Tea with Benefits: 6 Reasons Why You Should Drink Buckwheat Tea

Green tea, chamomile tea, mint tea, rooibus tea – the list goes on and on, but amidst this vast array of teas, one hidden gem worth discovering is buckwheat tea.

Known as soba-cha in Japan, memil-cha in Korea, and kuqiao-cha in China, buckwheat tea is made from roasted buckwheat kernels and has a wonderfully smooth, sweet, and nutty flavour. If you enjoy genmaicha (Japanese roasted rice tea), chances are you'll love soba-cha too.

So, what are the benefits of buckwheat tea, and is it actually good for you?

Quite a few things make this deliciously toasty tea special. Buckwheat tea is naturally caffeine-free, sugar-free and gluten-free, making it an easy alternative to everyday tea and coffee. 

 It's also a source of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, which we'll explore further below.

With benefits to both body and mind, here are six reasons to make buckwheat tea a part of your daily routine.

1. Buckwheat Tea for Digestion

Looking for something soothing to sip after a meal? Buckwheat tea is the perfect choice.

Buckwheat has long been enjoyed as part of traditional diets across Asia, and it's also been studied for its potential benefits for digestive and gut health.

With its gentle, toasty flavour, soba-cha makes a wonderfully comforting after-meal drink, especially after a hearty lunch or dinner.

And here's a little bonus: you can even enjoy the leftover buckwheat kernels post-brewing! Add them to porridge, smoothies or other dishes for an extra boost of fibre.

2. Drink good, Look good, Feel good: Buckwheat Tea For Weight Loss

Buckwheat tea is sugar-free, virtually calorie-free and contains negligible carbohydrates, making it a great addition to any weight loss plan and a good alternative to sugary drinks.

Unlike many sweet calorific drinks, soba-cha has a naturally sweet, nutty flavour without needing any added sugar. It's a satisfying choice when you fancy something a little more interesting than plain water.

Following a keto or low-carb diet? Plain brewed buckwheat tea fits easily into both. It can also be enjoyed during many intermittent-fasting routines.

But there's more to buckwheat than its naturally light nutritional profile. It contains plant compounds such as rutin and quercetin, which have been studied for their antioxidant properties. Research into rutin-rich Tartary buckwheat foods has also explored potential benefits for weight management, with some promising early findings.

Whether you're managing your weight, cutting back on sugar, or simply looking for a healthier everyday drink, buckwheat tea is an easy addition to your routine.

3. Buckwheat Tea is Gluten-free, Caffeine-free, and Sugar-free

Be worry-free as you sip on a cup of buckwheat tea, knowing you're drinking a tea free from gluten, caffeine and sugar.

Contrary to its name, buckwheat does not contain any wheat or gluten, nor is it a grain. It's actually a 'pseudo-grain,' or pseudocereal, similar to the likes of quinoa and amaranth, and its seeds come from a lush plant related to rhubarb. So while it might have 'wheat' in its name, it's naturally gluten-free.

Since the tea is gluten-free, it's suitable if you have coeliac disease, or a sensitivity towards gluten.

It's also a great drink to have if you're trying to cut back on your caffeine.

Unlike traditional black or green tea, soba-cha contains no caffeine, meaning you can enjoy it any time of day without worrying about caffeine-related jitters or a restless night's sleep.

With its satisfying nutty and roasted flavour, buckwheat tea works as a good alternative to coffee too - for example, you can replace your afternoon coffee with a cup of soba-cha. And as a bonus, it'll help with digesting the food you just ate.

Whether you're cutting back on caffeine, avoiding gluten or simply looking for a naturally delicious everyday drink, buckwheat tea ticks plenty of boxes.

4. Buckwheat Tea is Safe for Mother & Child 

Whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or looking for a drink the whole family can enjoy, buckwheat tea is a naturally caffeine-free alternative to traditional black or green tea.

With its smooth, naturally sweet and nutty flavour, soba-cha is wonderfully soothing and comforting - something one definitely needs during the pregnancy & postpartum months!

It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, without needing any added sugar. 

Being a caffeine-free drink, it's also perfect for kids, who love the sweetness in its flavour. Give it to them warm, or cooled down as a nutritious alternative to water.

5. A Moment of Calm: Buckwheat Tea for Relaxation

There's something wonderfully comforting about the warm, toasty flavour of buckwheat tea.

With its rich, nutty aroma and naturally sweet, wholesome taste, soba-cha is both soothing and incredibly moreish. It's the kind of drink you'll find yourself reaching for again and again, especially when you want a little comfort after a long, busy day.

That's why we refer to buckwheat tea as a hug in a mug. 

6. Buckwheat tea is Rich in Antioxidants & Rutin

One of the most interesting benefits of buckwheat tea is its naturally occurring antioxidants, particularly a plant compound called rutin.

Rutin belongs to a group of antioxidants known as flavonoids, which help protect cells against oxidative stress. It's also been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and role in cardiovascular health.

But not all buckwheat is the same! There are two main varieties: common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat. Tartary buckwheat, which is used to make our T. Buckwheat Tea, is particularly rich in rutin, containing significantly more than common buckwheat.

Interestingly, Japanese researchers have investigated how rutin is released from roasted Tartary buckwheat into hot water, confirming that this beneficial plant compound can make its way into the tea itself.

Rutin and other buckwheat compounds have also attracted interest for their potential effects on inflammation and circulation, including research exploring peripheral blood flow and cold hands and feet. While these areas are still being studied, they offer a fascinating insight into why buckwheat has been valued in East Asian traditions for generations.

Curious to learn more? Read our article on Tartary buckwheat and its benefits.

The Benefits of Buckwheat Tea

From its naturally caffeine-free goodness to its antioxidant compounds and wonderfully comforting flavour, there's plenty to love about buckwheat tea.

Whether you're learning about soba-cha for the first time or looking for a new addition to your daily routine, its smooth, toasty and naturally sweet flavour makes it well worth trying. Try T. Buckwheat Tea.