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Monatea makes the case for radical honesty
As consumers continue to scrutinise what goes into their drinks, this South African brand is challenging the language of beverage labelling with sparkling botanical drinks that put flavour, transparency and rooibos heritage centre stage
‘No added sugar’ sounds reassuring, but it doesn’t necessarily mean sugar-free. Honey, syrups and fruit juice concentrates can all contribute free sugars, even when conventional sugar hasn’t been added. For Tsepo Montsi and Imraan Jeeva, co-founders of South African beverage brand Monatea, the distinction matters – and it points to a bigger question about how honestly the drinks industry communicates with consumers.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total daily energy intake, with further benefits associated with reducing this to 5% or less, yet navigating beverage labels can still be confusing for consumers trying to make informed choices.
“‘No added sugar’ is one of the most misleading phrases in the beverage industry, in my view, because it doesn’t necessarily tell you how much sugar you’re actually consuming,” says Tsepo. “We live in a food system that has conditioned us to expect sweetness. I wanted to create something different – a genuinely satisfying drink where you don’t need sugar or sweeteners to make the flavour work.”
That thinking has shaped Monatea, a premium range of sparkling, cold-brewed rooibos drinks that has been in development for more than a decade. What began as a search for a flavourful alternative to conventional sweetened drinks has evolved into a considered expression of South Africa’s botanical heritage, with a clear emphasis on ingredient transparency.
Monatea takes a deliberately different approach to sweetness. Its Zero range contains zero sugar, zero sweeteners, zero calories and zero caffeine, while the Low range offers a lightly sweetened alternative at just 37 calories per 300ml can. Rather than simply replacing sugar with another sweetening agent, the focus is on building flavour through the natural character of rooibos and a thoughtful combination of botanicals.
Sage, Lime & Cape Mint is fresh and savoury, Hibiscus, Berry & Buchu brings a fruity, tart edge, while Ginger, Peach & African Olive Leaf balances warming spice with the mellow sweetness of peach. Rooted in the remarkable biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the three blends bring together indigenous botanicals and organic fruit flavours to offer a contemporary expression of South Africa’s botanical heritage, with each ingredient contributing its own distinctive character.
“Rooibos is an incredible foundation for a drink like this. When you start exploring the botanicals we have in South Africa, the possibilities are remarkable,” says Tsepo. “Our aim has always been to create something delicious and satisfying, but also to be completely clear about what’s in the can. For us, that’s what zero compromise means.”
The result is a sparkling botanical drink designed to move comfortably between occasions – from an afternoon in the sun to sundowners, dinner parties and evenings out when an interesting, alcohol-free option is just as welcome. With its distinctive flavour combinations and refreshing fizz, Monatea offers an alternative for those looking to enjoy something more considered in their glass, without compromising on taste.
Monatea’s approach also extends beyond formulation. The brand works with suppliers who prioritise responsible cultivation and biodiversity, including Skimmelberg, a family-owned Cederberg farm and processor that dedicates more than 90% of its land to conservation. Its drinks are packaged in recyclable aluminium cans, and the range carries organic, Halaal and Kosher certifications.
The brand is also building its commercial footprint, with a growing retail presence in South Africa, including Checkers, and availability through Takealot, Faithful to Nature and Amazon. Internationally, Monatea is expanding into markets including the Netherlands, Botswana and Canada, taking its distinctly South African approach to botanical refreshment to new audiences.
For Tsepo and the team, the ambition is straightforward: to offer consumers greater clarity, more interesting choices and a different way to think about what belongs in their glass.
Curious to taste the difference? Order Monatea through Checkers, Takealot, Faithful to Nature and Amazon, or visit drinkmonatea.com.