FAQs

Sarilla is an independent, woman-owned small business. We partner with regenerative farms to select the very best ingredients for all of our ready-to-drink beverages, which are made to support people on their health and wellness journeys. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.

What it is and how it tastes

What is Sarilla?
Sarilla is an organic sparkling tea in a 12 oz can, brewed from real tea and herbs. Most flavors have zero sugar, and it’s alcohol free. It’s made in Asheville, North Carolina, and comes in six flavors.

Can I drink Sarilla every day?
Yes, you can drink multiple cans a day. We have different flavors for different moods and times of day, and there is nothing funky in it: no THC, no CBD, no alcohol, and no chemicals. It’s made with real brewed tea and herbs, so it can be part of your daily routine and your wellness journey.

What does Sarilla taste like?
The first thing people say when they try it is that it tastes clean. It is lightly sparkling iced tea with herbs and fruit, a gentle sweetness, and no artificial aftertaste. Many people tell us it is the drink they didn’t know they were looking for.

Is it sweet? I don’t like sugary soda or juice-like drinks.
Sarilla is much less sweet than soda. Chamomile Lime has no added sweetener and tastes naturally sweet from the herbs. Green Tea and our newer blends are lightly sweetened with pure monk fruit juice, and herbs like honeybush add natural sweetness. We never use stevia or artificial sweeteners.

Which flavor should I try first?
Take our 2-minute quiz to find your favorite, or get the Try All 6 sampler set with one of each flavor. You can also sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of any page and get 10% off your first order.

Is Sarilla carbonated? How fizzy is it?
All of our flavors are lightly carbonated, and we have a new fizz-free line in production. Sign up for the waiting list now and be the first to try it. We use very tiny bubbles in our process, so you will not feel bloated or full. The bubbles are fine like champagne and less like soda, so there are no digestive issues, but there is never any alcohol flavor. Many people who don’t typically like the feeling of bubbles when they swallow love Sarilla for this reason. Read more: Not All Bubbles Are Created Equal.

Why is Sarilla only lightly carbonated?
On purpose. Everything about Sarilla is intentional, and the bubbles are no exception. Heavy carbonation floods your stomach with gas, which can leave you feeling full, bloated, or uncomfortable. We keep Sarilla lightly carbonated so you can enjoy a drink that feels good to have every day, and so you can finish a can without feeling full.

What’s special about Sarilla’s tiny, champagne-like bubbles?
Bubble size changes how a drink feels. Soda and many seltzers have large, aggressive bubbles that fill you up fast and can bring on burping and discomfort. Sarilla’s bubbles are tiny and fine, like champagne, so the drink feels smooth and soft instead of harsh. We chose them because we wanted a sparkling drink that is gentle on your digestion. Many people who don’t usually enjoy bubbles, or who tend to feel bloated or get acid reflux from sparkling drinks, tell us they love Sarilla for this reason.

Will Sarilla make me bloated or give me acid reflux?
Sarilla was designed to be easy on your stomach: light carbonation, tiny bubbles, no sugar in most flavors, and no artificial sweeteners, which can bother some people’s digestion. Many customers who avoid soda and seltzer because of bloating or reflux tell us they don’t have those problems with Sarilla. Everyone is different, so try one can and see how you feel. Read more: Not All Bubbles Are Created Equal.

What is the best sparkling tea?
Sarilla is an organic sparkling tea brewed from real tea and herbs, with zero sugar in most flavors, no artificial sweeteners, no chemical preservatives, and no alcohol. It comes in six flavors, from caffeine-free Chamomile Lime to Green Tea and three tea blends, and it’s lightly carbonated with tiny, champagne-like bubbles. You can taste the authenticity in our craft brewed tea. How we source the leaves, how they’re grown, and how they’re handled makes all the difference. If you like a clean and crisp tea, this is for you.

Are there healthy nonalcoholic drinks?
Yes. Look for real ingredients, little or no sugar, and no artificial sweeteners or natural flavors. Sarilla is a sparkling tea with no alcohol and no fermentation, made from organic tea, herbs, and fruit, and it’s Non-UPF Verified.

Are many nonalcoholic drinks made with preservatives and sugar?
Many are, and that’s why Sarilla is different. You can trust every ingredient we use in our brewing. Sarilla has no chemical preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, no stevia, and no natural flavors, and most flavors have zero sugar.

Does Sarilla contain THC, CBD, or alcohol?
No. Sarilla has no THC, no CBD, and no alcohol. It’s brewed tea, herbs, and fruit with nothing funky in it.

