Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea

Passing by the tea section at Kroger, I spied a new Lipton flavor—Vanilla Caramel Truffle. So, in an effort to break my morning indulgence of white chocolate cappuccino, I bought a box. After all, at 120 calories per 3-tablespoon serving for the cappuccino, my waistline could use a no-calorie tea replacement.

At first sniff, Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea reminds me of caramel mixed in with the not-so-delicate odor of, well … burnt ash. (Oh, yes, sounds yummy I know—In fact, I bet you’re racing out the door at this very moment to buy a box.)

But do I give up and toss the Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea box? No, of course not; Not a health food junkie like ole’ Food Meister here. I laugh in the face of menacing foods.

So, I start boiling water. And I look to the box to find encouragement to go on with this taste test.

Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea may not produce the most inviting fragrance, but it does have some nutritional pluses. This flavored black tea contains 90 milligrams of flavonoid antioxidants per serving. Inflammation and certain heart-related illnesses can be avoided with a diet rich in antioxidants. I feel better about testing this tea already.

Well, just a tad.

This Lipton tea also contains a modest amount of caffeine with each serving—35 milligrams—which should be just enough to provide health benefits without unleashing the jitters. In moderation, caffeine may reduce the risk of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

So, how was it? Sorry, but Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea is not going to be on my grocery list any time soon. The woodsy smell overpowers the caramel aroma, making Food Meister one sad puppy. I really did want this no-calorie tea to replace my morning cappuccino. Sigh.

Maybe if I had never tried the white chocolate cappuccino in the first place, then this tea would have tasted better. But it’s too late; my taste buds have been spoiled. I still have the rest of the tea box, sitting in my cupboard. Perhaps I’ll give Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea another try when my cappuccino container runs out. If I could get used to the tea’s woodsy aroma, my health (and waistline!) would thank me.

One last thing for you adventurous types who are still willing to try this tea. On the box, it suggests drinking Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea chilled as an alternative to the usual warm brew. If you normally drink your teas and coffees warm, I’d advise disregarding this idea—unless, of course, you’re trying to decrease your appetite by ingesting foul drinks. In my opinion, coldness does nothing to enhance this tea’s already tainted flavors.

2 comments:

Count Sneaky said...

Might I suggest you try a saucer on your cats. I'll bet the indifferent little buggers will enjoy the woodsy smell.At the least it should remind them of their litterbox. Thanks. Count Sneaky

Unknown said...

Nice Post! I am looking for Flavored black tea can you please provide some relevant info regarding it.