I’m not sure what to think of this. Small story. When I was at the mall, I wanted to check out the new teas at a store I don’t frequent. Checking for that Lemon Pound Cake since I was told that they had like 200g left according to their system, the SA said they didn’t, but proceeded to try to sell me a gift that had some in it, then when I politely declined, she started pulling down all these other permanent teas to try to sell to me. I politely declined and said I tried them, then said I was interested in just smelling the new ones. When I mentioned this one, she said I could try it since it was the TOTD.
Prepared their way, probably with agave, it was incredibly sweet, but I thought it could be better prepared at home. She didn’t bother bringing the new teas to me, but I did see the Caramel Corn at the side of my eye and asked to see it. She popped open the canister, I smelled it, and thought I’d get some. Since it is a heavier tea, and since on numerous occasions in the past, I’ve gotten attitude about wanting 10-14g of a heavier tea, I asked for 20g, thinking that would keep the ‘tude at bay. Sure enough, she gave me the “If you get 100g, you get a free tin” spiel. Yeah, thanks, but a) I have so many already and b) I just want to try this and if I like it, I’ll come back and get more? She continued to push it and say that it’s cheaper that way because you get coupons (?) if you buy that much at a time. Kept politely declining and she got annoyed. “So, do you still want only 20g?” “Yes please!” Then I got a muchly deserved eyeroll and she gingerly reached over to grab the tin. That’s when I decided no, I’m leaving. I smiled and said in the nicest way, something like, “Actually, I’m ok, I’ll come back another time.” She was semi-shocked and I left.
Now finally a week-and-a-half later, I’m trying this at home without any added sweetener. I picked it up from the store I usually frequent and all was well. Sigh. Seriously getting tired of the attitude at many of their locations. Why allow 10g purchases if you have to breathlessly justify why you only want to try a bit first?
This is better but only marginally so. My mom thought this had stevia in it and I can see why since it has this artificial, sweet undertone floating amongst the chocolate banana notes. The maté is undetectable, which is a plus for me. Chocolate Covered Banana had great potential if they dialled it back on the sweetness and artificial flavour. Banana Split still has my vote for best chocolate banana tea.
