How to Make Loaded Teas at Home
Loaded teas have gained significant popularity, especially on platforms like Instagram. These colorful and flavorful drinks promise clean energy, no sugar, few calories, a faster metabolism, healthy antioxidants, and a hefty dose of caffeine. While you can find loaded teas at various tea shops and health clubs, the good news is that you can easily make them at home. In this article, we will explore the process of making loaded teas at home, the benefits they offer, and some delicious combinations to try.
What Are Loaded Teas?
Loaded teas, also known as boosted teas, are vibrant concoctions of various ingredients blended into a single drink. These teas claim to provide an energy boost, increase productivity, and help individuals achieve their fitness goals. They have gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts because they offer a way to control cravings while providing a substantial amount of energy.
Loaded teas are typically made with different formulas, but most include a blend of tea or tea concentrate, fruit juices, supplement powders, multivitamins, sweeteners, herbal extracts, and food coloring. The common factor among these teas is the high amount of caffeine they contain, which provides the promised energy boost.
Benefits of Loaded Teas
Loaded teas offer several benefits and are particularly appealing to those focused on fitness and weight management. Here are some of the benefits associated with these colorful beverages:
- Low in calories: Fortified teas are an excellent alternative to high-calorie soft drinks and other beverages. They allow you to enjoy delicious and colorful beverages without worrying about consuming excessive calories.
- Weight management: Fortified teas can help people lose weight and achieve their fitness goals. They are low in calories and can be incorporated into a balanced diet and exercise routine.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Fortified teas are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, providing a balance of energy and nutrients. The specific vitamins present in each tea may vary, allowing individuals to choose the one that best suits their needs.
- Energy Boost: The high caffeine content of fortified teas provides a noticeable energy boost. Compared to a regular cup of tea or coffee, loaded teas contain significantly more caffeine, making them an attractive choice for those seeking an energy pick-me-up.
Are loaded teas safe to drink?
While loaded teas can offer several benefits, it’s important to consider their safety. The caffeine content in these teas may not be a problem for people who regularly consume caffeinated beverages. However, those who are sensitive to caffeine may experience adverse effects such as stomach pain, insomnia, frequent urination, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.
As with any consumable, moderation is the key. Consuming excessive amounts of decaffeinated teas, especially due to their concentrated caffeine content, can be harmful. It’s important to be aware of the amount of caffeine you’re putting into your system and to listen to your body’s response.
How to make caffeinated teas at home
Making loaded teas at home is a simple process that allows you to customize the ingredients and control the caffeine level to your liking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making loaded teas at home:
- Instant Tea Powder: Start by selecting an instant tea powder to replace Herbalife’s Tea Concentrate. You can choose pure black or green tea, depending on your preference. The tea powder serves as the base for your infused tea and should be made with a single ingredient, without any additives.
- Energy Drink Mix: Next, choose an energy drink mix to replace Herbalife Liftoff, which is a key ingredient in loaded teas made with Herbalife products. The energy drink mix should be caffeinated to provide the desired energy boost. Look for options that also provide vitamins and light carbonation.
- Supplement: Fortified teas are known for their vitamin and antioxidant content. Therefore, choose a basic supplement to add to your homemade loaded tea. You can choose a vitamin or mineral supplement, or opt for a protein-based powder that contains energy-boosting nutrients.
- Flavored Drink Mixes: Flavored drink mixes are essential for adding fun flavors to your brewed teas. You can choose a single flavor or experiment with combinations. Common flavors include orange, grape, strawberry, peach, green apple, pineapple, blueberry, watermelon, cherry and lemon. Get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite mix.
- Optional Ingredients: There are a few additional ingredients you can consider adding to your loaded teas for extra flavor and benefits. Mango aloe can add sweetness and body to the tea, while guarana powder can provide an extra caffeine boost. These ingredients are optional and can be customized based on your preferences.
- Preparation: To make your Loaded Tea, dissolve the instant tea powder, energy drink mix, and supplement selection in 6 ounces of hot water. Once dissolved, pour the mixture into the bottom of a cup. Fill the cup with cold water and ice to the desired level. Finally, add the flavored drink mix and any optional ingredients. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Enjoy: Your homemade loaded tea is now ready to enjoy! Sip and savor the vibrant flavors and energizing effects of your personalized creation.
Delicious combinations and variations
Brewing loaded teas at home allows for endless possibilities when it comes to flavor combinations. Here are some delicious combinations and variations to get your creative juices flowing:
- Tropical paradise: Combine instant green tea powder, tropical fruit flavored energy drink mix, vitamin C supplement and mango aloe for a refreshing tropical twist.
- Berry Blast: Blend instant black tea powder with a berry-flavored energy drink mix, a multivitamin supplement, and add blueberry-flavored drink mix for a burst of fruity goodness.
- Citrus Splash: Use instant green tea powder, citrus flavored energy drink mix, vitamin B supplement, and add a splash of lemon flavored drink mix for a tangy and invigorating experience.
- Watermelon Thunder: Combine instant black tea powder, watermelon-flavored energy drink mix, vitamin D supplement, and watermelon-flavored drink mix for a summery and refreshing treat.
- Peachy Delight: Blend instant black tea powder with peach-flavored energy drink mix, a calcium supplement, and add peach-flavored drink mix for a delicious and fragrant loaded tea.
Keep in mind that these combinations are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, supplements, and beverage mixes to create your own signature loaded tea recipe.
Bottom Line
Loaded teas offer a vibrant and flavorful way to enjoy an energy boost while maintaining a low calorie intake. Making loaded teas at home gives you the freedom to control the ingredients, caffeine levels, and flavors to your liking. Remember to consume loaded teas in moderation and be mindful of your caffeine intake. Experiment with different combinations and variations to find your favorite loaded tea recipe. Enjoy the process of creating your own colorful blend and reap the benefits of clean energy and delicious flavors.
FAQS
Can I customize the ingredients in loaded teas to suit my preferences?
Yes, one of the benefits of making loaded teas at home is the ability to customize the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. You can choose different tea flavors, energy drink mixes, supplements, and flavored drink mixes to create your own unique combinations.
Are Loaded Teas suitable for people on a low-calorie diet?
Loaded teas can be a great option for people on calorie-restricted diets. They are generally low in calories, making them a healthier alternative to high-calorie beverages. However, it’s important to be mindful of your overall calorie intake and to include fortified teas as part of a balanced diet.
Are loaded teas safe for people who are sensitive to caffeine?
Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine should use caution when consuming loaded teas. These teas typically contain high levels of caffeine, which can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals, such as insomnia, stomach pain, increased heart rate, or elevated blood pressure. It’s a good idea to start with smaller amounts and monitor your body’s response.
Can I make loaded teas in advance and store them?
It’s generally recommended to consume loaded teas immediately after preparation to enjoy their freshness and optimal flavor. However, you can prepare the tea concentrate and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When ready to enjoy, simply add the flavored drink mix and any optional ingredients to cold water and ice.
Are there any alternative sweeteners I can use in infused teas?
Yes, if you prefer to use alternative sweeteners instead of artificial sweeteners, you can explore options such as stevia, monk fruit extract, or natural fruit juices. Keep in mind that the choice of sweetener can affect the taste and sweetness of the loaded tea, so adjust the amount to your preference.
Can I make loaded teas without using supplements?
Absolutely! While supplements are often used in loaded teas to add vitamins and nutrients, they are not required. You can still make delicious loaded teas using tea concentrate, energy drink mixes, flavored drink mixes, and optional ingredients without adding supplements. Customize the recipe based on your preferences and dietary choices.