What Is Teff Seed Tea, and Is It Safe?

Teff, native to Ethiopia, is one of the world’s smallest-grain cereals and has been used for thousands of years as the main ingredient in traditional injera bread there. In recent years, tea made from teff seeds has become popular with claims that it supports weight control. However, ready-made products sold as “teff seed tea” should be considered separately from the grain itself. Below are the nutritional value of teff, its place in gluten-free cooking, and a safety warning about these teas.

What is teff? Teff is an extremely small grain, similar to millet and quinoa and about the size of a poppy seed. Grown in Ethiopia and Eritrea for centuries, it is roasted, fermented, and made into dough for the traditional sour bread called injera. Compared with wheat, it is said to be higher in dietary fiber, calcium, and protein. When ground into flour, it has a dark brown color and a mildly nutty flavor, distinguishing teff flour from other gluten-free flours. Check the package to confirm the gluten information for packaged teff; its flour can be used in bread, flatbread, and crepe batters. Mixing it with other gluten-free flours can make a more flexible dough. Whole teff can also be cooked like rice or porridge; in this form, it can be used similarly to quinoa. Roasted teff can be added to soup or oatmeal for a grainy texture.

Claims about teff seed tea
Ready-made products marketed with weight-loss claims as “teff seed tea” are presented as products made from different herbal blends rather than as an infusion made from actual teff grain. The connection between the word teff in these products’ names and the grain itself is often unclear. Such products, which have become popular on social media, should be assessed carefully because their contents may not be transparent. A product is not safe or effective simply because its name includes teff; reading the ingredient label carefully is recommended.

Known safety warning
In 2018, some teff seed tea products sold in Turkey were reported to contain a substance called sibutramine and to have been banned for this reason. Sibutramine is said to pose serious health risks and to cause a wide range of side effects, from constipation to heart rhythm disorders. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid ready-made weight-loss teas with unclear contents or no official approval and not to buy products without packaging or labels. Consulting a professional before using any herbal supplement is a safe approach.

Using real teff grain safely
Real teff grain or flour can be used in cooking when purchased in sealed packaging from a trusted food seller. It stays fresh for months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. People trying teff flour for the first time may prefer to mix it with wheat or rice flour in a certain proportion at first to balance the dough’s consistency. Since teff flour gives dough a different texture, it can be tried alongside other flours.