Canadian tea drinkers- Red Rose tea - what happened to quality?

[Wing Lee]

Hi

I've been a Red Rose tea drinker for the past 30 plus years. At one time
it was fragrant strong tea.You would open the box and the wonderful aroma
would was delicious.I purchased some boxes in the past 2 months and Lipton
company, who I believe has taken over Red Rose, has changed the product into
GUTROT!

The aroma is gone. There is NO tea flavor. I generally steep my tea for 5-10
min and even after doing this it still is TASTELESS SWAMP WATER

My Red Rose drinking friends have found the same thing.

Is there another tea out there that is comparable to the original Red Rose
flavor?

Roseanne

[siDetRaked]

Post by Wing Lee
Is there another tea out there that is comparable to the original Red Rose
flavor?

I Googled and found an old post from 1999. They were comparing other
teas to Red Rose. One that was recommended, although costing more
than Red Rose was:

http://www.coffeecravings.com/tea/bags/tetleys/cfl136/

[Wing Lee]

Thanks for the link. It is Tetley tea that was compared to Red Rose and I do
recall drinking some at some point and it was okay. It's on my supermarket
shelf and I don't think it's more expensive than Red Rose. I will be going
out to buy some and hopefully their blend has not changed.

Thanks,
Roseanne

Post by siDetRaked

Post by Wing Lee
Is there another tea out there that is comparable to the original Red Rose
flavor?

I Googled and found an old post from 1999. They were comparing other
teas to Red Rose. One that was recommended, although costing more
http://www.coffeecravings.com/tea/bags/tetleys/cfl136/
--
siDetRaked
since 1938

[Melinda]

Roseanne, if you're not familiar with British teas or teabags...give PG Tips
a try too if Tetley's doesn't suit you, PG Tips is a little more expensive,
but I like it. I was also a Tetley's girl for a long time too though, until
I got into loose leaf...

There is also a major brand called Typhoo which is a little different
tasting than Tetley's but I liked it too.

Melinda
--
"The country has entered an era in which
questions are not asked, for questions are
daughters of disquiet or arrogance, both
fruits of temptation and the food of sacrilege." Djaout

Post by Wing Lee
Thanks for the link. It is Tetley tea that was compared to Red Rose and I
do recall drinking some at some point and it was okay. It's on my
supermarket shelf and I don't think it's more expensive than Red Rose. I
will be going out to buy some and hopefully their blend has not changed.
Thanks,
Roseanne

Post by siDetRaked

Post by Wing Lee
Is there another tea out there that is comparable to the original Red Rose
flavor?

I Googled and found an old post from 1999. They were comparing other
teas to Red Rose. One that was recommended, although costing more
http://www.coffeecravings.com/tea/bags/tetleys/cfl136/
--
siDetRaked
since 1938

[Ex tea lover]

Exactly , it’s been my families tea for a couple generations and now it’s not drinkable

[Richard Bornstein]

I also used to drink Red Rose, but i don't anymore for the same reason. I
have found a Canadian tea which is the best I have had anywhere. It is
called 'King Cold" (or Morse's) and is found in all Sobeys and most IGA's.
Make sure the package says "with gauze". It is made by Barbour's out in New
Brunswick. Let me know what you thought.

Post by Wing Lee
Hi
I've been a Red Rose tea drinker for the past 30 plus years. At one time
it was fragrant strong tea.You would open the box and the wonderful aroma
would was delicious.I purchased some boxes in the past 2 months and Lipton
company, who I believe has taken over Red Rose, has changed the product into
GUTROT!
The aroma is gone. There is NO tea flavor. I generally steep my tea for 5-10
min and even after doing this it still is TASTELESS SWAMP WATER
My Red Rose drinking friends have found the same thing.
Is there another tea out there that is comparable to the original Red Rose
flavor?
Roseanne

[Wing Lee]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will definitely try the different teas
and keep you posted as to who's comparable to Red Rose.

Roseanne

Post by Richard Bornstein
I also used to drink Red Rose, but i don't anymore for the same reason. I
have found a Canadian tea which is the best I have had anywhere. It is
called 'King Cold" (or Morse's) and is found in all Sobeys and most IGA's.
Make sure the package says "with gauze". It is made by Barbour's out in New
Brunswick. Let me know what you thought.

[siDetRaked]

Post by Wing Lee
Thanks everyone for your input. I will definitely try the different teas
and keep you posted as to who's comparable to Red Rose.

I still use Red Rose to make iced tea. It is the best iced tea I've
ever drank. I have it down to a measured science.

