Tea is more than just a drink in Britain - it's a cultural institution. With about 100 million cups consumed each day, tea is the nation’s favourite hot drink.
It provides comfort, tradition, and a bit of ceremony. That totals nearly 36 billion cups each year. This includes classic English Breakfast, fragrant Earl Grey, and many herbal, fruit, and green tea blends.
Recent data shows that 7.7 million Brits enjoy tea at least two to three times a day, proving its enduring place in everyday life. But with so many varieties and brands to choose from, how do you know which ones are worth brewing? That’s where The Great British Tea Test comes in.
In this guide, we’ve sifted through some of the finest homegrown teas to bring you the top British blends. Do you want a strong black tea for the morning? Or maybe a light green tea for midday? Perhaps you prefer a calming herbal tea for the evening.
We have the perfect tea for you. Read on to find the best British tea brands. We will share our favourite picks and the best teas for any occasion.
How is tea made?
Most of us might think it’s as simple as dropping a teabag in a mug and pouring over boiling water. But behind every cup of tea lies a fascinating process with four main stages: withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying.
It all begins with the leaves. After they pluck them, they leave them to wither for several hours. This step reduces their moisture content, making them pliable enough for the next stage: rolling.
Rolling, usually done by a machine, shapes the leaves into long, thin pieces. This process breaks their structure to get them ready for oxidation.
This is where the magic happens. Researchers leave the leaves in controlled conditions — about 26°C — for 30 minutes to two hours. During this time, enzymes within the leaves react with oxygen, turning them darker and unlocking the flavours we love.
Finally, the sun dries the leaves. Hot air dryers remove the last traces of moisture, preparing the leaves for sorting, packing, and sending on their journey to your teapot.
What are the different types of tea
Black tea: English breakfast tea is a mix of black teas from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya. A favourite in British and Irish tea culture. However, there is much more to tea than just this classic blend. In fact, while thousands of varieties exist, a few main types consistently take centre stage.
Green tea: After black tea, green tea is another popular choice. If you’re a fan of matcha, you might already know that unfermented leaves make green tea. Pale in colour, slightly bitter in flavour, and primarily produced in China and Japan.
White tea: If you prefer something more delicate, white tea might be more your cup of tea (pun intended!). White tea comes from the same plant as black, green, and oolong teas.
They make it using only the youngest leaves. Someone picks these leaves before they can open. They then carefully dry these tender buds immediately, preserving their light, subtle flavour.
What's the healthiest type of tea
Whether you drink tea for comfort, to ease a sore throat, or to soothe your stomach, it has many health benefits. But which type of tea is the healthiest?
If you’re a fan of green teas like matcha or jasmine, there’s good news. Green tea brims with antioxidants and offers anti-inflammatory properties. One study even found that people who drink green tea more than three times a week may have a 25% lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Black tea drinkers, don’t feel left out! Favourites like Earl Grey and English breakfast may help regulate blood sugar levels and support a healthy gut microbiome.
And let’s not forget herbal infusions. Ginger and peppermint tea are well-known for helping digestion. Chamomile, which has many flavonoids, is praised for its calming effects. It may also help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
How to brew the perfect cup of tea
What’s the secret to the perfect cup of tea? Well, that depends on who you ask! Should the milk go in first or after?
Or perhaps no milk at all? How long should you let it brew? While opinions may vary, one thing’s for sure: every tea lover has their own recipe for the ultimate brew.
Start by selecting your favourite mug or cup — porcelain is always a great choice. Pop the kettle on, choose your tea, and once the water has boiled, pour it over your teabag. Brew it for 30 seconds to two minutes, which many people consider the optimal time.
When ready, give the teabag a gentle squeeze before removing it. Add a splash of milk if you like, or customise with sugar, honey, lemon, or leave it as it is. Give it a stir, sit back, and savour every sip.
Best British cuppas: tried and tested
Shake up your wake up by filling your cup with one of these tasty teas.