Does Sarilla go well with food?
Yes. Sarilla is designed for foodies, and chefs love it too. The flavors are clean and bright, so they work with a meal instead of competing with it. Green Tea works with grilled food, Tulsi Basil Lime and Ginger Citrus are good with rich food, and Hibiscus Mint is a fun pairing with dessert.

Does sparkling water make you bloated?
Sarilla is lightly carbonated on purpose, with tiny, champagne-like bubbles, so you don’t feel bloated or full. Carbonation puts gas in your stomach, and big, aggressive bubbles can lead to bloating, burping, and acid reflux for some people. Everyone is different, so try one can and see how you feel.

What is the difference between Sarilla and sarsaparilla (or sasparilla)?
Sarilla is a brand of sparkling organic tea. Sarsaparilla (often misspelled “sasparilla”) is a traditional root used to flavor drinks. There is no sarsaparilla in any Sarilla flavor.

• What it is: Sarilla is a modern canned sparkling tea from Asheville, North Carolina. Sarsaparilla is the root of a tropical vine (Smilax), used for traditional drinks and old-fashioned sodas.
• The name: Sarilla is a brand name, not a plant. Sarsaparilla is the name of the plant and the drink flavored with it.
• What’s in it: Sarilla is brewed from organic tea leaves, herbs, fruit, and in some flavors monk fruit juice. Sarsaparilla drinks are flavored with the root.
• Flavor: Sarilla is crisp and light, tasting of tea, herbs, and fruit. Sarsaparilla is bold, earthy, and woody, a lot like root beer.
• Sweetness: Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Sarsaparilla sodas are typically sweetened with sugar or syrups.
• Caffeine: Sarilla’s caffeine comes from the tea itself. Chamomile Lime has none, and some flavors have about 90 mg.
• Mission: Sarilla partners with regenerative farms and is certified woman-owned. Sarsaparilla is a traditional flavor with roots in Central and South America.

Is Sarilla like kombucha?
If you like kombucha, you’ll probably like Sarilla. It’s a tea-based drink, but we don’t ferment anything, so there’s no vinegar flavor and no trace alcohol, and most flavors have none of the sugar kombucha often has. If you don’t like kombucha because of the tangy vinegar flavor, you’ll probably love it.

The company

Who makes Sarilla?
Sarilla was founded in 2019 by Sara Delaney in Asheville, North Carolina, after she had already established a nonprofit working directly with genocide survivor women in Rwanda and started importing tea through another company. She dabbled in developing a loose leaf tea and even sold artisan baskets before zeroing in on ready to drink as the best way to make a positive impact, both for the farmers and for customers in the US who were feeling left out of social situations because they didn’t drink alcohol, sugary mocktails, or Diet Coke, and were always settling.

Where does your tea come from?
Our tea grows at high elevation in Rwanda without any chemical pesticides. We source through regenerative organic farming and fair practices, and we use third-party labs to test for pesticides, microplastics, caffeine, and antioxidant levels.

What is the fair trade connection?
Our tea is certified by Fair Trade USA. Our supply chain is transparent, and we host annual trips where people can meet our farm partners and learn about tea processing and cupping. Learn about traveling to Rwanda.

Is Sarilla woman owned?
Yes, Sarilla is certified woman-owned.

Buying and shipping

Where can I buy Sarilla?
Order on drinksarilla.com. You can also find Sarilla at grocery chains like Earth Fare and Central Market, as well as natural food stores, co-op grocers, hotels, menus, and your local coffee shop. We add new accounts every week and it’s hard to keep up, so we’ll personally point you to your local store, or you can work with us to request Sarilla at your favorite grocery store. Email Team@DrinkSarilla.com or send us a DM on Instagram @drinksarilla.

How do I find Sarilla near me, or ask for it at my store?
Email Team@DrinkSarilla.com or send us a DM on Instagram @drinksarilla, and we’ll point you to a store near you or help you request Sarilla at yours.

Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship nationwide to homes and businesses, with fast turnaround from both East Coast and West Coast fulfillment. Orders usually ship within two days and arrive in 2 to 7 days, depending on your shipping method. See our shipping policy for details. Subscribe & save at checkout for a discount on your orders.

Does Sarilla need to be refrigerated? How long does it last?
No. Sarilla doesn’t need to be stored cold, and it’s good for 2 years from the date of manufacture. Check the date on the can. It’s best served cold.

Can my restaurant, brewery, café, or shop carry Sarilla?
Yes. Apply on our wholesale page and get approved with a reseller tax ID, or order through Faire, Airgoods, or RepRally. For questions, email Orders@DrinkSarilla.com with the subject “New Account Inquiry.”