[Michael Plant]

Post by siDetRaked

Post by Wing Lee
Thanks everyone for your input. I will definitely try the different teas
and keep you posted as to who's comparable to Red Rose.

I still use Red Rose to make iced tea. It is the best iced tea I've
ever drank. I have it down to a measured science.

May I suggest a Bai Hao (AKA Oriental Beauty, Formosa Oolong, etc.) for iced
tea. Try it. Make it strong. You'll thank me.

Best,
Michael

[siDetRaked]

Post by Michael Plant
May I suggest a Bai Hao (AKA Oriental Beauty, Formosa Oolong, etc.) for iced
tea. Try it. Make it strong. You'll thank me.

I'll try it. Thanks Michael

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Michael Plant

Post by siDetRaked

Post by Wing Lee
Thanks everyone for your input. I will definitely try the different teas
and keep you posted as to who's comparable to Red Rose.

I still use Red Rose to make iced tea. It is the best iced tea I've
ever drank. I have it down to a measured science.

May I suggest a Bai Hao (AKA Oriental Beauty, Formosa Oolong, etc.) for iced
tea. Try it. Make it strong. You'll thank me.

I have used the Ten Ren Oriental Beauty in iced tea, and it works okay,
but I think a CTC Ceylon is really a better choice. I tend to use the
Nuwara Elya teas rather than the stronger Uva stuff, but the Uvas work
nicely.

For something very odd, try a jasmine tea, even the typical 'yellow box'
variety. I am not sure if I like the effect or not but I keep trying
it....
--scott

[Michael Plant]

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by Michael Plant

Post by siDetRaked

Post by Wing Lee
Thanks everyone for your input. I will definitely try the different teas
and keep you posted as to who's comparable to Red Rose.

I still use Red Rose to make iced tea. It is the best iced tea I've
ever drank. I have it down to a measured science.

May I suggest a Bai Hao (AKA Oriental Beauty, Formosa Oolong, etc.) for iced
tea. Try it. Make it strong. You'll thank me.

I have used the Ten Ren Oriental Beauty in iced tea, and it works okay,
but I think a CTC Ceylon is really a better choice. I tend to use the
Nuwara Elya teas rather than the stronger Uva stuff, but the Uvas work
nicely.
For something very odd, try a jasmine tea, even the typical 'yellow box'
variety. I am not sure if I like the effect or not but I keep trying
it....
--scott

scott,

You cannot say, CTC Ceylon is really a better choice. What you can say is, I
prefer CTC Ceylon to Bai Hao. (Just clarifying.)

Michael

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Michael Plant
You cannot say, CTC Ceylon is really a better choice. What you can say is, I
prefer CTC Ceylon to Bai Hao. (Just clarifying.)

Well, you lose so much of the delicate flavour of the bai hao when you
ice it. That's a real shame.
--scott

[Michael Plant]

Post by Scott Dorsey

Post by Michael Plant
You cannot say, CTC Ceylon is really a better choice. What you can say is, I
prefer CTC Ceylon to Bai Hao. (Just clarifying.)

Well, you lose so much of the delicate flavour of the bai hao when you
ice it. That's a real shame.

Well, to my taste, even a milder version of a decent Bai Hao is nicer than a
richer version of a Ceylon, although I know there are many here who really
love Ceylon teas. I'd recommend at least trying it -- those who like iced
tea -- and making it strong so as to lose less of the flavor.

Michael

[David LaBallister]

I have been a devoted Red Rose tea drinker since the old
days. To me it has now lost it's distinctive flavour and
tastes just like Salada. This is very unfortunate. Does
anyone else agree and is there anything we can do or is
this what happens when the big Yankee companies take over??
.

[danube]

I have been a devoted Red Rose tea drinker since the old days. To me it
has now lost it's distinctive flavour and tastes just like Salada. This is
very unfortunate. Does anyone else agree and is there anything we can do
or is this what happens when the big Yankee companies take over?? .

Sometimes the tea changes, sometimes the taste changes ...

[sherry king]

I grew up in Canada & always drank Red Rose tea. Moved to a border town in the U.S & Red Rose tea here really sucks. Last time to Canada I got 3 boxes of RR tea & it is now tasteless. Wing Lee said it was different 15 yrs ago but it was the same to me. I will no longer buy it in either country. Now the border is closed so hoping I can find an enjoyable orange pekoe tea here in the U.S. Any ideas

[Mack A. Damia]

On Mon, 4 May 2020 23:00:02 +0000, sherry king

I grew up in Canada & always drank Red Rose tea. Moved to a border town in the U.S & Red Rose tea here really sucks. Last time to Canada I got 3 boxes of RR tea & it is now tasteless. Wing Lee said it was different 15 yrs ago but it was the same to me. I will no longer buy it in either country. Now the border is closed so hoping I can find an enjoyable orange pekoe tea here in the U.S. Any ideas?

