Although most Americans drink coffee, tea has a lengthy history in the United States. Even though coffee is more popular than tea, the traditional brew is still a fan favorite. And with the rise of the wellness movement, more and more of us are turning to tea for its antioxidant properties. This article has a full list of the best tea brands in the world, so if you’re looking for some luxury or bottled brands, we’ve got you covered.
The Best Tea Brands In The World
#1. The Republic of Tea
The Republic of Tea has been creating artisanal tea blends since 1992, when it began sourcing leaves and botanicals from the world’s finest tea gardens. The company’s “smell-the-roses attitude (“sip by sip, rather than gulp by gulp”) pairs nicely with a warm cup of tea. The Republic of Tea is a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership. It has a business model that supports positive social and environmental development. So, drinking this tea will make you feel good in more ways than one.
When it comes to drinks, this brand has great blends in all categories, but their green teas are especially good. If you’re new to green tea, their Honey Ginseng mix is a great place to start. It’s softly sweet and pleasantly mellow.
#2. Yogi
For the past 30 years, Yogi, an Oregon-based firm with international success, has used tea leaves and herbs to make medicinal elixirs inspired by Ayurvedic principles. Their high-quality botanicals and spices are responsibly sourced, with many of them originating in India and South Asia, where Yogi strives to improve local communities while promoting sustainable methods. What was the end result? A delightful and wildly profitable line of teas that can be found at every grocery shop. But, green tea lovers, take note: one of Yogi’s best-selling teas is their Super Antioxidant green tea, a stronger blend with overtones of lemongrass and licorice that admirers describe as “downright fantastic” (and healthy to boot).
#3. Fgorganics
If you value sustainability, look no further than FGOrganics, or FGO for short. The company is proud to offer high-quality organic teas, superfoods, and edible flowers at a fair price. The teas are also packaged in environmentally friendly tea bags made of abacá hemp fiber paper, which is devoid of dyes, adhesives, glue, and chlorine bleach, as well as staples and strings. All of their products are USDA organic and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, their green tea is often thought to be the best. It’s obtained from China’s tea areas, and your first sip will transport you there.
#4. Jade Leaf Matcha
The Jade Leaf Matcha Company focuses solely on matcha. Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder, and its restricted concentration has paid off in the form of excellent accolades. The company was founded by two ardent matcha drinkers who were fed up with the low-quality goods available in the United States and decided to do something about it. The Kizuna tea collective, which uses both modern and traditional methods to nurture the tastiest and most nutritious matcha leaves, produces all of Jade Leaf Matcha’s products. Both the Kizuna collective and the Jade Leaf Matcha brand have done something very well, since their original matcha product has received tens of thousands of five-star ratings from matcha fans who love its great taste and energizing effects.
#5. Harney & Sons Inc.
As the name implies, this East Coast tea company is a family affair. The Harneys are tea enthusiasts. This shows in the high-quality fair trade blends they produce, which include classic and unique flavor profiles. For three generations, the Harneys have been making, blending, and packaging high-quality teas that make tea lovers drool. While there are plenty of intriguing alternatives in Harney & Sons’ inventory, enthusiasts claim their Hot Cinnamon Spice black tea is not to be missed. A boldly flavored black tea blends with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel to create a comforting beverage with a lot of personalities.
#6. Vahdam
VAHDAM, founded by Indian tea aficionado Bala Sarda, has cut away the middlemen to bring tea enthusiasts mug after mug of the finest ingredients available from the country’s famed tea estates. It’s an ethical business strategy that directly benefits farmers, who far too often work for low wages. The VADHAM mixes are inspired by native healing traditions, and because they are all made from hand-picked leaves and herbs in India, the result is quality you can taste. Try their Earl Grey mix, a fresh spin on a classic that combines the outstanding flavor of long-leaf black tea with the exquisite citrus aroma of pure bergamot oil for a balanced drink that’s difficult to resist.
#7. Bigelow
Bigelow Tea has been operating for decades and is still a family-run business. They become a Certified B Corporation over time. Thus, indicating that they satisfy high standards of environmental and social openness and accountability. Before making it to the store shelves, each batch of tea goes through 26 quality checks. All 120+ types of tea are individually wrapped in foil pouches to keep their flavor, freshness, and smell while they are waiting to be used in your pantry. Constant Comment, a blend of black tea, orange rinds, and sweet spices, is popular for a reason. It’s Bigelow’s most closely guarded formula in the ever-expanding collection. Even now, the recipe is identical to the 1945 original, and it is only brewed by family members, ensuring a deliciously special cup of tea every time.
