FAQs

Our products are mainly organic and we will always aim to be, however there are certain products such as our chocolate that are unable to be classified organic due to the farmers unable to obtain certain certificates in their country. 

For the products that are classified organic we have international recognised certificates allowing credibility for our products to be sold in Australia, USA and Europe. 

The certificates that we obtain are from the ACO, the USDA, the FDA, the HACCP, and the Organic Agriculture Europe. 

Below is a table of our teas and tisanes that are classified organic.

Yes. All Somage products are gluten free.

Yes. All Somage products are dairy free.

Below is a table of our products that are Caffeine-free

Not all our products are vegan however all of our teas and tisanes are. Below is a table of our vegan products.

Somage is not qualified to give medical advice therefore if you have a question relating to pregnancy, breastfeeding or any other issue that is presenting itself, the best course of action is to discuss with your doctor or healthcare professional before using any of our products.

Herbal teas - also known as tisanes; a French word for herbal infusion, does not come from the plant species Camellia sinensis, therefore does not contain caffeine. Instead herbal teas come from a variety of leaves, seeds, roots and bark depending on the infusion.

Whilst tea isn't a perishable product, through correct storage, the flavour and quality will be best preserved. A few ways to ensure you are always serving the best product for yourself or to your customers;

Keep the tea in their sealed packaging to remain fresh until they are ready to use.

Once opened, arrange the tea (loose lead and/or pyramid) either in their original packaging or alternatively in an airtight container. All wholesale customers will receive complimentary tea tins for our classic range on their first wholesale order. 

Store your tea in a cool area that is not subjected to temperature fluctuations. Whilst your tea doesn't need to be in an exact temperature controlled environment, it should not be in an area thats warm or hot. 

Our pyramid infuser bags are made from Soilon. Soilon is made from polylactic acid, which consists of biodegradable corn starch. Filter and string incorporate Soilon while the tags are made from paper which is also biodegradable and fully compostable. The bags are sealed at the sides by using eco-friendly ultrasonic rays. 

We source only the highest quality of teas and tisanes from exceptional plantations from around the world, partnering with farmers from a number places in Asia, from Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and India.

Our unique and rare Reserve Selection teas that are released every year are derived from confidential and remote tea gardens.

It’s true that how you brew your tea—water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio—can all affect its taste. But if you’ve followed the same method and still noticed a difference after opening a new bag of the same tea, you’re not imagining it. It could be due to a new harvest of tea.

We do our best to source our teas carefully and consistently to maintain the same flavour profile year after year. However, tea is a natural product, and no matter how precise we are, there are always elements beyond our control. Like wine, the flavour of tea is influenced by the season, weather, and environment in which it’s grown.

Even when sourcing from the same garden or using the same cultivar, you may notice subtle differences in body, flavour notes, or even the colour of the dry leaf and brewed liquor. These changes are part of the beauty—and complexity—of working with handcrafted, seasonal teas.

Farming & Environment

The environment in which the tea is grown has a significant effect on the quality and flavour of the tea. The elevation, climate (rain fall, average temperature and temperature variation, winds), soil fertility, drainage all affect plant health and the density of cells in the leaves. Tea typically grows within 20 degrees of the equator in tropical climates. Higher elevations typically provide larger variations in temperature with adequate sun and rainfall and produce teas of higher character. This is particularly the case where dry winds reduce moisture and condense the flavours found in the tealeaves and plant health is sustained with adequate organic fertilisers.

Somage tea is grown under organic conditions, which requires only organic composts to be used to nourish the soil, with no chemicals allowed for used in pest and weed control. The soil is nourished using composting and vermiculture, and as such is filled with microorganisms that create a “living” soil which sustains plant health – this approach requires greater manpower and requires greater resources as typically all fertilisers must be created from scratch, weeding is typically done by hand and mulch is placed at the base of the bushes.

We offer both Masala Chai in loose leaf and pyramid bags and also three varieties of the 9 Spice Chai. 

These two products differ dramatically even though the spices used in the drinks are similar. 

• The Masala Chai is made up of dry spices and is recommended to be brewed in water with a dash of milk as you would make a traditional tea. 
• The 9 Spice Chai is a fresh sticky chai that is recommended to be brewed with milk like a latte and contains either honey or agave depending on your choice of preference.

