The Truth You Might Not Know About Thai Tea: The Orange Hue Isn’t Natural
We all know that Thai iced tea is instantly recognizable by its vibrant orange color, creamy texture, and sweet, spiced flavor.
But did you know that the classic color of Thai tea doesn’t come from the tea itself?
Traditionally, Thai tea was brewed using Ceylon tea, which has a natural beige-brown tint. Over time, to make the drink more visually appealing, manufacturers started adding artificial food coloring—most commonly a synthetic dye known as Sunset Yellow FCF.
This food dye is what gives Thai tea its signature orange glow. However, Sunset Yellow is not without controversy. It’s banned in the UK and several parts of Europe due to health concerns.
Studies have linked the dye to increased hyperactivity in children, prompting stricter food regulations in those regions.
In fact, a British study suggested that up to 30% of ADHD cases could potentially be prevented if synthetic food dyes like Sunset Yellow were eliminated from everyday foods and drinks.
While these dyes don’t directly cause ADHD, they may exacerbate symptoms in both hyperactive and non-hyperactive children.
So, next time you’re enjoying a glass of Thai iced tea, take a moment to think about what’s behind that eye-catching orange. It might be delicious—but it’s not exactly natural.
