Published on May 15, 2025.

We’ve met countless parents looking for healthier drink options for their children - ones that feel just as fun, sweet, and satisfying as juice, but without the sugar overload. If you’re in that same boat, we’re glad you found us!

One of the smartest choices we’ve made in our own homes - and the one we share with customers every day - is swapping fruit juice for herbal tea.

Herbal teas are more than just a soothing drink for grown-ups. With the right blends, they can be a delicious, caffeine-free, sugar-free, and hydrating option for kids too. In this post, we’ll explore why ditching juice for herbal tea is a smart and health-conscious choice for children, and how you can make the switch in a way they’ll actually enjoy.

1. Less Sugar, More Wellness

It’s no secret that fruit juices—even the “all-natural” or “100% juice” kinds—are loaded with sugar. A single cup of apple juice contains around 24 grams of sugar. That’s nearly as much as a can of soda. Even when naturally derived, excessive sugar can affect children’s mood, sleep, concentration, and overall health.

Herbal teas, on the other hand, are naturally sugar-free. This means we can hydrate our kids with flavor, not fructose. Plus, certain blends like hibiscus, licorice, or lemon balm are naturally tangy or sweet, making them an easy favorite. We’ve seen even the most sugar-loving kids happily sip a fruity iced tea when it’s served in a fun cup or paired with a little honey (for children over 1).

By making the switch, we’re not just cutting sugar, we’re also reducing the risk of cavities, blood sugar spikes, and energy crashes. Herbal tea supports steady energy, better focus, and cleaner hydration.

2. Naturally Hydrating (Without Empty Calories)

Many juices give the illusion of being hydrating because they’re liquid, but their high sugar content actually pulls water from the body and slows hydration. Juice can even lead to excess calorie intake, which is one of the reasons pediatricians often suggest limiting it in children’s diets.

Herbal teas are an excellent way to keep kids truly hydrated. Since they’re caffeine-free and made simply from water and herbs, they provide clean hydration without any artificial ingredients or added calories. Whether served warm or over ice, teas help maintain the balance of fluids that young bodies need, especially after play, sports, or outdoor fun.

We love brewing big pitchers of herbal iced tea and keeping them in the fridge for grab-and-go moments. Our kids think it’s a treat, and we know it’s actually nourishing their growing bodies.

3. Supporting Kids the Natural Way

While juice often offers limited nutrients after processing (and usually none of the fiber found in whole fruits), herbal teas come with their own quiet superpowers. Carefully selected herbs can gently support digestion, calm the nervous system, and even help boost immunity.

Instead of reaching for sugary juice when our kids are cranky, tired, or under the weather, we reach for an herbal tea blend. It helps support their bodies in ways juice never could, and makes them feel cared for in a deeper, more mindful way.

4. Encouraging Better Habits and Palates

When kids drink sugary beverages every day, they develop a strong preference for sweet flavors. This can make healthier options like water or unsweetened drinks seem bland. Making herbal tea part of the routine can help retrain their taste buds to appreciate more subtle, complex flavors.

Over time, kids who drink herbal tea often become more open to tasting herbal and earthy notes, and even begin to request their favorite blends. We’ve seen little ones light up at the idea of having “their own tea,” feeling empowered to make healthier choices themselves.

Offering herbal tea helps build better habits that carry into adulthood. It teaches children that delicious drinks don’t have to come in plastic bottles or colorful boxes. They can be lovingly brewed at home, shared around a table, and made with real, natural ingredients.

5. Creating Meaningful Family Rituals

One of the most overlooked benefits of switching from juice to herbal tea is the experience itself. Juice is usually a grab-and-go option, poured quickly and consumed without thought. Tea, however, invites us to slow down. To steep, to sip, to share.

Making herbal tea together can become a sweet family ritual - something to look forward to after school, before bed, or on cozy weekend mornings. Letting kids choose the blend, help steep the tea, or garnish it with fruit or mint gives them a sense of involvement and ownership.

These moments go beyond hydration. They teach mindfulness, presence, and care. And when we drink tea as a family, we create memories, not just meals.

Switching from juice to herbal tea is one of the simplest and most meaningful changes we can make for our children’s health. With less sugar, more hydration, and a wide range of natural benefits, herbal tea helps us support our kids from the inside out.

At Little Love Teas, we create blends that are crafted with kids and families in mind - gentle, flavorful, organic, and caffeine-free. Whether your little one needs help with sleep, digestion, or just wants a special drink of their own, we’re here to help you find the perfect tea for your family.

If you’d like to explore our family-friendly teas or need help choosing the right blend, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always happy to chat, answer questions, or help you get started!