stash tea

Stash Tea is a popular American tea brand known for its bold flavors, premium botanicals, and diverse selection of black, green, herbal, and specialty teas.

Founded in 1972 in Portland, Oregon, Stash Tea is recognized for its high-quality ingredients, vibrant blends, and uplifting tea experience that appeals to beginners and tea experts alike.

When it comes to flavorful, aromatic, and creative tea blends, Stash Tea stands out as one of the most colorful and innovative brands in the global tea market.

Founded in the early 1970s, the brand has grown from a small mail-order company to one of America’s most recognizable tea names. What sets Stash apart is its commitment to freshness, its love for global botanicals, and its innovation-driven approach to tea blending.

This complete guide explores Stash Tea’s origins, ingredients, popular blends, flavor profiles, quality standards, and health benefits.

What Is Stash Tea?

Stash Tea is a U.S.-based specialty tea company founded in 1972 in Portland, Oregon. The brand offers a wide range of teas, including:

Black tea
Green tea
White tea
Herbal tea (caffeine-free)
Chai tea
Wellness blends
Seasonal teas
Loose-leaf and bagged tea

Stash Tea is especially known for:

Bold, vibrant flavors
High-quality herbs and spices
Creative and modern blend combinations
Bright, colorful packaging
Kosher-certified products

Stash is now part of Yamamotoyama, a Japanese tea company with more than 300 years of tea-making history, giving the brand deep global roots and expertise.

History of Stash Tea:

Founded in 1972

Stash Tea was created as a small mail-order tea business. Its founders focused on specialty teas during a time when flavored blends were not yet mainstream in the U.S.

Portland Origins

Based in Tigard, Oregon, part of the Portland metropolitan area, Stash blended counterculture creativity with traditional tea craft.

Acquired by Yamamotoyama

In 1993, Stash became part of Yamamotoyama Tea Co., a historic Japanese tea manufacturer founded in 1690. This partnership expanded Stash’s global sourcing and quality standards.

What Makes Stash Tea Unique?

1. Vibrant, Bold Flavors

Stash Tea is often described as one of the most flavor-forward tea brands, known for blends like:

Orange Spice
Lemon Ginger
Super Mint
Double Bergamot Earl Grey
Wild Raspberry Hibiscus

2. High-Quality Ingredients

Ingredients often include:

Premium herbs (peppermint, hibiscus, chamomile)
Organic botanicals
Natural flavors
Spices sourced globally
Whole-leaf tea varieties

3. Innovative Blends

Stash isn’t afraid to mix bold, creative ingredients—like pairing cinnamon with orange peel, or adding double bergamot for extra aroma.

4. Freshness & Foil Packaging

Each tea bag comes sealed in individual foil packets, preserving the aroma and flavor better than standard paper wrapping.

5. Ethical & Quality Certifications

Stash offers:

Non-GMO blends
Kosher-certified teas
Some USDA Organic selections

Popular Stash Tea Blends:

1. Lemon Ginger Tea

A strong herbal infusion combining ginger root, lemongrass, and lemon peel. Loved for digestion and its naturally warming sensation.

2. Double Bergamot Earl Grey

A twist on traditional Earl Grey: Stash doubles the bergamot oil for a powerful citrus aroma and rich black tea base.

3. Peppermint Herbal Tea

Made with pure peppermint leaves, known for cooling freshness and digestive benefits.

4. Super Irish Breakfast

A bold black tea blend with higher caffeine content, perfect for morning energy.

5. Chai Spice Tea

Features cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Pairs beautifully with milk or plant-based alternatives.

6. Wild Raspberry Hibiscus

A fruity, tangy herbal tea popular for summer iced tea recipes.

7. Green Tea & Matcha Blends

Includes mint green tea, jasmine green tea, and matcha-infused blends for added antioxidants.

Flavor Profile: What Does Stash Tea Taste Like?

Stash Tea emphasizes intense flavor and aroma, making it ideal for:

Iced tea
Sweetened teas
Natural wellness teas
Fruit-forward blends
Spiced chai
Cozy evening herbal infusions

Compared to more traditional brands, Stash’s blends are often richer, more aromatic, and more expressive.

Is Stash Tea Good for Health? (Evidence-Based)

Tea in general offers many scientifically supported health benefits. Below are benefits supported by recognized health organizations, applied to Stash Tea ingredients.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Black tea and green tea blends contain flavonoids that may support heart health.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, tea antioxidants are linked to improved cardiovascular outcomes.

2. Herbal Teas Support Digestive Health

Herbal blends like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile may help reduce stomach discomfort.
According to Cleveland Clinic, peppermint and ginger tea can aid nausea and digestion.

3. Can Reduce Stress Naturally

Calming herbal teas—such as chamomile and lavender—are known for relaxation.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), chamomile may support mild anxiety relief.

4. Moderate Caffeine Levels

Black and green Stash teas contain caffeine, providing energy without the overstimulation of coffee.
According to Mayo Clinic, black tea contains 40–70 mg caffeine per cup, while green tea contains 20–45 mg.

5. Supports Hydration

Tea contributes to daily hydration needs, even caffeinated varieties, as supported by research from The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Stash Tea vs Other Major Tea Brands:

1. Stash Tea vs Tazo

Tazo is known for bold, edgy blends.
Stash is more rounded, fruit-forward, and accessible for everyday drinking.

2. Stash Tea vs Twinings

Twinings focuses on classic British flavor.
Stash offers more vibrant and experimental combinations.

3. Stash Tea vs Bigelow

Bigelow is recognized for traditional American favorites like Constant Comment.
Stash goes heavier on herbal infusions, citrus, and berry flavors.

4. Stash Tea vs Celestial Seasonings

Celestial excels in wellness teas and sleepy blends.
Stash offers stronger, bolder flavors.

How Stash Tea Is Sourced:

Stash Tea sources its ingredients globally, from regions including:

India – Assam black tea
China – green tea
Japan – matcha
Egypt – chamomile
USA Pacific Northwest – mint
South America – herbs and spices
North Africa – hibiscus

The brand emphasizes sustainable partnerships and quality control from farm to cup.

Packaging & Freshness:

Each tea bag is sealed in a:

foil-lined packet that prevents moisture, air, and light from degrading the tea
string and tag bag for easy steeping

This packaging helps Stash maintain its reputation for vibrant flavor and long shelf life.

How to Enjoy Stash Tea:

Stash teas can be enjoyed:

Hot
Iced
With honey
With lemon
As a latte
As a wellness drink
In cold brew recipes

Their herbal teas are caffeine-free, making them perfect for evening relaxation.

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What Is Stash Tea? Bold Flavors and Premium Blends for Every Tea Lover