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

Updated: April 8, 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.

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 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:

• “Constant Comment” Black Tea — the original caffeinated blend
• “Constant Comment” Decaffeinated — same flavor, 1–8mg caffeine per serving
• “Constant Comment” Green Tea — the same orange rind and sweet spice on a smooth green tea base
• “Constant Comment” Loose Tea — full leaf original caffeinated blend

Browse the full Constant Comment collection for all available formats.

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% woman-owned business.

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!