Yes	Tisane Yes
GLUTEN-FREE
Tea Yes	Tisane Yes
TOPPINGS
Tea Chocolate powder, mint & cinnamon powder	Tisane Lemon slice, ginger and lemon balm
POPULARITY REASONS
Tea Option to make in both hot and cold Caffeine kick Helps to stay hydrated	Tisane Helps in weight loss Leaves one feeling fresh Good source of vitamins
PRONUNCIATION
Tea Tee	Tisane Tee-zan Ti-zanz

Now that we have the table as a summary about some aspects that would be covered. let us now dwell deeper into each point taking one at a time.

1. The Origin Is A Very Interesting Story To Know

The history of food and drinks is quite interesting to know and thus, let us consider how our beloved drinks differ in this aspect.

Herbal tea can be traced as early as 2737 BC in China as a medicinal plant. Now, many studies also claim that herbal tea or tisane originated in Egypt long before China claimed it as their invention. Now, I have a fair idea about Indian history and ancient India has given Ayurvedic to the world; knowledge of using natural methods to cure diseases. Tea leaves or a similar ingredient were used as a healing paste. Thus, it can be rightfully said that history, in this case, is divided. 

Tea’s history can be traced to Southwest China in the Yunnan region. As a tea-blogger, I am about to share a fact that might shock some Indians and that being our beloved drink is in fact from China. Yes, my friends, you read that right. Tea is China’s gift to the world though it is now largely produced in India, the truth cannot be altered.

2. Considering The Etymology or The Source of Both The Teas

The source plays an important role and an important point of differentiation.

Tea as we all know is sourced from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The leaves are harvested, dried before being crushed, teared, and curled. 

On the other hand, herbal tea is made from dried herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, seeds, or any part of a flower. 

3. Tea & Milk Tisane Are Both Available in Different Versions

The next factor I would like to compare these drinks on is how many types does each one has?

Now, the most common types of tea are green, black, milk tea, and Oolong to name a few. However, tea is constantly evolving and I see new varieties being added every day like Matcha, Pea Flower, Red Velvet, etc.

Tisane too is available in several options like mushroom tea, mint tea, fruit teas, lavender, etc. As a self-proclaimed tea lover, it isn’t easy for me to pick a flavor though I certainly recommend fruit tea and mint tea.

4. The Way These Drinks Can Be Defined is A sweet story

Tea and tisane both have different meanings and I would definitely like to mention this important defining aspect.

Simply put tea means a hot beverage that is made by infusing tea leaves in milk or hot water. Often sweeteners are added to enhance the taste. 

Tisane on the other side is a drink or infusion that is made by various parts of a plant. The drink is best when drunk hot and since it is derived from plants, the taste will be sweet so you can skip adding sugar or sweetening it further.

5. Nutritional Value of Tea Vs Tisane

Tea and tisane are both versatile and loved drinks. Therefore, it is important to consider their nutritional value

A typical serving of tea(240 ml)without any milk and sugar is fat-free. Add milk and sugar to it and your tea is now high on calories. Tea with milk or milk tea contains 92 calories. This when compared to tisane is quite high.

Tisane comparatively has lesser calories and a typical serving of herbal tea has 2.4 calories. This when compared to that of tea is quite less. 

6. The Brewing Comparison Between Milk and Bubble Tea

The brewing time is an important aspect that brings the desired color and consistency to a drink. Therefore, we must compare the steeping time each drink takes.

Tea is something I learned to brew at an early age and is something I drink all the time. I learned to make a cup without actually timing it often brewing the water with tea leaves till a reddish color and then adding milk or just straining it and using lemon drops instead. I recommend 1-4 minutes as the ideal brewing time.

Tisane requires 3-15 minutes of brewing time approximately for a perfect cup with the right texture and consistency. Now, this would depend upon the texture you want your tea to be and depending upon the herbal tea you are preparing. If you are looking for fruit teas I recommend drinking them cold and brewing them for 8-12 hours.

