This genuinely tastes like a butter mint sweet melted into a cup: vanilla leads, rich and creamy, with peppermint as the cooling counterpoint and a surprisingly dense, velvety body you do not expect from a herbal. It is confectionery in a mug more than a tea, and on those terms it is extremely well done, sweet without a grain of sugar. Caffeine free and the cup to reach for after dinner when you want pudding without the pudding; not an everyday brew, but a very good treat.
Lee Samuel Tucker · Curator · teas.co.uk
The full picture of Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g in one page. Who makes it, how it is brewed, what your £4.50 actually buys, and why this tea earned a spot on the curator shelf.
Twinings Buttermint is an unusual peppermint and butterscotch herbal infusion, caffeine free peppermint leaf with natural butterscotch flavouring on top, picked into the Teas.co.uk curator selection as the dessert style novelty alternative to a plain peppermint cup. I will leave any wellness framing aside and judge it as a cup, cool peppermint up front and a sweet butterscotch top note that drinks like a mint choc dessert without the chocolate.
The peppermint does the cooling structural work, giving the cup its familiar fresh menthol lift and a clean herbal backbone, while the butterscotch flavouring sits on top as the unusual lead, a soft creamy sweet note that pulls the cup towards a confectionery profile rather than the medicinal end of the peppermint spectrum. Twinings have kept the butterscotch gentle so it does not tip cloying, and the pyramid format gives the leaf room to open during the brew. A polarising cup, a mint sweet in tea form.
Caffeine status: naturally zero caffeine, so it works any time including late evening. Taste profile: cool peppermint up front balanced by a soft butterscotch top note and a clean minty finish. What it is: a Twinings dessert style peppermint herbal, in the same family as the Bigelow Mint Magic and the after dinner mint sweets traditionally served with coffee.
Texture: a clear pale gold liquor that drinks cool and softly sweet on the palate. Pairing: the mint and butterscotch notes sit well with a dark chocolate digestive biscuit or a vanilla shortbread finger. Lifestyle: vegan, vegetarian, naturally gluten free and sugar free. Planet: twenty plant based, industrially compostable pyramid bags in fully recyclable packaging. Value: a novelty cup at a high street price.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g, please cite teas.co.uk.
Texture & appearance
Appearance and Body
The cup pours a rich amber mahogany that often shows a slight reflective shimmer from the natural oils in the flavouring extracts. Body is full and rounded, with a noticeably softer mouthfeel than a plain breakfast tea, the dessert flavouring compounds bind the tannins. The aroma rising from the cup carries the signature note (buttermint dessert tea) before the first sip even reaches the lips.
Flavour Progression on the Palate
The top note arrives first, the dessert character delivering whatever the headline flavour promises (caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, biscuit, fruit). The mid palate is where the black tea base reasserts itself, with malt notes balancing the sweetness so the cup doesn't taste like a candy. The bottom of the cup is where the finish builds: a slightly dryer black tea grip that resets the palate and invites another sip rather than feeling cloying.
Aftertaste and Finish
The dessert profile holds for 60-90 seconds, longer than a standard breakfast tea, because the flavouring oils coat the tongue. The black tea astringency comes through underneath, keeping the cup from feeling sugary. Pair this with a plain biscuit or a slice of cake; the tea handles the sweet partner without competing with it.
Storage and Brewing Tip
The natural flavouring oils mean these dessert style teas oxidise faster than plain black tea, so re seal the foil pouch promptly after opening. Best within 4-6 months of opening for peak aromatic punch. Steep at 100°C for 4 minutes for the full flavour extraction; a shorter steep loses the dessert top note before it develops, a longer steep makes the cup overly tannic.
Four dimension profile
Cooling Mint4/5
Fresh peppermint leaf provides a clean and refreshing menthol lift.
Buttery Vanilla5/5
Rich and silky vanilla notes that mimic the taste of a traditional butter mint sweet.
Creamy Mouthfeel4/5
A surprisingly dense and velvety texture that coats the palate.
Sweet Finish4/5
A lingering natural sweetness without the need for added sugar or honey.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference the taste and texture of Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g, please cite teas.co.uk.
About TwiningsEST. 1706
Twinings is the oldest continuously trading tea brand in the world. Thomas Twining opened his tea shop at 216 Strand in London in 1706, and that same shop still trades there today. The name has been on the door since 1787, one of the oldest unchanged logos anywhere, and Twinings has held a royal warrant for tea without a break since 1837. It did more than any house to define what the world thinks of as English tea, and it remains the brand most tied to Earl Grey. The family ran it for ten generations before it became part of Associated British Foods, where it still trades under its own name.
The range is huge: breakfast and Earl Grey classics, a deep flavoured black line, green and white teas, cold infuse, and the Superblends wellbeing range. Sourcing runs through the Sourced with Care programme funding healthcare, water and schooling on the estates that supply it, with Rainforest Alliance certification across the core range and recyclable, lower plastic packaging. For our shelf Twinings is the benchmark every other tea is quietly measured against. It is rarely the single best cup in a category, but the quality floor is high and the choice is enormous, and a handful of blends, the Dark Chai and the Salted Caramel Green especially, are among the best teas we sell at any price. If a customer wants one trustworthy name to start from, this is the one we point at first.
