Loose Leaf Rooibos
Naturally caffeine-free, our loose leaf rooibos offers warmth and soft sweetness.
Shaped with Care
Douk rooibos blends are built around the smooth, naturally rounded character of rooibos.
Fruits or spices may add soft layers of flavor while preserving its warm and gentle profile.
A Few Things to Know
Clear answers to common questions, so you can explore this selection with ease.
What is rooibos?
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the plant Aspalathus linearis, which grows in South Africa. Unlike traditional tea, rooibos does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Once prepared, rooibos produces a reddish infusion with a smooth body and a naturally sweet, rounded taste that makes it pleasant to drink without added sugar.
If you want to explore this ingredient further, read what is rooibos.
Where does rooibos come from?
Rooibos grows almost exclusively in the Cederberg region of South Africa’s Western Cape. The rooibos plant thrives in sandy soils and a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters.
These unique growing conditions contribute to the distinctive character and quality of rooibos produced in this region.
What makes rooibos different from other infusions?
Rooibos differs from many herbal infusions because rooibos comes from a single plant species rather than a blend of various botanicals.
Rooibos also contains unique antioxidant compounds such as aspalathin and naturally low tannin levels, which contribute to its smooth texture and mild flavour without bitterness.
You can also read our comparison tea vs herbal infusions.
What are the main varieties of rooibos?
The two main types of rooibos are red rooibos and green rooibos. Red rooibos is oxidized during processing, giving the leaves their characteristic reddish colour and producing a smooth, slightly sweet infusion.
Green rooibos is not oxidized and therefore retains a lighter colour with a fresher and slightly more vegetal profile.
What flavors can rooibos have?
Rooibos naturally displays smooth and slightly sweet notes often described as honeyed, nutty or gently woody.
Because of its balanced and mild character, rooibos also pairs well with ingredients such as vanilla, citrus, spices or fruits, making it a popular base for aromatic blends.
What are the benefits of rooibos?
Rooibos contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and naturally has very low tannin levels. These characteristics contribute to the smooth taste of rooibos and make rooibos easy to enjoy throughout the day.
Many people appreciate rooibos as a gentle and comforting alternative to traditional tea. Learn more in our article on rooibos health benefits.
Does rooibos contain caffeine?
No. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free because rooibos does not come from the tea plant.
This makes rooibos a good option for those who prefer to avoid caffeine or who want to enjoy a warm drink in the evening without stimulating effects.
When is the best time to drink rooibos?
Because rooibos contains no caffeine, rooibos can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Many people drink rooibos in the evening or before bedtime, but rooibos is also appreciated during the day for its smooth flavour and comforting character.
How do you prepare rooibos?
To prepare rooibos, use about one teaspoon of rooibos for 250 ml of water heated to around 100 °C.
Allow the rooibos to steep for about 7–10 minutes so the leaves can fully release their flavour and develop the smooth, naturally sweet character of the infusion.
How should rooibos be stored?
Rooibos should be stored in an airtight container away from light, humidity and strong odors.
Proper storage helps rooibos preserve its aroma and maintain the freshness of the leaves, ensuring the best possible flavour when the rooibos is brewed. See our guide on how to store loose leaf tea.