7. Ever Consider How The Aroma Is Derived?

Simply put, the process of extracting the goodness of tea is called steeping. The longer the steeping time the more natural extracts are derived. Now, the time varies from tea to tea and we shall check the time for both tea & tisane.

As mentioned earlier the art of making tea is something I learned at an early age. I love making tea as it helps me unwind and just watching the liquid change color gives me a different kind of high. I brew it for 1-4 minutes ideally.

Tisane on the other hand is not something that I drink on a daily basis but, serve it at my shop. Now, tisanes have a natural, floral aroma and which is more enhanced when steeped properly. Thus, I recommend 15 minutes at the maximum.

8. Caffeine Content in Tea Vs Tisane

Tea and coffee both contain caffeine as it helps to stay awake and aid in opening groggy eyes by giving an energy booster. Thus, comparing them for their caffeine content becomes important.

The caffeine content in tea is 14-70 mg approximately though which can vary depending upon the tea leaves used and thus vary from one tea to the other. 

Tisane or herbal tea, on the other hand, is caffeine-free. This is indeed a joyous nugget for herbal tea lovers and if you want to go caffeine-free but still drink tea, herbal tea should be your chosen elixir.

9. Tea Versus Tisane: Options To Serve

The next point of comparison between tea and tisane is the option to serve ie, can they be served hot or cold?

Tea can be served both hot and cold. While masala chai and English tea are served hot, Thai tea, chai lattes and some forms of Japanese tea taste best when served cold.

Tisane on the other hand is mostly served hot. Now, some would advise going against the road less traveled I suggest if you are a tea fanatic like me try both the versions and choose your brew.

10. Let us See Some Flavors That Are Enjoyed On a Daily Basis

Let us consider some flavors of tea and tisane that are enjoyed on a daily basis.

Tea is a drink that is known to be consumed daily and varieties like Matcha, green, black, and Indian Masala chai are some options that are preferred on a daily basis.

Tisane too is known to be drunk daily. Ginger tea, Chamomile, Rooibos are some flavors that are drunk by people on a daily basis.

11. Have You Ever considered The Benefits That Have Helped Them Gain Popularity?

The benefits that tea & tisane offers is something I would like to talk about.

Tea lovers will agree that it benefits them in more ways than one. Better sleep, instant cure for headaches and a great energy booster are amongst some reasons that have proved beneficial and are also the reason why people love them. I have also written a blog about 27 practical reasons to love tea. 

Tisanes acts as a palate cleanser and is a reason why Japanese have a warm cup of herbal tea after meals.  That’s not all for apart from the mentioned benefit it also aids relaxation & some varieties help to get rid of excess kilos quickly. 

12. Let us see how the Two Concoctions Are Known Across the World

Did you know the various names by which the two beloved drinks are known across the globe?

My favorite tea is known by different names. Chai(Indian & Arabic), Tae(Ireland), Tee(Findland)are a few popular names.

Tisane on the other hand is commonly called Infusion, medicinal drinks, infusions to name some common ways the drink is usually called.

13. Comparing the Time Milk Tea and Tisane Can be Drunk

Tea and tisanes both enjoy their fair share of drinkers with a pre-conceived notion that in order to gain maximum benefits they should be drunk at a specific time.

Being a self-proclaimed tea lover, any time is tea time for me and in Kolkata city, there are many like me who flock to my shop just to get their tea fix. It ain’t matter if they have to catch a bus, or running late for a meeting, tea is a quick fix here.

Tisanes for their various benefits is a drink that is best if drunk after meals. 

14. Comparing them on Daily Drinkable Quotient

Let us consider the daily drinkable quotient of tea and tisane.

Tea can be consumed daily and some prefer drinking it twice or thrice too in a day. This is because it is low on calories and for many is an excuse to just drink up.

Tisane too can be drunk daily though moderation is suggested. The tea is high in spices that might make you de-hydrated thus, I recommend not more than 2 cups a day.