#8. Twinings
Twinings of London has been manufacturing high-quality tea for over 300 years, so it’s safe to assume that this hugely successful English tea firm knows what it’s doing. The classic black teas have a full-bodied flavor thanks to teas carefully sourced from Kenya, Malawi, and Assam, while ingredients from other places lend a milder taste for a cup of the good stuff that’s both balanced and complex. You can find Twinings teas pretty much everywhere, and despite their large-scale operation, the company commits to ethical sourcing techniques (so you can drink any blend in good conscience). Not sure what flavor to choose? You can’t go wrong with the Queen’s favorite tea: Twinings classic English Breakfast tea.
#9. Numi
The Iraq-born, Oakland-based Numi sibling combo came together as business partners with a common ambition to effect positive change and, of course, a mutual love of tea. Today, Ahmed Rahim and Reem Hassani use their company to advance humanitarian causes while maintaining high ethical standards in the manufacture of their gourmet tea blends. The larger the leaf, the greater the quality of tea—and Numi employs only the fullest tea leaves (along with rare and exotic ingredients) to create blends that are considerably richer, smoother, and more refined than the average alternative. Fans of the brand rave about its herbal tea variety in particular. Numi’s Moroccan Mint is one such example: a lively and invigorating tea with the subtle sweetness of young spearmint and a scent that will wake you up without the use of caffeine.
#10. Traditional Medicinals
“Sustainability, ingredient integrity, and social and environmental activism” are what drive Traditional Medicinals’ business, but you may know them better for their high-end line of teas that focus on health. Rosemary Gladstar, a third-generation herbalist, instructor, as well as an author on the subject of herbal studies, and Drake Sadler formed Traditional Medicinals in 1974. Although the pair is no longer engaged in the firm, the brand has remained faithful to its initial aim of providing consumers with natural, herbal medicines. As a result, this brand remains a favorite among tea enthusiasts looking for high-quality herbal blends. Traditional Medicinals have a broad variety of teas with a devoted following, but a cup of their chamomile and lavender combination is said to be a truly divine way to unwind (and maybe even drift off).
#11. Tazo
Tazo teas are non-GMO, and the company has recently shifted its focus to environmental stewardship with Tazo Tree Corps. The company established this tree-planting workforce in conjunction with American Forests to assist reforest BIPOC communities in five major cities that have been disproportionately affected by climate change. They have a slew of unique herbal teas on offer (think Wild Apple Sarsaparilla, Prickly Pear Cactus, Glazed Lemon Loaf, and more), but the Passion variation is without a doubt the most popular. (We’re guessing it’s because Starbucks used to sell Tazo brand teas in their stores.) With mouth-puckering hibiscus, orange peel, rose hip, and passion fruit, this blend of herbs makes a tropical-inspired tea that is one for the books.
#12. Teeccino
Teeccino specializes in herbal coffee and tea, and they do it well. Caroline MacDougall, a tea designer who has won awards, started it in 1993 with the goal of making a line of strong-tasting alternatives that both tea and coffee lovers could enjoy. Teeccino has reached its original goal of making herbal teas that taste good and are good for you because they are made from a mix of organic herbs, fruits, and nuts. You may be wary of any tea that promises to taste like coffee, but trust us: the creamy, chocolatey, and somewhat bitter profile of Teeccino’s Dandelion Coconut tea will convert you.
#13. Smith Teamaker
Steven Smith, a tea master too humble to accept the title, created Smith Teamaker in Portland (though fans will tell you that you can taste it in every sip of his stuff). The Smith Teamaker concept is based on creativity, which results in small-batch blends that all begin with inspiration and go through rigorous testing before making their way to your mug. In other words, when it comes to making good tea, the mixologist-in-chief does not skimp. Smith Teamaker’s White Petal tea exemplifies the company’s commitment to quality: it’s a silky, gentle, and aromatic blend of Chinese full-leaf white tea with flower petals. In essence, it tastes like a new relationship.
#14. Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors of Harrogate is a Yorkshire-based family business that makes both premium coffee and specialty teas. When it comes to the latter, Taylors of Harrogate is known for cultivating strong partnerships with top-tier farms and cooperatives in tea-growing regions in order to get only the finest and most flavorful components available.
The brand has been operating since 1886, but its dedication to treating people with love and respect in all aspects of business hasn’t wavered. Taylors of Harrogate continues to please its dedicated fanbase with more than just its famous Yorkshire tea by upholding the finest standards. Taylor white tea, a creamy mix with delicate flavors of peach and flower petals, is said to be a pure, soul-soothing triumph by those in the know.
