Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (2024)

Published: by Becky Striepe · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Recipe Video Print

Feeling under the weather this cold and flu season? Soothing tomato tea can help soothe that sore throat and clear out your sinuses.

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (1)
Jump to:
  • Ingredients and substitutions
  • How to make tomato tea
  • Helpful tips
  • Storage directions
  • Frequently asked questions
  • More recipes for when you are sick
  • 📖 Recipe

Sickness has swept through my house over the past few weeks, and when it was my turn to be sick, I turned to my old friend: tomato tea.

I've been making tomato tea for over 20 years, and it's become a go-to when I'm dealing with a nasty cold or flu. Over the years, my recipe has evolved as I made it again and again, using what was in my pantry and what seemed appealing.

Here, you'll find the recipe that I usually make alongwith substitutionsto help you use what you have. Because the last thing you want to do when you're sick is run to the store.

Tomato tea is not a cure for the cold or for the flu, meaning that it most likely won't shorten the duration of your illness. What it definitely does is help give you temporary symptom relief for a sore throat and stuffy nose.

It's also a good way to sneak in a snackwhen sickness has sapped your appetite.

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (2)

Ingredients and substitutions

Here's a quick breakdown of why the tomato tea helps you feel better while you drink it and for a while afterwards:

  • ginger - There is evidence that ginger is a goodpain reliever. Adding a dash of fresh or ground ginger to your mug can help soothe a sore throat and may even offer some relief to sore muscles.
  • spice - The ginger, garlic, and hot sauce make this drink pretty spicy, and that's no accident. Spicy foods and drinks help with sinus congestion, and they havea numbing effect that's nice on a sore throat.
  • warmth - Just like spice, a warm drink helps ease congestion. Don't just sip this tea - breathe the steam deeply. It's so soothing!
  • nutrition - The reason this drink is made with tomato juice is because when you're sick, chances are you're not inclined to eat. The tomato juice deliverssome calories and vitamins to help you feel a little bit less weak. A cup of tomato tea has around 65 calories, 84% of your vitamin C, 31% of your vitamin A, 11% of your iron, 23% of your potassium, and 4% of your fiber needs for the day. Not bad for a little mug of goodness!

How to make tomato tea

Warm the tomato juice on the stove or in the microwave. It's even OK if it's a little bit too hot. That nice steam is good for soothing your poor nose and throat!

Add the rest of the ingredients to your mug, and stir.

Sip, and enjoy!

Helpful tips

  • You can make this on the stovetop, if you're feeling up to it. For quicker results, use the microwave.
  • If you do feel a cold coming on, you can mix up a big batch of tomato tea, so you can shake, pour, and heat it as needed. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

Storage directions

You can store tomato tea in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to make a big batch, so you can warm it up as needed!

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of tomato juice?

Any savory vegetable juice, like V8, will work in place of the tomato juice, if needed.

Can I sweeten tomato tea?

Sure! Add a little agave or maple syrup to sweeten it, if you prefer.

What can I use instead of sriracha sauce?

Any hot sauce that you like will work! You can even use crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper. Use what you have on hand.

What are the benefits of tomato tea?

I've been drinking tomato tea for years to soothe cold and flu symptoms. It's an easy way to get something into your belly while providing temporary relief for a sore throat and congestion.

The combination of ginger and garlic in this warming drink team up to reduce inflammation and help clear your sinuses!

More recipes for when you are sick

  • Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
  • Ginger chocolate maca latte (maca hot chocolate!)
  • 20-Minute Creamy Miso Ramen

📖 Recipe

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (6)

Tomato Tea

by Becky Striepe

Feeling under the weather this cold and flu season? Soothing tomato tea can help soothe that sore throat and clear out your sinuses.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces tomato juice or vegetable juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Or 2 teaspoons of vinegar. I've used rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and even balsamic to make this in the past.
  • sriracha sauce to taste, or use hot sauce of your choice, or a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper or black pepper
  • 1 pinch of ground ginger or ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced or crushed, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Warm the tomato juice on the stove or in the microwave. It's even OK if it's a little bit too hot. That nice steam is good for soothing your poor nose and throat!

  • Add the rest of the ingredients to your mug, and stir.

  • Sip, and enjoy!

Video

📝 Notes

As you can see, this recipe is very flexible. The idea is to get an acidic, somewhat spicy mix happening, so use what's in your pantry to make that happen. I'm sure that some of you are not fans of the microwave, but if you have one, I hope you'll make an exception in this case. Give yourself a break, because (as Daniel Tiger loves to remind us), "When you're sick, rest is best."

