Putting the TEA in Affordability: Why Rooibos Tea Is the Most Underrated Affordable Item in Your Pantry

With the rising cost of fuel, electricity and groceries, South Africans are increasingly looking for ways to stretch their budgets without compromising their health. While many households are cutting back, one everyday pantry staple continues to deliver exceptional value for money, but it often goes overlooked: the humble cup of rooibos tea.

According to Mbali Mapholi, Specialist Dietitian and Laager Rooibos partner, making smarter everyday choices can have a meaningful long-term impact: “In today’s economic climate, affordability matters, but so does health. Rooibos is one of those rare options that delivers both. It’s rich in antioxidants with many far-reaching health benefits, a great ingredient in many dishes, and even has uses beyond the kitchen, making it a simple but powerful addition to the shopping list.”

The Real Value of One Laager Rooibos Teabag

A standard pack of Laager Rooibos tea contains around 80 teabags, retailing for under R50. This translates to around 60c per teabag, while providing not only a cup of tea, but significant health benefits and household uses as well.

Health benefits include:

• Rich in antioxidants: Rooibos helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health.
• Supports heart health: Rooibos may help protect against cardiovascular disease. Laager Rooibos is the only tea bag that carries the Heart & Stroke Foundation SA’s ‘heart mark’.
• Aids digestion: Rooibos helps relieve stomach discomfort and supports gut health.
• Caffeine-free: Laager Rooibos is suitable for the whole family and is ideal for hydration at any time of day – with great Laager Tea4Kidz flavours for little ones.
• Supports skin health: Laager Rooibos contains compounds linked to improved skin appearance and reduced inflammation.
• May help regulate blood sugar: Laager Rooibos supports metabolic health over time.

The value of Laager Rooibos doesn’t stop once your tea is finished. A single teabag can be reused in a variety of cost-saving and eco-friendly ways!

Household uses include:

• Natural skincare: Use cooled Laager Rooibos for face rinses, scrubs or soothing baths.
• After-sun care: Cooled Laager Rooibos can calm and hydrate sun-exposed skin.
• Garden fertiliser: Used Laager Rooibos tea leaves enrich the soil and improve moisture retention.
• Pet care: Even furry friends benefit as Laager Rooibos can soothe irritated skin and support digestion.

The Hidden Cost of Sugary Drinks

Tea remains one of the most cost-effective beverages available, especially when compared to sugary drinks, which can cost R10 to R15 or more for a single 300ml can.

“While a can of soda may seem affordable in the moment, the long-term costs – both financial and health-related – are far higher,” warns Mbali. “Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to multiple health challenges. Choosing Rooibos is a simple switch that can support better health outcomes over time.”

Health risks of sugar-filled drinks include:

• Weight gain and obesity
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver damage and metabolic disorders
• Poor dental health
• Reduced bone density

“For around 60c, you’re getting a cup of Laager Rooibos tea but really so much more,” says Mbali. “You’re adding long-term value to your health, to your daily diet, and enjoying the additional household uses of this incredible local crop. Weigh this up against the cost to your health when consuming sugar-laden drinks, and it’s clear this is the most cost-effective and healthy investment for you and your family.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is rooibos tea considered such good value for money?
Rooibos tea is inexpensive per serving, naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. Beyond drinking, it can also be reused for skincare, gardening and household purposes, making it a highly cost-effective, multi-use product.

2. Is rooibos tea healthy?
Yes. Rooibos contains no added sugar, calories or artificial ingredients, while sugary drinks are linked to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease. Rooibos provides hydration and health benefits without these risks.

3. What Joekels brands are available in South Africa?
Joekels produces and distributes a range of popular brands, including Tetley, Laager Rooibos, Tea Time, Tea4Kidz and Society Coffee, offering options for every taste, lifestyle and wellness need.

4. Why sets Laager Rooibos apart?
Laager is the only Rooibos tea bag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation SA and caters for the whole family with Pure Rooibos and flavoured Rooibos options, along with a kids range under the Laager Tea4Kidz brand.

Find out more about Laager Rooibos, including health tips and fantastic Rooibos-infused recipes, by visiting www.joekels.co.za or following @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram. Laager Rooibos can be purchased from all major supermarkets, as well as online at www.joekels.co.za.

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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Joekels.