#15. Rishi
Rishi was started in 1997 by Joshua Kaiser, an avid traveler with a passion to introduce the wonderful teas he had tasted in Asia to the western world—and the company has succeeded in doing so. The company values social responsibility and obtains ingredients for its carefully made line of teas through direct trading with artisan producers. Rishi teas are, thus, a love letter to the culinary and floral arts, and you can taste them in every mix. Try the loose-leaf Peach Blossom white tea if you want to discover one of our favorites. The sweet and dreamy smell creates a calming brew that tastes like summer…and it’s wonderful hot or cold.
#16. The Tao of Tea
The Tao of Tea, a Fair Trade firm situated in Portland, Oregon, produces beverages as well as tea blends free of artificial flavors, additives, and preservatives. Since 1997, they’ve been selling herbs, mixes, and specialty teas, and they spend time working with growers to acquire the greatest harvest leaves. Their teas are not only organic, but they also create awareness about sustainable tea cultivation and aim to conserve the ecosystems from which they acquire their components. Because it’s prepared with pure organic hibiscus blossoms and organic dried ginger, this hibiscus-ginger loose-leaf tea is equal parts sweet, tart, and spicy.
#17. DavidsTea
David’s Tea, which was founded in Quebec, offers an astounding number of palate-pleasing and fully original loose-leaf tea blends in eye-catching canisters and compact bags alike…but it’s the unique combination of tastes that keeps admirers coming back for more. David’s Tea, as a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, maintains excellent standards at all stages of the production process, but the way those ethically sourced ingredients come together is a testament to the power of imagination. Try this coconut-caramel spin on classic rooibos tea and see how its tastes blend with relaxing valerian root.
Best Tea Brands In the USA
These are tea brands established in the United States that diligently acquire tea from throughout the world, produce proprietary blends, and also obsess over minutiae like the material of their tea bags or direct farmer contacts.
#1. The Tao of Tea
This American tea brand takes pleasure in finding teas from all around the world that are free of artificial flavors, additives, and preservatives. Although their first teahouse opened in 1997, you may now purchase The Tao of Tea’s teas online.
#2. Harney & Sons Inc.
Harney & Sons is one of the most well-known premium American tea brands, with a sophisticated air evocative of the long-established tea stores that may be found nestled away on a London street. Their inventory ticks all the boxes of a posh tea supplier, from silky sachets to loose-leaf varieties in beautiful containers.
#3. The Tea Spot
With a mostly online presence, The Tea Spot has won numerous Global Tea Championship accolades for its own blends and teaware. They provide a large selection of loose and bagged tea to choose from.
#4. Buddha Teas
Buddha Teas is best recognized as an American tea company that specializes in hard-to-find herbal and mushroom teas such as ashwagandha, burdock, and Chaga. They employ eco-friendly packaging, only organic ingredients, and concentrate on teas that provide the most natural advantages.
5. Smith Teamaker
Steven Smith, the original founder of Tazo before the tea brand was sold to Starbucks and co-founder of Stash-a prominent grocery store tea label-founded Smith Teamaker. This time, he focused on small-batch tea from the finest tea sources. The decades of tea knowledge are evident, as there is an abundance of information on their website about every blend and supplier.
#6. Numi
Numi, founded in 1999 by a brother-sister team, goes above and above by requiring laboratory testing on all of its teas, which are also grown using Fair Trade principles. Their bread and butter are organic and ethically sourced bagged tea, which is widely available in retail chains across the United States.
#7. Tea Forté
Tea Forté is a high-end American tea manufacturer best known for its patented, FDA-approved pyramid infuser (essentially a sachet tea bag). They are branded as “elegant” and “design-driven,” and they sell a variety of individual tea varieties, curated sets, and teaware online as well as at upscale retailers and supermarkets worldwide.
#8. Upton Tea Imports
Upton Tea Imports, self-proclaimed “loose-leaf tea experts,” takes pride in providing only premium loose-leaf teas from throughout the world. Founded in 1989, Upton is very clear in its concentration on its vast choices for more interested tea lovers, with little concern for elaborate packaging or branding.
#9. Simple Loose Leaf
A sibling trio owns and operates Simple Loose Leaf, which has a reasonably successful tea subscription business. You can also make a one-time purchase of any loose tea from their shop.
#10. The Great Mississippi Tea Company
This is a tea company based in Mississippi.
By utilizing new procedures and lowering pesticide use, the Great Mississippi Tea Company aims to create a workable model for ethically and sustainably farmed tea. The company has received multiple Global Tea Championship prizes and has been included in the Rare Tea line of the British tea company Fortnum & Mason. They also provide tours and hands-on experiences to learn about the processing of their green, black, and oolong teas.