PG Tips through Amazon.com.

[Ed]

After 45 years of exclusive Red Rose tea drinking, I just got a box of the new blend. OMG, what have they done? It's horrible!

I think they just bought the name, and put it on some really bad tea that no one would otherwise buy.

I have dearly loved Red Rose tea exclusively since I was a small child. Now my heart is broken, and I am truly insulted. "Just like that", my beloved has been taken from me. I feel so violated...

I only hope she is she is now serving herself as a fine cup of tea for the Angels in Heaven.

[Mack A. Damia]

On Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:00:18 +0000, Ed

Post by Ed
After 45 years of exclusive Red Rose tea drinking, I just got a box of the new blend. OMG, what have they done? It's horrible!
I think they just bought the name, and put it on some really bad tea that no one would otherwise buy.
I have dearly loved Red Rose tea exclusively since I was a small child. Now my heart is broken, and I am truly insulted. "Just like that", my beloved has been taken from me. I feel so violated...
I only hope she is she is now serving herself as a fine cup of tea for the Angels in Heaven.

What usually happens is that a new generation of executives takes over
the company, and they start looking for ways to increase profits.

Using cheaper tea is one way.

Rowntree Fruit Pastilles has changed their recipe, and they are not
nearly as good. I complained to the company and got a weak excuse in
a reply - "We wanted to make it vegan"

[Cathy]

Tetley has created a box of their own brand of "red Rose tea that looks similar and has the same name with modifications which probably makes it legal. It IS NOT the orginal "Red Rose" which is still available. This happened to me as well, Tetly is fooling peope into thinking it is the real "red rose". very unscrupulous.

[Jeff Mullins]

I experience the same thing as Roseanne. I have been drinking Red Rose for a long time. All of a sudden it became the worst tea I have ever had. Had to switch to another brand, now I am enjoying me tea again. Not sure how they expect to make a profit selling tea that tastes like gutrot

[Richard Bornstein]

Yes, absolutely. I used to drink it exclusively, now i only use it if it is
given to me in a restaraunt. If you want to try something alot better, try
'King Cole' tea, with gauze. You can get it at Sobeys and Loblaws.

Post by David LaBallister
I have been a devoted Red Rose tea drinker since the old
days. To me it has now lost it's distinctive flavour and
tastes just like Salada. This is very unfortunate. Does
anyone else agree and is there anything we can do or is
this what happens when the big Yankee companies take over??
.

[MichelleBZ]

I just brewed a pot of Red Rose from a new purchase and was SSSOOOOO disappointed. Bitter, odd flavor so reminiscent of LIPTON, which I dislike very much! The old wonderful Red Rose, so smooth, flavorful, distinct is gone

[Richard Bornstein]

Sorry, I ment "King Cole" not King Cold.

Post by Wing Lee
Thanks everyone for your input. I will definitely try the different teas
and keep you posted as to who's comparable to Red Rose.
Roseanne

Post by Richard Bornstein
I also used to drink Red Rose, but i don't anymore for the same reason.

I

Post by Wing Lee

Post by Richard Bornstein
have found a Canadian tea which is the best I have had anywhere. It is
called 'King Cold" (or Morse's) and is found in all Sobeys and most IGA's.
Make sure the package says "with gauze". It is made by Barbour's out in New
Brunswick. Let me know what you thought.

[John]

I’ve been drinking Red Rose since kindergarten where I drank it after school at my best friend’s grandparents house for afternoon tea every day. Recently I double the tea bags and still it is now just poorly flavored water. I Can’t even call it tea anymore. Ps I’m turning 60 this year so it saddens me to say I will probably not buy it again

[Silver Skull]

Post by John
I’ve been drinking Red Rose since kindergarten where I drank it after
school at my best friend’s grandparents house for afternoon tea every
day. Recently I double the tea bags and still it is now just poorly
flavored water. I Can’t even call it tea anymore. Ps I’m turning 60 this
year so it saddens me to say I will probably not buy it again.

Buy loose leaf tea !

It's way better than the dusty bits of broken leaves that the big names
put in to bags and call "tea".

Proper loose leaf tea is worth the extra dollars.

https://www.mightyleaf.ca/collections/loose-leaf-tea

[James Kalb]

At this point I mostly go for Barry's Tea, for Irish breakfast
style, and Qilan Wuyuan Oolong Tea (Organic Positively Tea
Company), when I want something more meditative - both loose leaf
and both available from Amazon.

