What’s In a Label?
We Left No Leaf Unturned When Uncovering The Best Tea Brands
[2020 Update]
Are you a tea brand lifer? You probably are! Most people get hooked onto a certain brand at some point in their life. And after that, they never look back.
Now, there is no judgment here – we were part of this pack too. That all changed when we realized just how many different brands were out there. Clearly, we were missing out on a lot.
Since we appreciate that you don’t have the time to sit and taste all the teas available, we took the liberty of doing this for you. So, without further ado, here are the results of our search.
Twinings Tea has the ultimate recommendation – Queen Elizabeth II herself drinks a cup at least once a day! Despite this lofty overtone, the tea is far more affordable than you might expect.
Now, it isn’t just the royal association that makes Twinings out favorite pick. Its offerings of black tea and its commitment to quality keeps it on top.
If you are serious about your green tea, then you will be hard-pressed to find a brand that offers you as much in terms of selection and flavor.
While Tazo is only just now really beginning to pick up steam, the reason for its popularity is clear. This company is responsible for some of the most innovative green tea on the market.
If you would like a more holistic approach to your herbal teas, then the Pukka tea company is it. The brand has a major focus on wellbeing.
This is reflected in their herbal teas. A number of their tisanes have been specially blended to produce a variety of positive and healthy effects.
Salada is a bit of a cult hit among tea drinkers. Although it isn’t as widely known as some of the other brands on this list, it has nonetheless left its mark.
One of the more discerning traits of this brand is that it uses a mix of traditional and modern techniques to produce some of the finest tasting mid-range tea around.
Republic of Tea stays as close to its tea origins as possible. As such, you can expect a more traditional taste with this brand.
At the same time, the company isn’t afraid to get a little creative as well, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
How to Identify the Best Tea Companies
OK, technically we can just introduce you to the best rated tea brands currently on the market. However, that would feel like we were letting a great teaching moment pass us by.
So, instead, we’re going to give you some insight into how to spot a top tea brand all by yourself. Here’s what you should know:
Popularity Doesn’t Reflect Quality
Even if you have never drunk a cup of tea in your life, there will still be popular tea brands that you recognize immediately. These can easily be found on supermarket shelves everywhere.
Naturally, it is easy to imagine that these brands are good. After all, isn’t that why it’s quite so prevalent? Well, the unfortunate truth is that there isn’t always an overlap between fame and quality.
Take Lipton, for instance. According to the numbers, it has sold more tea than any other brand in the US.
However, if you were to ask a tea expert, they probably wouldn’t have too many complimentary things to say about these tea bags.
The moral of the story is:
Don’t pick your tea brand simply based on how popular it is.
Best Tea Bag Brands vs. Loose Tea Brands
So, the jury is in – loose tea is better than tea bags in terms of taste and quality. This is true even for the best tea bag companies as well.
More often than not, the tea leaves in tea bags are poor quality or have been ground so finely that they have lost much of their taste and aroma.
This means that if you really want to experience a great-tasting cup of tea, loose tea is the way to go. Of course, even if this becomes common knowledge, the average person isn’t going to give up their tea bags.
Tea bags allow you to brew your drink quickly and with minimal fuss. So, is there a workaround for those days when you want to enjoy your brew, but can’t be bothered to make an effort?
Well, there is. See, the best luxury tea brands make an effort to include higher quality leaves in their tea bags. What’s more, the leaves aren’t quite as chopped up as with other companies.
Thus, if you really don’t want to do away with your tea bags permanently, you should make an investment in a higher-quality brand.
Know the Backstory
What many people don’t know is that teas from various parts of the world can actually taste different. In fact, the taste can vary from one estate to another!
This is because the taste and quality of tea are dependent on a number of factors. These include:
- Environment
- Cultivars
- Cultural practices
- Tea processing techniques
In short, the soil where the tea bushes are planted – as well as the surrounding plants – can all have an impact on the final tea taste.
So, if you want some insight on what your cup of tea is going to taste like, do your research. You will then be able to select a company that grows tea in conditions that are more suitable to your preferred palate.
What You Should Know About Price
Let’s face it, the last thing that you want to do is to shell out a lot of money on your tea. Especially if you are someone who likes to drink several cups of tea a day.
While you may want to save money, though, there is no denying that price is often indicative of quality.
In many cases, more expensive brands take greater care with growing and producing their tea leaves. This means that you end up with the highest quality of leaves with a minimal amount of blending.
Naturally, you get a better tasting cuppa.
So, does this mean that the only way to enjoy a great-tasting cup of tea is to buy the most expensive brand?
The good news is that this is not your only option. As you will find out in my reviews, there is always a middle-of-the-road brand.
Thus, you can get a great-tasting cup of tea, without having to empty your bank account in the process.
Follow Your Taste Buds
Now, all of the above guidelines are perfectly valid. If you want to find the best loose leaf tea brands, those are the suggestions to follow.
But, here’s the deal:
It is important to trust your taste buds. At the end of the day, they will be your greatest guide.
So, if a particular brand tastes good to you, then that should be enough proof that you have found a suitable product for yourself.
The Best Tea Brands
OK, so now let’s get to the part that you’re really here for – the best hot tea brands on the market.
As you may know, picking the best of the best can be nearly impossible. It’s almost like being asked to pick your favorite child.