The Best Luxury Tea Brands
While it is acceptable to pull out the typical tea bags, there is something special about presenting a premium cup of tea to yourself or your friends. If you aren’t planning on purchasing that costly teapot, why not try out these luxury tea brands:
#1. Harney & Sons Inc.
The Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea is a go-to when it comes to black tea.
From its lavish-looking bronze package to its tempting perfume and exquisite flavor, the product radiates luxury despite being reasonably priced. The exquisite balance of the robust black tea base complementing its aromas of cinnamon, sweet clove, and orange peel is what makes this cup so special.
#2. Organic Sun Goddess Pique
Tea enthusiasts occasionally seek out a more exotic-tasting brew, such as matcha, and I cannot suggest Pique Organic Sun Goddess highly enough for this type of tea. When opened, the product is a powder that is astoundingly fine and scented.
The product is produced from the best young green tea leaves to retain the majority of the health benefits associated with matcha. A cup has a stronger earthy flavor that is complemented by its natural sweetness and smooth and creamy texture.
#3. Blue Imperial Himalayan White Tea from Vahdam Teas
Some tea consumers, on the other hand, want something lighter, and Vahdam Teas’ Blue Imperial Himalayan White Tea is the most delightful option. The product is gathered from the Himalayan slopes and foothills in long loose leaves that beautifully stretch when soaked.
Its exquisite perfume transfers nicely into flavor, with notes of primrose and peonies providing a delicate floral taste that is balanced by traces of stone fruit for an added citrus sweetness.
#4. The Tea Makers of London
If you want to find the Goldilocks zone between black tea and green tea for your cup of tea, go for semi-oxidized oolong tea. With its Rare High Mountain Ali Shan Loose Leaf Oolong Tea, The Tea Makers of London provides the most refreshing cup.
The black and gold tea caddy is magnificent in and of itself, but the rolled tea leaves inside are even more remarkable because they are produced and harvested 2,000 meters above sea level.
A cup of this superb tea has multiple layers of flavor and texture. The fragrant flavor is jasmine-like and hits you right away, followed by apricot and pear undertones. Its sweetness is complex, with some tasting honey and others describing it as vanilla-like.
#5. Forte Tea
Herbal teas are perfect for tea drinkers who want to experiment with new flavor combinations or those who wish to avoid caffeine. Tea Forte’s Belgian Mint Herbal Tea wins in both categories.
Along with dried peppermint leaves to enhance the beverage’s stimulating mint flavor, cacao seed husks are added for sweetness. Because of its particular flavor character, it is an excellent afternoon tea.
What Tea Does The Royal Family Drink?
The royal family drinks Earl Grey, Decaf Latte, Darjeeling tea, Breakfast tea, Cappuccino, and Green Juice.
What Should You Look Out For In Luxury Tea Brands?
#1. Product Excellence
It is an excellent indicator that the tea leaves are evenly shaped, smooth, and free of wood bits or stalks. With moderate treatment, it should not break or crumble, whether huge or split up.
If using tea bags, give the leaves enough space to unfurl and release more flavor. Check for clumping or wood residues if the product is in powder form.
Tea packaging should be free of tears and other signs of rough handling for all types of tea.
#2. Aroma and flavor
The more potent the fragrance, the better. With a whiff, you should be able to discern the tea’s nuances. After brewing, the flavor should be consistent with the notes, with little to no rough, bitter, or artificial flavor.
How To Pick The Best Luxury Tea Brand
Though we are seeking luxury tea brands, we won’t be fussy with its pricing, but the product should still have a fantastic value for money if the parameters indicated above are met. You should also be aware of your tea preferences, as not all black tea enthusiasts enjoy white tea or matcha tea.
Best Bottled Tea Brands
Here are some bottled tea brands you can try:
#1. Lipton Peach Iced Tea
Lipton’s peach iced tea is a summertime favorite, with the ideal balance of sweet and cold. If you have any fresh fruit on hand, we recommend adding some chopped peaches and ice to the mix to add some extra flavor.
#2. Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea
Pure Leaf bottled iced teas are all about brewing actual tea leaves to create flavor-packed beverages. There are a variety of additional tastes available, all of which are free of artificial sweeteners and flavors.
#3. Pineapple Blueberry Tea from Teavana
Teavana’s iced tea, with overtones of hibiscus, pineapple, and blueberry, transports you to the tropics. It has no caffeine and no artificial flavors, making it suitable for the entire family.