You can store tomato tea in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to make a big batch, so you can warm it up as needed!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Tomato Tea

Amount per Serving

Calories

66

% Daily Value*

Fat

0.2

g

%

Saturated Fat

0.04

g

%

Monounsaturated Fat

0.03

g

Sodium

35

mg

1

%

Potassium

807

mg

23

%

Carbohydrates

16

g

5

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

13

g

14

%

Protein

3

g

6

%

Vitamin A

1532

IU

31

%

Vitamin C

69

mg

84

%

Iron

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keywords tomato tea

Tried this recipe?Tag @glueandglitter on Instagram and Threads!

About Becky Striepe

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (7)

Hi there! I'm Becky Striepe (rhymes with sleepy), and I love using gadgets and shortcuts to create easy vegan comfort food recipes for busy people. Whether you love your Instant Pot, your air fryer, or just love delicious plant-based meals, stick around. You'll like it here.

Learn more about me >>>

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Got a question? Tried this recipe? Leave a reply!

  1. Muliki Joseph Enock

    Is this solution safe for babies less than a year old, alternatively at what age can this solution be given to a baby

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Hi! I'd talk to your pediatrician about that. Kids are all so different, and I'd hate to give you the wrong info!

      Reply

  2. Emma Scott

    Completely unable to breathe or sleep I have tried this tea but so far I have not seen any difference. How long does it take to work in your experience?

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      For me, the steam and spice usually help right away. You might try more hot sauce, to see if that gets things moving. I am so sorry that you are this miserable! I hope that you feel better soon.

      Reply

    • Hailey Damron

      My grandma found tomatoe Tea recipe years ago she has been canning it and giving out to everyone for early Christmas presents... I'm feeling so sick and I don't live in my home town so I'm ab to make some

      My grandma makes it like this!

      Reply

      • Becky Striepe

        Oh I am so glad that you were able to find comfort in this recipe! Get well soon, Hailey.

        Reply

  3. Alisa @ Go Dairy Free

    I've never heard of tomato tea, but wow is your version packed with antioxidants! I hope everyone in your house is all well!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Thank you! We are feeling a lot better over here. Poor Darrol had two colds in a row, but Dave and I managed to dodge the second one.

      Reply

  4. The vegan 8

    I watched your video and loved it! I can totally see how soothing this would be, just like a hot bowl of tomato soup! Totally going to try this!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Thank you, Brandie!

      Reply

  5. Linda @ Veganosity

    I can totally see how this works, and it sounds delicious, like sipping on tomato soup. I love the addition of ginger as it's also an anti-inflammatory, which would also help reduce the symptoms of congestion. Thanks for this!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Thank you, Linda!

      Reply

  6. Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite

    I've never heard of tomato tea but what an awesome collection of ingredients to help you get through a cold. The hot sauce sold me!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Hot sauce forever!

      Reply

  7. Cadry

    I don't feel sick at all, but I'm going to make a mug of this anyway! In the winter, I get bored of the usual drinks, and I want something warm and satisfying. For a while, I drank a lot of broth teas. This is a similar idea and would be homemade. Thanks for the great idea, Becky!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Ooh broth tea sounds really pleasant, too!

      Reply

  8. Ginny McMeans

    How very nice! I already feel better. This is going in my medicine cabinet.

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      I'm sorry that you're under the weather, Ginny, but glad the tea helped!

      Reply

  9. Mel | avirtualvegan.com

    Why did I not see this before I got sick? I only saw it when I was nearly better. It looks awesome and so comforting. Bookmarking for next time....hopefully I won't need it for a long time!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      I'm so sorry that you were sick! Here's to a healthy new year!

      Reply

  10. Mary Ellen @ VNutrition

    I thought this was so interesting when I saw it on Instagram! Hopefully my husband and I don't get sick but if so, I'm totally trying this!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      I hope you don't get sick, too!!

      Reply

  11. Jenn

    I have never heard of tomato tea before. I love sipping on tomato soup though, so I'm guessing I would love this too. Last year at this exact time I was super ill, so I know what you're going through. Luckily, this year, we were all sick in October, so the holidays were smooth sailing. I'm reaching for this spicy tomato tea next time though!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Thank you, Jenn! May you and your family never need to make tomato tea!

      Reply

  12. Sarah

    I'm totally intrigued by this—I used to like V8 juice when I was a kid—go figure! I hope you guys start feeling better soon. I hate the way germs linger and make their way through every member of the family before making a very long overdue exit.

