The 5-second summary
Single ingredient: ground hibiscusNo preservatives or artificial colours33 g fibre per 100 gServe hot or coldProduct of Sudan250 g pack
Sudanese hibiscus, dried and ground, ready to steep straight away instead of breaking up and straining whole calyces. Its deep red colour and distinctive tartness come through quickly in cold or hot water.
▍ Quick overview
Hibiscus — karkadeh — is one of Sudan and Egypt's best-known drinks: iced and refreshing in summer, warm and comforting in winter, and a fixture on the Ramadan table. Lochness produces it in Sudan's River Nile State from dried, ground calyces, with no preservatives or artificial colours according to the manufacturer — the deep red comes from the flower itself.
The advantage of the powder over whole calyces is that it releases colour and flavour faster and is easy to measure by the spoon. It also goes straight into smoothies, lemonade and desserts with no long steeping. A 250 g pack covers dozens of cups.
▍ How to prepare it
Iced hibiscus
One to two teaspoons per cup of cold water (about 250 ml). Stir well and leave it ten minutes to an hour in the fridge for a deeper colour and flavour, then sweeten to taste and serve over ice with mint.
Hot hibiscus
The same amount with hot — not fiercely boiling — water, left to steep three to five minutes. Very hot water brings out more sourness and bitterness.
Smoothies and lemonade
A teaspoon gives lemonade, a smoothie or iced tea a deep pink colour and a tart edge, with no artificial colouring.
In the kitchen
Use it to colour and flavour jellies, yoghurt and sweet sauces, or with poached fruit.
Strained or as is?
The powder disperses rather than fully dissolving. You can drink it as it is, or pass it through a fine sieve if you prefer a clear drink.
▍ Nutrition
Per 100 g
Energy 150 kcal · Fat 1.1 g · Carbohydrate 34 g · of which fibre 33 g · Protein 3.4 g · Calcium 215 mg · Iron 4.4 mg · Potassium 620 mg · Vitamin C 36 mg
The values above are per 100 g of powder as printed on the pack. A single cup uses one to two teaspoons (roughly 3–6 g), which works out to about 5–9 kcal and 1–2 g of fibre before any sugar is added.
▍ Product information
Item | Details |
|---|
Name | Lochness Organic Hibiscus Powder |
Net weight | 250 g |
Ingredients | 100% ground dried hibiscus calyces |
Additives | No preservatives or artificial colours, per the manufacturer |
Origin | Sudan — River Nile State, Atbara |
Packing | Packed in Sudan by Lochness Sudan Import and Export Business Company |
Storage | Store cool and dry away from sunlight; reseal after opening |
▍ Before you use it
- The only ingredient is ground hibiscus calyces, and the pack declares no allergens.
- The pack carries no "gluten free" statement and no cross-contact statement, so we have not tagged this product gluten free.
- Hibiscus is naturally acidic; if you take blood-pressure medication or are pregnant, check with a professional before making it a daily habit.
- Vegan by the nature of the ingredient.
▍ Green Spot's take
Ground hibiscus is far easier to live with than whole calyces: you measure it by the spoon, there is no long steep, and the strength is the same every time. And this pack is one ingredient with no added colour — what you see is the flower.
If you are counting calories, an unsweetened cup is close to zero; everything comes down to how you sweeten it. Try it cold with mint and a slice of lemon, or hot with cinnamon or ginger.
▍ Frequently asked
How much per cup?
One to two teaspoons per 250 ml is a good starting point; adjust from there for the strength and colour you like.
Hot or cold?
Both work. Cold is more refreshing with a softer flavour; hot draws the colour out faster, though fiercely boiling water increases the sourness.
Does it need straining?
It does not fully dissolve, so it is your choice: drink it as it is, or pass it through a fine sieve for a clear drink.
Is there sugar in it?
No. The only ingredient is ground hibiscus; sweetening is up to you.
How should I store it?
Somewhere dry, away from heat, humidity and light, with the pack well sealed so it keeps its colour and flavour.
Green Spot review: ingredients, nutrition values and origin were checked against the pack label. Last reviewed: September 2026.
The manufacturer may update the recipe or packaging, so the label on the pack remains the primary reference. This information is for general nutritional purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice.
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