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 - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best rich teabags: Barry's Gold Blend - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best tea blend for sleep: Clipper Organic Infusion Snore and Peace - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best for detoxing: Traditional Medicinals Tea Organic Dandelion - Buy now 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/AmazonTwinings 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.
Customers find that it's refreshing so it's the perfect companion to start your day. They also believe its rich flavours add warmth to every mouthful, but some found the scent was a little too floral.
Pros
- Rich flavour with a blend of Indian Assam, Kenyan and Sri Lankan Ceylon leaves
- Customers online found it refreshing
Cons
- Some found it to be too floral
| Number of tea bags: | 320 |
Best value teabags
Yorkshire Tea/Amazon
The 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.
Customers love the quality and taste of this tea and they also appreciate how many bags are included for the price. The packaging could be better though as some say it's not a completely airtight bag.
Pros
- Great value as you get 600 bags for the price
- Customers love the taste and quality of this tea
Cons
- Some say the packaging could be better as it's not completely airtight
| Number of tea bags: | 600 |
Best rich teabags
Barry's/AmazonYou 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.
Many reviews highlight the smoothness of the tea and its rich flavour but some found it to be too bitter for their tastes.
Pros
- Strong and rich with dark malty flavours
- Infused with the essence of Indian Assam, Kenyan and Rwandan leaves
Cons
- Some found it to be too bitter for their tastes
| Number of tea bags: | 80 |
Best decaf teabags
Clippers/AmazonClipper's Decaf Everyday Tea is an organically grown 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.
Customers love that these teabags are organic and ethical but some felt it wasn't strong enough and the colour of the tea was quite pale compared to their usual choice.
Pros
- Organically and ethically grown
- Decaf so won't disturb your sleep
Cons
- Some customers prefer a stronger taste and colour
| Number of tea bags: | 80 |
Best earl grey teabags
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, this flavoured and full-bodied tea is great for a morning cuppa but equally a nice tea for a spot of afternoon tea.
Most customers value the taste and scent of this tea but some feel the bergamot is slightly too overpowering.
Pros
- You can have it with or without milk
- Tastes of bergamot and lemon
Cons
- Some felt the bergamot was a little overpowering
| Number of tea bags | 120 |
Best chai teabags
Twinings/AmazonThe blend of Twinings Spicy Chai marries the aromatic spices of ginger and cinnamon with a robust Assam base. The ginger root and cinnamon included have medicinal properties too. Inspired by traditional Indian chai recipes, it offers an authentic taste that lovers of drinks with a little spice will love.
Customers love the aromatic, sweet and rich scent of this tea and say it offers the perfect balance of flavours. Opinions are mixed on the strength of the flavour, with some saying it's weak but others saying it's nice and strong.
Pros
- It contains ginger root and cinnamon for medicinal properties
- Great for lovers of drinks with a little spice
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the strength of the flavour
| Number of tea bags: | Pack of 4, total 80 Tea Bags |
Best green tea
Teapigs/AmazonThe 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. It offers loose-leaf quality with the convenience of a tea bag so it's tasty and practical.
Customers love the subtly of the green tea flavour provided by these teabags but they do wish it offered better value for money as you only get 50 teabags for the price.
Pros
- Silk tea bags casing loose-leaf
- Earthy, subtle flavour
Cons
- Customers believe they could offer better value
| Number of tea bags: | 50 |
Best herbal teabags
Best white tea bags
Clipper/AmazonClipper'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. These bags are plant-based and ethically sourced with no artificial ingredients added so they're ideal for your day-to-day brew.
The health benefits are what make this tea worth it to reviewers, but they also like the state and the overall quality of the tea. Some did think the colour was a bit too pale in colour though.
Pros
- Naturally caffeine-free and filled with antioxidants
- Plant-based and ethically sourced
Cons
- Some thought the tea was a bit too pale in colour
| Number of tea bags: | 40 |
Best tea blend for sleep
Clipper/AmazonIf 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.
Reviewers feel this tea is very easy to drink and found that it has worked wonders to help them settle down before bed. There are some comments about the flavour being weak but that will all depend on your preference.
Pros
- Made with organic chamomile and lavender
- Has sleep-inducing and anxiety-soothing abilities
Cons
- Some reviewers found the flavour to be weak
| Number of tea bags: | 80 |
Best tea for calming properties
Teapigs/AmazonWhen 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.
The smell of this florally tea is something that is much loved by customers online and they also say it tastes pretty good too. Some reviews mention the price is a little high but many say it's worth it for the calming effect it has on them.
Pros
- Made with organic chamomile flowers
- Good for sleep and relaxation
Cons
- Some mention the price is a little high for the amount of teabags you get
| Number of tea bags: | 50 |
Best tea for bloating
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.
Customers love the digestive relief this blend offers, with reviews saying it has helped ease stomach pains since drinking this tea. Be aware though, some found the minty taste to be intense.
Pros
- It helps with bloat and digestion
- Refreshing and invigorating three-mint blend
Cons
- Some reviewers found the three mint flavour to be intense
| Number of tea bags: | 80 |
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.