This has been sitting in the back of my tea cupboard for who knows how long. My packet is labelled “detox” and is still before the use by date, but if you’re buying this tea new you’ll notice it may be named “feel new” as Pukka was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority to call it detox in 2018.
Despite the rename, the blend is still mostly the same – only the celery seed ingredient has been replaced with turmeric root. Regardless, it’s still primarily an anise flavoured tea, which is why I’ve been so hesitant to drink it. I’m not a fan of anise.
But, it is a popular tea from Pukka and I really need to clear out space from my cupboard to make room for new teas arriving soon… so here we are.
My Pukka Detox Tea review is finished!
Pukka Detox Tea at a Glance
- Blend: Anise-flavoured ingredients with warm spices and sweet liquorice root
- Flavour: Subtle anise, fresh woody herbs with a natural sweet and warm finish
This is a well-balanced tea, if nothing else. The anise isn’t overpowering, and the warmth is quite pleasant. However, it doesn’t feel filling or satisfying.
Full Review - Pukka Tea Detox
- Type: Tagged paper filter tea bag
- Ingredients: Aniseed, fennel seed, cardamom pod, liquorice root, coriander seed, celery seed
- Health Benefits: “Detoxing”, soothing and easing digestion
- Flavour Notes: Fresh fennel, subtle anise notes, natural sweetness and warmth, lasting woody herbaceous notes
- Aroma: Honeyed anise, damp grass and fresh herbs
- Milk or Lemon: Lemon or honey
- Where to Buy: Amazon
Opening the tea wrapper, I was met with the aroma of fresh herbs and slightly musty anise. Nothing surprising here, as it’s an herbal tea the fresh herb aroma is expected, and I’ve noted in the past how musty the anise flavours can smell when they’re crushed or powdered for tea bags.
I brewed it for 2 minutes and 20 seconds (less than half the recommended time) as I really am not a fan of anise flavours. I had 2 tea bags to brew so I knew I could brew again for the full 5 minutes if it really was necessary.
It wasn’t.
After 2 minutes and 20 seconds, the tea liqueur was a golden honey colour with less tea dust floating around at the bottom than I expected. The wet aroma has honey high notes, a subtle anise tang and underneath that there’s a damp grass aroma. It reminded me of stepping outside early in the summer when the foliage is brown from the burning hot days but currently damp from the morning dew.
Anise Tea Flavour Notes
Thankfully, the anise was subtle but still notable. It made its presence known with a tingling on my tongue and slightly rough feeling in my throat. The fennel adds a freshness to the anise flavour and brightens the cup considerably.
The cardamom, liquorice, coriander and celery work together to bring a sweet spiced warmth that hugs the anise and stops it dominating the blend.
For someone who doesn’t like anise flavours, this was extremely pleasant. If you’re a fan of anise I would recommend brewing for longer.
Detox Health Benefits? Pukka Tea for Weight Loss
The biggest draw to this tea seems to be weight loss and soothing digestive properties.
Although I’m not drinking this tea or any other for weight loss, Pukka Detox Tea calories are rock bottom. Most teas, traditional and herbal, will have only 1 or 2 calories per cup at most unless you add milk or there’s added sugar in the tea ingredients. Even then you’re only looking at 5 to 10 calories per cup.
Obviously, if you switch water for tea that would be a slight increase in calories… but switching sugary carbonated drinks for this tea will decrease your calorie intake massively. It’s never as simple as “drinking this tea will guarantee you lose weight”.
Taking a closer look at the ingredients, Pukka Detox tea is primarily made from aniseed and fennel seed (60% of the total ingredients) which are known to aid digestion, soothe cramps, prevent bloating and curb excess gas. This makes it a great herbal tea blend for after dinner.
Can You Detox with Tea?
This tea is named detox. Some people mistakenly believe that detoxing is starving your body of vital nutrients to get rid of toxins by either eating nothing or just eating/drinking one thing (like this tea), which is rubbish in my opinion. In my experience, this popular “detoxing” is just not healthy. If you’re concerned about toxins or want to cleanse your system, I’d recommend talking to a doctor instead of relying on a simple herbal tea. Fasting is scientifically proven and could be beneficial, but you need to speak to a doctor who will give you the information you need to do it safely and effectively without damaging your health.
But that’s just my opinion. If you want to form your own, I recommend researching thoroughly. This NHS guide is a good place to start.
If you want my recommendation for a tasty, unbelievably healthy and antioxidant rich green tea, check out my review of Ahmad Tea’s Lemon Vitality.
Why Pukka Weight Loss Tea?
Despite the detoxing, you could still use this tea as part of a weight loss regime. A healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise, and a cup of this tea whenever you’re craving a sugary drink will set you on the right path.
The tea quality itself is good. Analysing the Pukka Detox Tea ingredients list (which is 100% organic) and the contents of the tea bag, I can see that this tea is made of real seeds, pods and herbs – although some are crushed beyond recognition.
I am developing a love hate relationship with Pukka. Some teas, like the detox tea, are tasty and full of organic, natural flavours… others are made with artificial flavours and extracts that taste pretty revolting.
It’s hit and miss, but this tea is firmly in the hit category.
Pukka Detox Tea Summary
I would recommend this tea primarily for those with digestive issues, not for anyone looking to “detox”. It’s subtle yet flavoursome and made with organic ingredients. Other than that, there’s nothing special or noteworthy to point out.
About Me
I’m not a detoxer or a tea pro, I’m just a tea lover giving you honest reviews of some of the best and worst teas I can find. I’d love to hear from you, so if you can’t find a tea review you like on my blog just get in touch! Other teas you might enjoy:
Ayurveda Pura Orange & Fennel Bliss (to calm the nerves and your Vata dosha)
Twinings Pure Green Tea (a classic, ultra healthy tea you can’t go wrong with)
Whittard Chamomile Tea (healthy, naturally sweet, great for helping you sleep too!)