GENERAL FAQ's

What is red espresso®?

red espresso® is an award-winning range of deliciously healthy coffee alternatives. It is best known for its signature range of ground Rooibos tea (used to make the world’s first Rooibos tea espresso and South Africa’s much-loved red cappuccino® and red latte®). It also includes Superfood Latte Mixes (such as matcha, turmeric and beetroot lattes) as well as chai and other popular coffee alternatives.

Is there Rooibos in all the red espresso® products?

Our signature range of ground Rooibos, capsules compatible with Nespresso machines, Lavazza® Blue capsules, Rooibos soft pods, Rooibos Matcha Latte Mix and Rooibos smoothie powder all contain Rooibos tea. Our matcha latte, beetroot latte, turmeric latte, chai latte and honey products do not contain any Rooibos tea.

Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. and it’s products are not endorsed by, sponsored by or approved by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.. or any of it’s affiliates, and Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. is not a licensee of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. or any of it’s affiliates. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

Where does the name “red espresso®” come from?

The name “red espresso®” describes the distinctive “red” colour of the espresso that our signature range of ground Rooibos makes and “espresso” describes our new way of enjoying tea as an espresso.

How many products are there in the red espresso® range?

Currently, red espresso® is available as our signature range of ground Rooibos in 1kg and 250g as well as a single-serve soft pod. It is also available in our Rooibos Flavour Collection capsules that are also compatible with Nespresso machines. We have recently launched our red cappuccino® instant sachets too. red espresso® also has honey which is sourced from Zambia’s virgin Miombo Forests, where it is sustainably and ethically sourced. It is available in a 340ml squeeze bottle and in single-serve, easy-tear 8g sachets. Our 100% natural plant-based range of superfood latte mixes was launched in 2017.

Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. and it’s products are not endorsed by, sponsored by or approved by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.. or any of it’s affiliates, and Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. is not a licensee of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. or any of it’s affiliates. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

red espresso® ground rooibos

What is red espresso® ground Rooibos?

red espresso® ground Rooibos makes the world’s first tea espresso! It contains 100% premium Rooibos tea, expertly ground under patent to deliver the ultimate Rooibos espresso. It is specifically designed for use in espresso and coffee appliances – just like coffee! The heart of a range of delicious hot and cold red drinks, it is naturally caffeine-free and has 5 x more antioxidants than green tea (as per ORAC measurements).

Where does red espresso® Rooibos come from?

Rooibos only grows in one unique region in the world, in a 110km radius in the Cederberg Mountains near Cape Town, South Africa. We are committed to sourcing the finest rooibos found there: that which grows at highest altitude and is hand-harvested. Learn more about our farm-to-cup journey here.

What is Rooibos?

Strictly speaking, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is not a tea but a herbal infusion, or tisane. It is a shrub that grows only in the mountains surrounding the Cederberg in the Western Cape of South Africa. It was discovered hundreds of years ago by the ancient San who cut its needle-like green leaves and stems and left them to ferment in the sun. Once fermented, the tea, distinctively red in colour, lent the bush’s name to Rooibos, meaning ‘red bush’. It is inherently sweet in flavour with earthy undertones. Rooibos has been enjoyed traditionally as a tea by generations of South Africans and, increasingly, by people all over the world. In 2005, red espresso® revolutionized Rooibos by turning it into the world’s first tea espresso.

Is red espresso® ground Rooibos Kosher?

Yes, it has been certified Kosher.

Is red espresso® ground Rooibos Halaal?

Yes, it has been certified Halaal. 

What other ingredients does red espresso® Rooibos contain?

None. It contains only 100% pure ground Rooibos tea with no caffeine, sugar, additives, preservatives or colourants.

Why is the red cappuccino® and red latte® served with honey and cinnamon?

Honey and cinnamon are perfect taste and health complements to our red cappuccino® and red latte® and complete the distinctive ritual of how best to enjoy them. Honey is a healthy alternative to sugar while cinnamon enhances our drinks by adding an inviting, spicy aroma. Both are renowned for their health benefits and add to the deliciously healthy experience that is a red cappuccino® or red latte®.

Why is red espresso® Rooibos good for me?

Made from 100% pure Rooibos tea, it is naturally caffeine-free and full of the health benefits of Rooibos – including powerful, immune-boosting antioxidants. See our wellness page for more details.

Does drinking red espresso® Rooibos have any negative side-effects?