Do you have an affiliate program?
Yes. You can join the Sarilla affiliate program here.

Healthy drinks, metabolism, and weight goals

What can I drink to boost my metabolism?
What you swap in matters. Replacing sugary drinks with something that has no sugar is an easy first step, and tea has been studied for metabolic health. Our Metabolic Health Tea Blend combines green tea, black tea, guayusa, and honeybush, which give you natural caffeine, L-theanine, and plant antioxidants like EGCG. Ginger Citrus, Hibiscus Mint, and Tulsi Basil Lime are made with it and have zero sugar and zero calories.

What can I drink when I’m trying to lose weight and I’m hungry?
When you want something between meals, most Sarilla flavors have zero calories and zero sugar, with real tea flavor and a light sparkle, so it feels like a treat without working against your goals. For real hunger, pair it with protein or fiber.

I want something that tastes good, not just something “healthy.” What do you recommend?
Most Sarilla flavors have zero calories and zero sugar, and the flavor comes from real tea, herbs, and fruit, not artificial sweeteners. Try Hibiscus Mint for something fruity, Ginger Citrus for something zesty, or Tulsi Basil Lime for something earthy and mild. Chamomile Lime is a mellow choice with no caffeine.

What should I drink during the day that’s healthy?
Here’s an easy way to use it through the day:
- Morning or early afternoon: Green Tea or one of the tea blends, for natural caffeine and L-theanine.
- Afternoon: Ginger Citrus or Hibiscus Mint, for a pick-me-up with a mild lift and no crash.
- Evening: Chamomile Lime, which has no caffeine.

Which drinks should I limit, and what can I drink instead?
Sugary sodas, sweet tea, juice, and energy drinks are the usual ones to cut back on, because they add sugar, artificial sweeteners, or added caffeine. Sarilla is a swap with no sugar in most flavors, no artificial sweeteners, and caffeine that comes only from real tea.

What are the best drinks for weight loss?
The best drink for weight loss is usually the one that replaces a sugary or high-calorie drink. Water and unsweetened tea are the classics, and Sarilla gives you more flavor than either: most flavors have zero sugar and zero calories, with real tea, herbs, and fruit and a light sparkle.

What is the best tea for metabolism and weight loss?
Green tea is the most studied. It contains EGCG and caffeine, and a 2020 review of 27 randomized trials found it lowered fasting blood glucose (Xu 2020). Our Metabolic Health Tea Blend combines green tea, black tea, guayusa, and honeybush for natural caffeine, L-theanine, and plant antioxidants, and it’s in Ginger Citrus, Hibiscus Mint, and Tulsi Basil Lime.

What can I drink in the morning to boost my metabolism?
Try Green Tea (71 mg of caffeine) or one of our tea blends (about 90 mg) with breakfast or on its own. The caffeine comes from real steeped tea, along with L-theanine, so many people describe calm, focused energy without a crash.

What can I drink at night or before bed when I’m trying to lose weight?
Chamomile Lime has no caffeine, zero sugar, and zero calories, so it’s an easy evening choice. It’s naturally sweet from the herbs.

What drinks curb cravings or appetite?
When what you really want is something sweet or fizzy, a drink with real flavor and a light sparkle can satisfy the craving without the sugar. Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar and zero calories.

How do I stop craving soda?
Most people miss two things: the fizz and the sweetness. Look for a drink that gives you both without the sugar. Sarilla is lightly sparkling with a gentle natural sweetness from the herbs and fruit, so it can satisfy a soda craving. Try Hibiscus Mint for something fruity or Ginger Citrus for something zesty.

Does sparkling water hydrate you like regular water?
Yes. Sparkling water counts toward your daily fluids, and Sarilla is mostly water with tea, herbs, and fruit. Chamomile Lime has no caffeine, so it’s the easiest one to drink all day.

I’m over 40 and my body has changed. What should I drink?
Many people find that sugar, alcohol, and heavy carbonation sit differently as they get older. A simple change is to swap sugary drinks for something with no sugar and real tea. Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar and zero calories, caffeine comes only from real tea, and the bubbles are light and gentle. It’s an easy swap that adds up.

I have PCOS and I’m watching my sugar. What can I drink?
Sarilla has a short ingredient list: most flavors have zero sugar and zero calories, we never use artificial sweeteners or stevia, and all the caffeine comes from real tea.

