Tea may not be your go-to cuppa, but perhaps it should be. Although it is not as popular in the United States as coffee, tea is loved by many, and with good reason. This ancient beverage offers a wide array of health benefits through thousands of unique and flavorful varieties, from black, green, and oolong, to white, Pu’er, and yellow. If you’re looking to add a cup to your morning routine, look no further than our list of the best black teas according to 15 experts!
A good hot beverage in the morning can help set the tone for the start of your day. But which beverage you choose may alter your afternoon, too. Although many Americans prefer coffee, tea may have more staying power regarding your caffeine boost. According to a recent survey, only 29 percent of coffee drinkers maintain their motivation throughout the afternoon, while 41 percent of those who prefer tea are still going strong.
Plus, tea offers numerous other benefits. One study shows that it may help keep your blood pressure in check by relaxing blood vessels. Paired with an apple, which is also rich in flavonoids, tea can add years to your lifespan. Drinking coffee and/or tea can also lower the risk of stroke, liver failure and dementia. What’s not to love about that?
Tea can even help you lose weight and burn fat! Researchers in Japan have found that drinking oolong tea stimulates fat-burning processes in the body. This can occur even as you sleep. In addition to the caffeine it contains, which impacts metabolism, tea consumption may also increase the breakdown of fat. In one study the researchers conducted, participants who drank oolong tea increased their breakdown of fat by 20 percent, including after they fell asleep. Win-win!
The benefits are clear. So are you ready to divine your perfect cup of tea? To help narrow down your search, we’ve reviewed the recommendations from 15 experts and found the consensus top picks of the best black teas on the market. Have a favorite go-to tea you don’t see on our list? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Black Teas, According to Experts
1. Positively Tea Company Organic Assam TGFOP
A staple in India, Assam tea is grown in tropical climates with lots of rain, lending it a strong flavor and dark color which can be likened to chocolate. Sencha Tea Bar writes, “Assam black tea is a bold, malty black tea and is among the best sellers in the category. This tea comes from the Indian region of Assam, which is the largest tea producing region in the world. Assam tea comes from the assamica variety of the Camellia sinensis tea plant.”
Like the name, it is positively delicious! “Allow your taste buds to savor a sweetly smooth, yet complex flavor profile by the Positively Tea Company. ‘Assam Organic Black Tea’ is certified USDA organic and originates from the state of Assam in India. It is also a staple breakfast option for the majority in the Indian subcontinent. The tea itself is naturally rich in antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, and caffeine. Moreover, it contains no preservatives, additives, or colorants—giving you the confidence of a caffeinated beverage without any unhealthy ingredients,” says Just A Taste.
Foodal lays out more about this blend: “Wondering what TGFOP means? Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (TGFOP). The acronym actually derives from the early days of the Dutch tea traders, and portions of the original meaning are somewhat unclear. The term Pekoe signifies mostly intact and unbroken leaves that can also have a small amount of tea buds included in the mix. The Orange portion probably refers to the House of Orange, or Holland’s royal family. Then as well as now, Orange corresponds with the best quality. Tippy Golden Flowery refers to the lighter colored ends of the leaves. Bottom Line: the tea structure is really good and this specification refers to the appearance of the cured leaves – not necessarily how they taste. Clear as mud?”
2. Twinings of London English Breakfast Tea
One of the oldest tea brands in the world, Twinings offers a classic English Breakfast Tea that won’t steer you wrong as part of the most important meal of the day. Full Coffee Roast puts it in the top spot, enthusing, “It has a robust and well-balanced flavor that is made complex with its malty texture, a tinge of sweetness, and flowery undertones. The lingering smoky aftertaste is surprisingly pleasant, as well. The flavor profile’s intricacy can be credited to the leaves that were carefully picked in five different regions of Kenya, Malawi, Assam, China, and Indonesia, ensuring a quality cuppa with great value for money.”
You won’t be disappointed after brewing this. “This English Breakfast tea is the top favorite of fitness enthusiasts. You can easily spot it anywhere due to its premium red packaging. The amazing blend is a go-to for many tea drinkers whose day doesn’t start without having a flavor-rich cup of tea,” adds TheStreet.
BestReviews touts its versatility: “Single-origin, unblended black tea ideal for breakfast, Kombucha, and iced tea.”
3. Lipton Black Tea
A well-known brand with a solid product, Lipton is often used to make iced tea. It’s widely available, affordable, and flavorful for anyone looking for a refreshing drink. For its general utilitarian qualities, Lipton earns 10 out of 10 sporks. “If you’re looking for the best standard black tea that’s available pretty much anywhere, Lipton undeniably takes that spot. It’s not the fanciest tea on the market or the most beautifully packaged; it is, however, wonderfully affordable and utilitarian. It has a standard, lightly bitter black tea flavor that makes it taste great hot or iced. It would also make an ideal base for an Arnold Palmer, homemade bubble tea, or a tea-based cocktail. These trusty tea bags can do no wrong!” raves Sporked.
