nontea

Nontea is a term used in some culinary and commercial contexts to describe beverages that are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of traditional black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas. Because there is no universally recognized definition or regulatory standard for "nontea," its meaning varies by region and source. In practice, nontea encompasses herbal infusions (tisane) such as chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, and lemongrass; caffeine-containing infusions like yerba mate and guayusa; and other plant-derived drinks such as rooibos (red tea) and honeybush. Fruit-based or floral beverages also fall into the broad nontea category when they are not made from Camellia sinensis.

Labeling conventions differ: some producers and retailers label these beverages as tea for marketing reasons, while others use "herbal tea" or "tisane" to indicate the absence of Camellia sinensis. Regulatory rules in various jurisdictions may require explicit qualifiers to avoid misrepresenting products as true tea.

Preparation and flavor-wise, nontea drinks span a wide range, from delicate and floral to bold and earthy. They are typically prepared by steeping or infusing plant material in hot water, with variations in steeping time, temperature, and dilution depending on the ingredient.