How to Brew Tea-Tas: Steep Time, Add-Ins, & Tips

If you've used one of our drink mixes, here's your heads-up: forget that method entirely. Tea-Tas doesn't stir into water. It's a loose leaf tea, which means it steeps.

And steeping is where most of the magic (and most of the mistakes) happen. Too short, and your Tea-Tas tastes like nothing. Too long, and it gets a little too strong. Get the timing right, and you've got a mild, cozy cup you'll actually look forward to.

Whether you're nursing, pumping, or doing a little of both, here's everything you need to brew Tea-Tas the right way, every time.

Tea-Tas has exactly one ingredient: wildcrafted ixbut leaves (say it "ish-boot").

Ixbut is a plant native to parts of Central America, and in Guatemala, ixbut tea has been passed down from generation to generation of mothers. It's an herbal galactagogue, which is a fancy word for an herb traditionally used to support lactation. Ixbut may help support milk flow and production.*

A few more things worth knowing:

• It's caffeine-free, so you can enjoy Tea-Tas morning, noon, or right before bed.

• It's loose leaf, not bagged. You'll need a tea infuser, a steeping spoon, or a strainer. Good news: the leaves are big enough to strain out easily.

• It's fenugreek-free, certified vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and halal.

1. Boil your water. A kettle is easiest.

2. Measure your leaves. Add 2 teaspoons of loose leaf Tea-Tas to your tea infuser, then set it in your mug or teapot.

3. Pour. Pour the hot water over the infuser until your mug or pot is full.

4. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Covering keeps the heat in while the leaves do their thing.

5. Give it a dip. Before you take the infuser out, dip it up and down a couple of times to get the most out of every leaf.

6. Remove the leaves and make it yours. Add whatever you like (more on that below) and enjoy.

The steep window

This is the part that makes or breaks your cup.

Pull the leaves too early, and your Tea-Tas will taste like warm water with a hint of something. Leave them in way too long, and it gets a little too strong. Ten to fifteen minutes is the sweet spot.

That's longer than most tea bags you've used, so set a timer. Your phone, your microwave, a quick feed, whatever works. Future you will appreciate a cup that actually tastes like something.

We'll be real with you. Tea-Tas has a soft, light, nutty flavor that a lot of people love straight. Others find it a little earthy or grassy at first, the way any herbal tea can be until you get used to it.

Taste can also vary a bit from bag to bag. Ixbut is wildcrafted in Guatemala, and like any crop, its flavor shifts with the season, the climate, and the age of the plant. If your new bag tastes slightly different from your last one, that's normal.

The good news? Tea-Tas takes add-ins really well.

These are the favorites that come up again and again in our Tea-Tas reviews:

• Honey. The most popular add-in by far. A small drizzle smooths out any earthy notes.

• Lemon. Fresh-squeezed lemon brightens things up, and lemon plus honey is a classic combo.

• Agave. A great swap for honey. A little goes a long way.

• Oat milk. Apparently, Tea-Tas is better with oat milk. Froth it for a cozy, latte-style cup, especially before bed.

Start small and adjust. It might take a cup or two to find your perfect ratio, and that's half the fun.

How many cups?

For best results, drink 3 cups of Tea-Tas a day. Spreading them out makes it easy: one with breakfast, one midday, and one in the evening. Since it's caffeine-free, that last cup can be part of your wind-down routine.

Like it cold? Make it iced

Tea-Tas is great over ice. Brew it exactly the same way, with the same 10 to 15 minute steep, then let it cool and pour it over a full glass of ice. Add honey or agave while it's still warm so it dissolves.

Pairing it with other products

You can enjoy Tea-Tas alongside our other lactation products. If you're new to them, we usually suggest trying one product at a time for at least 7 to 10 days. That makes it easier to tell what's working for you. Once you know, you can combine the ones you like.

Make it easy on yourself

• Keep your Tea-Tas, infuser, and honey together in one spot so your setup takes seconds.

• Start your timer the moment you pour.

• Brew while you feed or pump, and your cup is ready when you are.

Can I just stir Tea-Tas into water like a drink mix?

Nope. Tea-Tas is loose leaf tea, so it needs to steep. Use an infuser, steeping spoon, or strainer, and give it the full 10 to 15 minutes.

Do I need a special infuser?

Any tea infuser, steeping spoon, or fine strainer works. The leaves are big enough to strain out easily.

Does Tea-Tas have caffeine?

No, Tea-Tas is caffeine-free.

My new bag tastes a little different. Is that normal?

Yes. Ixbut is a wildcrafted crop, so its flavor naturally shifts with the season, the climate and the age of the plant.

Can I drink Tea-Tas while pregnant?

No. Tea-Tas is not for use during pregnancy.

Boil, measure, pour, cover, and wait those 10 to 15 minutes. Then add a little honey, lemon, or oat milk and enjoy. That's really all there is to it.

Three cozy cups a day, made your way. You deserve that little moment.

Keep reading:

• Shop Tea-Tas

• How to take your lactation capsules