Good Housekeeping says it’s especially loved by iced tea drinkers. “A favorite iced tea amongst our testers, one says, ‘It’s the perfect thirst quencher with lots of fresh squeezed lemon and ice added.’ Available in many different forms including iced, sweetened, flavored, in gallon size bags and K-cup pods, among others, our testers prefer the original tea bag version.”
Top List Brands points out its eco-friendly initiative: “All the tea bags are certified by the Rainforest Alliance to allow them to be as sustainable as possible.”
4. Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold Tea
As its name seems to imply, Yorkshire Gold can be a little pricey, but many consumers believe it’s worth the higher price tag. If not, you can also give Yorkshire Red a go for a more affordable alternative.
The Spruce Eats places this high-quality Yorkshire Gold at the top of its list. “Taylors of Harrogate has produced high-quality tea for more than a century, and Yorkshire Gold is the finest black tea the UK brand offers. Customers describe the flavor as bold, complex, and malty; some even detect a slight floral aroma that enhances each and every sip. With tea leaves sourced from top gardens in Assam, Kenya, and Rwanda, this delicious breakfast blend can be enjoyed with or without milk.”
According to FindThisBest, this brand values sustainability. Why? “Taylors of Harrogate is Carbon Neutral, Ethical Tea Partnership, and Rainforest Alliance Certified, making it a sustainable and ethical choice for tea lovers,” they write.
Spirit and Destiny says it’s the best proper brew, writing, “One of the nation’s favorites is a hardy and reliable Yorkshire tea. Bright and golden in color with different flavors, this one just had to make it onto our list.”
5. Harney & Sons Decaffeinated Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
If you love black tea but prefer to avoid caffeine, this is the one for you! Girl Cooks World writes, “Even though we understand that not everyone is a fan of decaffeinated black tea, for those people who do enjoy this type of tea, these tea bags are worth checking out. That’s because this black tea has a sweet, spicy flavor profile that many consumers are going to love. How do they come up with this distinctive aroma and taste profile? They achieve it by combining quality black teas with an array of spices and we presume, a little bit of magic.”
Plus, the flavor is unmatched, and Harney & Sons offers decades of quality to back it up. Tealeavz adds, “Cinnamon Spice is a perfect combination of cinnamon with a bright, full Ceylon black tea. Savor the richly aromatic flavor of cinnamon and the spicy, crisp finish of orange and cloves.”
MedMunch loves the packaging: “Customers who want a gourmet, high-end tea will love this product. The beautiful tin, that can be reused, gives an instant sense of occasion before you have even opened the tin.”
You might also be interested in:
Sources:
- Sencha Tea Bar
- Just A Taste
- Foodal
- Full Coffee Roast
- TheStreet
- BestReviews
- Sporked
- Good Housekeeping
- Top List Brands
- The Spruce Eats
- FindThisBest
- Spirit and Destiny
- Girl Cooks World
- Tealeavz
- MedMunch
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Those are all well and good if you prefer English Breakfast or Earl Grey teas. For those of us who like a really good cup of orange pekoe tea, Red Rose makes a great orange pekoe tea. Even their decaf is great.
Bigelow vanilla chai is a favorite of mine
I only drink either loose leaf tea or tea bags stapled closed. A number of brands close their tea bags with liquid plastic. The bags leak plastic particles when boiled water is poured on them Numi Teas and Traditional Medicinal do not close their tea bags with plastic. There are numerous articles about this.
My favourite cuppa, Yorkshire Gold.
I love choice and numi and good earth has a creme earl Grey and sweet and spicy black tea, stash also has a sweet and spicy black tea.
Barry’s and Lyons Irish Black Tea are more superior to Twinnings. In addition my “go to” if stores are out of Barry’s and Lyons is PG Tips English breakfast tea.
Totally agree!
M & S extra strong tea is really quite good. It is far superior to Twinings
Where can I find that blue tea cup?
Yes, I’d like to know as well !
Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast, Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea,
PG Tips, and Tetley British Blend are some other tasty black teas.
Oh please. Any list like this without mention of Silk Road Teas is utter nonsense.
Twinning, Irish Breakfast tea.
I’m not sure why you’re promoting brands. I drink teas from Hebden Tea in York and they are amazing.
How about just a tea talk without directing readers to brand names?
You dont even mention leaf tea. Tea bags are for people who can’t be bothered with the faff of warmed tea pots, tea strainers and emptying the grouts. They dont know the difference in the taste. For true tea lovers, this article is a waste of time.
What about Ahmad Tea. I believe some of there loose tea’s have better quality than many of those companies above. The company is British also. They have a lot more different flavored tea than most of those companies named above. I agree with twining is the best but I am disappointed by having no name from Ahmad Tea among the best. They deserve to be in top 5 list.
Personal favorite harney and sons paris
I prefer LifeBoat Tea, a black Kenyan plantation tea. Wonderful flavor that is strong but not acidic. Plus you are helping the British lifeboat services.
My favorite is PG Tips along with Sainsbury’s Kenya. Cheers.