Bigelow “Constant Comment” Tea: America’s First Specialty Tea

Boxes of Constant Comment Tea on Production Line

Updated: October 12, 2026

Bigelow “Constant Comment”® is a blend of black tea, orange rind, real cold-pressed orange oil, and sweet spices. Created in 1945 by Bigelow Tea founder Ruth Campbell Bigelow, it holds the distinction of being America’s first specialty tea. The recipe has never changed and is still a closely guarded secret by the Bigelow family.

How did “Constant Comment” get its name?

“Constant Comment” tea is a unique blend created by Bigelow Tea founder Ruth Campbell Bigelow over 80 years ago and is still made by the Bigelow family according to her original recipe which is still a closely guarded secret.

Inspired by an Early Colonial recipe in 1945, Ruth disappeared into her New York brownstone kitchen with the idea of creating a better cup of tea. After weeks of trial-and-error blending black tea with orange rind and sweet spices, she emerged with her first cup of specialty tea. Ruth gave the blend to friends who later told her the tea “was a source of constant comment.” Her tea found a name, and the Bigelow Tea Company was born.

What does “Constant Comment” taste like?

“Constant Comment” is a bold black tea with orange rind and sweet aromatic spices. The taste profile is pleasantly spiced bright tea with complex orange back notes and the aroma is a complex bold brew sweet orange accented with a distinctive spicy finish.

The listed ingredients are: black tea, rind of oranges, sweet spice, and natural flavor. Bigelow Tea also uses real cold-pressed orange oil in the blend, with no artificial flavors or flavorings. It works well both hot or iced.

“Constant Comment” is the same original recipe today as was created by Ruth Campbell Bigelow in her kitchen in the 1940s. Bigelow Tea uses the largest tea leaf possible to be used in a tea bag which means no tea dust. Bigelow Tea uses high-quality orange rind and sweet spice. The natural flavor used in the recipe is a premium cold pressed orange oil carefully selected from family growers from around the globe.

Bigelow Tea Constant Comment foil packet on grey table with bowl of loose tea against brick wall with Bigelow Logo

Does Bigelow use real orange oil in “Constant Comment”?

Yes. In “Constant Comment,” Bigelow Tea uses real cold-pressed orange oil extracted directly from oranges, along with real orange rind. No artificial flavors or flavorings are used.

To protect the integrity of the oils, each tea bag is wrapped in a foil pouch, which seals in freshness, flavor, and aroma. All packaging materials are food safe and meet FDA and U.S. regulatory standards. Learn more in the Bigelow Tea real essential oils and Bigelow Tea Foil Overwrap Packaging Is Food Safe blogs.

How do you brew “Constant Comment” tea?

To brew hot “Constant Comment” black tea:

  • Start with fresh, cold water and bring it to a rolling boil.
  • Pour the boiling water over one tea bag in your cup. Cover the cup while it steeps.
  • Steep for 2–4 minutes, adjusting to your taste preference.
  • Remove the tea bag. Do not squeeze.
  • Add milk, honey, sugar, or lemon if desired.

For more detail, see Bigelow’s full guide: How to Make the Perfect Cup of Bigelow Tea.

Can you make “Constant Comment” iced tea?

“Constant Comment” works well as an iced tea. To make it:

  • Steep one tea bag in boiling water for 3–5 minutes.
  • Let the tea cool naturally before pouring over ice, so the flavor is not diluted.
  • Add sweetener if desired, stirring to dissolve before adding ice.
  • Garnish with lemon or serve in a pitcher for gatherings.

For more tips and combinations, see How to Make Iced Tea, the Bigelow Tea Way.

Does “Constant Comment” have caffeine?

“Constant Comment” black tea contains approximately 30–60mg of caffeine per serving, consistent with other black teas. A decaffeinated version is also available, which contains 1–8mg of caffeine per serving.

For a full overview of caffeine across Bigelow’s tea range, see Tips on Caffeine: Your Bigelow Tea Guide.

What polyphenols does “Constant Comment” tea contain?

As a black tea, “Constant Comment” contains naturally occurring polyphenols, including flavonoids, which work in the body to help fight off free radicals. Black tea also provides theaflavins, which are studied for their potential roles in heart disease and stroke prevention as noted as noted in the International Journal of Health Sciences.

 
For a deeper look at the wellness benefits of Bigelow teas, see Bigelow Teas As Part Of Your Healthy Wellness Routine.

What varieties of “Constant Comment” are available?

Three generations later, this iconic flavor is a source of history and tradition for millions of Americans who have found joy in this cup of tea.

“Constant Comment” is currently available in four varieties:

Browse the full Constant Comment collection for all available formats.

When is “Constant Comment” a good choice and what does it pair well with?

“Constant Comment” is well suited to any time of day, but its warm orange and spice character makes it a natural fit for fall and winter, holiday gatherings, and quiet mornings. It is one of Bigelow Tea’s most-loved teas to give as a gift, particularly for tea drinkers who enjoy something with more depth and character than just black tea.

For food pairings, the orange and spice notes in “Constant Comment” complement shortbread, scones, oatmeal, and baked goods with cinnamon or citrus. It is equally enjoyable plain, with a touch of honey, or with a slice of lemon. Browse the full “Constant Comment” collection to find the perfect gift or cup just for you. 

Is “Constant Comment” tea gluten-free?

Yes. “Constant Comment” black tea is gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher certified, as confirmed on Bigelow Tea’s product packaging.

Who makes “Constant Comment” today?

The Bigelow family is now in its third generation of running Bigelow Tea. Cindi Bigelow, third-generation president and CEO, continues to uphold her grandmother’s original recipe and vision. Bigelow Tea is the #1 tea company in the U.S. and is a 100% family and woman-owned business.

Bigelow Tea is also a Certified B Corporation, meeting the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. 

With the artisanship and dedication that goes into every cup made by the Bigelow family, it’s no wonder “Constant Comment” has been a favorite for generations of tea fans.

A word from Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO

“Over eighty years ago, my grandmother created something truly special,” says Cindi Bigelow. “What started as an experiment, inspired by an early colonial recipe, has grown into an American tradition passed down through generations. Today we not only celebrate our past but also reflect on our ongoing commitment to creating 2.3 billion cups of joy each year.”

Want to learn more about the Bigelow family story?

Learn more about this entrepreneurial family story by reading The Story of Bigelow Tea Book by second generation Co-Chair David C. Bigelow and take in why “Constant Comment” is curiously different and impossible to forget!

 

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