English tea is considered to be one of the yummiest teas throughout the world. The tea has bold flavors and aroma that make it a great beverage to sip on in the morning or early evening. While most people usually drink English tea with milk and sweeteners such as sugar or honey, you can also drink it raw. The best English teas are full of flavor, have a rich consistency, and make a great beverage for daily consumption. What’s great about English teas is that they provide a rich source of polyphenols that help to improve your overall gut health.
Best Pick
The FGO English Breakfast is our best pick because it only takes around 3-4 minutes to brew the tea, it does not have a bitter aftertaste, and the ingredients used are completely organic. It tastes great with milk or honey.
Budget Pick
The Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast is our budget pick because it includes a fine blend of black teas, it does not taste too bitter without milk or sweeteners, and the tea bags are wrapped individually so you can easily carry them with you.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best English Teas
| Product Name | Net Weight (oz) | Brewing Time (minutes) | Servings per Container | Item Form | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FGO English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea | 16.0 | 3-4 | 226 | Loose Leaf | A |
| Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast Teabags | 1.76 | 4-5 | 20 | Bag | A |
| Bigelow English Teatime Black Tea | 1.50 | 2 | 20 | Bag | A |
| Twinings of London English Breakfast Black Tea | 7.05 | 4 | 100 | Bag | B |
| Harney & Sons English Breakfast Tea | 3.57 | 5 | 50 | Bag | A |
| Tazo Awake English Breakfast Tea | 1.80 | 5 | 20 | Bag | A |
| VAHDAM English Breakfast Tea | 16.0 | 3-5 | 225 | Loose Leaf | B |
| Happy Belly English Breakfast Tea | 2.54 | 2 | 24 | Pod | B |
| Stash English Breakfast Tea | 16.0 | 3-5 | 227 | Loose Leaf | B |
| Ahmad English Tea | 7.05 | 3-5 | 100 | Bag | A |
1. FGO English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea
Highlighted Features
What better way to start your morning than by drinking a cup of rich, flavorful English Breakfast Tea by FGO? It is completely organic and has a moderate amount of caffeine that helps you to start fresh every day. The 16oz of loose tea leaves are imported from tea-rich regions including India and China and are blended and packaged in the USA. The tea is easy to prepare and has a long shelf life.
Each serving contains 1,200mg of Chinese black Keemun F.O.P tea and 800mg of Indian Assam black T.G.F.O.P. tea. Both these ingredients are rich in antioxidants. Keemun includes a variety of healthy vitamins and minerals that help to reduce high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may also aid in digestion and prevent the development of certain diseases and cancer. Assam tea, too, helps to control your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It may prove to be effective in reducing the chances of having a stroke.
The 16oz of loose tea leaves come in a kraft bag. The loose tea leaves are completely raw which means that no preservatives or artificial flavorings have been added to them. To prepare this tea, you are instructed to take 1 teaspoon of the tea leaves and put it in a cup of fresh, boiling water. It is recommended to steep the tea leaves in hot water for around 3-4 minutes before drinking it. If you prefer a strong cup of tea, you can always add more tea leaves or brew the tea for a longer period of time.
Although the loose tea leaves come in a resealable bag, it is still recommended to transfer the loose tea leaves to an airtight jar or container. This is because, once the tea leaves are exposed to air and moisture, they may lose their aroma, potency, and nutritional values.
What we liked: It does not contain a very high amount of caffeine so you are unlikely to feel jittery or too hyper after drinking the tea.
What we didn’t like: The tea has a very mild flavor so you might need to use more than one teaspoon of the loose tea leaves to prepare the tea.2. Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast Teabags
Highlighted Features
Taylors of Harrogate has been in the tea industry since 1886 so you can expect the quality of the tea to be superb. The tea is carefully extracted from regions in India and East Africa. It has a bright color with a malty flavor. The tea goes through a regular testing process so you are unlikely to receive a bad batch.
The tea is full of antioxidants that help to improve the functions of your body. Antioxidants restrict the movement of free radicals in your body which helps to protect your cells against damage. They also slow down aging so your skin may look and feel better. Moreover, they may boost your immune system as well so you are unlikely to fall ill easily. The antioxidants may also prevent the growth of cancer cells in your body.
