Review: New Sleepytime Vanilla Tea

Celestial Seasonings has added a new flavor to its Sleepytime line for the first time in more than 20 years. And I was lucky enough to receive a package for review.

The new Sleepytime Vanilla herbal tea still contains the trademark Sleepytime ingredients: chamomile, spearmint and lemongrass. The new ingredient is natural French vanilla flavor.

The vanilla flavor blends well with the traditional Sleepytime ingredients, adding a nice creamy and nutty taste. I won’t drink tea that tastes artificial or sweet, so I was happy Celestial Seasonings added the vanilla naturally.

If you’re a regular drinker of  Sleepytime tea, you’ll notice that the Sleepytime Bear has a new look. No longer in a nightcap and chair, the famous sleepy bear now wears a safari hat while lounging in a hammock in paradise. I think the new look is appropriate. Drinking herbal tea should be a relaxing moment of paradise.

I’m a fan of Vanilla Sleepytime herbal tea for several reasons:

• It’s caffeine free, all natural and zero calorie.
• The blend of herbs has a soothing effect and good aftertaste.
• The recycled packaging is eco-friendly with no tea strings, tags or individually wrapped bags.
• Vanilla flavor is a welcome addition if you don’t prefer a strong taste of chamomile.

The tea retails for $2.99 at grocery, drug and natural food stores. The tea became available in June, so if your store doesn’t carry it, ask the manager to give it a try. Or you can order online.

(Image from Celestial Seasonings)