Our Fresh Sticky Chai is handcrafted in Victoria using 100% natural ingredients, including certified organic spices and tea. Each spice is extracted and blended with precision to create the signature flavour our customers know and love. All spices are ground fresh the day before blending to ensure bold, aromatic flavour. We source our organic tea and spices directly from Sri Lanka, and our fresh ginger, turmeric and  honey from trusted Australian producers.

9 Spice Chai with Honey Gluten free, dairy free
Our signature blend, made with Irish Breakfast tea, Australian honey, and a bold mix of nine organic, freshly ground spices—including fresh Australian organic ginger. Rich, warming, and perfectly balanced, this is the original version of our sticky chai.

9 Spice Vegan with Agave Vegan, gluten free, dairy free
A plant-based alternative to our original blend. This version replaces honey with agave syrup, while keeping the same comforting depth of flavour from nine organic spices. Designed and blended in Victoria.

9 Spice Chai with Turmeric Caffeine free, gluten free, dairy free
A caffeine-free version made with smooth rooibos instead of black tea. It contains Australian honey and features freshly ground turmeric alongside the same nine organic spices, offering a golden, grounding chai experience.

A serve is 20g of Fresh Chai.

To maintain its freshness, please store the chai in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Once opened, we recommend keeping it refrigerated to preserve the full flavour and prevent spoilage. Each bag is designed with a resealable closure to help lock in the aroma and freshness after every use.

All of our fresh chai products are 100% natural, free from any artificial flavours, colourants, additives or refined sugar.

Somage offers a curated range of drinking chocolates, from a smooth and mellow 21% to a rich and decadent 60%, and up to our premium 65% grated couverture. Each blend features carefully selected cocoa sourced from different origins—including West Africa, Venezuela, and Switzerland—paired with premium Australian sugar and crafted at our facility in Victoria.

From 33% and above, our hot chocolates carry the name Kali—a nod to Somage’s beloved former sub-brand. Although all products now sit under the Somage name, we continue to use Kali to honour its legacy and the loyal following it has built among chocolate lovers over the years.

Drinking Chocolate 21% Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan
A medium-bodied blend made with fine West African cocoa and premium sugar. Crafted in Melbourne, this smooth and mellow hot chocolate delivers a comforting sweetness and gentle depth of flavour—perfect for all-day enjoyment.

Drinking Chocolate 25.5% Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan
Silky and smooth, this blend combines West African cocoa with premium Australian sugar to create a rounded, gently sweet finish. Crafted in Melbourne, it's a balanced and approachable drinking chocolate suitable for any moment.

Kali Original 33% Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan
A premium blend of the finest African cocoas, Kali Original is Australia’s original specialty drinking chocolate. Balanced and satisfying, it offers notes of citrus fruit, dark chocolate, and a well-rounded semi-sweet finish. Perfect with hot milk or water, and also ideal for dusting over cappuccinos and desserts.

Kali Dark 60% Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan
A luxurious, complex blend of Venezuelan Criollo and African origin cocoas, sweetened with coconut blossom nectar and panela sugar. Kali Dark is deeply rich with a soft bittersweet finish, carrying hints of caramel, stone fruit, and exotic cacao. It delivers a sophisticated chocolate experience.

Kali Grand Cru Grated Couverture 65% Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan
Crafted in Switzerland from single origin cocoa, these grated couverture sprinkles offer an intensely rich and indulgent chocolate experience. Ideal as a topping over Kali drinking chocolates or desserts, they bring a decadent touch to every cup.

We recommend storing Kali Drinking Chocolate in a cool dry dark place such as the pantry or cupboard ensuring it is sealed properly. It's best to store in temperatures less than 21°C.

Yes, Kali Original 33% is a Vegan and Dairy-Free product however it is produced in a factory that handles milk goods. 

Yes, Kali Original 60% is a Vegan and Dairy-Free product however it is produced in a factory that handles milk goods therefore may contain traces of milk solids.

We currently offer three organic matcha beverages, each with a slightly different taste profile. Broadly, these fall into two categories: Just Matcha and Matcha Latte.