The tea is very easy to prepare. All you need is warm water and a teabag. You are instructed to steep a teabag in a cup of freshly boiled water for around 4-5 minutes to let the flavors infuse properly. The tea does not leave a bitter aftertaste so you can drink it raw quite easily. If you prefer sweet tea, you might want to add milk or cream. You can also have it with lemon and honey. The tea tastes delicious either way.
One thing to note about this tea is that it is naturally caffeinated so you are likely to feel energized after drinking a cup. It tastes quite refreshing and you can drink it at any time of the day, be it in the morning or late evening. You are instructed to store the tea bags in a cool, dry place. Since the tea bags are not individually wrapped, you should store them in an airtight container to retain their natural flavor, aroma, and potency.
What we liked: The tea bags are not individually wrapped which means that it does not contain any unnecessary plastic or other waste such as strings and staples. The company follows an eco-conscious packaging style.
What we didn’t like: You will not be able to close the box once it is opened. So, you will need to transfer the tea bags into another container or jar.3. Bigelow English Teatime Black Tea
Highlighted Features
Bigelow Tea is one of the best tea companies in the world. It has been producing a variety of high-quality and flavorful teas for more than 75 years now. The company is quite popular for its unique flavors and herbal teas. The English Teatime Black Tea is one of its best sellers. It has a bold flavor and a strong aroma that makes it easy to drink. It tastes quite smooth and gives you the burst of energy needed to get through the day.
The tea comes in a pack of 6 and each pack contains 20 teabags so you will receive a total of 120 tea bags that are likely to last for a good few months. You will not need to restock any time soon. The teabags are wrapped individually to retain potency, natural flavor, and aroma for a longer period of time. You will need to store them in an airtight container. Moreover, since the tea bags are wrapped individually, you can easily carry them to work or to other places.
The black tea is selected carefully to ensure that you have a good experience each time. No preservatives or artificial flavorings have been used to make this tea. This tea is completely natural. It does not contain any gluten or calories so you can drink it whenever you like. To prepare this tea, you are instructed to steep one tea bag in freshly boiled water for only 2 minutes. It is recommended to use cold water when boiling the water.
You can also make a cold beverage using this tea. To make iced tea, it is best if you steep the tea bag in hot water for a little more than 2 minutes. Once the tea has cooled down, feel free to add ice cubes, lemon, milk, or honey to your beverage.
What we liked: The tea does not have a bitter aftertaste and it actually tastes quite smooth. It has a rich blend and the flavor is quite enjoyable.
What we didn’t like: Individually wrapped tea bags are quite wasteful on the environment.4. Twinings of London English Breakfast Black Tea
Highlighted Features
Founded in 1706, Twinnings is the oldest tea company in the world. The company uses a rich blend and makes tea in the best way possible. You can be assured that your English Breakfast Black Tea is free of preservatives and artificial ingredients. Each cup of tea has a bold taste and a strong aroma that helps to make you feel alive.
The black tea leaves are extracted sustainably. They are carefully hand-selected from the best tea farms in Malawi, Kenya, and Assam so you are unlikely to end up with a bad batch. You will receive 100 individually wrapped tea bags. The foil pouches prevent the tea from oxidizing. They also prevent moisture from seeping into the tea. The foil pouches help to keep your tea bags fresh and potent for a longer period of time. They also make the tea bags easy to carry which means that you can prepare a cup of tea while you are at work or at a friend’s house.
The tea bags need to be steeped in hot water for only 4 minutes. The tea has strong flavors and contains caffeine that helps to energize your body. Moreover, it tastes very smooth which means you can drink it easily without making a funny face. It makes a great morning beverage but you can have it at any time of the day.
What we liked: Steeping the tea bag in hot water for more than 4 minutes is unlikely to make it bitter. It will make the tea stronger without worsening its flavor.
What we didn’t like: The tea bags are not very sturdy. They tend to tear apart when you steep them in hot water.5. Harney & Sons English Breakfast Tea
Highlighted Features
If you love English tea, there is a good chance that you might be impressed by the Harney & Sons English Breakfast Tea. The pack includes 50 tea bags. It is a compact-sized red pack that has detailed product information printed on it. The tea bags are wrapped individually so you can easily carry them from one place to another without reducing their shelf life.
