Is instant tea made from real leaves?

Most instant teas are made from real tea leaves. The process involves:

* Steeping: High-quality tea leaves are steeped in hot water.

* Evaporation: The tea is then evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated liquid.

* Drying: The liquid is dried, usually by spray-drying or freeze-drying, resulting in a powdered or granulated form.

However, some instant teas might contain artificial flavors or additives. These can be used to enhance the flavor or color, but may not be derived from real tea leaves. Always check the ingredients list to see what's in your instant tea.

Here's a breakdown:

* "Real" Instant Tea: Contains only tea leaves and sometimes sugar or other natural sweeteners.

* "Flavored" Instant Tea: May contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings.

So, while most instant teas are made from real tea leaves, be sure to check the label to see what's actually in your cup!