A leading crisp manufacturer in Kent has launched the first ever "edible teas".

Sittingbourne-based Nim's is famous for its air-dried fruit crisps but is now offering the "drink and snack in one" made from dried fruit and vegetables.

Consumers can make a loose leaf tea from the ingredients - which in turn rehydrates the fruit and veg allowing it to be eaten as a snack.

It is being marketed as a healthy alternative to caffeinated or herbal teas.

Nimisha Raja, founder of Nim’s Fruit Crisps, explained: "With our core products doing very well, we decided to look at other ways we could use air dried fruit and veg and our research and development team came up with the idea of fruit and vegetable teas. We completed some initial market research and ‘tastings’ proved very successful…the appetite was definitely there for these products.

“They taste great - eaten or drank - are high in fibre, vitamin C and can make up one of your five a day.”

It addition, Nim's is releasing a new infusions range of air-dried slices for use in cold and hot drinks.

They remove the need for fresh fruit, reducing waste and prep times in bars, restaurants, travel and the leisure industry.

She added: "Initially, we’ve got cucumber, lime, lemon and orange flavours available, with the latter already being used by one of the UK’s leading coffee shop chains. The infusions have proved immensely successful, especially over the Christmas period - now we’re looking forward to seeing sales grow in 2019.

“The infusions rehydrate in liquid, adding natural flavour to drinks. There is an appetite for healthier, yet adventurous drink choices and these certainly meet that criteria and more.”

The ‘drink and snack in one’ is available online and through selected independent retailers.

In light of Brexit, the company redoubled its efforts in gaining additional presence in countries outside of the EU, resulting in distribution deals being agreed with Hong Kong, Israel and South Africa.