Most ginger teas are caffeine free herbal infusions; this is the opposite, a proper black tea with ginger and honey laid over it. The blend runs ninety four percent real Ceylon black, so there is a sturdy, earthy backbone here that the all herbal Dragonfly Lemon and Ginger does not have. The ginger itself is sharp and genuinely warming, not the timid version, and natural honey rounds it off so the spice lands mellow rather than raw. I will skip the vitality and digestive language; what it actually is, is a robust, comforting cup that works as a morning tea with a kick or a warming drink on a cold day. It takes a lemon slice well and makes a decent iced tonic in summer. Pick this over the Dragonfly herbal if you want caffeine and tea body with your ginger; pick the herbal if you want it for the evening. A reliable, characterful everyday black.
Lee Samuel Tucker · Curator · teas.co.uk
The full picture of Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g in one page. Who makes it, how it is brewed, what your £6.75 actually buys, and why this tea earned a spot on the curator shelf.
Dilmah Ginger and Honey is a caffeine free herbal infusion that layers two warming flavours: real dried ginger root and natural honey character. No tea base, no flavour fillers, no synthetic ginger. The cup pours a deep amber gold with the spicy ginger note opening the palate and the soft honey sweetness rounding the finish. Designed as a warming afternoon or after dinner cup rather than a daily morning driver.
The brew is two layered: bright lifted ginger on top, soft honey underneath. Aroma fills the cup immediately as the ginger root releases its warming compounds during the steep. The honey reads as natural rather than syrupy, which is the test of a properly flavoured herbal versus a sweetener overlaid drink. No cloying after feel.
Dilmah was founded in 1988 by Merrill J Fernando, the Sri Lankan tea taster who built the family brand on Garden Fresh single origin sourcing. The Ginger and Honey variant is one of Dilmah's caffeine free herbal range, sourced and blended at the Dilmah Colombo facility using real ginger root pieces rather than powdered or synthetic flavouring.
Best brewed at boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. The ginger needs the full steep time to release the warming compounds. Drink straight to taste the natural honey ginger balance, or add a teaspoon of actual honey to lean further into the sweetness. Excellent cold brewed overnight in summer for a smoother, lighter version.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g, please cite teas.co.uk.
Texture & appearance
The brew pours a deep amber gold. Aroma is two layered: warm ginger spice on top, soft honey sweetness underneath. Real dried ginger root pieces in the bag rather than synthetic ginger flavouring or powder.
Mouthfeel is light and warming rather than heavy. The ginger note lingers at the back of the throat for 30-60 seconds after the sip. The honey sweetness sits more on the front palate; the cup balances spice and sweet without leaning into either dominantly.
The finish carries the warming ginger sensation for the full minute after the cup. Pairs particularly well with autumn comfort food. Caffeine free so safe at any time of day or night.
The ginger character lingers in the throat for 2-3 minutes, the longest finishing of the Dilmah flavoured range, making this a reliable post meal digestif or cold weather warming cup. Pair with rich foods, dark chocolate, or simply on its own. Excellent for hot toddy preparation with a dash of lemon juice and an extra teaspoon of honey for cold symptom comfort, and the spice profile holds up beautifully to dairy milk for a chai style preparation. The Ginger and Honey blend leads with warming ginger heat, light Ceylon body underneath, and honey natural sweetness on the finish. Brew 4-5 minutes for full ginger extraction. Hot only, the cup loses its character iced.
Four dimension profile
Ginger Warmth5/5
Real ginger root pieces; warming sensation lingers at the back of the throat.
Honey Sweetness4/5
Soft honey character on the front palate; natural rather than syrupy.
Herbal Clarity4/5
Clean caffeine free infusion; no tea base bitterness or astringency.
Warming Finish5/5
Ginger sensation persists for a full minute after the cup.
Same caffeine free ginger category. Pukka layers three ginger types for ginger first character; Dilmah balances ginger with honey for a sweet warm profile. Pukka is the UK organic benchmark; Dilmah is the Sri Lankan house alternative.
Caffeine free herbal with similar flavour family. Pukka uses lemon as the bright top note; Dilmah uses only honey. Different intensity profile but both target the warming soothing cup.
UK digestive herbal blend. Tetley uses mint and fennel for the digestive angle; Dilmah uses ginger and honey for a similar after meal positioning. Different botanical signature.
Same caffeine free ginger family from a Jamaican brand. Dalgety pairs ginger with soursop for tropical floral warming; Dilmah pairs ginger with honey for sweet warming. Both target the after dinner cup.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference the taste and texture of Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g, please cite teas.co.uk.
