Fruit crisps manufacturer Nim’s has launched the UK’s first ‘edible teas’ in a bid to make hot drinks healthier and help people get their five a day.
The teas, which contain air-dried fresh produce as an edible snack as well as a flavouring, are available in three combinations:beetroot and parsnip; pineapple, kiwi and pineapple; and beetroot and parsnip.
The handmade tea infusions are available online and through selected independent retailers, with 12 sachets of loose ‘tea’ in each pack.
Designed to be a healthy alternative to caffeinated teas, the edible teas contain one of your five a day and are more convenient than adding fresh fruit to a hot drink, Nim’s said. “They remove the need for fresh fruit, reducing waste and prep times in bars, restaurants, travel and the leisure industry.”
Having had its air-dried crisps listed at the Co-op, Tesco and Ocado in the past two years, the company was looking for other ways to use its air-dried fruits and vegetables, and Nim’s founder Nimisha Raja said initial market research and ‘tastings’ for its edible teas proved successful.
“The appetite was definitely there for these products,” she said. “They taste great (eaten or drunk), they are high in fibre and vitamin C, and they can make up one of your five a day.”
In addition, Nim’s has released a new infusions range of air-dried slices, which rehydrate in water to add natural flavour to both hot and cold drinks.
“Initially, we’ve got cucumber, lime, lemon and orange flavours available, with the latter already being used by one of the UK’s leading coffee shop chains,” Raja said.
“The infusions have proved immensely successful, especially over the Christmas period. Now we’re looking forward to seeing sales grow in 2019.”
She added: “There is an appetite for healthier, yet adventurous drink choices and these certainly meet that criteria and more.”
Nim’s products are manufactured at its allergen-free facility in Sittingbourne, Kent which, after a recent investment in new equipment, is capable of producing over 15 million packs of crisps a year.
In light of Brexit, the company has been looking to export its products to countries outside the EU, resulting in distribution deals being agreed in Hong Kong, Israel and South Africa.
