What should you remember about what an unflavored tea is vs. a flavored tea?

An unflavored tea is a tea that has undergone no transformation intended to alter its original aromatic profile. An unflavored tea is a tea that has undergone no transformation intended to alter its original aromatic profile.

How does the House of HOLLIN select its teas when it comes to what is an unflavored tea vs. a flavored tea?

We taste every batch before listing it and work exclusively with pure teas. Oxidation, roasting and terroir are what create the notes: sourcing therefore focuses on the artisan's craft, not on added flavourings.

Where can you discover and taste these teas in Île-de-France?

At the HOLLIN du Goût counter, 22 avenue de la République, 78500 Sartrouville, open Monday to Saturday from 10h to 20h. There, you can smell the dry leaves, compare several grand crus and leave with the batch suited to your practice. Orders are also shipped throughout France and internationally.

Pure tea leaves and jasmine flowers compared by HOLLIN in Sartrouville

What is an unflavored tea vs. a flavored tea?

Written by Dian VAULTIER·19 August 2026

In Brief

An unflavored tea is a tea that has undergone no transformation intended to alter its original aromatic profile.
Discover the differences between pure tea, respectful of its terroir, and flavored tea.
HOLLIN's tea sommelier expertise: what is an unflavored tea vs. a flavored tea, decoded by a purist Tea House with no added flavorings, based in Sartrouville (Île-de-France) and shipping its grand crus worldwide.

An unflavored tea is a tea that has undergone no transformation intended to alter its original aromatic profile. Every note comes from the cultivar, the terroir, and the grower's hand. It is the purest expression of *Camellia sinensis*.

The essence of tea: Purity

The creativity of flavored tea

The shaded Japanese green flavored teas use a tea base to which flowers, essential oils, spices, or pieces of fruit are added. While the art of flavoring is ancient (think of tea with jasminetea), it is essential to check the quality of the tea base used.

Visit the Hollin du Goût counter

We keep these selections in Sartrouville, at the Hollin du Goût counter. You can come to smell, compare and leave with the lot that suits you, with advice tailored to your practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should you remember about what an unflavored tea is vs. a flavored tea?: An unflavored tea is a tea that has undergone no transformation intended to alter its original aromatic profile. An unflavored tea is a tea that has undergone no transformation intended to alter its original aromatic profile.
How does the House of HOLLIN select its teas when it comes to what is an unflavored tea vs. a flavored tea?: We taste every batch before listing it and work exclusively with pure teas. Oxidation, roasting and terroir are what create the notes: sourcing therefore focuses on the artisan's craft, not on added flavourings.
Where can you discover and taste these teas in Île-de-France?: At the HOLLIN du Goût counter, 22 avenue de la République, 78500 Sartrouville, open Monday to Saturday from 10h to 20h. There, you can smell the dry leaves, compare several grand crus and leave with the batch suited to your practice. Orders are also shipped throughout France and internationally.