Just Matcha 
This category features our pure, organic matcha powder range. Unlike our lattes, which include panela sugar, these are made solely from organic matcha powder. They work perfectly as single-origin straight teas, unsweetened lattes, or as a base for creating drinks with customised sweetness according to taste.

Currently, we offer Matcha 01, with Matcha 02 to 06 set to launch soon. The numbers indicate release order rather than grade. Our matcha grades range from culinary and premium to ceremonial. Within these grades, we offer both blended matcha and single-origin matcha. A detailed update on these offerings is planned for August 2025.

Matcha 01: Premium Matcha  Spinach-like raw greens, hint of roasted grain, creamy texture
Matcha 02: Ceremonial Matcha Roasted greens, toasted nut, Light Sesame
Matcha 03: Ceremonial Matcha Steamed sweet potato, toasted nut, clean and pure

Matcha 04: Premium Matcha Young green pea, toasted chestnut

Matcha 05: Culinary Matcha Green apple peel, raw vegetal note, hint of toasted nut

Matcha 06: Ceremonial Matcha Roasted chestnut, cacao nib, floral, deep and layered


Matcha Latte 
Our Matcha Latte products blend organic matcha with organic panela sugar sourced from Colombia. After extensive tasting and selection, we developed the perfect matcha latte recipes blended at Somage’s factory. These lattes combine the natural sweetness of panela sugar with the umami of matcha to create a creamy, indulgent drink.

Currently, you can find Hue Matcha and Premium Matcha Latte in our range, with a Super Premium Matcha Latte launching soon.

Organic Hue Matcha   Smooth, Grassy, Soothing
Organic Premium Matcha   Smooth, Vegetal, Nutty
Organic Super premium Latte  Silky, Nutty,  Vegetal

Yes, our entire matcha range is certified organic, including the organic panela we use in our blends.

We recommend storing Matcha  in a cool dry dark place such as the pantry or cupboard ensuring it is sealed properly. It's best to store in temperatures less than 21°C.

Yes, all of our matcha products are naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Premium grade matcha is a blend of first and second flush harvests. It has a slightly deeper green hue compared to ceremonial grade, with moderate bitterness and astringency. This makes it versatile for both straight matcha and richer, more full-bodied matcha lattes.

Ceremonial grade matcha is made exclusively from the first spring flush, the most tender and flavourful harvest of the year. It’s produced in limited quantities and is known for its vibrant green colour, low bitterness, and smooth, clean finish. This grade is ideal for enjoying as straight matcha or in a clean, delicate matcha latte.

Premium : Matcha 01, Matcha 04 
Matcha 01 has a creamy texture with lingering notes of roasted grain, offering a well-balanced and smooth profile.

Matcha 04 features the toasty richness of chestnut with a fresher, greener character — clean, vibrant, and bright.

Ceremonial : Matcha 02, Matcha 03, Matcha 06
Matcha 02 is a bold, nutty, and savoury style, with a classic roasted depth and umami intensity.
Matcha 03 is subtle and clean, combining a delicate marine and nutty aroma with a light, sweet finish — pure and smooth.
Matcha 06 offers a refined and luxurious character, blending cacao and roasted chestnut with floral depth — like a deep, elegant dark chocolate matcha.

Yes. Our Panela is farmed organically and no synthetic chemicals are used in its production. For most refined sugars typically synthetic chemicals are used to separate the molasses from the sugar mass, and to bleach and / or filter the sugar. Some of these chemicals are known to be carcinogens.  

No. Raw sugar typically has still been chemically processed (with polyacrylamide, sulphur dioxide and calcium hydroxide). It may also contain anti caking agents and the raw materials may have been sprayed with pesticides. Our Raw Goods Panela is Organically Grown, and has not been subjected to chemical treatment.

The product is relatively unrefined – the cane is crushed, then the sugar cane juice is filtered, evaporated to a powder then sieved and baked. Often when Panela is compared to refined sugars, the synthetic taste of refined sugars becomes a lot more noticeable.

Panela is nutritionally dense compared to other sugar varieties. Refer below for a comparison of various sugars and their nutritional information.