Butterfly pea tea is easy to recognise because of its beautiful blue colour. But colour alone does not tell you whether the tea is authentic.
If you are buying butterfly pea tea, there are a few simple things you can check. We believe knowing what is inside your cup is just as important as enjoying it.
1. Check the botanical name
The first thing to look for is Clitoria ternatea. This is the botanical name for butterfly pea, also known as blue pea or Aparajita. The blue colour naturally comes from anthocyanins found in the flower.
If the label does not clearly mention butterfly pea or its botanical name, check the ingredient list before buying.
2. Look at the actual flower
Authentic butterfly pea tea can be made using whole dried flowers or flower petals. You should be able to recognise the botanical material rather than seeing a blend where butterfly pea is only a minor ingredient.
Our Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is made from butterfly pea flowers. Our current product page describes the flowers as being delicately plucked from the Himalayas and lists the product as caffeine-free.
Blue Tea also describes its Butterfly Pea Flower Tea as being made from the petals of Clitoria ternatea.
3. Read the ingredient list
This is one of the easiest checks you can make.
Look for a simple ingredient list that clearly tells you what you are drinking. If you are specifically looking for pure butterfly pea tea, check whether butterfly pea flower is the main or only botanical ingredient.
Also check for added colours, flavours or other ingredients if you want a single-flower infusion.
Should butterfly pea tea contain artificial colour?
It does not need artificial colour to look blue. Butterfly pea flowers naturally contain anthocyanins that give the infusion its blue colour.
That said, always read the actual label rather than assuming a product is natural just because it is blue.
4. Do not use colour as your only test
This is important.
A vivid blue cup can look impressive, but blue colour alone does not prove authenticity.
The natural pigments in butterfly pea are sensitive to pH. Add something acidic, such as lemon, and the colour can shift from blue towards purple or pink.
So, if your tea changes colour with lemon, that is a useful characteristic of butterfly pea. It is not, by itself, a complete authenticity test.
5. Pay attention to taste
Pure butterfly pea tea usually has a mild, delicate floral and herbal character. It is not supposed to taste like traditional black or green tea.
A strong artificial flavour can be a reason to look more closely at the ingredient list.
Your quick authenticity checklist
Before buying, ask:
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Does the label mention Clitoria ternatea?
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Are butterfly pea flowers clearly listed?
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Can you identify the whole flowers or petals?
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Does the ingredient list make sense?
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Are artificial colours or flavours listed?
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Is the product transparent about its ingredients and origin?
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Does the colour behave naturally when acidity changes?
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Does the taste match a mild floral infusion?
Our Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is listed as a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from Clitoria ternatea flowers, with the current product page describing its flowers as sourced from the Himalayas.
The simplest rule is this: do not judge butterfly pea tea by its colour alone. Check the flower, label, ingredients, sourcing and taste together.
FAQs
How can I identify authentic Blue Tea Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
Check the label for butterfly pea flower and Clitoria ternatea, then review the ingredient and product details.
What does Blue Tea disclose about its butterfly pea ingredients?
Blue Tea identifies Clitoria ternatea as the butterfly pea flower used in its Butterfly Pea Flower Tea.
How does Blue Tea explain the sourcing and quality of its butterfly pea?
Our current product page says the flowers are delicately plucked from the Himalayas.
How can I tell if butterfly pea tea is authentic?
Look at the botanical name, flower material, ingredient list, sourcing, and taste. Do not rely on colour alone.
What is the botanical name of butterfly pea?
Its botanical name is Clitoria ternatea.