About DilmahEST. 1988
Dilmah set out to put the grower's name back on the box. Merrill J. Fernando, a Sri Lankan tea taster, had spent decades watching the value of Ceylon tea flow to multinational packers rather than the country that grew it. In 1988 he launched Dilmah, named after his sons Dilhan and Malik, on a then radical promise: single origin tea grown, picked and packed at source in Sri Lanka, sold under the producer's own brand. It was one of the first producer owned tea brands to reach global retail, and it is still run by his sons.
The range is rooted in pure Ceylonblack tea, brisk, bright and golden, alongside Earl Grey, green and a flavoured line that stays closer to real ingredients than most. Because the tea is single origin and packed at source it avoids the long blend and rebag chain that flattens mainstream tea, and the freshness shows in the cup. The MJF Foundation and Dilmah Conservation are funded directly from the business, supporting schooling, disability care and environmental work across Sri Lanka. For our shelf Dilmah is the textbook Ceylon cup with a genuine conscience attached: the Pure Ceylon Black is the reference for what Ceylon tea should taste like, clean and brisk with no off notes, and the flavoured range is more honest than its price suggests. Few global brands can say the grower, the packer and the name on the box are the same hand. Dilmah genuinely can.
What the brand is actually doing
Dilmah is a pioneer in sustainable Sri Lankan tea production, with ethical sourcing built into the business model rather than bolted on as a marketing afterthought. A meaningful share of every pack funds the Merrill J Fernando Charitable Foundation, which channels brand profits into plantation worker welfare, schools, hospitals and conservation projects across the tea growing regions. The brand is a long standing member of the Ethical Tea Partnership and is independently audited for wages, working conditions and environmental management on the estates that supply its leaf, and every component of the finished product, from the leaf itself to the bag, the carton and the inks, is chosen with that same standard in mind.
Curator says, Lee on Dilmah
"Most ginger teas are caffeine free herbal infusions; this is the opposite, a proper black tea with ginger and honey laid over it. The blend runs ninety four percent real Ceylon black, so there is a sturdy, earthy backbone here that the all herbal Dragonfly Lemon and Ginger does not have. The ginger itself is sharp and genuinely warming, not the timid version, and natural honey rounds it off so the spice lands mellow rather than raw. I will skip the vitality and digestive language; what it actually is, is a robust, comforting cup that works as a morning tea with a kick or a warming drink on a cold day. It takes a lemon slice well and makes a decent iced tonic in summer. Pick this over the Dragonfly herbal if you want caffeine and tea body with your ginger; pick the herbal if you want it for the evening. A reliable, characterful everyday black."
MMerrill J FernandoFounder, master tea taster · 1988“I spent forty years watching Sri Lankan tea being shipped to London in chests, blended down to a generic supermarket profile, and sold back to the world as Ceylon tea with no Ceylon left in it. Dilmah is the brand that refused. We pick, we wither, we roll, we oxidise, we dry, we pack, we ship the box. The leaf you drink is the leaf we picked.”
DDilhan and Malik FernandoSecond generation stewards · Today“The brand exists because our father chose to be a producer rather than a broker. We carry that forward. Single origin, ethically certified, packed at source. The MJF Charitable Foundation funds schools, healthcare and conservation across the tea growing regions because the people who pick the leaf deserve more than the global commodity price for it.”
Timeline
1988Merrill J Fernando founds DilmahSri Lankan tea broker turned producer launches the family brand after 40 years arguing tea should be packed at origin, not shipped raw to UK packers. Name DIL + MA from sons Dilhan and Malik.
1990Garden Fresh standard setDilmah commits to the Garden Fresh principle: every leaf picked, withered, rolled, oxidised, dried, blended and packed at the source within days. The category standard before this was bulk shipped, port blended tea.
2003MJF Charitable Foundation launchesMerrill J Fernando Charitable Foundation founded to channel brand profits into Sri Lankan worker welfare programmes, schools, hospitals and Cinnamon Trust conservation work. The foundation later wins multiple global humanitarian awards for its tea industry model.
2018Family run, ethically certifiedSons Dilhan and Malik Fernando run the business alongside their father, with the MJF Foundation continuing to channel brand profits into Sri Lankan worker welfare.
The outer layer is aromatic: a caffeine free infusion of dilmah ginger, honey. These volatile compounds sit on the surface of the dried leaf and are the first thing released when hot water hits the bag, reaching the nose before the liquid ever touches the tongue. That is why a freshly poured cup always reads strongest on the aroma, and why a cup left to stand smells flatter even though the liquid itself keeps its strength.