The tea has a Chinese Keemun black tea blend. It has an intense flavor and a pleasant aroma that help to make your mornings or evenings more lively. Chinese Keemun black tea provides a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to improve the functions of your kidneys and heart. Regular consumption of this tea is likely to increase your metabolism rate and hence, improve digestion. It is also likely to control high cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It may prove to be effective in keeping diabetes controlled by reducing your blood sugar level naturally.
The tea bag needs to be steeped in a cup of freshly boiled water for only 5 minutes so that the flavors infuse fully. You can steep it in hot water for a longer period of time if you prefer strong tea. You can drink this tea raw or you can add milk, cream, or sweeteners such as sugar to it. The tea also tastes great with lemon and honey.
What we liked: The instructions are easy to follow and the tea can be prepared within a very short period of time. It does not taste muddy or grainy so you will be able to drink it on a regular basis.
What we didn’t like: The tea lacks a strong aroma.6. Tazo Awake English Breakfast Tea
Highlighted Features
As the name suggests, the Tazo Awake English Breakfast Tea helps you to start your mornings with a bang. Each pack contains 20 tea bags and each tea bag contains more than 61mg of caffeine, which is way less than the amount of caffeine in a regular cup of coffee. This tea is likely to energize your body without making you feel too jittery or hyper. You can drink it after breakfast or you can drink it right before your online meeting or classes to stimulate your senses.
This tea includes a variety of malty black teas that are carefully extracted from tea communities all over the world. The black tea leaves are examined thoroughly before bringing them into production. The tea has a bold and bright flavor, just like traditional English teas. This is an unsweetened version so you are unlikely to find any traces of added sugar or other sweeteners. If you do not like the malty flavor of the tea, you can always add milk and sugar to it to improve the taste. You can also add cream or honey to the tea.
You can easily prepare this tea by pouring freshly boiled water over a teabag in a cup. You should keep the teabag in the cup filled with hot water for up to 5 minutes or till it produces a rich, brown color.
What we liked: The tea does not include any artificial flavorings or color. All ingredients are completely natural and safe for daily consumption.
What we didn’t like: The tea contains a high amount of caffeine so drinking it in the late evening or at night is likely to disrupt your sleep pattern.7. VAHDAM English Breakfast Tea
Highlighted Features
This English Breakfast Tea by VAHDAM can be served as iced tea, hot milk tea, or even kombucha tea. The 16oz of loose tea leaves come in a resealable bag so you can expect them to remain fresh for a long period of time. The tea leaves are quite aromatic and flavorful, which makes them a great morning beverage to take with breakfast.
The black tea leaves are harvested and extracted from tea-rich regions in India. The tea leaves are long. Long tea leaves tend to hold flavor and aroma better than short tea leaves. To prepare this tea, you will need to boil 200ml of water. Then, you should take one teaspoon or two grams of the loose tea leaves and steep them in the hot water for at least 3 minutes. If you want a strong cup of tea, you should steep the leaves in water for up to 5 minutes. The flavors, aroma, and colors infuse quite quickly so you can enjoy your tea instantly.
What’s great about this brand is that it is both carbon and plastic-neutral. This means that for every carbon emission and plastic consumption, VAHDAM invests an equal amount in environmental sustainability initiatives based in India. Moreover, the company donates 1% of its sales revenue towards providing education for the farmers’ children.
The tea tastes great raw but you can add milk and sweeteners if you have a sweet tooth. The tea does not have a bitter aftertaste. You can drink the tea while you are on a detox program. It is full of antioxidants and healthy ingredients that help to nourish your body and get rid of unhealthy toxins.
What we liked: The tea leaves are shipped directly from India so you are likely to receive fresh tea leaves every time.
What we didn’t like: You will need to transfer the loose tea leaves to another airtight container or jar as the zipper on the resealable bag may not be effective in keeping moisture out.8. Happy Belly English Breakfast Tea
Highlighted Features
If you are not a fan of brewing tea, these tea pods from Happy Belly might be perfect for you. They are very easy to make. All you need to do is put a tea pod in your Keurig 1.0 or 2.0 Brewer and wait for the machine to do its magic.
You will receive 24 tea pods that each make a cup or 8oz of tea. These pods are reusable so make sure to throw them away after the first use. Moreover, if you add too much water, the tea might have a very diluted or mild flavor. The tea includes a fine blend of black teas that help to start your day better. The beverage is naturally caffeinated so it is best if you drink it within the early hours of the day.
