Why homemade iced tea is the ultimate summer drink

Brought to you by Freshpak

The summer festive season is in full swing and we can’t think of a better way to quench our thirst and cool us down than with a refreshing homemade iced tea. Everyone knows homemade is always better!

Aside from being readily available at a whim, homemade iced tea is also a healthier alternative to store-bought iced teas. Rooibos is a particularly great option for iced tea, coming with a multitude of health benefits and flavour options. Here are a few reasons why homemade rooibos iced tea is a must-try drink this summer.

A healthier alternative

Rooibos is a national treasure – though endemic to South Africa, it’s beloved by even those living abroad. The South African Rooibos Council has highlighted these benefits of consuming rooibos tea:

• Rooibos is high in antioxidants – in fact, it’s the only source of a potent antioxidant known as aspalathin.
• It’s caffeine-free, which means the whole family can enjoy it!
• Some animal studies have indicated that rooibos has cancer-fighting properties, can promote heart health and prevent diabetes.
• Athletes consume rooibos after sports activities to replenish electrolytes, making rooibos iced tea one of the best drinks to have after a hot day under the sun or swimming in the pool.

In addition to the above health benefits, homemade unsweetened ice tea contains a significantly lower amount of sugar when compared to store-bought alternatives.

Homemade iced tea doesn’t include any refined or artificial sweeteners, which can help cut down your daily sugar intake. But if you are in the mood for a little bit of sweetness, control the amount by adding a dash of honey or a selection of fresh fruit, such as berries, oranges and more.

We’ve created a round-up of six Freshpak iced-tea recipes to enjoy by the poolside. To find the recipes, click here.