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7 of the best British teas

From soothing green teas to refreshing peppermint blends, we raise a cup to the best brews to try today

Dec 23, 2024 | 16 minutes to read | Holly Treacy
7 of the best British teas

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.

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OMGTea AAA+

OMGTea AAA+ won the Gold award at the Great British Food Awards 2024. It impressed judge Jack Bond, who is the chef-owner of The Cottage In The Wood. He praised its “great packaging which draws you in; incredibly easy to use with clear instruction." It has a nice aroma and a strong green colour.”  To understand the difference between AAA grade and AAA+, this matcha is exceptional quality. Great for drinking straight, Japanese-style.  This blend uses leaves from the first harvest for maximum flavour and freshness. To prepare, sift half a heaped teaspoon of matcha into a mug to remove any lumps. Add a few drops of boiling water and mix to form a paste. Then, add more water and whisk until frothy. 

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D’Amazinia Sleep Tea

D’Amazinia Sleep Tea won first place in our 2023 awards. Judge Robert Hunningher, a food and drink expert, was impressed. He is also the owner of Humdingers Catering. He praised it for delivering a “delicious, sleep-inducing experience from brewing to finishing.”  This bedtime blend features 14 potent ingredients designed to promote a restful night's sleep. If you're looking for a caffeine-free option, this tea not only tastes great but also helps to increase calm and reduce anxiety.  

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Dorset Tea, Sunshine Blend

Robert Hunningher has tried many English breakfast teas. He named Dorset Tea's Sandy Beaches blend one of the best in 2023. He described it as “an exceptional English breakfast tea.”  Although the Sandy Beaches blend isn't currently available, the Sunshine Blend is a worthy alternative. It offers a malty, flavourful taste that's perfect for your first cup of the day.

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Two Spoons Darjeeling First Flush

For those seeking a truly special cup, this Darjeeling tea is a must-try. Known as the "champagne of teas," it delights the senses with a beautiful light, amber colour when infused. Its flavour profile is equally captivating, featuring floral undertones complemented by tropical fruit notes. This tea is best enjoyed without milk to fully appreciate its delicate character. Even tea connoisseur Robert Hunnigher was impressed, saying it's a tea he would “definitely be looking to buy again.” That’s a true seal of approval.  

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Tea India, Masala Chai

Scooping the Silver award at the 2024 Great British Food Awards, this tea proves it’s far from a runner-up. A warm blend of black tea, cinnamon, cloves, and anise offers a comforting chai experience. Perfect for any time of day. Looking to elevate your cuppa? Just add sugar or honey to taste for an extra touch of indulgence.  

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The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company, Peppermint Silky Tipi Bags

Not content with just one Silver award, this fabulous blend earned runner-up honours from Jack Bond as well. This tea features the best Egyptian mint from the Nile Delta. They pair it with peppermint grown by small farmers in Malawi. Together, they create a refreshing, naturally caffeine-free drink. Perfect for winding down after dinner, this blend is a true testament to quality and craftsmanship. 

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Babington Blends, Karha Chai

Last but certainly not least, we journey to the East with this invigorating blend. This spicy Assam tea won a Silver award at the 2023 Great British Food Awards. It has a bold mix of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and red peppercorns. Each cup offers a refreshing boost. The term "Karha" refers to this traditional blend of spices, which adds depth and warmth to the robust black tea. Sure to lift your spirits, this infusion is an award-winning choice for any tea lover.  
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