Collection: FAQs
Tea 101
How do I store tea to maintain freshness?
Store tea in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from heat, light, and strong odors to maintain freshness. Our loose-leaf teas are packed in high-quality tin caddies (metal tins) with an inner airtight foil seal, helping preserve flavor, aroma, and freshness for longer.
Does tea contain caffeine? How does it compare to coffee?
Yes, many teas naturally contain caffeine. Caffeine occurs naturally in the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is used to produce teas. Herbal teas made from flowers, fruits, or herbs typically do not contain caffeine.
Caffeine levels vary by tea type and how it’s prepared (water temperature, steep time, and leaf quantity).
Approximate caffeine content per 240 ml (8 oz) serving:
- Black tea: 40–70 mg
- Oolong tea: 30–50 mg
- Green tea: 20–45 mg
- White tea: 15–30 mg
- Coffee (brewed): 80–100+ mg
Compared to coffee, tea generally contains less caffeine per serving. Tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can moderate caffeine absorption, often resulting in a more gradual and sustained level of alertness rather than the rapid spike commonly associated with coffee.
Orders, Shipping & Support:
How do I report an order issue?
If there is an issue with your order, such as damaged packaging, missing items, or an incorrect product, please write to us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a photo if applicable. You can email us at care@istoratea.com. We will review it and get back to you promptly.
How can I place a bulk order?
For bulk purchases including corporate gifting, events, cafés, or retail partnerships, please write to us with your requirements via WhatsApp at (+91) 9903349302 or email us at care@istoratea.com.
Do you create customised tea gift boxes on order?
Yes. We offer thoughtfully curated and customisable tea gift boxes for personal, festive, and corporate occasions. For all customized gifting enquiries, please reach out to us via WhatsApp at (+91) 9903349302 or email us at care@istoratea.com.
Do you ship internationally?
At the moment, we primarily ship within India. For international orders or enquiries, please reach out to us directly and we’ll do our best to assist.
Giving Back
How do you choose your partner NGOs? Are they vetted?
Yes. All our partner NGOs are vetted through SVP, a pan-India collaborative philanthropy organisation that conducts a rigorous evaluation process focused on transparency, integrity, and long-term impact.
Alongside this, we also take the time to learn about and visit potential partner organisations, engaging with their work on the ground. We choose to partner with those whose values and intent align with ours.
Through this approach, every sip of Istora helps support work we genuinely believe in. To learn more about SVP and its process, please visit SVP India.
How can I learn more about your NGO partners?
You can learn more about our NGO partners at Beyond Tea. If you'd like to volunteer, donate or get involved further, please reach out to them directly using the contact information shared there. Every bit of support can help sustain the incredible work they do on the ground.