If you are unsatisfied with the product, you can always ask for a refund. All you need to do is contact the brand via email or other means to get your money back. The refund policy is valid for only a year after purchase.
What we liked: You will not need to brew the tea by yourself. The brewing machine will do all the work.
What we didn’t like: If you do not own a tea brewer, you might not be able to use this product. Moreover, the tea does not have a strong flavor. It also has a weird aftertaste.9. Stash English Breakfast Tea
Highlighted Features
This English Breakfast Tea by Stash Tea tastes great when you mix it with milk and sugar. It has a rich, silky texture that helps to make a great cup of tea. You can drink it in the morning or you can have it in the afternoon with a snack. It comes in the form of loose tea leaves that are extremely flavorful and aromatic. You can expect to feel awakened by drinking a cup of this tea.
The black tea leaves are extracted from all over the world and are blended in Oregon. Only the finest and the freshest tea leaves are packaged. There are no GMO ingredients or materials included in any of the Stash Tea products. The loose tea leaves come in a resealable bag so you can expect them to retain their potency for a longer period of time. They will remain flavorful and aromatic, even if you open the bag after a few months of storage.
You can brew the tea in a strainer or you can use a tea press for preparing the tea. You should only brew it for 3-5 minutes. Otherwise, the tea may taste a bit odd. The recommended serving size is 2 grams or 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves with 8oz of freshly boiled water. You can add more tea leaves if you prefer a strong cup of tea.
If you are making iced tea, make sure to brew the tea for a longer period of time. You should brew it for at least 6-10 minutes if you want robust flavors. You can milk, cream, or lemon to your cold beverage or serve it raw.
What we liked: The tea leaves are quite long so their residues are unlikely to pass through the tea diffuser. Moreover, you do not need to transfer the tea leaves to another airtight container as the packaging is enough to keep the tea leaves from oxidizing or becoming moist.
What we didn’t like: The tea has a slightly bitter taste so you might need to add extra ingredients such as milk and sweeteners if you want to be able to drink it smoothly.10. Ahmad English Tea
Highlighted Features
If you have acquired a special taste for black teas, you might want to check out this English Tea by Ahmad Tea. The pack contains 100 tea bags that are super easy to brew. If you want, you can drink a cup of this tea more than twice a day. It contains only about 5 calories per serving and has a balanced aroma, flavor, and strength, making it a great beverage for energizing and stimulating your senses.
The brand sources its ingredients in an ethical way. Ahmad Tea is a proud member of the Ethical Trade Partnership (ETP) which means that it conducts business responsibly. Starting from using efficient means of cultivation and extraction of ingredients to paying the farmers fair wages, this company does it all.
Each tea bag makes one cup or 8oz of tea. First, you will need to boil water in a teapot. Once it comes to a rolling boil, place one tea bag in a cup or mug. Then, fill the cup or mug with hot water. You should let the tea bag sit in hot water for at least 3 minutes to let the flavors infuse properly. If you want bold flavors, you should steep the tea bag in hot water for at least 5 minutes.
What we liked: The pack contains detailed packaging information including ingredients, packing date, and expiry date among others.
What we didn’t like: The tea bags are not wrapped individually so you will need to store them in an airtight container if you want to retain their flavor, aroma, and nutritional values for a long period of time.Things To Consider Before Buying The Best English Teas
Form of Tea:
Tea Bags
Tea that comes in tea bags is easier to brew as you just steep the tea bag in hot water for a few minutes to let the flavors infuse fully. You do not need to use a strainer or a tea infuser to prepare a cup of tea, as you do with loose tea leaves. All the tea bags have an equal serving size which means that everyone is likely to have the same flavored cup of tea. Moreover, tea bags come in handy when you are trying to prepare a cup of tea on the go.
Loose Tea Leaves
Most people say that loose tea leaves have a higher quality compared to tea bags. This is because most tea bags are made of plastic that may release harmful toxins into your tea. Moreover, since the tea leaves are processed, dust and fannings may also be included in your teabag. Loose tea leaves usually compose of unbroken or long tea leaves that tend to hold flavor and aroma better than broken or processed tea. Moreover, loose tea leaves tend to contain a lower amount of caffeine compared to tea bags. You can also adjust the strength of the tea by brewing little or more tea leaves than the recommended serving size.
