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·Published August 19, 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.
L'expertise du sommelier HOLLIN : qu'est-ce qu'un thé nature vs aromatisé décrypté par une Maison de Thé puriste, en thé pur, basée à Sartrouville (Île-de-France) et expédiant ses grands crus dans le monde entier.

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

Les thés aromatisés utilisent une base de thé à laquelle on ajoute des fleurs, des huiles essentielles, des épices ou des morceaux de fruits. Si l'art de l'aromatisation est ancien (pensez au thé au 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?: Nous goûtons chaque lot avant de le référencer et nous ne travaillons que des shaded Japanese green purs. Ce sont l'oxydation, la torréfaction et le terroir qui créent les notes: le sourcing se fait donc sur le geste de l'artisan, pas sur un ajout aromatique.
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.