There is nothing quite like a cup of tea - whether you love a cup of milky English Breakfast or a rejuvenating herbal brew, we are here to help you find the best teabags to keep your cupboard stocked. While we might not all agree on the milk-first or milk-last debate, there's one thing we can agree on - the healing powers of tea. Whether you're curling up with a book or catching up with friends, the right tea bag can make the experience. From your beloved kettle to cup, the therapeutic benefits of a pot of tea can not be underestimated.
The world of tea is vast and varied. From strong black tea to the earthy notes of green tea, there's a flavour for every occasion and preference. With a vast number of choices available, we are here to help navigate you through our favourites. So whether you're searching for the perfect gifts for tea lovers or looking to restock, we are here to guide you.
Best teabags at a glance:
• Best tasting teabags: Twinings English Breakfast Tea - View on Amazon UK
• Best rich teabags: Barry's Gold Blend - View on Amazon UK
• Best blend for sleep: Clipper Organic Infusion Snore and Peace - View on Amazon UK
• Best for detoxing: Traditional Medicinals Tea Organic Dandelion - View on Amazon UK
With so many types, including green tea, herbal infusions, and classic black teas, there's always a new flavour waiting to be discovered. You could also consider trying a monthly tea subscription box to help you discover new types. When it comes to teabags, it's not just about the tea inside but also the bag itself. Traditional paper teabags have been a staple for years, offering convenience and simplicity. On the other hand, silk teabags are often found cradling premium blends and are entirely free from microplastics.
We've explored the best on the market and tried and tested blends to bring you a list of the best teabags on the market. From household names to artisanal brands, there's something here for everyone. Whether you're sipping from a classic cup and saucer or on the go with your trusty travel mug, let's get into it.
Best teabags
Best tasting teabags
Twinings English Breakfast Tea is celebrated across the UK for its rich flavour and subtle nuances; this tea is a harmonious blend of Indian Assam, Kenyan, and Sri Lankan Ceylon leaves. The distinct Ceylon touch adds depth, making every sip a symphony of flavours. Awarded for its taste, it's the perfect companion to start your day.
Customer review: "Strong tea that tastes very nice, definitely worth having again."
Pros
- Biodegradable plant-based tea bags
- 320 tea bags
- Great flavour
- Assam tea
Cons
- Stronger than most English Breakfast teas
Best value teabags
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Let's start with a classic Yorkshire Tea - a household staple for some. This bulk bag of black tea is excellent value, filled with 600 teabags; there will be no shortage of tea in your home.
Customer review: "I recently purchased the Yorkshire Tea Bags 1.875 Kg and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with this product. Not only is it a great value for the amount of tea bags you get, but the taste is also exceptional. As an avid tea drinker, I have tried many different brands and flavors, but Yorkshire Tea has quickly become one of my favorites. The tea bags are easy to use and the perfect size for a delicious cup of tea. I highly recommend this product to anyone who loves a good cup of tea."
Pros
- Great value
- Bulk item
- Household classic
Cons
- Some may prefer other black tea brands
Best rich teabags
You will love Barry's Gold Blend if you like rich, malty flavours. This blend is popular in Ireland and is infused with the essence of Indian Assam, Kenyan, and Rwandan leaves, offering a robust and satisfying taste.
Customer review: "Barry’s tea is simply the best."
Pros
- Strong, rich flavour
- Most popular brew in households across Ireland
- It has dark malty flavours
- Biodegradable bags,
Cons
- It can be too intense for some
Best decaf teabags
www.abelandcole.co.uk
Clipper's Decaf Everyday Tea is an organic Assam tea specially selected to retain full flavour even after decaffeination. Perfect for when you need a cuppa tea and a good night's sleep.
Customer review: " I love this Clipper tea. I do try and keep my caffeine intake minimal, and this helps. This tastes much the same as regular tea to me. I also love the not bleached bags that it comes in. Overall, it feels like a healthy choice."
Pros
- Plastic free teabags
- Organic tea
- Decaf
Cons
- Some
Best earl grey teabags
twinings.co.uk
Twinings Earl Grey is a classic blend with a citrusy twist of bergamot - whether you prefer it with a splash of milk or take it black, it's a flavoured tea.
Our review: "I love this tea; excellent value, great full flavour and tastes lovely with or without milk."
Pros
- Delicate and refreshing
- You can have it with or without milk
- Tastes of bergamot and lemon.
- Biodegradable
Cons
- It may not be to everyone's taste.
Best chai teabags
This blend marries the aromatic spices of ginger and cinnamon with a robust Assam base. Inspired by traditional Indian chai recipes, it offers a taste that you will love.
Our review: "Twinnings do excellent chai from their dark chair to this spicy chai - it's the closest you can get in a tea bag."
Pros
- It contains ginger root and cinnamon for medicinal properties
- Delicious with or without milk
Cons
- It may be too spicy for some
Best green tea
The earthy Chinese green tea with Teapigs Mao Feng is made with whole leaves. This blend offers a pure, light, and incredibly refreshing taste, conveniently packed in silk tea bags.