15. Tea Vs Tisane: Some Highly Recommended But Rare Flavors Offered

Both the tea have their own flavors that have become the talk of the town and we shall compare them for this aspect.

Tea is by far the most popular drink and has some flavors that are a must-try for tea lovers. Kashmiri Noon Chai(found in the Himalayan region of the Indian continent), Sulaimani Chai(in the Malabar region of Kerala, India), chocolate chili chai, tandoori chocolate tea, tandoori tea(found across India and at my shop too) are some rare varieties that give the humble tea a cutting edge.

Tisane isn’t far behind and butterfly pea plant tea, red raspberry, pine needle are some equally uncommon and rare tea varieties that don’t cross our minds often but, they offer a strong to mild flavor profile.

16. Tea Bag Usage in Tea Vs Tisane

Teabags are small pouches filled with tea and are used in most tea-loving countries. All you need to do is just dip it in hot water till the desired color is reached.

When we talk about tea, tea bags are very commonly used in most countries to brew the perfect cup.

However, for the preparation of herbal tea, tea bags are seldom used. The tea in most places is prepared using loose leaf tea that is brewed with water.

17. Tea Vs Herbal Infusions: Milk Dependency

Let us now consider the two tea for their milk dependency.

Tea on its whole can be quite bitter and unappealing and thus, some add milk to their tea. However, this depends on the kind of tea being brewed as some tea like white, cold-iced teas, and fruit teas are the best when drunk without the addition of milk. Thus, we can say that the milk dependency varies.

Tisane on the other hand is a variety of tea that is best without milk. The tea is often prepared using spices that include lemon. Now, if lemon is added to milk the result will be split milk, and this when added to the tea will make for an unpleasant drinking experience.

18. The Consistency & Texture Is Yet Another Defining Aspect Worth Taking Into account

The most important factor that will set the two drinks apart is the texture & consistency.

Milk tea has a lighter texture with a smooth consistency. 

Imagine sipping a smooth drink and suddenly being hit by spices yet a sweet aromatic flavor. That is your average tisane.

19. Tea & Tisane Are Best When Paired With Certain Accompaniments

Tea and tisane can be served with certain foods.

Tea is best enjoyed with crackers, cookies, bread slices, Indian desserts, pancakes. However, the best pairing by far is fruits. 

Herbal infusions are paired with scones, lemon tarts, tea-time cakes, citrusy salads & waffles. 

20. The Elementary Difference Between Tea and Tisane Lies in Its Ingredients

Hadn’t it been for the ingredients both tea and tisane wouldn’t have been how we know them. Therefore, what goes into the making or in a cup becomes essential to retrospect.

A typical serving of tea is made with tea leaves that is steeped with water. Milk and sugar are added as options.

Tisane, on the other hand, has spices like lemon, ginger, turmeric added to it and is devoid of milk.

21. Comparing The Vegan-Friendly Nature Of The Two Teas

Times are changing and which has given rise to drinks that have to be Vegan friendly. Let me tell you this has taken the market by storm.

Tea boosts of oat, coconut, soy, hemp, flaxseed, etc amongst many options available.

On the other hand, tisane shares no such advantage as it is made sourced from plants and its by-products directly or indirectly.

22. Time To Know About Countries where Tea and Herbal Tea are Loved

Tea and tisanes are both known to mankind since times immemorial & we shall see the places where these two drinks are popular.

Herbal tea owns its roots in  China and no doubt then is popular in China. However, the fame isn’t restricted to China alone. The drink is enjoyed in countries like Japan (where it is drunk after every meal), the UK, India(had its first taste as an ayurvedic drink to treat many ailments).

Tea has been around for ages and is here to stay. Some countries where it is best enjoyed are India (The Largest Tea Society in the world, China, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, and Mongolia to name a few.

23. Comparing Them Based On Their Customizable Level

Another point of comparison between these popular drinks is, which one can be customized more.

Tea is quite customizable. Right from choosing the base tea to the milk options and even the sweeteners, the choices that tea offers can be quite an experience for a newbie! Sure was an experience I will never forget when I was introduced to tea.