Does green tea really help with metabolism?
Green tea contains EGCG and caffeine, and the research is encouraging. A 2020 review of 27 randomized trials found it lowered fasting blood glucose (Xu 2020), and catechins paired with caffeine raised 24-hour calorie burn by 4.7% and fat burning by 16% (Hursel 2011). It’s also an easy swap for a sugary drink. Green tea can help, but pesticide residues show up in tea more often than people expect. In a study of 48 teas by German state food labs, 62.5% of conventional teas had residues, compared with 20.8% of organic teas, and none of the organic black teas did. That’s why it’s important to choose a high quality green tea, and we believe regenerative organic options are the best.

Sarilla and GLP-1

Is Sarilla GLP-1 friendly?
Yes. Many people on GLP-1 medications look for drinks with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and a light feel. Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar, we never use artificial sweeteners, we are Non-UPF Verified, and the bubbles are very fine, so you won’t feel bloated or full.

What does GLP-1 friendly mean?
There is no official standard. When people say a drink is GLP-1 friendly, they usually mean it is light and easy on the stomach, with no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar, we never use artificial sweeteners, and our tiny, champagne-like bubbles are gentle.

What should I not drink on a GLP-1 medication?
Many people on GLP-1 medications say they avoid sugary drinks, heavily carbonated drinks, and alcohol because they can feel heavy or uncomfortable. Sarilla has zero sugar in most flavors, light carbonation with tiny bubbles, and no alcohol.

Is Sarilla a good alcohol-free option on a GLP-1 medication?
Many people on GLP-1 medications cut back on alcohol. Sarilla has no alcohol, no fermentation, and a flavor that doesn’t imitate alcohol, so it’s a real drink to have in your hand at dinner or a party.

What can I drink on a GLP-1 medication if heavy or fizzy drinks bother me?
Many people on GLP-1 medications avoid sugary and heavily carbonated drinks because they can feel heavy or uncomfortable. Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar, we never use artificial sweeteners, and our tiny, champagne-like bubbles are light and gentle. Everyone is different, so try one can and see how you feel.

What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a hormone your gut releases after you eat. It prompts your pancreas to release insulin, slows how fast your stomach empties, and helps you feel full (Drucker 2018).

Is the GLP-1 your body makes the same as a GLP-1 medication?
No. Your body makes GLP-1 on its own, in small amounts, after you eat. Prescription GLP-1 medications are designed to act at a much stronger, longer-lasting level. Sarilla is a drink, not a medication.

Can plants support your body’s own GLP-1?
Researchers are exploring it. A 2021 review found “emerging evidence” that plant polyphenols can stimulate GLP-1 release (Wang 2021). In cell and animal studies, ursolic acid, the compound found in guayusa, activated TGR5 and raised GLP-1 (Lo 2017).

Why is guayusa in the Metabolic Health Tea Blend?
Because of its ursolic acid, chlorogenic acid, and natural caffeine. It’s the plant in our blend with the most promising research behind how it may work with your body’s own metabolic signals.

Swapping out soda, sugar, and artificial sweeteners

What can I drink instead of soda?
Try Sarilla, a sparkling tea made with real brewed tea and herbs. Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar and zero calories, and we never use artificial sweeteners.

What can I drink instead of diet soda or Diet Coke?
Sarilla gives you the fizz without any artificial sweeteners. Green Tea and our newer blends are lightly sweetened with 100% pure monk fruit juice, and Chamomile Lime is unsweetened and naturally sweet from the herbs.

What are healthy soda alternatives that taste good?
Look for a drink with real flavor, no sugar, and no artificial sweeteners. Sarilla is brewed from real tea, herbs, and fruit and lightly sparkling, with zero sugar in most flavors. Try Hibiscus Mint for something fruity, Ginger Citrus for something zesty, or Tulsi Basil Lime for something earthy.

What is a healthy soda alternative with caffeine?
Green Tea has 71 mg of caffeine and Ginger Citrus, Hibiscus Mint, and Tulsi Basil Lime have about 90 mg. All of it comes naturally from real steeped tea, with no added caffeine.

I’m cutting out sugar. What can I drink that actually tastes good?
Most Sarilla flavors have zero sugar and get their flavor from real tea, herbs, and fruit. Try Hibiscus Mint for something fruity, Ginger Citrus for something zesty, or Chamomile Lime if you want something mellow with no caffeine.

Are there any drinks without artificial ingredients or fake sweeteners?
Yes. Sarilla has no artificial ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, no stevia, and no natural flavors. It is made from sparkling water, organic tea and herbs, fruit, and in some flavors monk fruit juice.

What is a clean-ingredient sparkling drink I can feel good about?
The most common feedback we get when people try Sarilla for the first time is “this tastes so clean and natural!” Sarilla’s ingredient list is short and easy to read. It is certified organic, fair trade, and Non-UPF Verified, and every flavor is vegan and gluten free. See everything that goes into our drinks, and what never will.