#4. Argo Tea Hibiscus Lemonade
Iced tea has been a popular beverage in the United States for almost a century, and Argo Tea reminds us why. This iced tea is tasty and packed with authentic ingredients, combining cool hibiscus with lemonade for a low-calorie, slightly sweet drink.
#5. Spindrift Iced Tea
Spindrift’s sparkling water is effervescent, unsweetened, and bursting with flavor, combining fresh lemon juice with black tea for a crisp and delightful drink that requires no more effort than opening the container. See how Spindrift stacks up against other sparkling water brands.
#6. Honest Tea Honey Green Tea
Green tea with a touch of honey is a fantastic pick-me-up, especially since Honest Tea’s brew is organic, hand-picked, and fair trade certified, making it healthy for the world and your taste buds.
#7. Tejava Original Black Tea
You are deserving of some championship tea. Tejava’s award-winning iced tea is made from Indonesian tea leaves and is free of sugar, preservatives, and calories. It has a devoted fanbase and good ratings for a reason!
#8. Sweet Tea from Arizona
Arizona Iced Tea thinks that the key to great tea is simplicity, which is why they keep its bottled blends basic. Its sweet tea is a sweetened combination of black tea leaves, and its four other tastes range from lemon to a classic Arnold Palmer. Here’s why Arizona tea is still 99 cents a cup.
#9. Lemon Iced Tea by Snapple
Snapple can do it all, from bottle cap trivia to iced tea. This time, they’re combining lemon taste with black and green teas to create a light and refreshing summer beverage.
#10. Iced Green Tea from Steaz
Steaz’s organic and gently sweetened iced green tea with lime and pomegranate is a great way to get your caffeine fix in the afternoon. Green tea is combined with peach and blueberry in other flavors. Don’t forget to check out our list of the finest tea bags for iced tea!
Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf Tea
It can be difficult to choose between loose-leaf tea and tea bags/sachets/pyramids when selecting a luxury tea.
The key distinction is that loose-leaf tea takes longer to brew but tastes better. You must have a teapot or a single-cup strainer. The teapot or strainer must be washed and dried after use.
A tea bag is quicker to steep and dispose of, although it often contains lower-quality tea and ground-up twigs.
Several of the premium sites mentioned above sell tea bags or sachets containing high-quality tea. Another problem with tea bags is that they aren’t big enough for the tea leaves to expand and brew properly.
Pyramid-shaped bags provide more space for tea, although they are still not perfect.
So, which you should choose is determined by your budget and the amount of time you want to spend brewing and cleaning.
If you want to make a high-quality tea for guests on a special occasion, get a teapot and some loose-leaf tea.
Get a box of tea bags or tea sachets instead if you want something inexpensive, quick, and uncomplicated for your usual morning tea. You may get a fantastic assortment of loose-leaf tea sachets at Harney & Sons.
What Is UK’s Most Popular Tea?
The most popular tea in the UK is Black Tea. It is the most bought and used in England.
Are there any tea brands that are organic or use sustainable practices?
Yes, there are several tea brands that prioritize organic and sustainable practices, such as Numi, Rishi, and The Tea Spot.
Are there any tea brands that are fair trade certified?
Yes, some tea brands are fair trade certified, meaning they pay fair prices to tea producers and support sustainable livelihoods. Brands that are fair trade certified include Numi, Ten Ren, and Ethical Tea Partnership.
Are there any tea brands that offer caffeine-free options?
Yes, many tea brands offer caffeine-free options for those who want to avoid the effects of caffeine. Some popular caffeine-free tea brands include Celestial Seasonings, Traditional Medicinals, and Twinings.
What are some tea brands that offer blends for specific health benefits?
Some tea brands that offer blends for specific health benefits include Pukka Herbs, Yogi, and Traditional Medicinals.
Are there any tea brands that offer specialty teas, such as matcha or turmeric?
Yes, there are several tea brands that offer specialty teas, including Ito En, Matcha Kari, and The Tea Spot.
What are some tea brands that are known for their high-quality loose leaf tea?
Some tea brands known for their high-quality loose leaf tea include Rishi, Harney & Sons, and The Republic of Tea.
Are there any tea brands that offer unique and innovative flavors?
Yes, some tea brands offer unique and innovative flavors, such as Tiesta Tea, which offers blends such as Blueberry Wild Child and Pineapple Pina Colada.
Tea Brands: Conclusion
And there you have it, the best luxury and bottled tea brands for you to enjoy! Seeing the variety of tea brands you can choose from, you don’t have to get stuck up with the usual in your teapot.
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