Not to mention, taste preference can differ from one person to another. This is why we have nominated three different brands under three separate categories.
This way, you can see what the best tea brands are at different levels. Let’s get started.
Black Tea
In most parts of the world, black tea is the most popular type. So, here are the brands that you should be stocking up on:
PREMIUM PICK
Dilmah Tea
Launched in 1988, Dilmah has only recently skyrocketed to universal fame. It is particularly known for its commitment to quality and taste, above all else.
The upside of this dedication is that it produces tea that is nearly unparalleled in terms of quality. At the same time, this level of production care ensures that the price tag of this tea is rather high.
VALUE PICK
Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors of Harrogate have been producing loose tea and tea bags since 1886. During this time, one of their offerings – Yorkshire Tea – has risen to particular fame in the United Kingdom.
It is especially favored for its notable taste and its low cost. If you want to drink an everyday cup of black tea without breaking the bank, this is the tea for you.
Our PICK
Twinings Tea
Twinings Tea has the ultimate recommendation – Queen Elizabeth II herself drinks a cup at least once a day! Despite this lofty overtone, the tea is far more affordable than you might expect.
Now, it isn’t just the royal association that makes Twinings out favorite pick. Its offerings of black tea and its commitment to quality keeps it on top.
Green Tea
The health benefits associated with green tea ensure that it is becoming one of the most popular types of tea around. Here are the best brands to buy this variety from:
PRemium PICK
Numi Tea
Numi Tea is practically the new kid on the block, only being established in 1999. Despite that, the company has quickly earned its reputation in the tea industry.
In particular, Numi tea is known for its potent, high-quality green teas. The green tea is available in an original flavor as well as a blended option.
VALUE PICK
Bigelow Tea
Bigelow Tea offers you the best of both worlds. This is a company that strikes an appropriate balance between price and quality.
As an additional bonus, this brand allows you to enjoy some of the greenest tea flavors around. There are no other profiles or aromas to intrude on the natural taste.
OUR PICK
Tazo Tea
If you are serious about your green tea, then you will be hard-pressed to find a brand that offers you as much in terms of selection and flavor.
While Tazo is only just now really beginning to pick up steam, the reason for its popularity is clear. This company is responsible for some of the most innovative green tea on the market.
Herbal Tea
As you may be well aware, herbal tea isn’t actually “tea” at all. Nevertheless, it is quite a popular drink. These are the brands that offer up the best flavor and nutrient profile:
PREMIUM PICK
Smith Teamaker
In business since 1949, Smith Teamaker has gained a reputation for being a discerning producer. It is particularly well-known for its delicious herbal brews.
Each type has been carefully sourced, ensuring that the taste is as wholesome and as natural as possible. This is an excellent brand for a hardcore enthusiast.
VALUE PICK
Yogi Tea
Yogi is known for its wholesome production practices, ensuring that every cup you drink is safe and healthy.
At the same time, this is a rather adventurous brand with a wide blend of herbal teas available. Best of all, the range is quite affordable.
Our PICK
Pukka Tea
If you would like a more holistic approach to your herbal teas, then the Pukka tea company is it. The brand has a major focus on wellbeing.
This is reflected in their herbal teas. A number of their tisanes have been specially blended to produce a variety of positive and healthy effects.
White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all the teas derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. As such, it boasts a lighter and sweeter flavor than its counterparts. Here are some of the brands that truly bring this tea to life:
PREMIUM PICK
Harney and Sons Tea
Unlike many of the other brands on this list, this company got its start in the United States. Since then, however, it has worked to stay as true to the original tea roots as possible.
At the same time, this distinguished brand has taken the liberty of composing some unique blends to appeal to more adventurous tea drinkers in the country.
VALUE PICK
Allegro Tea
Not only is Allegro an American company, but it produces just as much coffee as it does tea. Despite this split pedigree, the brand stands out as one of the better options on the market.
The company takes quite a bit of care in sourcing their ingredients, ensuring that you end up with a delicious and wholesome cup of white tea.
OUR PICK
Salada Tea
Salada is a bit of a cult hit among tea drinkers. Although it isn’t as widely known as some of the other brands on this list, it has nonetheless left its mark.
One of the more discerning traits of this brand is that it uses a mix of traditional and modern techniques to produce some of the finest tasting mid-range tea around.
Oolong Tea
You can think of Oolong tea as a mix between dark and green teas. Thus, when you drink this tea, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Now, let’s take a look at the brands that do this better than the rest.
PREMIUM PICK
Vadham Tea
This exclusive tea brand is all about cutting the middlemen out of the process. As a result, you are provided with an oolong tea that is as close to the natural source as possible.
This is just one of the reasons that Vadham Tea is our premium pick.
VALUE PICK
Teatulia Tea
Teatulia Tea has really picked up steam over the last few years. While it does offer a number of teas, its oolong options do stand out for their unique and notable taste.
Thus, you will be hard-pressed to go wrong by selecting this brand.
OUR PICK
Republic of Tea
Republic of Tea stays as close to its tea origins as possible. As such, you can expect a more traditional taste with this brand.
At the same time, the company isn’t afraid to get a little creative as well, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
So, there you have it. These are the best tea brands for virtually every type of tea that you would like to drink. The next time you are considering making a switch, keep these tea brands in mind. As you can see, there is something here for everyone.