As an avid tea drinker, I’m always looking for new and different flavors of my favorite hot beverage. But with so many brands out there, it can be difficult to find the perfect one. Luckily, I’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of some great tea brands. From fruity to floral, these brands will have you feeling pampered with every sip. So take a tea break by getting yourself one of these gourmet teas and enjoy!
What Is Tea?
The leaves and buds of a plant known as Camellia sinensis are used to make tea, which is the second most popular beverage in the world after water.
Small white blooms are produced by the flowering evergreen shrub Camellia sinensis, which thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Three years after the bush is planted, the leaves and buds are ready to be collected. Even though Camellia sinensis bushes can live for more than a century, it is simpler to gather leaves and buds from younger, smaller bushes. The leaves are dried and rolled after harvesting to prepare for distribution.
The traditional tea-producing nations include Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and India. However, new tea-producing nations have developed in recent years, most notably Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Kenya. Altitude, soil type, plant type, and age of the tea plant are further influencing elements, along with origin, which affect the flavor characteristics.
Any of the five origins can create any of the five varieties of tea, while some places are noted for producing a particular variety. For instance, green tea is well-known in Japan. Pu-erh and white tea are popular in China. Black tea is famous in Sri Lanka.
To assure the greatest standards in ethics, whether you select organic black tea, white tea, or green tea, it’s critical to understand where your tea is grown as well as how it is collected and delivered.
The 10 Best Tea Brands In The World
1. Harney & Sons
Harney & Sons has been a popular brand since it was founded in 1983, and with 300+ varieties of tea to choose from, there has never been a better time to drink tea.
It’s also not just about the taste – many people prefer to drink from00 tin tins rather than sachets as they are simpler, more environmentally sustainable and offer more flavor.
Priced reasonably for the quality available and adopting an environmental responsibility in its packaging is what makes Harney & Sons one of our top recommendations for anyone looking for a great tea brand.
2. Vahdam Teas
Tea has become a part of Indian culture and tradition, but Vahdam Teas is focused on preserving that tradition now.
They are committed to running with sustainability, providing not just great tea products but also preserving history by harvesting the teas from India and distributing them to the customers directly at source.
Vadham offers three sizes of tea bags, 30 for $8-14 , 3.5oz for $7-19 , or boxes of 50 bags for $10-19 each. They also offer loose leaf tea in an assortment of flavors
Oprah’s favorite Chai Private Reserve was chosen as her “go-to” tea.
It is based out of New Delhi, India and works with suppliers all over the country to ensure that the products are as fresh as possible. If you are in India, this company may provide you with a better return on your money than other brands that use inferior tea from China.
With its fresh selection of teas and its packaging, Vadham is similar to Natraj Chai which has become very popular in recent years.
3. Rishi Tea
From the first glance at their packaging, you know this is a simple brand with a focus on quality. The cool blue packaging and delicate gold lettering makes it known that they’re setting the standard for quality and expanding awareness of tea.
In selecting from gardens around the globe, they ensure use of age-old cultivation methods protect the integrity of plants. Adding a modern twist to blending for a unique cupping experience, it relates itself to single-origin coffee in terms of quality and taste. Prioritizing sustainability has also much to do with taste so all teas are organic and grown without pesticides.
Priced affordably without question, you’ll discover loose leaf and sachets forms in selection of chai, matcha, botanicals, and wellness blends that aid digestion, energy and focus.
The company is also said to be smooth with flavorful taste and that’s their tag line: Smooth Tea.
In addition to teas, you can also get Rishi in boxes of 15 tea bags for $10 or 50-ct boxes for $30.
4. Tielka – Beautiful Organic Tea
Tielka, the professional tea company based in Australia, offers an expanding line of organic teas that are sourced from around the globe. Tis collection includes herbal, green, black and white teas of different flavor profiles.
From traditional tastes of pepperberries and lavender to exotic combinations like Italian bergamot oil, all teas are carefully brewed with complex flavors for more sophisticated tea drinkers. More than just an enjoyable hedonistic indulgence, Tielka’s organic tea is certified fair trade and free from any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
The entire selection is presented in luxurious packaging with thoughtful design so consumers can enjoy their tea straight away or save it for later enjoyment. For those looking to reduce their coffee intake but still enjoy the taste, Tielka’s organic tea is an excellent choice for separate enjoyment.
5. TWG Tea
In order to create the perfect environment for their teas before they are served, in partnership with their tea suppliers TWG uses hand-sewn 100% cotton tea bags that are 100% biodegradable. This serves the purpose of creating a loose leaf tea which is better at extracting flavor and infusing quickly.
With such a strong emphasis on quality, one can only assume that taste was something Bouqdib had in mind when he started his business back in 1996.
Bouqdib traveled to over 20 tea producing countries, sampling teas and studying different tea ceremonies in order to get a better understanding of the beverage. He then decided to bring back his skills and knowledge as a tea sommelier to his homeland of Morocco, before moving on to open TWG Tea in Singapore.
