As the weather warms up, many tea lovers switch from hot brews to iced tea—but does chilling your tea reduce its health benefits? And what’s the best way to brew iced tea without losing antioxidants, vitamins, and flavor?

The short answer: Yes, iced tea still retains most of its nutrients—if brewed correctly. In this guide, we’ll break down how to preserve the benefits of tea when making it cold and share the best methods for making refreshing iced tea at home.

Do Teas Lose Nutrients When Iced?

Many people wonder whether cooling tea affects its health benefits, especially antioxidant-rich teas like green tea, black tea, and herbal blends. Here’s what happens when tea is iced:

• Most antioxidants remain intact – The polyphenols and catechins found in green and black tea are stable even when chilled.
• Vitamins and minerals stay preserved – Essential nutrients in herbal teas, such as peppermint and chamomile, remain active at cool temperatures.
• Some vitamin loss can occur – Certain heat-sensitive vitamins, like Vitamin C, may slightly decrease if exposed to high heat for too long.
• Cold brewing may actually increase benefits – Studies show that cold-brewing tea releases fewer bitter tannins while preserving more catechins, making it smoother and just as nutritious.

The key takeaway: Iced tea still retains most of its health benefits, especially when brewed properly using the right method.

The Best Ways to Make Iced Tea (Without Losing Nutrients)

If you want to enjoy the full benefits of your tea, how you prepare it matters. Here are the best brewing methods to make nutrient-rich iced tea.

Cold Brew Method (Best for Maximum Nutrients & Smooth Flavor)

Instead of using hot water, tea is steeped in cold water for 8 to 12 hours in the refrigerator. This method preserves more antioxidants and prevents bitterness.

• Best For: Green tea, black tea, herbal teas, chai blends
• Why It Works: Cold-brewing extracts flavors without over-releasing tannins, making the tea less bitter and naturally sweeter.
• Bonus: Keeps catechins and L-theanine intact, supporting focus, relaxation, and digestion.

How to Cold Brew Tea:

1. Add 1 to 2 tea sachets (or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf) per 16 ounces (2 cups) of cold water.
2. Let steep in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.
3. Remove tea sachets, pour over ice, and enjoy.

Best Teas for Cold Brew:

• Vitality Infusion – A refreshing green maté and ginseng blend for clean energy.
• Peppermint Elysium – Crisp, cooling peppermint perfect for warm weather.
• Vanilla Étoile Chai – Smooth vanilla-spiced black tea that’s delicious cold-brewed.

Hot Brew & Chill Method (Best for Fast Iced Tea)

Brew tea hot as usual, then cool it gradually to prevent flavor degradation.

• Best For: Herbal teas, black teas, and chai blends
• Why It Works: Quickly extracts flavor and antioxidants while maintaining nutrient density.
• Watch Out: Rapid cooling, like pouring over ice immediately, can cause cloudiness and bitterness in black and green teas.

How to Hot Brew & Chill Tea:

1. Brew double-strength tea (use 2 sachets per 8 ounces of water) at the recommended temperature.
2. Let steep for the usual time, then cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Pour over ice or refrigerate for later.

Best Teas for Hot Brew & Chill:

• Glow Euphoria – Ginger and turmeric tea that maintains bold flavor when cooled.
• Gingerbread Nirvana – Spiced black tea that makes a bold iced chai latte.

Flash-Chilling (Best for Instant Iced Tea)

Brew tea hot and strong, then immediately pour over ice to rapidly cool it down.

• Best For: Black teas, herbal teas
• Why It Works: Keeps flavors vibrant and fresh.
• Watch Out: Can cause some nutrient loss if brewed at very high temperatures.

How to Flash Chill Tea:

1. Brew double-strength hot tea (using 2 sachets per 8 ounces of water).
2. Immediately pour over a glass filled with ice.
3. Stir and enjoy.

Best Teas for Flash Chilling:

• Nile Delta Chamomile – Light, floral chamomile with a honey-like taste.
• Peppermint Elysium – Refreshing mint that stays crisp when iced.

Tips for Making the Best Iced Tea Every Time

• Use filtered water – Tap water can impact the taste and clarity of your tea.
• Steep at the right temperature – Overheated teas, especially green tea, release too many tannins, making them bitter.
• Sweeten naturally – Skip artificial syrups; instead, use honey, agave, or fruit slices for a light, natural sweetness.
• Experiment with add-ins – Try adding lemon, fresh mint, or even sparkling water for a refreshing twist.

Why Tea Should Be Your Go-To Spring and Summer Drink

• Hydration without sugar – Unlike sodas or store-bought iced teas, homemade tea has zero added sugar and natural electrolytes.
• Supports digestion and detox – Herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile help beat bloating and boost gut health.
• Calm, focused energy – Teas with L-theanine and antioxidants provide gentle, sustained energy without the coffee jitters.

Ready to Make the Switch to Iced Tea?

Iced tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a daily wellness ritual that keeps you hydrated, energized, and refreshed all season long. Whether you prefer cold-brewed green tea, an iced chai latte, or a cooling peppermint infusion, MŪZ has the perfect blend for you.

Find your new favorite iced tea now.

Shop Iced-Tea Friendly Blends