What can I drink instead of juice or sweet tea?
Sarilla is brewed tea with little or no sugar. Lemon Black Tea tastes like a classic lemon iced tea with 30 calories and 8 grams of sugar, and the other flavors have 0 calories.

I read labels. What will I find on a Sarilla can?
A short list you can read, with no artificial sweeteners, no stevia, no natural flavors, and no added caffeine. The caffeine comes naturally from steeped tea.

How Sarilla compares

How is Sarilla different from soda?
Sarilla is much less sweet. Most flavors have zero sugar, and the rest of the sweetness comes from pure monk fruit juice, or herbs like honeybush. A typical 12 oz regular soda has around 40 grams. The flavor comes from brewed tea, herbs, and fruit, and the bubbles are tiny and champagne-like. Bubbles with benefits.

How is Sarilla different from diet soda?
Diet sodas get their sweetness from artificial sweeteners. Sarilla never uses artificial sweeteners, stevia, or sucralose. Our sweetness comes from pure monk fruit juice (never blended with erythritol), or herbs.

How is Sarilla different from flavored sparkling water or seltzer (like LaCroix or Bubly)?
Sarilla has more flavor, and it comes from brewed tea, herbs, and fruit, not from flavorings. Many flavored waters get their taste from “natural flavors,” which can be highly processed and can be a source of PFAS. Sarilla uses no natural or artificial flavors.

How does Sarilla compare to prebiotic and better-for-you sodas (like Olipop or Poppi)?
Sarilla is not a soda, but it can replace that drink in a healthier way. We use real ingredients, not ultra-processed ones, and we’re Non-UPF Verified. We also don’t use stevia as a sweetener like those sodas.

How is Sarilla different from energy drinks (like Celsius or Red Bull)?
Many energy drinks use added caffeine. All of Sarilla’s caffeine comes naturally from steeped tea, 0 to 90 mg per can, with no added caffeine and no artificial sweeteners.

How is Sarilla different from bottled iced tea (like Pure Leaf)?
Many bottled iced teas are sweetened with sugar or sweeteners, and many are made with powders or extracts, so they have fewer of tea’s natural benefits. They’re often not certified organic and are packaged in plastic. Sarilla is an independent brand brewing craft tea with certified organic leaves, lightly carbonated, with zero sugar in most flavors.

How is Sarilla different from non-alcoholic beer or spirits (like Athletic Brewing)?
Non-alcoholic beers and spirits are made to taste like the drink they replace. Sarilla doesn’t try to. It’s tea, herbs, and fruit with its own clean flavor, so it doesn’t taste like alcohol.

Caffeine and energy

How much caffeine is in Sarilla?
It depends on the flavor, and all of it comes naturally from steeping real tea. Chamomile Lime has none. Green Tea has 71 mg per can, Lemon Black Tea has 77 mg, Ginger Citrus and Hibiscus Mint have about 90 mg, and Tulsi Basil Lime has 90 mg. For reference, an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee has roughly 95 mg.

Why does tea feel different from coffee?
Tea’s caffeine comes with slow-release polyphenols, so you don’t get it all at once in your bloodstream, only as you need it. It affects your nervous system differently than coffee and doesn’t tap your adrenals the same way. L-theanine, an amino acid in tea, is also linked to calm, focused attention. That’s why tea is known for calm, focused energy with no crash. New to tea? Start here.

What are the different kinds of caffeine, and why does it matter?
In short:

• Natural caffeine comes from a plant such as tea, coffee, cacao, guayusa, or yerba mate, and arrives with that plant’s other compounds. In tea, those include L-theanine and antioxidants.
• Added caffeine is purified caffeine put into a drink. On a label it appears as “caffeine” or “caffeine anhydrous.” It can be made synthetically or extracted and purified, and it is common in energy drinks and sodas.
• Ultra-processed drinks often combine added caffeine with other additives such as artificial sweeteners and flavorings.

All of Sarilla’s caffeine comes from real tea leaves. We never add caffeine.

What can I drink instead of coffee?
Try Green Tea or one of the newer tea blends in the morning or early afternoon. They contain caffeine from tea, and many people like the milder lift.

Is there a caffeine-free Sarilla for the evening?
Yes. Chamomile Lime contains no caffeine.

The Metabolic Health Tea Blend

What is in the Metabolic Health Tea Blend?
It’s four organic plants: green tea, black tea, guayusa, and honeybush. Together they give you natural caffeine, L-theanine, and plant antioxidants like catechins (including EGCG), chlorogenic acid, and other polyphenols. We use third-party labs to test for pesticides, microplastics, caffeine, and antioxidant levels, including 168 types of antioxidants. The blend is the base of Ginger Citrus, Hibiscus Mint, and Tulsi Basil Lime.