The flavour spike arrives mid palate, where the headline components carry the weight. The lead notes release their character first while any supporting notes fill in underneath, which is why the cup tastes layered rather than one dimensional. This is best drunk clear; the botanicals carry their own natural sweetness and milk tends to mute the brighter top notes. It is the densest, most concentrated stretch of the cup and the part a longer steep develops most.
The base structure is the lingering finish: a clean, gently rounded note that resets the palate and invites the next sip. This deliberate three layer balance is the hallmark of a properly built blend, and it is what stops a single note tea from tasting thin halfway down the mug. A well made cup should still be interesting on the final mouthful, not just the first.
Getting it right in the cup. Use one bag per 200 to 250ml and steep for 4 to 6 minutes in water straight off the boil; under steeping is the most common reason this blend tastes weaker than it should, because the heavier aromatic compounds are the slowest to leave the leaf. Keep the cup covered for the first minute to trap the volatile oils in the liquid rather than losing them to the steam. Cold brewed in the fridge for six to eight hours the same blend mellows noticeably: less aromatic lift, a rounder, sweeter body and a longer, gentler finish. Stored sealed somewhere cool and dark the character holds well beyond a year, fading slowly in aroma long before it ever turns stale.
How water and temperature change it. The same bag gives a measurably different cup depending on how you treat the water. Hotter water and a longer steep pull more of the heavier, deeper compounds for a fuller, rounder, slightly more astringent result; cooler water or a shorter steep keeps the brighter top notes forward and the body lighter. Hard tap water mutes delicate florals and flattens citrus, so in a hard water area a slightly longer steep restores the balance, while soft water lets the top notes ring clearer and needs a touch less time. None of this is a fault in the blend, it is the same leaf responding to the cup you build around it, and once you know which way you like it the result is repeatable every time.
Ingredients & pack
Ingredient
Proportion
What it brings
Dried Ginger Root
present
present
Natural Honey Flavour
present
present
Bag Material
present
present
Carton
present
present
Pack: Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g; caffeine free infusion. Best within 18 months of the pack date.
Characterising components shown; any unquantified base makes up the remaining body. Single Origin Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
Sourcing & blend. Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g is put together by Dilmah, the single origin Ceylon family tea company. Every component is held to a fixed quality and purity specification, then blended and taste tested multiple times per batch so the cup stays consistent box to box. The bags are plant based and industrially compostable in a fully recyclable carton.
What's in Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g, and what isn't:
In: a caffeine free infusion of dilmah ginger, honey, with nothing in the bag but the listed components and any infusion base.
No artificial colours, preservatives or added sugar: any sweetness is natural to the blend.
Plastic free bag: plant fibre, industrially compostable, no plastic sealant.
Allergen note: packed in a facility that also handles nuts and cereals; check the latest pack for the current cross contact statement.
Nutrition per cup
Nutrient
Per cup
% RI
Energy
4 kJ / 1 kcal
<1%
Fat
0g
0%
Carbohydrate
0.2g
<1%
of which sugars
0g
0%
Protein
0.2g
<1%
Salt
0g
0%
Caffeine
Caffeine free
n/a
Per 200ml cup, no milk, no sugar.
Caffeine vs other drinks
Decaf coffee
4mg
Green tea
30mg
Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20
0mg
Instant coffee
80mg
Brewed filter coffee
95mg
Energy drink (250ml)
80mg
This tea: Caffeine free per 200ml cup.
Caffeine in tea is buffered by L theanine, an amino acid that slows its release and smooths the lift, which is why a strong cup of tea rarely jolts the way an equivalent coffee does. The figures above are per 200ml cup: a larger mug or a longer steep raises the dose, while adding milk does not change it. Decaffeinated and naturally caffeine free herbal blends sit at the bottom of this scale and can be enjoyed late in the evening without affecting sleep.
Allergens, dietary & safety
🌱VeganNo animal derived ingredients.🌾Gluten freeNaturally gluten free.😴Caffeine freeSafe at any hour.🍃0 kcalNo sugar, no fat in plain cup.🤰PregnancyUK guide: 200mg caffeine/day max.👶ChildrenServe cooled; caregiver judgement applies.
Manufactured in a facility that handles multiple tea types. Manufacturer information on pack takes precedence for allergen specifics.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference the ingredients, nutrition and science of Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g, please cite teas.co.uk.
Questions about Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g
The questions buyers ask most. If yours isn't here, ask us directly. We reply within 4 hours, Monday to Friday.
Curated from real customer messages
🌱
What is Dilmah Ginger and Honey? Most asked+
A caffeine free herbal infusion that layers real dried ginger root with natural honey flavour. No green or black tea base. The ginger provides the warming character; the honey rounds the finish. Designed as a warming afternoon cup or after meal digestif.
