Pique Organic Ginger Fasting Tea Crystals - Support Healthy Digestion, Metabolism, Calm Energy - 56 Single Servings (2 Pack)

OMG! This stuff is amazing! Better than any tea from a teabag I've ever made. PLUS, it's consistent taste every time. You know how tea bags can be fresh, or stale, or give you a bitter cup one time, and the perfect cup the next, and your water has to be just right? Yeah. Not a fan. But this stuff, in cold or hot water, tastes the same every time - fresh and great. I ordered the mint because other reviewers said it was the best. I use it in cold water, or hot, and it's just as good either way. I carry several in my bag and just dump one in a bottle of water from any vending machine. I even order hot water (or did before the virus) and put it in there on the go. Great tasting tea. I have like 40 boxes of bagged tea collecting dust in my kitchen pantry since discovering this. Looking forward to trying more flavors. PROS: Consistent taste every time Good in cold water or hot Easy to take with you Fresher tasting than bagged tea - even if bag is in stay fresh container Great for camping, van dwellers and people who don't have a lot of storage space

I was a little suspect at first when hearing about the idea of "instant" tea and a powder packet, as I have rarely found any type of instant brewed drink that can equal what it replaces. However, I read an article on FastCompany about Pique and their process of extracting and concentrating the very essence of what gives tea its flavor. The company founder, Simon Chang, studied Chinese history at Harvard and spent years traveling in China, where tea is taken more seriously than it generally is in the US. I spent some time in China as well, which is where I developed an appreciation for great brewed tea. Pique tea, rather than being just crushed tea leaves, is actual crystals created through a proprietary process of pressurized cold-brewing that preserves the tea's antioxidants and nutrients. The end product can be poured into hot water and instantly consumed, which also eliminates the difficulty of finding the perfect steep time with tea leaves. And most importantly, the flavor is outstanding. I have brewed Jasmine tea leaves for years now, and Pique has matched, if not exceeded, the flavor from the traditionally-brewed tea leaves. Interestingly enough, Pique won 3 gold medals at the Global Tea Championship (something I didn't even know existed before reading about them). I am also a big fan of startups and entrepreneurs taking on the establishment, and Pique is truly an inspirational story for someone trying to do just that.

Jasmine green tea is one of my very favorite things, but I've found a huge difference in quality and taste between various brands, so I'm always on the lookout for the most flavorful and aromatic (without being too bitter or overpowering). Pique's tea crystals are perfect as far as flavor goes for me. Then add the convenience of being able to mix and make it wherever I am!.. I originally found it in an airport vending machine, and was thrilled to be able to drink my favorite beverage on the airplane, easy peasy. I'm a Lyft driver, and now I have my Jasmine tea crystals on subscription autoship, so I can keep plenty of packets in my car with me, and have it whenever I want (which is every day, by the way). I like it cold and warm. Sometimes I mix it strong, but I think I actually prefer it mixed into a giant bottle of Fiji water, a little less strong, but aromatic and soothing Jasmine tea water makes a long night driving Lyft upbeat and energetic for me.

It is definitely a strong earthy flavor but not awful when adding sweetener to it. I like the serving size packets that ensure I don’t use too much or too.

My preferred beverage is fresh water, my second is my keto coffee, but this is a great addition. It is slightly bitter, but I add just a touch of lemon-flavored keto electrolytes and it is perfect for me. I love the jasmine aroma and feel like I am having a real treat. I haven't used it iced yet, but will try that when the weather warms up next year. I love the convenience of the little pouch/stick that it comes in, as it travels conveniently in my purse and is always there when I need it.

The flavor is fine though pretty bland. I honestly find the fact that they use the word “crystals” annoying because I was expecting a new and interesting form of dried tea but it’s just powder. Like koolaid or powdered lemonade. The other thing that I find annoying is the packet is for 6 oz of water which is a pretty small serving. For the price I’d hope to make more than 6oz at a time. I don’t use bottled water but at least 8oz like a typical bottle of water would be nice considering they show a bottle of water on the box.

I've been drinking pique for years with the belief that because they blast triple screened on their website everywhere that the levels of heavy metals and toxins would be miniscule or none. I was shocked when the independent tester consumer labs found lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in their matcha. They claim that their matcha is screened four times but I guess what they don't tell you is that when heavy metals are detected they don't take action. For reference trader joe's organic green tea have no heavy metals listed above besides a much smaller lead number (tiny amounts of lead are in everything) I was shocked!! For how expensive they are that they would have more heavy metals than a grocery store chain. I sent an email to customer service but surprise surprise no response. Do yourself a favor and go get a organic brand elsewhere for 1/20th the price.