Prebiotic Tea vs. Regular Tea: What's the Difference?

Prebiotic tea is ordinary tea blended with a soluble prebiotic fiber. The tea itself is unchanged — the difference is that each serving also delivers fiber. Waka's prebiotic teas use fructooligosaccharides (FOS) sourced from beets, at approximately 2 grams per 1 teaspoon serving, alongside approximately 30 mg of caffeine. Regular Waka instant tea contains only tea, with approximately 35 mg of caffeine per 1/4 teaspoon and no added fiber.

What prebiotic fiber actually is

Prebiotic fiber is a type of soluble fiber that passes through the digestive system undigested and acts as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria. It is distinct from a probiotic, which is live bacteria. A prebiotic feeds bacteria already present; a probiotic adds more. Fructooligosaccharides are one of the more common prebiotic fibers and occur naturally in foods including onions, garlic, bananas, and chicory root.

Side by side

• Prebiotic Black or Green: approximately 30 mg caffeine and approximately 2 g prebiotic fiber per 1 tsp. About 50 cups per 5.3 oz pouch.
• Regular black or green instant tea: approximately 35 mg caffeine per 1/4 tsp, no added fiber. About 200 cups per 4.5 oz pouch.

Note the serving sizes differ. The prebiotic teas use a full teaspoon per cup rather than a quarter teaspoon, because the fiber makes up part of the volume. That is why one pouch makes 50 cups rather than 200.

Does the fiber change the taste?

FOS is mildly sweet and neutral in flavor, so prebiotic tea tastes like tea rather than like a supplement. Both Waka prebiotic teas are unsweetened with no added sugar and no artificial flavors or colors.

Which should you choose?

Regular instant tea if you want tea and nothing else, the most servings per pouch, or the widest flavor range — the regular line includes Earl Grey, peach, mango, blueberry, and others.

Prebiotic tea if you would like fiber alongside your tea and prefer to get it in something you would drink anyway rather than as a separate supplement. It also carries slightly less caffeine per serving, which some people prefer later in the day.

Common questions

Is prebiotic tea the same as probiotic tea?
No. Prebiotic fiber feeds bacteria already in your gut. Probiotics are live bacteria added to a product. Waka prebiotic teas contain prebiotic fiber, not live cultures.

How much caffeine is in prebiotic tea?
Approximately 30 mg per 1 teaspoon serving, a lighter lift than coffee, which runs 45 to 80 mg per serving depending on roast.

Can I adjust the fiber per cup?
Yes. Fiber and caffeine both scale with the amount of powder, so measuring more or less adjusts both together.

Can I make it with cold water?
Yes. The prebiotic teas mix in cold water, so you can make iced tea or a pitcher without brewing hot first.

Compare the Prebiotic Teas and the regular instant tea range.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Waka products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.