Move beyond matcha: Give these healthy sips a chance
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
CT delves into the wellness brews that are trendy, easy to find in India, and perfect for health-conscious sippers.
Genmaicha
(Green tea with roasted rice)
Flavour profile: Earthy, grassy, with a toasty popcorn note
Earthy, grassy, with a toasty popcorn note Why try it: Genmaicha blends green tea with roasted brown rice, creating a drink that's both grounding and light. It's a gentle way to start your dayl.
Genmaicha blends green tea with roasted brown rice, creating a drink that's both grounding and light. It's a gentle way to start your dayl. How to enjoy: Best served hot or cold-brewed overnight. Pairs beautifully with snacks.
Best served hot or cold-brewed overnight. Pairs beautifully with snacks. Price point: ₹600–₹900
Butterfly pea flower tea
Flavour profile: Mild, earthy, woody
Mild, earthy, woody Why try It: This caffeine-free herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and famous for its colour-changing magic—blue when brewed, purple with a splash of lemon. It's as functional as it is photogenic.
This caffeine-free herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and famous for its colour-changing magic—blue when brewed, purple with a splash of lemon. It's as functional as it is photogenic. How to enjoy: Serve chilled with lemon and honey for a refreshing iced tea or use as a base for mocktails and mixers. Can also be used in desserts or cocktails.
Serve chilled with lemon and honey for a refreshing iced tea or use as a base for mocktails and mixers. Can also be used in desserts or cocktails. Price point: ₹300–₹600 depending on quantity and form
Hojicha
(Roasted green tea)
Flavour profile
: Smoky, slightly sweet
Why try It:
Hojicha is made from roasted green tea leaves, which lowers its caffeine content and gives it a warm, nutty profile. It's soothing, gut-friendly, and low in caffeine and rich in L theanine, it's ideal for evening use or for calming pre-sleep wind-downs.
How to enjoy:
Brew it hot as a post-dinner tea or whisk it into a creamy iced latte with oat or almond milk. Ideal for evenings or low-caffeine days.
Price point:
₹100–₹300 for bottled versions; ₹500–₹800 for loose-leaf
Yerba Maté
(South American herbal tea)
Flavour profile: Bitter, herbal, robust
Bitter, herbal, robust Why try it: Known as a natural energiser, yerba maté offers a balanced caffeine hit along with theobromine (also found in chocolate). It's a mental pick-me-up without the jittery crash of coffee. Offers a clean, steady caffeine boost that enhances mental clarity & metabolic rate.
Known as a natural energiser, yerba maté offers a balanced caffeine hit along with theobromine (also found in chocolate). It's a mental pick-me-up without the jittery crash of coffee. Offers a clean, steady caffeine boost that enhances mental clarity & metabolic rate. How to enjoy: Traditionally sipped from a gourd with a straw, but you can also steep it like regular tea or enjoy it as a cold-brew with honey and lemon.