TWG Tea is inspired by great life experiences. It is said that somewhere out there is the perfect cup of tea for every person, waiting for you to discover it. The TWG Tea concept with its high quality of tea and luxury ambience, is designed to be a place for tea lovers to come together and share the magic of tea.
Although these are countries with a big presence in the tea industry, TWG Tea is seen as different from other brands because of the company’s philosophy that it would only enter the market if it could bring innovation to these markets. They believe that this is the way to truly be a leader in the industry by providing a high quality experience and by introducing new ideas to consumers.
To this end, they rely heavily on existing relationships with their two tea suppliers, TWG Tea Japan and TWG Tea Taiwan, who are based in Japan and Taiwan respectively. “These regions account for approximately 80% of organic tea production in the world” – Bouqdib said.
6. Pukka Herbal Tea
Pukka’s mission is to create health and happiness through the power of plants. Founded on the Ayurvedic principle of truth, respect, purity and effort, Pukka makes herbal teas and latte powders that focus on quality.
You can also find a range of supplements that promote wellness in many different ways. “Herbal” refers to a plant or herb used for healing or medicinal purposes – it doesn’t have anything to do with being made from herbs.
With so many options, Pukka is a great choice for those who enjoy healthy beverages!
7. Yorkshire Tea
In pursuit of a proper cup of tea, one must go to Taylors of Harrogate. This quintessentially British brand is all about having a proper cup of tea and they do so in a way that’s family-oriented, fair, flavorful and with the utmost quality. The most in-demand variety is the Yorkshire Red blend with Gold being another option for those seeking something more than the traditional cuppa.
If you’re looking for something beyond just your average cuppa then be sure to check out the other varieties from Taylors such as Afternoon Darjeeling, Lemon and Ginger, Scottish Breakfast or Rose Lemonade. There are also Lapsang Souchong or Imperial Gunpowder if these don’t float your boats.
8. Twinings
Twinings is an incredibly accessible and familiar brand for tea enthusiasts and casual sippers alike; its history shows the importance of keeping family traditions alive while adapting to modern life. Founded in 1787, Twinings tea has become synonymous with tea mainly because its quality is dependable and consistent. Originally founded in the UK, Twinings became the official tea supplier of Royalty until 1933 when it created a blend called “English Breakfast” that we know today.
The company has been around for over 200 years and understands that the enjoyment of good-quality teas shouldn’t be limited to just one geographical location. This is why Twinings has expanded their sourcing to become more sustainable and explore other countries’ best-quality teas while maintaining its classic blend of black, green, herbal, and chai.
Many people remember their tea-making experience with one or two brands growing up, but Twinings is much more than just a nostalgic memory. If you are looking for a brand that’s dependable, consistent, and arguably the most familiar name in tea worldwide, go with Twinings.
9. Traditional Medicinals
Traditional Medicinals, an iconic California Tea Company, has been serving up wellness for over 40 years. From its headquarters in Eugene, Oregon, this socially focused brand is the first Certified B Corporation and California Certified Green Business across the board.
Offering a variety of effective herbal teas and health products, Traditional Medicinals utilizes sustainable business practices to achieve its goal of “Healthy People and a Healthy Planet”. With ethics at the forefront of everything they do, it’s no wonder their brand holds such high regard with consumers seeking natural remedies for their everyday needs.
One of the most popular brands on this list of best tea brands, one of the best-selling products is Throat Coat tea. A leading natural remedy for colds and sore throats, this brand is one of the top ten herbal teas.
10. Dilmah Tea
Dilmah tea began as a Sri Lankan company in 1988. At the time, Sri Lanka was struggling through a civil war and was barely able to export its products to other countries.
Dilmah’s founders required that their teas be single-origin, meaning harvested from only one garden. This was a difficult process because there were not enough plantations for this demand.
The company started out with just two types of generically labeled tea bags, which proved popular and profitable with consumers who appreciated their high quality assurance. The brand’s success continued as they expanded into tisanes and infusions before successfully creating lines of flavored teas such as apple cinnamon, peppermint mint, and vanilla chai.
In 2010, they opened a new factory in Sri Lanka to produce more ethically grown tea, keeping true to the original goal of single-origin tea manufacturing.
Dilmah’s success has since spread internationally with over 100 countries worldwide and an increasing demand for their products.
Today, the Dilmah Tea brand is not only known for their high-quality teas, but also for their innovative packaging that characterizes the brand.
Dilmah’s products are available in different styles of bags and boxes, as well as tins.
The company has a new Child School Program that donates a part of all profits to aid children in Sri Lanka’s tea groves.
Dilmah’s story revolves around its unique terroir and wonderful taste.
Different Types of Tea
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, right after water. And for good reason! There are almost as many different varieties of tea as there are people who drink them. But what are the different types of tea? Below we’ve provided a quick rundown on some of the most popular.
Green Tea
Green tea is a low-caffeine, more delicate tea with a fresh taste. It is one of the most popular brews in the world and comes from China, Japan, or India.