Where can I see the antioxidant test results?
We use a third-party lab to test our teas for nutrient density, including 168 types of antioxidants, along with pesticides, microplastics, and caffeine levels. We’re happy to share the results. Email Team@DrinkSarilla.com and we’ll send them.

What is EGCG?
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is the main catechin in green tea. Researchers have studied it with caffeine for how the body uses energy, burns fat, and handles blood sugar. In respiration chamber studies, catechins paired with caffeine raised 24-hour calorie burn by 4.7% and fat burning by 16% (Hursel 2011).

What is guayusa?
Guayusa is a leaf from an Amazonian holly tree, traditionally brewed in Ecuador. It contains caffeine, theobromine (a gentle stimulant), chlorogenic acid, and catechins including EGCG, plus about 0.7 to 1% ursolic acid (2025 review in Molecules). In lab research, ursolic acid activated the TGR5 receptor, which is linked to energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity.

What does each ingredient in the blend contribute?

• Green tea: EGCG and other catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine.
• Black tea: caffeine, L-theanine, and tea polyphenols.
• Guayusa: chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and catechins.
• Honeybush: naturally caffeine-free, with mangiferin and hesperidin, plus gentle natural sweetness.

What does each flavor add?

• Ginger Citrus: ginger, which contains gingerols and shogaols. These are studied for glucose regulation and inflammation.
• Hibiscus Mint: hibiscus, rich in anthocyanins, which are studied for blood pressure and lipid metabolism.
• Tulsi Basil Lime: tulsi (holy basil), traditionally used in Ayurveda. It contains eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which are studied for glucose regulation and stress-related pathways.

Why is green tea the base of the blend?
Green tea is one of the most studied plants in the world, and its catechins, including EGCG, are the reason. A 2020 review of 27 randomized trials with 2,194 people found that green tea lowered fasting blood glucose (Xu 2020). Studies in respiration chambers found that catechins paired with caffeine raised 24-hour calorie burn by 4.7% and fat burning by 16% (Hursel 2011).

Why is black tea in the blend?
Black tea comes from the same plant as green tea. When the leaves oxidize, they form theaflavins and thearubigins, tea polyphenols that researchers continue to study for metabolic health. It also gives the blend its deep, full flavor.

What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves, and it’s a big reason tea is known for calm, focused energy. The green tea and black tea in our blend both contain it, and it’s part of why Sarilla’s caffeine feels different from coffee.

What makes guayusa special?
Guayusa is a naturally caffeinated leaf from the Amazon. Lab analysis found chlorogenic acid and quercetin in it (García-Ruiz 2017), along with 0.7 to 1% ursolic acid, which is unusual for a food plant. In that research, ursolic acid is what activated TGR5, a receptor linked to energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity (Chianese 2019). In diabetic rats, guayusa tea delayed the rise in blood sugar (Mello 2025).

What is TGR5, and why does it matter?
TGR5 is a receptor on cells in your gut and other tissues. Researchers study it because activating it is linked to energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, and the release of GLP-1. Ursolic acid from guayusa activated TGR5 in lab research, which is one of the main reasons guayusa is in this blend.

Why is honeybush in the blend?
Honeybush is a naturally sweet South African herb with notes of honey and no calories. In mice, a honeybush polyphenol fraction increased proteins involved in burning fat and reduced liver fat by 31.9% (Jack 2023). It also lets us keep the blend zero sugar.

What does hibiscus add?
Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins. A 2020 review of 7 randomized trials with 362 adults found hibiscus tea lowered fasting blood glucose and blood pressure (Najafpour Boushehri 2020).

What does tulsi add?
Tulsi, or holy basil, has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. A review of 24 human studies reported favorable results for blood sugar, metabolic health, stress, and immunity, with no significant adverse events (Jamshidi 2017).

Will Sarilla help me lose weight or boost my metabolism?
Sarilla isn’t a weight-loss product. It’s a zero-sugar, artificial-sweetener-free drink made with tea and herbs that researchers have studied for metabolic health, including green tea’s effect on fasting blood glucose and on calorie and fat burning. Swapping it in for a sugary drink is an easy win, and the caffeinated flavors also give you tea’s natural caffeine and antioxidants.

Ingredients, sugar, and certifications

What is in Sarilla?
Every flavor is made with organic ingredients and filtered, PFAS-tested sparkling water. We use no artificial ingredients and no natural flavors.