Traditionally sipped from a gourd with a straw, but you can also steep it like regular tea or enjoy it as a cold-brew with honey and lemon. Price point: ₹500–₹700 for loose tea or infusion bags
Did you know?: Genmaicha is called popcorn tea as some rice grains pop during roasting
There's a shift toward 'smart caffeine'. People are realising that caffeine can affect the nervous system & blood pressure
– Ryan Fernando, celebrity nutritionist
While many drinks are Instagram-popular, people now enjoy them not just for their looks but also benefits. Gone are the days when consumers wanted something pretty to look at. Today, everything they consume must add value
– Urvika Kanoi, chef
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Move beyond matcha: Give these healthy sips a chance
While matcha's vivid green hue still floods social feeds, its grassy taste and high caffeine content aren't for everyone. It's time to taste a new wave of teas and tisanes that are flavourful, functional, and gut-friendly. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now CT delves into the wellness brews that are trendy, easy to find in India, and perfect for health-conscious sippers. Genmaicha (Green tea with roasted rice) Flavour profile: Earthy, grassy, with a toasty popcorn note Earthy, grassy, with a toasty popcorn note Why try it: Genmaicha blends green tea with roasted brown rice, creating a drink that's both grounding and light. It's a gentle way to start your dayl. Genmaicha blends green tea with roasted brown rice, creating a drink that's both grounding and light. It's a gentle way to start your dayl. How to enjoy: Best served hot or cold-brewed overnight. Pairs beautifully with snacks. Best served hot or cold-brewed overnight. Pairs beautifully with snacks. Price point: ₹600–₹900 Butterfly pea flower tea Flavour profile: Mild, earthy, woody Mild, earthy, woody Why try It: This caffeine-free herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and famous for its colour-changing magic—blue when brewed, purple with a splash of lemon. It's as functional as it is photogenic. This caffeine-free herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and famous for its colour-changing magic—blue when brewed, purple with a splash of lemon. It's as functional as it is photogenic. How to enjoy: Serve chilled with lemon and honey for a refreshing iced tea or use as a base for mocktails and mixers. Can also be used in desserts or cocktails. Serve chilled with lemon and honey for a refreshing iced tea or use as a base for mocktails and mixers. Can also be used in desserts or cocktails. Price point: ₹300–₹600 depending on quantity and form Hojicha (Roasted green tea) Flavour profile : Smoky, slightly sweet Why try It: Hojicha is made from roasted green tea leaves, which lowers its caffeine content and gives it a warm, nutty profile. It's soothing, gut-friendly, and low in caffeine and rich in L theanine, it's ideal for evening use or for calming pre-sleep wind-downs. How to enjoy: Brew it hot as a post-dinner tea or whisk it into a creamy iced latte with oat or almond milk. Ideal for evenings or low-caffeine days. Price point: ₹100–₹300 for bottled versions; ₹500–₹800 for loose-leaf Yerba Maté (South American herbal tea) Flavour profile: Bitter, herbal, robust Bitter, herbal, robust Why try it: Known as a natural energiser, yerba maté offers a balanced caffeine hit along with theobromine (also found in chocolate). It's a mental pick-me-up without the jittery crash of coffee. Offers a clean, steady caffeine boost that enhances mental clarity & metabolic rate. Known as a natural energiser, yerba maté offers a balanced caffeine hit along with theobromine (also found in chocolate). It's a mental pick-me-up without the jittery crash of coffee. Offers a clean, steady caffeine boost that enhances mental clarity & metabolic rate. How to enjoy: Traditionally sipped from a gourd with a straw, but you can also steep it like regular tea or enjoy it as a cold-brew with honey and lemon. Traditionally sipped from a gourd with a straw, but you can also steep it like regular tea or enjoy it as a cold-brew with honey and lemon. Price point: ₹500–₹700 for loose tea or infusion bags Did you know?: Genmaicha is called popcorn tea as some rice grains pop during roasting There's a shift toward 'smart caffeine'. People are realising that caffeine can affect the nervous system & blood pressure – Ryan Fernando, celebrity nutritionist While many drinks are Instagram-popular, people now enjoy them not just for their looks but also benefits. Gone are the days when consumers wanted something pretty to look at. Today, everything they consume must add value – Urvika Kanoi, chef
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
City salons get busy with basics