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      I liked it too! I remember when the spicy one came out. It was so exciting! Dave and I are feeling better, but Darrol seems to have caught something else in the week since he got over the last thing. Ugh!

      Reply

  13. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day

    Not that I want to get sick, but I'm intrigued to try your tomato tea!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      It's pretty yummy when you're not sick, too!

      Reply

  14. Dianne's Vegan Kitchen

    Dennis and I are both trying to get over colds, so I'm going to need to try this!

    Reply

    • Becky Striepe

      Oh noooo! I hope you feel better soon.

      Reply

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (2024)

FAQs

Are tomatoes good for cold and flu? ›

Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, which has been linked to lower rates of cancer and heart disease because it reduces inflammation in the body. The antioxidant also helps increase your immune system's ability to fight off cold and flu germs.

Is tomato juice good for a cold? ›

A 1-cup serving of tomato juice has 170 milligrams of vitamin C, making it a better source of the cold-fighting nutrient than either orange or grapefruit juice. Tomato juice also contains some vitamin A, which, as a natural antioxidant, may also provide immune support to your body during a cold.

Is tomato sauce good for a cold? ›

But that's not all! The antioxidants in tomato sauce can improve your immune system, making it more effective in fighting off illnesses such as colds and flu.

Is tomato good for mucus? ›

Some veggies and fruits, including leafy greens, tomatoes, onions, grapes, blueberries, and cherries, contain quercetin. This pigment is a powerful anti-histamine, which reduces phlegm and other allergy symptoms.

Are tomatoes good for congestion? ›

Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.

What tea combination is good for colds? ›

If you're looking for a caffeine-free tea blend to help ease cold symptoms, check out herbal blends containing peppermint, chamomile, ginger, hibiscus, licorice, and lemongrass.

What tea helps with cold and mucus? ›

Herbal teas, such as ginger, lemongrass, and chamomile, possess anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms like sore throat and congestion. The warmth of the tea provides comfort, and certain herbal blends, like those containing honey, can ease throat irritation.

Can you drink straight tomato juice? ›

Enjoy it plain. A glass of tomato juice contains low sugar and can be consumed with meals or as a snack. Serve a glass of tomato juice with lunch, especially if there were vegetables or salad on the side.

What is the best time to drink tomato juice? ›

Consuming tomato juice on an empty stomach enhances the absorption of essential nutrients. The absence of other foods allows the body to efficiently assimilate the rich array of vitamins and minerals present in tomatoes, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

What is the healthiest tomato juice? ›

When searching for a healthy variety, choose 100% tomato juice with no salt or sugars added. Additionally, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may want to avoid tomato juice as it can worsen symptoms ( 28 ).

Should you eat tomatoes when sick? ›

Citrus fruits and juices.

Citrus fruits' high acidity can be harsh on a sensitive stomach. Acidic foods and juices, like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and tomatoes, can lead to heartburn or acid reflux. Choose low-acid alternatives when seeking vitamin C, like berries or kiwi.

What to avoid during a cold? ›

Caffeine and Alcohol

You're better off avoiding these. You need lots of liquids when you have a cold, but caffeine and alcohol are no-nos because they can dry you out.

Can I eat tomatoes if I have a cold sore? ›

Wear sunscreen and SPF lip balm: It's important to make sure a sore doesn't get sunburned while it's healing. Also, wearing a lip balm with SPF 30 every day could prevent future cold sores. Avoid acidic foods: Orange juice, tomatoes and other acidic foods can aggravate a sore.

Can we eat tomato in fever and cold? ›

1.5 Eat a lot of green vegetables Vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, water spinach, amaranth, vegetables,... are very good when the baby has a fever. Parents can process it in the form of boiled or cooked soup, both of which have the benefit of cooling down and helping the baby recover quickly.

Is tomato good for sore throat and cough? ›

Sour, pickled, or brined foods: Foods made with vinegar or salt, such as pickles, can worsen the inflammation of a sore throat. Tomato juice and sauces: The acidic nature of tomatoes can make them a poor choice for people with sore throats.

What foods to avoid with cold or flu? ›

“There's nothing wrong with just pushing fluids and not forcing food for a few days. If you do want to eat, avoid greasy, fried foods, because foods higher in fat are harder to digest and can cause more nausea. You should also avoid processed foods high in sodium or sugars. Things that are easy to digest are best.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5546

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.