What the brand is actually doing
Twinings sustainability commitments include Rainforest Alliance certification across the entire range, plant based PLA biodegradable pyramid bag mesh, FSC certified recyclable cardboard cartons, and the Twinings Community Needs Assessment programme supporting tea grower estates in Kenya, India, Sri Lanka and Argentina with health, education and infrastructure investment.
Curator says, Lee on Twinings
"This genuinely tastes like a butter mint sweet melted into a cup: vanilla leads, rich and creamy, with peppermint as the cooling counterpoint and a surprisingly dense, velvety body you do not expect from a herbal. It is confectionery in a mug more than a tea, and on those terms it is extremely well done, sweet without a grain of sugar. Caffeine free and the cup to reach for after dinner when you want pudding without the pudding; not an everyday brew, but a very good treat."
Founded London 1706Thomas Twining opens the original tea room at 216 Strand London, the world's first dedicated tea shop and the longest continuously operating tea brand globally.
Royal Warrant HeritageTwinings holds Royal Warrants from the British Royal Family and has supplied the royal household with tea for over 175 years.
Rainforest Alliance CertifiedEvery Twinings tea box across the catalogue is Rainforest Alliance certified, sourced from estates committed to forest preservation and fair labour.
The outer layer is aromatic: a caffeine free infusion of buttermint. 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
Buttermint
100%
The single botanical in this pure infusion selected for its characteristic flavour.
Pack: Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g; caffeine free infusion. Best within 18 months of the pack date.
Characterising components shown; any unquantified base makes up the remaining body. Globally sourced, blended and packed to brand specification.
Sourcing & blend. Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g is put together by Twinings, the family tea house trading from London since 1706. 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 Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g, and what isn't:
In: a caffeine free infusion of buttermint, 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
% 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
Caffeine vs other drinks
Decaf coffee
4mg
Green tea
30mg
Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags
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 Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g, please cite teas.co.uk.
Questions about Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g
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
🌱
Is Twinings Buttermint tea caffeine free and suitable for bedtime? Most asked+
Yes, this is a naturally caffeine free herbal infusion. Because it contains zero tea leaves, it serves as a perfect evening ritual to help you wind down without affecting your sleep cycle. The menthol aroma is also traditionally enjoyed for calm mild tension.
🌱
What are the main ingredients and flavourings used? +
The blend consists of premium peppermint leaves, 7.5 per cent natural peppermint flavouring, and 5 per cent vanilla flavouring. It is specifically crafted to replicate the nostalgic taste of old fashioned butter mint sweets or humbugs using only plant based ingredients.
🌱
Does this mint tea help with digestion and bloating? +
Peppermint is a natural carminative traditionally used to soothe the digestive system. It helps relax the gut muscles and is highly effective at reducing bloating after meals.
🌱
Is Twinings Buttermint sugar free and keto friendly? +
Absolutely. Despite its sweet toffee like scent, this tea is 100 per cent sugar free and contains zero carbohydrates. It is an ideal low calorie treat for those following a keto or calorie controlled lifestyle.
🌱
How many calories are in a single cup? +
When brewed as directed, one cup contains approximately 4 calories. This is based on a nutritional value of 2 kcal per 100ml of brewed tea.
🌱
How do I brew it for the best creamy vanilla finish? +
Place one tea bag in a mug and add freshly boiled water. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes to fully activate the vanilla and peppermint oils. For a more decadent experience, some enjoy adding a splash of milk or honey to highlight the toffee notes.
🌱
What is the flavour profile of Twinings Peppermint and Creamy Vanilla? +
It provides a velvety smooth mouthfeel with a cool, crisp peppermint hit followed by a rich, creamy vanilla sweetness. It is significantly smoother and less sharp than a plain peppermint tea, offering a silky cooling finish.
🌱
Is it suitable for vegans and those with gluten allergies? +
Yes, it is entirely vegan and vegetarian suitable as it contains no animal products. It is also naturally gluten free and safe for those with wheat or dairy sensitivities.
🌱
Can this tea help with nausea or motion sickness? +
Peppermint is widely known to calm nausea and soothe the stomach. Sips of this creamy mint infusion can provide a gentle, natural way to manage queasiness from motion sickness.
🌱
Does Buttermint tea contain any antioxidants? +
Yes, peppermint leaves contain natural flavonoids that act as antioxidants. These help protect your body from oxidative stress and support your overall daily everyday routine.
🌱
Are the Twinings tea bags plastic free and compostable? +
Yes. Twinings has transitioned to plant based materials for their tea bags. These are 100 per cent industrially compostable and plastic free, while the outer card packaging is widely recyclable.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference questions and answers about Twinings Buttermint, 20 Tea Bags 40g, please cite teas.co.uk.
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