It's pouring in Kolkata, and city salons are bracing for the usual monsoon rush. Hair fall, dandruff, and frizz are peaking, worsened by the muggy weather. Slushy pavements and flooded streets have also made foot hygiene a daily struggle, pushing many towards regular pedicures. Hair colour and blow-dries are down, while keratin and protein treatments are seeing a spike as are frizz control and foot care. CT spoke to salon experts across the city to track what's trending. Hair gel scrubs, pH balanced shampoos Monsoon humidity is weakening roots and causing frizz, says Sonia Bhattacharya, whose salons in Jodhpur Park and Ballygunge Place are seeing a demand for Caviar Renovador, hair gel scrubs, and cooling spa packs. 'They tackle dandruff, and hair fall, while the packs soothe the scalp,' she said. Sadiq Alam, with salons in New Alipore, Kasba, and Picnic Garden, adds, 'We use pH-balanced shampoos and scalp-energising tonics to reduce excess oil and hair fall. ' Keith Alberts swears by DIY fixes. 'I use homemade remedies like castor-coconut oil or a mix of honey, aloe vera, lemon, and banana to naturally control frizz,' he shared. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo 'It is important to get regular clean-ups done' Kolkata's humid monsoon often leads to breakouts and dull skin, say salon experts. 'High moisture clogs pores, causing frequent breakouts,' said Ishrat Ansar of a salon on Lord Sinha Road. 'Clients are opting for exfoliating clean-ups to keep skin clear and fresh.' Jameela Anjarwala, founder of a Ballygunge based salon, added, 'People are shifting to minimal, breathable skincare. We recommend regular hydration boosters and clean-ups—timely salon care with a simple home routine helps maintain a healthy glow all season. ' 'Weekly pedicures are a must this season' 'In monsoon, foot care is essential to prevent fungal infections,' said Sadiq Alam, adding that regular pedicures and antiseptic cleaning keep feet healthy. Sonia Bhattacharya noted the popularity of bubblegum, crystal, and ice cream pedicures for exfoliation. 'I'm doing 10–12 pedicures a day,' said pedicure expert Keith Alberts, stressing the need for surgical tools handled by professionals. 'A weekly pedicure is a must this season,' said singer Kousumi Manobina Adhikaree, who enjoys flower pedicures. The humidity makes foot odour and stickiness hard to avoid. Sweating and bacteria only worsen it. Foot soaks, pedicures are my go-to fix – Sakshi Sen, HR professional During the rainy season, salon visits become a weekly must for a thorough cleanse, hair wash, and dandruff treatments – Dipanwita Shah Roy Chowdury, banker Frizz, oily scalp, infections are some of the most common woes this season Pics: Anindya Saha & iStock; model: Hrilina Majumder
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
City cools down with healthy, seasonal drinks
Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds. Pic: Anindya Saha From refreshing, low-sugar concoctions to the undisputed reign of the magnificent mango, Kolkata's cafes and restaurants are stirring up delightful beverages to beat the heat while keeping health and taste in perfect harmony. Think house-made coolers, fruity elixirs and seasonal blends – there's something for every palate. CT speaks to them to find out what Kolkata is drinking to beat the heat. Guilt-free sips Kolkata summers are pushing people towards purpose-driven drinks. 'Gen Z and Millennials want drinks that hydrate and energise,' says Vikram Khinwasara, co-founder, The Yellow Straw. Sougata Halder, executive chef, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge echoes: 'There is a growing demand for low-sugar options.' 'Our fresh juices are mostly without added sugar,' adds Aayushi Bajaj, founder, Pinkk Sugars. 'They're a refreshing and wholesome choice. ' 'Organic and fresh ingredients are in high demand this season,' says Suman Burman. Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds 40% surge in mango-based beverage sales is seen during peak summer months Patrons are looking for refreshing robust aromatic drinks. We are using Kasundi in one of our drinks as a nostalgic ingredient. It is something that is used in almost every house in Kolkata – Suman Burman, manager, SKAI Rich in electrolytes and natural salts, aam panna helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke Regional mangoes, modern twists Vikram reveals that his team sources regional mango varieties like Langda and Himsagar, to bring authenticity to the beverage. He says, 'Our mango shake is a tribute to a traditional Marwari recipe: Aam Ras. We use real mango pulp to keep the essence intact.' The mango obsession doesn't stop there. 'We have our summer faves such as the mango chilli drink,' said Prateek Kayan, co-founder, Motherland. 'We also do a fancy version of Bel Sherbet at the café,' he added. There's nothing quite like a seasonal shake to beat the summer heat. When the temperatures rise, I find myself constantly craving something that's not just cooling, but also flavourful and a little sweet– Dolly Singh, model Customers are leaning towards light, refreshing flavours –think citrus, mint, watermelon, and subtle spice. Ingredients like gondhoraj lebu, fresh berries, and herbal infusions are especially popular– Chef Sougata Halder Five flavours Kolkata cannot get enough of Gondhoraj Ghol Mango shake and Lassi Mint lemonade Aam Panna Watemelon juices and mixes Model: Dolly Singh Pics: Anindya Saha Location: SKAI