Customer review: " Lovely and sweet. It almost reminds me of matcha in some ways because of the sweetness. It's a quality tea. Won't regret,"
Pros
- The packaging is certified plastic-free by A Plastic Planet
- Silk tea bags casing loose-leaf
- Great taste
Cons
- Make sure you brew at slightly lower than boiling to ensure it's not too bitter.
Best herbal teabags
Best white teabags
Clipper's White Tea is an organic Chinese tea that is light, refreshing and filled with antioxidants. Made from the buds and young leaves of the tea bush, it is a naturally caffeine-free brew.
Customer review: "It has flavour & colour. It may not be as strong as black tea, but it tastes almost the same, if not the same!"
Pros
- Great for detoxing the body
- Filled with antioxidants
- Caffeine free
- Less bitter than back tea
Cons
- Some may prefer a stronger taste
Best tea blend for sleep
If you need a little help to get some shut-eye, this chamomile tea is a classic choice for relaxation. This flower is known for its sleep-inducing properties and anxiety-soothing abilities, making it an ideal choice for unwinding before bedtime. Lemon balm tea is also known for its calming effects that could help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Customer review: "I love this tea and drink it all the time, but it always feels like a treat. It's very tasty and easy to drink and definitely doesn't make me sleepy."
Pros
- Made with organic chamomile and lavender
- 20 individually wrapped tea bags
- Good for sleep
Cons
- Some reviewers found the flavour to be weak - depending on preference
Best tea for calming properties
When it comes to reducing anxiety, chamomile tea is a familiar favourite. Its calming effects can help soothe nerves and reduce stress levels, and this pure chamomile herbal tea is made with whole flowers enclosed in a silk pyramid to bring you a cup of calm.
Customer review: "By far the best chamomile tea out there."
Pros
- Made with organic chamomile flowers
- Good for sleep and relaxation
- 50 individually wrapped silk tea bags
Cons
- Some may prefer a blend
Best tea for bloating
www.tesco.com
Peppermint tea is known for its digestive benefits, and this blend of three mints is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to dealing with bloat and belly discomfort. It's known to relieve indigestion, nausea, and stomach pain and prevent acid reflux and cramps - this refreshing tea is both fresh and invigorating and will hit the spot.
Our review: "Cooling, refreshing and tingly. You really feel the punch from the three-mint blend. It offers a lovely refreshing taste but also feels warming."
Pros
- Great value
- Strong flavour
- It helps with bloat and digestion
Cons
- Very strong
Best tea for detoxing
If you are looking for a tea that supports kidney function and healthy digestion - dandelion is a great choice. Known for its detoxifying properties, dandelion tea helps to cleanse the liver, which helps to cleanse your body of excess estrogen. In turn, this can have a clarifying effect on cramps and other PMS-related symptoms.
Customer review: "Five stars. Very tasty."
Pros
- Supports urinary health
- Detoxifying
- Organic
Cons
- Not sweet
Buyer's guide: Best teabags
What materials are commonly used for teabags?
Teabags come in a variety of materials. However, they are often made from paper, which is biodegradable and affordable. For a touch of luxury, some premium brands opt for silk, which ensures they are entirely microplastic-free. It's always a good idea to check the packaging if you're environmentally conscious, as many brands now offer compostable or biodegradable options.
How much caffeine is typically in black tea?
Black tea does contain caffeine, but the amount can vary based on factors like the brand, blend, and brewing time. On average, a mug of black tea has between 40-70 mg of caffeine. It's worth noting that this is less than a typical cup of coffee, making black tea a moderate choice for those monitoring their caffeine intake.
What are the benefits of drinking herbal tea?
Cara Shaw, Nutritional Therapist at CRS Nutrition, tells us that plants or plant parts found in herbal teas can be highly concentrated in phytochemicals with numerous beneficial therapeutic effects. She says: "These include reducing feelings of stress, relieving stomach gassiness, boosting immunity, or invigorating and refreshing the body and mind, resulting in an energy boost." Here is our guide to the best herbal tea.
How do the medicinal properties of herbal tea work?
"Each herb contains a variety of phytochemicals that offer a range of effects or ‘actions’ which can help with a range of health and wellbeing issues", says Cara. "For example, chamomile can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by relaxing the nervous system. It is also anti-spasmodic so that it can give relief from gas and bloating. Lastly, it is also anti-inflammatory."
What are the ingredients to look out for in a tea :
Cara says that certain herbs have specific healing properties. Here is a quick guide to which herbs could target specific areas of your health.
Sleep – chamomile and lavender.
Anxiety – chamomile, valerian, and passionflower
Digestive issues – peppermint, fennel, chamomile, and ginger
Energy – liquorice and ginseng
Cold/ Flu – fennel, ginger, liquorice, echinacea and turmeric
Skin – nettle and spearmint
Meet the experts:
This article contains expert advice from Cara Shaw, Nutritional Therapist at CRS Nutrition, specialising in Women's health, covering hormone balance, PCOS, fertility, weight loss, skin health and gut health.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.