While tisane has nothing more than the basic ingredients, in modern times it is witnessing a fair share of customization. With whipped cream, syrups, and toppings, the drink is now quite open for change.

24. Comparing Tea & Tisane For Sugar Dependency

Sugar adds sweetness to a drink and uplifts the taste quotient. Bubble tea and milk tea both are enjoyed with sugar, hence people do not mind extra sugar too.

The usage in tea varies as most people prefer their daily tea without sugar or have found alternatives like brown sugar, jaggery, sugar-free, Splenda to name a few replacements. 

Tisanes, on the other hand, have a sweet and floral taste and thus, are not dependent on sugar at all.

25. Did You Know The Days Fruit Tea & Tea Are Celebrated?

Have you ever considered the days when tisane and tea lovers across the world rejoice? If no, is your answer let us see the days the two drinks are celebrated.

Tisane does not have any fixed day and thus, has to share its day with tea(21st May).

Tea lovers, show your love for the drink on 21st May each year.

26. Let Us Now Compare Them Based On Their Nutritional Value

Tea and tisanes are both versatile drinks and each have their fair share of takers. However, when we talk about the nutritional value they are as apart as chalk and cheese.

A typical serving of milk contains 92 calories when mixed with milk and sugar. 

Tisane on the other hand has 39 calories which is way less than that of tea. 

27. Let Us weigh Tea and Fruit Tea Based On Herbal & Healthy Options

If you are a tea lover but, health-conscious this is the space to look out for as we will compare tea and tisane for their herbal and healthy options.

We have spoken about the calories that a typical milk tea has and this has paved way for herbal and healthy options. Green Tea, Matcha Tea, Oolong tea, white tea are some herbal and healthy options that milk tea boosts of. 

Tisanes as they are derived from plants are anyways herbal and healthy. Hibiscus, Lavender, Rooibos, Chamomile are some popular herbal teas. 

28. Let us Get familiar with the Gluten-Free Nature of Both Tea & Tisanes

By now you have a fair idea about how these two teas differ and we shall now compare them for gluten presence.

Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and is gluten-free.

Tisanes too are made from various parts of a plant and it is gluten-free. Thus, these two drinks can be enjoyed by everyone.

29. Let Us See The Toppings That Are added to Tea & Tisane

Who doesn’t love cute little additions to their tea commonly known as toppings and I highly suggest you opt for some awesome toppings that will make your drink more amazing.

Tea comes with a variety of toppings. My favorites are chocolate powder, cinnamon powder, and mint.

When having tisane I opt-in for a slice of lemon, lemon balm, and ginger.

30. The Popularity Reasons that Sets Tea and Tisane Apart

Both the teas have been around for ages and are immensely popular too. Let us see some factors that sets them apart in popularity terms.

Tea is known for its many health benefits along with it can be enjoyed as a both hot and cold beverage, is drunk throughout the year, is an all-time drink, helps to stay hydrated, also gives a caffeine boost amongst many other reasons. 

Tisane or herbal tea aids in weight loss, is naturally sweet so there is no need to add sugar, aids in weight loss, is a good source of vitamins, leaves you feeling energized throughout the day, helps in digestion, can be had without milk which makes it suitable for the lactose intolerants. 

31. Ever Wondered About How The World Pronounces Tea and Tisanes?

Both the teas have different dialects and we shall see how they are commonly pronounced across the globe. Tea is pronounced by the many names by which it is popular. Let us paraphrase some names,

Tee, Tae or Te are some different ways they can be pronounced depending on the dialect of a region.

Tisane on the other hand is called Te-sane but this is a far cry from the actual method. Tee-zan or ti-zan are the ideal ways to address. 

This concludes my blog and I would love to hear from you. Also if you feel you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer them. Let me tell you that tea isn’t restricted to this blog alone and if you are intrigued about its other sides do read my blogs. Visit my website and check my blogs. 

Happy Sipping!