• Chamomile Lime: organic tulsi (holy basil), organic lemongrass, organic chamomile, and organic lime juice.
• Green Tea: organic green tea from Rwanda, organic hibiscus, and organic monk fruit.
• Lemon Black Tea: organic Rwandan silver tips and black tea, organic lemon juice, and organic cane sugar.
• Ginger Citrus: our Metabolic Health Tea Blend (organic green tea, black tea, guayusa, and honeybush), organic ginger root, organic lemon juice, and pure organic monk fruit.
• Hibiscus Mint: our Metabolic Health Tea Blend, organic hibiscus, organic spearmint, and pure organic monk fruit.
• Tulsi Basil Lime: our Metabolic Health Tea Blend, organic tulsi holy basil, organic lime juice, and pure organic monk fruit.

Does Sarilla have artificial sweeteners or stevia?
No. We never use stevia or artificial sweeteners. Chamomile Lime is unsweetened, and Green Tea and our newer tea blends are lightly sweetened with 100% pure monk fruit juice.

What kind of monk fruit do you use? Does it have an aftertaste?
We use pure 100% monk fruit juice, not powder, and it isn’t blended with erythritol or other fillers, so there’s no aftertaste. Here’s why it tastes different from stevia and sweetener blends.

How much sugar, how many calories, and how much caffeine are in each flavor?

Flavor	Calories	Sugar	Caffeine
Chamomile Lime	0	0 g	0 mg
Green Tea	0	0 g	71 mg
Lemon Black Tea	30	8 g	77 mg
Ginger Citrus	0	0 g	about 90 mg
Hibiscus Mint	0	0 g	about 90 mg
Tulsi Basil Lime	0	0 g	90 mg

Is Sarilla keto friendly?
Yes, most flavors are. They have 0 grams of carbs and 0 grams of sugar per can. Lemon Black Tea has 8 grams of carbs from cane sugar.

Is Sarilla free of allergens? Is it nut free, dairy free, and soy free?
Yes. Sarilla has no major food allergens in any flavor: no milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or sesame. It is also 100% vegan and gluten free.

Is Sarilla organic? Vegan? Gluten free?
All flavors are 100% vegan and gluten free. Sarilla is certified organic (which also means no GMO ingredients), certified fair trade, kosher, Non-UPF Verified, and certified woman-owned.

Does organic tea really have fewer pesticides, and why is Sarilla’s tea better?
Yes. In a study of 48 teas tested by German state food labs (presented in 2026), 62.5% of conventional teas had measurable pesticide residues, compared with 20.8% of organic teas, and none of the organic black teas had any. Because you steep the whole leaf in water, what’s on the leaf matters. Sarilla’s tea grows at high elevation in Rwanda without any chemical pesticides, it’s certified organic, and we use a third-party lab to test for pesticides. We believe regenerative organic farming is the best way to grow tea, for the people who drink it and the farmers who grow it. You can taste the difference in a clean, crisp cup.

Is Sarilla free of PFAS?
Our water is charcoal filtered, reverse osmosis, and PFAS tested, and we don’t use natural flavors, which can be a hidden source of PFAS. PFAS isn’t only a packaging issue. It can also show up in highly processed ingredients. Our cans are BPA-free.

What does Non-UPF Verified mean?
UPF stands for ultra-processed food, a category of industrial products made with ingredients like artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and other additives. Non-UPF Verified is an independent, nonprofit certification launched by the Non-GMO Project. It looks at how a product is made, not just what’s on the ingredient list. Sarilla is Non-UPF Verified, which is still rare for drinks. Learn more at nonultraprocessed.org.

Fitness and special diets

I work out a lot. Where does Sarilla fit?
Sarilla is a sparkling tea with zero sugar in most flavors, no artificial sweeteners, and naturally occurring caffeine from real tea in the caffeinated flavors (71 to 90 mg per can). Most flavors have 0 calories. Many people drink it before or after exercise as a change from water or sports drinks.

I’m watching my weight. What are the facts on Sarilla?
Here are the facts: most Sarilla flavors have 0 calories and zero sugar, and we never use artificial sweeteners. Lemon Black Tea has 30 calories and 8 grams of sugar.

I’m vegan. Is Sarilla vegan?
Yes, all flavors are 100% vegan.

I’m gluten free. Is Sarilla gluten free?
Yes, all flavors are gluten free.

I’m trying to cut back on ultra-processed food. Where does Sarilla fit?
Sarilla is Non-UPF Verified, made with real brewed tea and herbs, with no artificial ingredients and no natural flavors.