[kaylee]

ahmad tea special blen

[Ellen]

Same here.
For me, it was Red Rose only, before.
Now it’s Red Rose NEVER AGAIN!!!
Betrayers!!!
I had tea in a family-run restaurant a few days ago and it was strong and so good I asked what it was. I was so surprised at the answer. Tetley

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Ellen
Same here.
For me, it was Red Rose only, before.
Now it’s Red Rose NEVER AGAIN!!!
Betrayers!!!
I had tea in a family-run restaurant a few days ago and it was strong and so good I asked what it was. I was so surprised at the answer. Tetley.

The Tetley bagged teas are definitely CTC.... I am kind of curious exactly
what Red Rose was inside the bag.
--scott

[Julie Adam]

I am facing the same issues recently regarding its different tastes. So during searching for its substitute I have found Adagio Teas Coupons and I have purchased this for the taste and this gives me the same pleasure, So from now onwards I am using this adagio tea

[Weezer]

Maybe Twinings breakfast tea? It tastes like Lipton did 1950

[Ana]

Roseanne, I did a search today in Google about the taste quality of Red Rose because, like you, the tea taste very different and I miss the aroma of the original Red Rose tea!!! I noticed the individually wrapped tea and should've guessed that they were bought out.

[Huck Finn]

So, Lipton bought Red Rose? No wonder the tea bags leak! I also noticed the change in the flavor from reasonable black tea to spent dishwater. I’m going looking for another brand

[Edfury426]

I posted here earlier at my horror as to what had been done to Red Rose Tea. Corporate geed is destroying our world and now has taken my favorite tea as well. It is deeply disgusting!

I have since found PG Tips to be a very good tea. I get the "original" variety. It is said to be the most popular brand in England, FWIW..

[Silver Skull]

Post by Edfury426
I posted here earlier at my horror as to what had been done to Red Rose
Tea. Corporate geed is destroying our world and now has taken my
favorite tea as well. It is deeply disgusting!

Not just Red Rose Tea.

Every tea seems to have become weak these days. More dust that actual
leaves.

Post by Edfury426
I have since found PG Tips to be a very good tea. I get the "original"
variety. It is said to be the most popular brand in England, FWIW...

Yes, even PG Tips.

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Edfury426
I posted here earlier at my horror as to what had been done to Red Rose
Tea. Corporate geed is destroying our world and now has taken my
favorite tea as well. It is deeply disgusting!

The problem with cheap commodity tea blends is that the people who blend
them and the saources they are blended with aren't always consistent and
so the tea changes with time.

Red Rose was an orthodox process blend that tasted to me like it was
mostly African sourced. If you like that, you might try Upton's Tea
Imports TK120 "Ruken Estate Rwanda BOP" which is a much higher grade version
of the same kind of thing. You will find the smell very familiar.
--scott

[Daniel70]

Scott Dorsey wrote on 27/9/24 8:53 pm:

<Snip>

Post by Scott Dorsey
Red Rose was an orthodox process blend that tasted to me like it was
mostly African sourced. If you like that, you might try Upton's Tea
Imports TK120 "Ruken Estate Rwanda BOP" which is a much higher grade
version of the same kind of thing. You will find the smell very
familiar. --scott

Hmm!! Interesting! Here, in Australia, one of the bigger brand names of
Tea is Lipton's ..... which, if your eyesight is failing a bit, might
look somewhat like 'Upton's"!!

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Daniel70
<Snip>

Post by Scott Dorsey
Red Rose was an orthodox process blend that tasted to me like it was
mostly African sourced. If you like that, you might try Upton's Tea
Imports TK120 "Ruken Estate Rwanda BOP" which is a much higher grade
version of the same kind of thing. You will find the smell very
familiar. --scott

Hmm!! Interesting! Here, in Australia, one of the bigger brand names of
Tea is Lipton's ..... which, if your eyesight is failing a bit, might
look somewhat like 'Upton's"!!

Thank God there is no connection!
--scott

[Silver Skull]

Liptons is shite.

Get real tea from the source. India. If they ship to Canada, they'll
ship anywhere ! The only bag you need is in your pants. Loose leaf tea
is the way to go.


https://www.teabox.com

[Scott Dorsey]

Post by Silver Skull
Liptons is shite.
Get real tea from the source. India. If they ship to Canada, they'll
ship anywhere ! The only bag you need is in your pants. Loose leaf tea
is the way to go.

In general true, but Red Rose tasted to me like it was mostly African teas.
Although I like India teas a lot, I think a Kenyan or Malawaian tea is
likely to be closer to that blend.

And yes, Lipton's yellow label is shite.
--scott