No, it is 100% pure and natural Rooibos tea, with 0% caffeine and powerful antioxidants. There are no negative side-effects related to drinking rooibos tea so there is no limit to how many red espresso® shots or red drinks you can enjoy. You can read more about the health benefits of red espresso® Rooibos here.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are ‘free radical scavengers’ which prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are natural by-products of oxidation (when oxygen interacts with certain molecules) in the body. They are also triggered by factors including incorrect diet, pollution, exposure to chemicals, smoking and stress.

They are defined as atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons, which are highly reactive. They attack healthy cells and start a chain reaction, like dominoes. They are especially dangerous when they interact with important cellular components like DNA or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs and such irreversible damage can lead to degenerative diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Is red espresso® Rooibos safe to drink during pregnancy?

Yes, it is 100% safe because it contains no caffeine. It is also good for you and baby with its numerous health benefits  and powerful antioxidants.

Is red espresso® Rooibos safe for kids to drink?

Yes, it is 100% safe and also very good for them to drink because, apart from its 0% caffeine content, it is rich in the renowned health benefits of Rooibos tea and powerful immune-booting antioxidants.

Is red espresso® Rooibos a type of coffee?

No, red espresso® Rooibos is 100% premium ground Rooibos tea.

Does red espresso® Rooibos contain caffeine?

No, it is made from 100% Rooibos tea which is naturally caffeine-free.

Does red espresso® Rooibos look like coffee beans?

No, it is made from Rooibos tea leaves that have been ground under patent for use in espresso machines. It is not made from beans at all.

Do I need to grind it before use?

No, it is pre-ground and ready to use.

Does it go stale like coffee?

No, it lasts for up to six months once opened and should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should not be refrigerated.

Is red espresso® Rooibos available in pods and capsules like coffee?

Yes! red espresso® Rooibos is available in a single-serve soft pod as well as Rooibos capsules that are compatible with Nespresso machines.

Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. and it’s products are not endorsed by, sponsored by or approved by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.. or any of it’s affiliates, and Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. is not a licensee of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. or any of it’s affiliates. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

Can I make the same variety of drinks that I can with coffee?

Absolutely – and more! red espresso® Rooibos is extremely versatile and can be used to make a range of delicious hot and cold café-style drinks.

Is red espresso® Rooibos decaffeinated?

No, it is made from 100% Rooibos tea which is naturally caffeine-free.

Does red espresso® Rooibos deliver a crema like coffee?

red espresso® Rooibos differs to regular Rooibos tea in the following ways:

Taste:Just as coffee espresso is the essence of coffee, red espresso® Rooibos captures the rich essence of Rooibos tea and ten times stronger in taste than an ordinary cup of Rooibos. Ground to a finer cut and prepared for use in espresso appliances that use steam and boiling water under pressure, more of the tea’s flavour is extracted, resulting in a richer, more full-bodied taste.

Health: red espresso® Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and loaded with antioxidants. Research has confirmed that red espresso® Rooibos contains 5 x more antioxidants than green tea and 10 x more antioxidants than regular Rooibos (per ORAC measurements). Prepared in appliances that use steam and boiling water under pressure, the health benefits of Rooibos are extracted more effectively, including its antioxidants.

Quality:Even though Rooibos grows only in one unique region, we are committed to sourcing the finest Rooibos found there – that which grows at highest altitude and is hand-harvested. Only this select Rooibos makes the revolutionary red espresso® cut. Only by using this premium quality Rooibos can red espresso® Rooibos deliver on crema, taste and versatility. 

Colour: red espresso® Rooibos has a dark, rich red colour. The colour of Rooibos in its raw format is also an indication of its flavour: Rooibos that is of poorer quality – and grown at lower altitudes – is more yellow in colour and soapy in taste. 

Texture:Uniquely ground under patentred espresso® Rooibos is remarkably finer than regular Rooibos tea.

Added applications:red espresso® Rooibos is an espresso product that can be used in a wide range of coffee appliances: espresso machines, stovetop espresso makers, French Presses and the AeroPress.

Versatility:There is no limit to the number of deliciously healthy red drinks you can make with red espresso® Rooibos: from red cappuccino®s and red latte®s, to fresh red®s (natural iced tea), red frappes and more!

Crema:red espresso® Rooibos is characterised by a saffron-coloured crema flecked with gold. 

Patent:100% Rooibos tea, red espresso® Rooibos is refined under global patent to deliver an espresso complete with crema – something which a traditional Rooibos tea bag can never deliver on. All our red drink names are registered around the world.

Rooibos capsules that are compatible with Nespresso machines

Are red espresso® Rooibos capsules compatible with all Nespresso machines?

Yes. red espresso® Rooibos capsules are 100% compatible with all Nespresso machines except the VertuoLine.

Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. and it’s products are not endorsed by, sponsored by or approved by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.. or any of it’s affiliates, and Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. is not a licensee of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. or any of it’s affiliates. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

Can red espresso® Rooibos capsules damage my Nespresso machine?

No, they cannot. They have been carefully manufactured to be 100% compatible with all Nespresso machines except the VertuoLine.

What flavours are there in the Rooibos Capsule Flavour Collection?

There are 5 deliciously healthy flavours to choose from:
Original, Intenso, Vanilla, Caramel and Chai. 

Is there caffeine in any of the flavours?

No, all the red espresso® Rooibos capsules are made from 100% Rooibos tea which is naturally caffeine-free. 

Are all the flavours sugar free?

Yes, all the red espresso® Rooibos flavours are sugar-free.

Do all the flavours contain antioxidants?

Yes, there are powerful antioxidants in all of our red espresso® Rooibos capsules

What is the best way to make red espresso® Rooibos capsules on my Nespresso machine?

Run a shot of water – without a capsule inserted – through the machine into your cup. This helps to clean the machine (especially when switching between coffee and red espresso® Rooibos), warms your cup and ensures the best tasting red espresso® Rooibos. Enjoy it straight up, add milk for cappuccinos and lattes, fruit juice to make a real, homemade iced tea, or add it to your morning smoothie. We recommend you run a shot of water – without a capsule inserted – through the machine after making red espresso® Rooibos so as to rinse out any remaining flavours.

Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. and it’s products are not endorsed by, sponsored by or approved by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.. or any of it’s affiliates, and Red Espresso (Pty) Ltd. is not a licensee of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. or any of it’s affiliates. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

How long can I store my capsules for?

Your red espresso® Rooibos capsules can be kept until the best-before date shown on the box.

How do I make the instant Rooibos red cappuccino®?

Simply add hot water.

Is there caffeine in the instant Rooibos red cappuccino®?

No, there is no caffeine in the instant Rooibos red cappuccino®. It is 100% naturally caffeine-free.

How much sugar is in the instant Rooibos red cappuccino®?

There is less than a teaspoon of sugar in each sachet of our instant Rooibos red cappuccino® making it a healthier alternative with a lot less sugar than other cappuccinos on the market. 

What other health benefits does the instant Rooibos red cappuccino® have?

It is soy free and gluten free and contains absolutely no palm oil and no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colourants.

Does the instant Rooibos red cappuccino® have any GM ingredients?

No it is completely GMO free.

How many servings in a 1kg bag?

There are 40 servings in a 1kg bag

What is the serving size?

25g serving size

Do you sell a 25g scoop for the powder?

Yes you can purchase our 25g scoop online

Why did you launch a chai?

Over the years our customers have asked us for a chai tea latte blend. A quality café grade chai.

Is there Rooibos in the red espresso® Spiced Chai?

No there is no Rooibos in our Spiced Chai Latte powder. We have followed an authentic Indian spiced chai recipe and used real spices and black tea

What does vegan friendly mean?

This means that there are no animal product ingredients used in our Spiced Chai Latte recipe such as milk powder or honey

Are there milk ingredients in the red espresso® Spiced Chai?

No there are no milk ingredients used in our Spiced Chai Latte recipe

Is the red espresso® Spiced Chai dairy free?

Although our Spiced Chai Powder does not contain any milk ingredients it is not strictly dairy free. This is because the ingredients are sourced from factories that also manufacture milk products

How do you make the red espresso® Spiced Chai Latte?
  1. Add one 25g scoop of our Spiced Chai Powder to a 240ml (8oz) cup and mix well with 60ml hot milk/milk alternative
  2. Once thoroughly mixed, top up with steamed milk/milk alternative
Why are the Superfood Latte Mixes so good for you?

Responding to the global trend in health, these delicious lattes offer a source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and anti-inflammatory benefits that’s hard to beat. Ideal for customers who want to avoid caffeine, reduce their sugar intake, detox or boost their energy and immune systems.

What are the Superfood Latte Mixes made of?

They are made of 100% real pure plant-based ingredients and contain no additives, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and bulking agents like flavourings, colourants, thickeners, emulsifiers. All spices are non-irradiated. All ingredients are non-GMO. 

Is there Rooibos in the Superfood Latte Mixes?

No, there is no Rooibos in the Superfood Latte Mixes.

What are the health benefits of Matcha?
Matcha is made from pure green tea leaves that have been stone ground into a fine powder. It has been used for centuries in Japan as a superfood for its powerful antioxidants and amino acids that help boost immunity, energy and concentration. In latte form it tastes amazing!
Is there caffeine in Matcha?

