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A digital graphic featuring a close-up of golden tea cakes on a wire cooling rack, with one cookie partially bitten. Overlapping the image is a bold black text box with white lettering that reads, "Tea Cakes: A Sweet Staple in Black History." Below, a subheading states, "More than just a sweet treat, tea cakes are a symbol of Black resilience." At the bottom left, there are three raised fists in dark brown tones, each holding a small white dot, set against red, yellow, and green stripes. A red call-to-action button at the bottom right displays moodyteas.co/blog.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Cakes: A Sweet Staple of Black History

Tea cakes aren’t just a snack—they’re a story. Born from resilience and resourcefulness, these soft, simple cookies have been a staple in Black homes for generations. Enslaved African Americans, denied access to the refined pastries of their enslavers, crafted their own version using what little they had—molasses, brown sugar, nutmeg, and ingenuity. But the story of tea cakes isn’t just about what went into them—it’s about the labor that made them possible. From sugarcane fields to wheat plantations, Black hands did the backbreaking work of cultivating the very ingredients they were rarely allowed to enjoy. Yet, from those scraps, they created something lasting. Tea cakes became a symbol of survival, shared at church gatherings, family celebrations, and passed down through generations. As we honor Black History Month 2025 and its theme, “African Americans and Labor,” let’s take a moment to recognize the hands that built, baked, and preserved this history. Tea cakes aren’t just food—they’re a legacy.

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A graphic featuring a person stirring loose-leaf tea in a ceramic cup. The right side contains a teal background with white text that reads "Tea Term Tuesday: Steep." Below, a paragraph explains the importance of steeping in tea preparation, touching on temperature, methods, and flavor extraction.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Term Tuesday: Steep

Steeping is the key to unlocking the rich flavors and aromas hidden within tea leaves, but did you know there’s more to it than just soaking leaves in hot water? From the origins of the word steep to the nuances that differentiate it from brewing, this guide explores the art of steeping, covering optimal temperatures, steeping techniques, and even traditional methods like Gongfu and Grandpa style. Whether you prefer bold black tea, delicate white tea, or a refreshing cold steep, mastering your steeping process can transform your tea experience. Ready to elevate your cup? Let’s dive in!

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A graphic introducing Tea Term Tuesday focused on tea grading, with detailed text about the history, grading systems, and impact on tea quality.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Term Tuesday: Tea Grading

Hey there, tea lovers! Ever wondered what’s up with those mysterious tea grades like FTGFOP or BOP? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Tea grading is all about sorting leaves by size, shape, and quality. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with flavor but can still tell you a lot about your brew. Back in the 19th century, British merchants came up with the Orange Pekoe (OP) grading system to keep things consistent as they shipped tea worldwide. Think of it as a quality control checklist for tea leaves. Today, grades like “Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe” (GFOP) or “Broken Orange Pekoe” (BOP) help tea enthusiasts decode what’s in their cup, whether it’s a smooth, whole-leaf luxury or a bold, quick-brewing powerhouse. So next time you see FTGFOP on a label, you’ll know it’s not just alphabet soup—it’s tea royalty. Cheers to steeping smarter!

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A graphic featuring two cups, one with a creamy, coffee-like Notffee tea and the other with a deep blue Dream Come Blue tea. The text reads "Beat the Sunday Scaries" with "Notffee" and "Dream Come Blue" emphasized, showing how these two blends can help alleviate stress.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Sip Away the Sunday Scaries: Our Guide to a Stress-Free New Year

The Sunday Scaries don’t have to take over your weekend, especially as you embrace the possibilities of a new year. Moody Teas is here to help you conquer those Sunday night blues with two transformative blends: Notffee for a gentle energy boost to start your week strong, and Dream Come Blue for a calming wind-down to ensure restful sleep. Whether you're tackling resolutions, reorganizing routines, or just trying to stay ahead of the grind, our teas can turn stress into serenity. Ready to make every week a little brighter? Sip, strategize, and shine with Moody Teas!

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A colorful assortment of tea-infused mocktails in various glasses, featuring fresh fruit garnishes like orange slices, berries, and mint, highlighting the creativity of Dry January drinks.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Sip in Style: Tea Mocktails for a Refreshing Dry January

Dry January is the perfect time to explore the world of tea mocktails, combining the health benefits of going alcohol-free with the creativity of crafting delicious, mood-evoking drinks. From refreshing blends like Minty Matcha Mojito to cozy options like the Golden Glow Mule, these recipes highlight the versatility of tea as a base for flavorful and inclusive beverages. Whether you’re embracing wellness, supporting inclusivity, or simply exploring new flavors, tea mocktails offer a stylish, alcohol-free way to raise your glass this season.