Pods
Pods are great for a hands-free way of brewing tea. There is no need to use a strainer or to steep the tea in hot water for some minutes. All you need to do is insert the tea pod into the brewing machine, press the “brew” or “start” button and wait for a few seconds to let the brewer produce a cup of perfectly infused tea. If you do not own a brewing machine, it might not be a wise move to get tea pods. Moreover, you should always check whether the tea pods are compatible with your current version of brewer.
Quantity
If you are fond of English tea and drink it regularly, you might want to get a few packs at once. What’s great about buying in bulk is that you do not need to restock frequently. You might be able to leave the packs in your pantry for a good few months, of say 3-6 months. On the other hand, if you are not a fan of English tea or are new to the concept, you might want to start with a small pack of the tea. It is always best to get a little amount than to waste a whole bunch.
Ingredients
English teas are usually made using a blend of black teas that are extracted from different regions and tea farms. You should always opt for ones that are made using 100% natural ingredients. It is best to not consume teas that contain preservatives and artificial flavorings as they are likely to worsen your overall health in the long run. The ingredients should be selected carefully and examined and tested thoroughly to prevent any health hazards from taking place.
Amount of Caffeine
English tea is naturally caffeinated because it contains a variety of black teas. If you want a tea that will help to energize both your body and mind, you might want to go for a pack of English tea that contains a high amount of caffeine. English tea containing more than 60mg of caffeine might make a great morning drink as it will help to make you more alert and lively. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tea that you can drink at any time of the day, you might want to invest in a pack of English tea with a low caffeine content, of say, 30-50mg of caffeine.
Packaging
If you want your tea to remain fresh for a longer period of time, you should ensure that it has a top-notch packaging style. If you are using tea bags, make sure that they do not contain any plastic strings, staples, or other waste. It is best if your tea bags are compostable and do not include any GMO materials. Individually wrapped tea bags are likely to remain fresh for a longer period of time. You will be able to carry it in your bag and take it to work quite easily.
On the other hand, loose tea leaves that come in a resealable bag are easier to store as it helps to keep moisture and oxygen out. The zipper on resealable bags should work perfectly. If not, you should transfer the tea contents to an airtight jar or container to retain their freshness for a longer time. You should place the container in a cool, dark place that is away from direct sunlight.
Flavor
The tea should have a rich, bold flavor. The tea should not taste too bitter, even when it is completely raw. It is always best to opt for a pack of English tea with a smooth taste so that you can drink it easily on a regular basis. If your tea has a weird aftertaste, you should definitely stop consuming it. A tea made using premium ingredients is likely to have a good flavor as well.
Brewing Time
Some tea can be brewed in just two minutes while others require more time. If you are like most people who usually drink a cup of English tea in the morning, you will want to be able to prepare your tea within just a few minutes. The flavors, aroma, and colors should infuse quickly. If your tea takes too long to prepare, you should take a look at the temperature of the water.
FAQ
Can I drink a cup of English tea on an empty stomach?
English tea is naturally caffeinated and, like all teas, it contains tannic acid. Drinking a cup of English tea on an empty stomach may not be the best idea since it may cause acidity or indigestion. Instead, you should drink it after finishing your breakfast.
How can I improve the taste of the tea?
English tea is typically drunk with milk and sugar. However, if you are diabetic or trying to control your diet, you can add natural sweeteners such as raw honey, maple syrup, or molasses to your tea. You can also add plant-based milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to sweeten your cup of tea.
Will I be able to reuse the teabag?
While most people throw away their teabag after the first use, you might be able to reuse the same teabag one more time. This depends on the flavor and potency of the tea. If the tea has a strong and intense flavor, you might be able to use the same teabag one more time. However, you must throw the teabag away after using it twice.
Conclusion
Tea is quite a popular beverage. About 2.16 billion cups are consumed each day all over the world. While a variety of teas exist, it is found that a large proportion of people consume English tea on a regular basis. English tea is naturally caffeinated because it includes a blend of fine black teas. While most people drink it in the morning, you can also drink it in the evening.
Drinking the best English tea daily is likely to do wonders for your body. You are likely to be more alert and your body may feel a bit stronger. Moreover, the best English teas are considered to be a healthier alternative to coffee as they contain a much lower amount of caffeine per serving so you will not feel too jittery after drinking a cup.