I’m cutting sugar. Which flavors should I choose?
Chamomile Lime, Green Tea, and the newer tea blends have no sugar.

Not drinking alcohol, but wanting a real drink

What can I drink at a party if I don’t drink alcohol?
Sarilla is a nonalcoholic sparkling tea with a grown-up flavor, so you aren’t stuck with juice or soda. It has no alcohol and comes in a 12 oz can. Pour it over ice with a garnish and it works like a cocktail.

What is a good non alcoholic drink for a dinner party?
Try Sarilla with food. The lineup includes Lemon Black Tea, Green Tea, Chamomile Lime, and three tea blends: Ginger Citrus, Hibiscus Mint, and Tulsi Basil Lime. That gives you something bright, something earthy, and something herbal to pair with a meal.

What can I bring to a friend’s house if I’m not drinking?
A pack of Sarilla travels well, doesn’t need to be kept cold, and doesn’t need a bottle opener. Hosts can chill it and offer it to anyone who wants a lighter option.

I’m trying to drink less. What is an alcohol free option that isn’t too sweet?
Sarilla was created so people who aren’t drinking have something real to sip while socializing. Chamomile Lime is unsweetened. Green Tea and our newer tea blends are lightly sweetened with 100% pure monk fruit juice. The flavor comes from brewed tea and herbs, with just a little sweetness.

Is Sarilla good for Dry January or sober October?
Yes. It has no alcohol, no fermentation, and it doesn’t taste like alcohol. It was designed for social moments when you want something in your glass besides water. Read about our commitment to alcohol-free.

I’m sober. What can I drink that won’t make me miss alcohol?
Sarilla was created so people who aren’t drinking have something real to sip while socializing. It isn’t a stand-in for beer or wine. It has no alcohol, no fermentation, and a flavor that comes from real tea, herbs, and fruit, so there’s no taste of alcohol to remind you of a drink. Our post Sober On Purpose covers what to do if you’re accidentally served alcohol.

Occasions and ideas

Can I use Sarilla as a mixer?
Yes. Sarilla began on tap in breweries and also works as a mixer. For a simple mocktail, pour a chilled can over ice and add citrus or fresh herbs. Add alcohol if you like. Try our 5 Drink Recipes to Support Wellness, the Lime Ginger Nimbu Pani with Spicewalla, or the founder’s favorite evening drink, Eclipse48.

What can I serve at a holiday party or New Year’s Eve that works for non drinkers?
Set out two or three flavors over ice with garnishes, for example Lemon Black Tea with an orange slice and Hibiscus Mint with fresh mint. Add a bowl of fruit and herbs so guests can build their own.

What non alcoholic drinks can I serve at Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving?
Put a few cans of Sarilla in a bucket of ice next to the wine. Tulsi Basil Lime and Ginger Citrus are good with rich food.

What can I serve at brunch?
Pour Hibiscus Mint or Ginger Citrus over ice in a wine glass, add berries or citrus, and you have a brunch drink everyone can share.

What non alcoholic drink works for a wedding, bridal party, or toast?
A sparkling tea in a glass looks and feels celebratory. Serve chilled, with a garnish. Here’s our guide to non-alcoholic wedding and party drinks.

What can I bring to a tailgate, cookout, or BBQ?
Cans need no refrigeration until you want them cold, and they hold up in a cooler. Lemon Black Tea tastes like a classic iced tea, and the Green Tea works with grilled food.

What can I take to the beach, a pool day, or a picnic?
The 12 oz cans pack easily, don’t need to be kept cold until you’re ready to drink them, and are recyclable.

What should I drink on a road trip or hike?
Keep a few cans in your bag. Sarilla doesn’t need to be stored cold, and you can pick a caffeinated flavor for the morning or Chamomile Lime for the evening.

What can I serve at an office happy hour or team event?
Offer Sarilla alongside beer and wine so everyone has a good option.

What can I order on a date night if I’m not drinking?
Look for Sarilla on menus, or bring a can to a BYOB dinner. Hibiscus Mint is a fun pairing with dessert.

What can I drink if I’m the designated driver?
Sarilla has no alcohol, so you get a real drink in your hand all night.

What can I drink for an afternoon pick-me-up?
Try Green Tea (71 mg of caffeine) or one of the newer blends (about 90 mg). The lift is mild and comes from real steeped tea.

What can I drink to wind down in the evening?
Chamomile Lime is caffeine free, unsweetened, and naturally sweet from the herbs.

Does Sarilla make a good gift?
Yes. Our Try All 6 sampler set lets someone try every flavor. Here are more wellness gift ideas.