Yes, Matcha is made from stone ground green tea leaves that contain caffeine. 

What are the health benefits of Turmeric Golden Latte?

Known as the golden super spice, turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic practises for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help boost immunity and aid digestion. Bring the café experience into your home with our turmeric Golden Latte Mix. 

Why is a Beetroot Latte so good for you?

Our Beetroot and Ginger Latte is an energy boosting, caffeine-free alternative that’s super good for you. 

Are the drinks suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

OuYes they are when made with alternative milks.

Are the Superfood Latte Mixes refined sugar free?

Yes they are. They contain only organic coconut blossom sugar.

How much organic coconut blossom sugar is in each drink?

Less than a teaspoon of coconut blossom sugar per drink

Why did you use coconut blossom sugar?

Coconut blossom sugar has a lower glycemic index which means it does not spike your blood glucose and insulin like normal sugar does. It also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Are the Superfood Latte Mixes diabetic friendly?

Coconut blossom sugar is considered a healthier option for people with diabetes because it contains less pure fructose than other sweeteners. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) advise treating it the same as you would any other sweetener by including the number of carbohydrates and calories it contains when planning meals.

Are the Superfood Latte Mixes gluten-free?

Yes they are.

Are the drinks Halaal certified?

Yes all of our superfood lattes are Halaal certified.

Why do you use so little powder to make one drink?

A little goes a long way. Exceptional quality ingredients means you only need a teaspoon of our Latte Mix to get the full taste and health benefits.

What else can I make with the Superfood Latte Mixes?

Our Superfood Latte Mixes are ideal for smoothies, breakfast bowls, ice-cream and baking.

Can I drink the Superfood Latte Mixes iced?

Yes, you can. Make it in 3 easy steps:

  1. Add 1 heaped teaspoon
  2. Add 30ml hot water and mix well to combine the ingredients
  3. Add ice blocks and top up with cold milk
Where does our red espresso® honey come from?

Our light amber, polyfloral honey comes from Zambia’s virgin Miombo Forests, which gives our product its rich, complex flavour.

Is our red espresso® honey 100% pure?

Yes our red espresso® honey is 100% pure Zambian forest honey.

Is our red espresso® honey non-irradiated?

Yes our  red espresso® honey is non-irradiated.

Is our red espresso® honey choice grade?

Yes our  red espresso® honey is choice grade.

Is our red espresso® honey sustainably sourced?

Yes our  red espresso® honey is sustainably sourced. State of the art, top-bar hives are suspended in an area of pristine Zambian forest with no chemical presence. These hives are sustainable, permanent and help to maintain the purity of the honey throughout the process. When the honey is harvested from the hives a unique pulley system assures that the bees are only minimally and briefly impacted.

How and where is the honey extracted from the hives?

The honey is extracted by professional harvesters equipped with modern beekeeping uniforms. The process is completely sanitary. A unique pulley system assures the bees are only minimally and briefly impacted. The honey is deposited directly into sealed, numbered and catalogued buckets adhering to a process review. 

Describe the storage and transportation process of the honey as it leaves the forest.

The sealed honey buckets are transported by truck to a honey storage facility located centrally to the general geographic region where the honey was harvested. These temporary storage facilities are built specifically to store the honey following the specifications and procedures outlined in the Certification process. From there, the sealed buckets are transported by truck to the storage facility at the honey processing facility.

Is our red espresso® honey ethically sourced?

Yes our 

red espresso®

 honey is ethically sourced. A partnership has been developed between a local Zambian Chief and beekeeping families to develop an area within the Miombo Forests where hives can be managed by these local beekeeping families. The beekeepers are paid an above market price for their honey.

What time of year is our honey harvested?

Twice a year, in May and again in November.

How should I store my red espresso® honey?

Please store our honey at room temperature 

If my red espresso® honey crystallises, is it still safe for consumption?

Yes it is. The crystallization process is natural and spontaneous. Pure honey has a natural tendency to crystallize over time with no effect on the honey other than colour and texture. If crystals appear, carefully warm the honey in hot water (below 50 degrees Celsius) 

What can I do if my red espresso® honey has crystallized?

Crystallisation is a natural process and does not affect the quality of honey. If crystals appear, carefully warm the honey in hot water (below 50 degrees Celsius)

How much red espresso® honey is in each sachet?

There is 8g of honey in each sachet which is the same as one teaspoon of honey.

What else can I use my red espresso® honey for?

Our honey is the perfect taste and health complement to our red cappuccino® and red latte® and is also ideal for breakfasts and lunch boxes. Take it to the office or camping with the family too!