White Tea
White tea is a very lightly oxidized tea that has been steamed to prevent fermentation – this type of preservation gives it its light color and delicate flavor. White tea, like green tea, has a lower amount of caffeine than other teas. It has a refreshing, fruity taste and is made from the same leaves used to make green tea .
Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea is partially fermented, giving them a fuller flavor than green or white teas. They are also less oxidized than black teas and have some caffeine. The taste of oolongs varies widely between varieties but they tend to be full-bodied with crisp flavors.
Black Tea
Black tea is made from the same leaves as green and white teas but is picked at a later stage of growth and slightly more oxidized. It has a slightly bitter, astringent taste which can be attributed to the black tea’s high levels of tannin.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is brewed from the chamomile flower. The flowers are harvested, dried, and then steeped in hot water to make tea. The flower’s mild taste and soothing properties make it popular for both medicinal and culinary uses.
Rooibos
Rooibos has a bit different flavor profile than these other teas because of its high polyphenol content, which gives it its distinctive earthy flavor. The flowers are grown and the leaves rolled, dried, then heated to resensitize them. Once completed, it is then sold as loose leaf or in tea bags.
There are many different types of tea and the world has to choose which one they prefer. There’s no right or wrong type of tea – variety is the spice of life!
What To Look For When Buying the Best Tea Brands
There are so many different tea brands to choose from these days, but not all of them are created equal. You need to know what to look for if you want the one that will suit your needs best.
Flavor
The first thing you’ll want to think about is flavor. If you enjoy green tea, for example, do you also enjoy the flavor of apples? Perhaps then a flavored green tea is just what you’re looking for! Remember that tastes vary though. If you ask someone else their opinion on a particular tea, they might not agree with you.
Quality
The next thing you’ll want to take into consideration is quality. Look for a well-respected brand that has been around for some time and has a decent reputation. If you have any family members or friends who love drinking tea, don’t hesitate to ask them for recommendations. You can also look online for reviews of various brands and find out what most people think about the different teas that are currently on the market.
Types
Next, think about what type of tea you enjoy. If you’re looking for a very flavorful green, then look for a brand that uses real tea leaves and a high-quality variety that’s been air-dried. Air-drying allows the green tea leaves to retain all of their natural oils and antioxidants so they retain their complex flavors and vibrant colors.
If the flavor isn’t something you want to spend the extra money on, then consider purchasing loose leaf tea in an herbal blend . This way you can get a variety of flavors with one kind of tea and it will also save you money by not having to buy both types of tea.
Loose Leaf Tea or Tea Bags?
Teabags can be convenient, but they’re not always the best option for coffee lovers. Here are some reasons why bagged tea is not as good as loose leaf tea:
- They can distort the quality of tea leaves by encasing them in bags and obscuring the tangible quality, so it’s difficult to know what you’re getting with bagged teas. Loose leaf tea brands go to great lengths to ensure all their tea is top quality. With bagged teas, you’ll never know if you’re getting a high-quality blend or a cheap imitation–the only way to find out is by trusting the brand name or going strictly on taste tests. This means that there’s no guarantee that your loose leaf tea will be of the same quality as your favorite brand.
- Bagged teas are convenient and make it easier for you to brew a cup of tea, but when you’re paying a premium price for that convenience, it’s also important to be getting the most out of your cup. With loose leaf tea, you get to customize the strength and flavor of your cup, while bagged teas are simply pre-mixed with quantities determined by a single company–and this means that there can be no tasting variety .
- While bagged teas are convenient, they can also be messy–when they’re opened and the tea leaves spill out, it can be hard to fit them back in. They’re also difficult to dispose of because of their relatively small size. Loose leaf tea is easy to brew and it’s mess-free, making for quick clean up.
- Loose leaf tea can be prepared to suit your taste and brewing needs. Since bagged teas are pre-mixed, you’re automatically using the same style tea that the company sells–your taste preferences won’t change the flavor of your cup. With loose leaf, it’s easy to create a cup that suits your personal tastes.
- Loose leaf tea is more flavorful than bagged teas. Bagged teas are pre-measured and mixed, so you’ll never know what strength of flavor you’re getting. Loose leaf tea allows you to control the level of flavor your cup contains, which means that it can be replicated to match your preferences.
- If a bag of tea is just too much for one person but not enough for two people, then a bag is the only way to go. A loose leaf teabag is perfect for an individual and will be enough to share with a friend.
Is It Worth It to Buy Organic Tea?
If you want to live a healthy life, you need to invest in organic tea. Just like strawberries and spinach, the tea plant is susceptible to pesticides. When you’re sipping on your favorite herbal blend, did you know that it might contain traces of chemicals that are linked with cancer? We think that your health is too important to risk on conventional tea. All of organically grown teas are safe for consumption and highly beneficial for your mind and body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we are sure that you must have found it impressive to learn there are well over 100 teas brands out there. The wisest approach is to stick with the 10 listed above, among other well-known brands. These teas are easy to find and great tasting, but never forget a drink should always be chosen for its benefits as well as its taste!