The Republic of Tea (RoT, Novato, CA) has always viewed its teas as an affordable luxury—and a terrific value—offering 36 servings or herbal tea per tin or 50-60 servings of tea per tin—at an average of .20 per serving/cup.

But Marideth Post, minister of enlightenment with RoT, has noticed a proliferation of information available on the topic of food and health, which has made an impact on purchasing decisions.

“People looking to do right by themselves and their families, are paying attention and making their buying decisions based on it,” she said. “Consumers are looking for the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate, yet offered in healthful fashion.

To that end, RoT introduced its Double Dark Chocolate Maté in the summer of 2009. Roasted yerba maté leaves are expertly blended with all-natural organic dark cocoa powder—maximizing the antioxidant value and superior flavor of this unique tea, available in round unbleached tea bags.

“People can enjoy the dark, rich flavor of chocolate at around only four calories per cup (it’s like dessert in a tea cup),” said Post. “All of the flavor, none of the guilt.”

Open a tin of Double Dark Chocolate Maté and find round, unbleached tea bags full of organic roasted Brazilian yerba maté leaves blended with all-natural dark organic cocoa powder. The organic cocoa powder, which seeps a bit from the tea bag and drifts to the bottom of the tea cup, is meant to be consumed to recognize the full health benefits.

Double Dark Chocolate Maté is available in recyclable tins containing 36 all natural, unbleached, round tea bags free of unnecessary strings, tags and staples and has a suggested retail price of $15. It is available nationwide at natural and specialty food stores, cafes and through the company
website, www.REPUBLICofTEA.com, mail-order catalogue and by calling, 800-298-4TEA.

Double Dark Chocolate Maté, which is USDA certified organic and carries the USDA seal, was so popular upon its launch, at times it was a challenge to keep it in stock.

“It’s simple,” said Post, “people love chocolate and if they can get the flavor, without the calories, they are going to buy it.”