5 Surprising Things You Can Do or Make With Instant Tea Powder
Instant tea powder dissolves in seconds, so it works anywhere brewed tea would — and in a few places tea bags cannot go. A 1/4 teaspoon makes a standard cup, which means a single 4.5 oz pouch covers about 200 servings. Here are five uses beyond a hot mug.
1. Iced tea
The most obvious use and the one instant powder is best at, because there is no brewing and cooling step. Dissolve in a little hot water first for the cleanest result, then top with cold water and ice.
Simple iced tea recipe
Ingredients: 1/4 tsp instant tea powder, 8 fl oz cold water, 6 ice cubes, 2 to 3 fresh lemon slices, 2 tbsp lemonade, sweetener to taste (optional).
Method: Dissolve the tea powder in about 2 fl oz of hot water. Add cold water and stir. Add ice and lemonade, stir slowly, then drop in the lemon slices.
2. Smoothies
Tea blends into smoothies without thinning them the way juice does, and it adds a tea character that fruit alone will not. Because the powder dissolves cold, you can add it directly to the blender.
Berry tea smoothie
Ingredients: 1 cup prepared black instant tea, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen pineapple, juice of half a lemon, 3 mint leaves, milk and sweetener optional.
Method: Prepare the tea by dissolving 1/4 tsp in 8 fl oz of water. Combine everything in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Loaded teas
Instant tea powder is the standard base for homemade loaded teas, because it dissolves in cold water and the strength is set by the spoonful — you control both the tea flavor and the caffeine in each drink. Recipes are in the Loaded Tea Zone.
4. Baking
Tea powder dissolves completely into batter, which makes it far easier to bake with than steeped tea — no added liquid to throw off the recipe.
Black tea cupcakes
Ingredients: 1.5 tbsp instant black tea powder, 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/8 cup cornstarch, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, 3 tbsp room-temperature unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Method: Heat the milk with the tea powder until just boiling, then cool. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, then oil and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients, then the tea milk. Fill lined muffin cups three-quarters full and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes.
5. Soap making
Tea is used in both liquid and bar soap for color and scent. Brew a concentrated tea using a couple of teaspoons of powder, cool it, then blend into melted soap base at around 125 to 130°F and pour into molds. More powder gives deeper color and a stronger scent.
Common questions
How much instant tea powder per cup?
1/4 teaspoon per 8 to 10 fl oz. About 2 teaspoons for a 64 fl oz pitcher.
Can you bake with instant tea powder?
Yes, and it is easier than baking with brewed tea because it adds no liquid. Dissolve it into the milk or wet ingredients.
Does instant tea work in cold drinks?
Mostly. For the cleanest result dissolve in a little hot water first, then add cold. Stirring vigorously or using a frother also works.
How many servings in a pouch?
A 4.5 oz pouch makes up to 200 cups at the recommended 1/4 teaspoon.
Shop Waka instant tea.