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A collage showing cinnamon sticks, hazelnuts, coffee beans, and chocolate squares. Text overlay reads, “MOODY TEA NEWS, Spilling the Tea: Natural vs Artificial Flavors.” A call-to-action below states, “For the latest news → moodyteas.co/blog.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Spilling the Tea on Natural and Artificial Flavors

Ever wondered what makes your favorite tea blends taste so irresistible? In this post, we’re spilling the tea on natural and artificial flavors—what they are, where they come from, and why Moody Teas takes a different approach. From the complexities of flavoring processes to allergen concerns and transparency, we’re diving deep into what’s really in your cup. At Moody Teas, we skip the additives and rely on whole ingredients to deliver bold, authentic flavors you can trust. Ready to sip smarter? Let’s dive in!

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A promotional graphic for a Tea Term Tuesday blog post about caffeine. The background features an artistic blend of coffee beans and loose-leaf black tea. The text highlights the benefits of tea’s natural caffeine paired with L-theanine, which provides steady, focused energy without jitters. It teases the exploration of caffeine variations across teas, brewing techniques, and alternatives like guayusa and yaupon.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Term Tuesday: The Buzz About Caffeine in Tea đŸ”

Looking for the perfect energy boost? Tea's natural caffeine pairs beautifully with L-theanine to deliver steady, focused energy without the jitters. In this week’s Tea Term Tuesday, we explore how caffeine varies across different teas, how brewing techniques affect caffeine content, and why tea alternatives like guayusa and yaupon deserve a spot in your cup. Whether you need a morning motivator, a midday lift, or a caffeine-free unwind, we've got all the tips and tea blends to match your mood.

Read More Tea Term Tuesday: The Buzz About Caffeine in Tea đŸ”
A graphic titled "3 Reasons Why Gut Health Matters" from @moody.teas. The background is a green grid pattern, and the text is presented in three white boxes: the first box says "Affects Your Mental Health" with an explanation about the gut-brain connection improving mood regulation and reducing stress; the second box says "Keeps Your Immune System Running" explaining that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, aiding body defenses; the third box says "Gives You Energy to Keep You Going" explaining how a healthy gut absorbs nutrients to provide energy. Arrows and minimalist design elements connect the sections.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

A Fresh Take on Gut Health: Discover Minty Fresh

When it comes to gut health, finding a simple yet effective solution can feel daunting. Enter Minty Fresh, a refreshing herbal blend crafted to support digestion and soothe the stomach. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like spearmint for easing bloating, ginger for reducing nausea, and lemon balm for calming discomfort, Minty Fresh is your go-to companion for a happy gut. Plus, it busts common myths about gut health—proving that balance doesn’t always require pricey supplements. Sip on this flavorful blend and give your gut the TLC it deserves, one cup at a time.

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Schedule graphic for this week’s markets. Text reads: "This Week’s Markets." Includes three events: January 11, Logan Square Farmers Market, 9 AM - 1 PM; January 12, Farmers Market at the Dole, 10 AM - 2 PM; January 12, South Loop Farmers Market at Water Tower Place, 12 PM - 4 PM. Background shows a clear glass of tea with pine branches in a wintery setting.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Celebrate National Hot Tea Day with Us This Weekend!

Join us online this weekend for 20% off your favorite teas, combining our Hot Tea Month and National Hot Tea Day discounts! Plus, we're back for our first market weekend of 2025. Catch us: Logan Square Farmers Market (Sat, Jan 11, 9 AM–1 PM) Farmers’ Market at the Dole (Sun, Jan 12, 10 AM–2 PM) South Loop Farmers Market on the Magnificent Mile at Water Tower Place (Sun, Jan 12, 12 PM–4 PM) – our exciting debut in this iconic location! Get ready to sip, shop, and celebrate with us! 🎉

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A stylish French press filled with an herbal tisane surrounded by glassware, with blurred orange flowers in the background. The text overlay includes “MOODY TEA NEWS” at the top, “Spilling the Tea” in smaller text, and “WTF Are ‘Tisanes???’” in bold letters. At the bottom, it says: “For the latest news → moodyteas.co/blog
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Spilling the Tea: WTF is a Tisane?

When it comes to tisanes (pronounced tee-ZAHN or ti-ZAN), the first question that pops up is: WTF are they? Here’s the scoop—tisanes are hot drinks made by steeping plants like herbs, flowers, fruits, or spices in water. Think chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus. But here’s the kicker: they’re not actually tea. That’s because true tea comes from one specific plant, Camellia sinensis. Tisanes, on the other hand, are doing their own caffeine-free thing, bringing bold flavors and good vibes without the tannins or historical baggage. Want to impress your friends? Drop the word “tisane” next time you’re sipping herbal tea—it’s just a fancier name for the same delicious thing. Whether you call it tea or tisane, one thing’s for sure: it’s a cozy, plant-powered hug in a mug. Cheers!

Read More Spilling the Tea: WTF is a Tisane?