Tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and comes in various types like black, green, and oolong. Yerba mate comes from the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) and has an earthy, bitter taste. Both contain caffeine and antioxidants, with yerba mate having higher caffeine content.

Water soluble vitamins lose potency while sitting in water or exposed to moisture. Additionally, vitamins suffer degradation while they are exposed to UV rays, oxygen and heat. The loss is greater when the vitamin contents are spread across the full contents of bottled beverages. The broader the surface area, the greater the exposure. In sharp contrast, Tea of a Kind’s antioxidant vitamin C is stored in the Vessl™ closure, which limits exposure to the elements, and Vessl™ makes use of opaque plastic and a UV blocker in its cap. Each of the differences in the Vessl™ cap are designed to enhance the longevity of shelf-life and therefore increase potency at time of consumption. By introducing the vitamins only seconds or minutes from actual consumption, it optimizes the effectiveness of the nutrient-rich ingredients.

Vessl Inc. was formed in July of 2011 with the intent to license and commercialize the Vessl™ technology.  Vessl’s Founder, Walter Apodaca, was a 25-year veteran of the beverages industry, and believed the technology needed a commercial application to demonstrate a successful proof-of-concept.  By August 2012, Vessl Inc. had introduced a ready-to-drink line of iced teas called “Tea of a Kind™.” A few weeks later, Tea of a Kind was named the best ready-to-drink tea or coffee at the American Beverage Association’s annual trade show, InterBev.

Yes, Vessl™ caps are BPA free and recyclable!