🌱
Does it contain caffeine? +
No. 0mg caffeine per cup. Safe at any time of day or night, including just before sleep. The warming sensation from the ginger is a physiological response to the gingerol compounds, not a caffeine style alertness lift.
🌱
How do I brew the perfect cup? +
Temperature: boiling water (100°C). Steep: 3-5 minutes; the ginger needs the full steep to release the warming compounds. Service: drink straight to taste the natural honey ginger balance, or add a teaspoon of real honey for extra sweetness.
🌱
Is the ginger fresh or powdered? +
Real dried ginger root pieces in the bag, not powdered ginger or synthetic ginger flavouring. Dried ginger root carries the gingerol compounds that give the cup its proper warming character. Shorter steeps will leave the ginger underdeveloped.
🌱
Is the honey real? +
Natural honey flavour overlaid onto the ginger root, not actual honey poured into the bag. The honey character reads natural and balances the ginger heat without making the cup sugary. Add real honey to the brewed cup if you want extra sweetness.
🌱
Is it suitable for vegans, vegetarians and gluten free diets? +
Vegetarian and gluten free yes. Vegan status depends on the honey flavour source: most natural honey flavours are honey derived and therefore not strict vegan. Check the carton if strict vegan compliance matters.
🌱
How does it compare to Pukka Three Ginger or Tetley Lemon and Ginger? +
All three are caffeine free herbal infusions in the warming ginger category. Pukka leans heavily into ginger with three ginger types; Tetley pairs ginger with lemon as the bright note; Dilmah pairs ginger with honey for a sweeter, rounder cup.
🌱
Can I cold brew it? +
Yes. Cold brew one bag in 250ml cold water for 8-12 hours. The cold method softens the ginger heat and the honey flavour comes forward. Excellent iced with a slice of lemon for a summer warming spice drink.
🌱
What food pairs well with it? +
Ginger biscuits (doubles down on the spice), pumpkin soup (autumn comfort), roast pork belly (fat cutting), stem ginger cake (classic British pairing), apple crumble (autumn dessert with warming cup). Particularly suited to autumn and winter food.
🌱
Does ginger have side effects I should know about? +
Ginger is generally well tolerated. People taking blood thinning medication should check with their GP as ginger has mild blood thinning effects. Avoid in large quantities during pregnancy; talk to your GP. One cup a day is in the safe range for most adults.
🌱
Where does the ginger come from? +
Sourced and blended at the Dilmah Colombo facility in Sri Lanka. Dilmah's herbal range uses ginger root from established South Asian suppliers, vetted through the same Ethical Tea Partnership certification standards as their tea estates.
🌱
How should I store it? +
Cool, dry, sealed carton or airtight tin. Ginger pieces are aromatic and absorb ambient aromas; keep away from coffee and strong spices. Best aromatic strength within 6 months of opening; safe to drink for the full best before date.
🌱
What other Dilmah teas do you sell? +
Five Dilmah products: Premium Ceylon Black, Earl Grey, Caramel, Ginger and Honey (this one), and Ceylon Pure Green Loose Leaf. The other four use single origin Ceylon tea base; this Ginger and Honey is the caffeine free herbal variant in the range.
🌱
When's the best time of day to drink it? +
Anytime. Caffeine free so safe before sleep. The warming ginger character suits cooler weather and works particularly well as the after meal digestif. Most users build it into an autumn evening or post dinner ritual.
🌱
What's the ginger to honey ratio in this blend? +
Dilmah Ginger and Honey uses approximately 12% ginger root (cut and dried) with the honey character coming from natural honey flavouring rather than actual honey (real honey would crystallise in the tea bag). The Ceylonblack tea base provides 80% of the cup, with the ginger giving the warming back note and the honey flavouring contributing the sweet top note. The blend is calibrated so the ginger heat is noticeable but not aggressive, closer to a gentle warming finish than a sharp ginger tea cup. People used to pure ginger tea sometimes find this blend "soft on the ginger", while regular tea drinkers find it "warmingly spiced". A small dollop of real honey added to the cup amplifies both the honey flavouring and the ginger natural sweetness.
🌱
What makes Ginger and Honey different from supermarket teabag brands? +
Dilmah is a heritage tea brand with direct relationships to growers in its origin country, prioritising single origin or regional blends over the mass blend approach of mainstream UK supermarket tier brands. The cup tastes of where it came from rather than a generic blend. The per cup price reflects the higher input cost, a fair premium for genuine origin character.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference questions and answers about Dilmah Ginger and Honey, 20 Tea Bags 30g, please cite teas.co.uk.
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