It’s easy to be overwhelmed when making the switch to loose-leaf. The possibilities are endless; these best loose leaf tea brands will narrow down the choices.
Gone are the days when tea time meant opting for a lackluster, dry bag of tea leaves. Now, there are plenty of flavorful loose-leaf tea brands to choose from that will tantalize your taste buds without emptying your wallet.
There are many benefits to drinking loose-leaf tea over tea bags. For one, loose-leaf tea is generally fresher and offers a variety of blends. Loose-leaf tea is of higher quality and more flavorful than the mass-produced tea bags that are commonly found in grocery stores. Here are the ten best loose-leaf tea brands to get you started.
1. Tiesta Tea
Tiesta Tea takes great pride in its flavor-packed teas, and it definitely shows. They have a wide range of both caffeinated and herbal tea flavors that will tantalize your taste buds, all without containing any artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Their tea leaves are also sourced from around the world in order to ensure the freshest cup of tea possible.
Their teas are so fresh that some of their flavors are only available for a limited time.
Yes, it’s a bummer when you find a tea that you love, only to have it discontinued a few weeks later. However, Tiesta Tea’s commitment to freshness means that you always get to try new and exciting flavors, which is half the fun of loose-leaf tea in the first place.
What’s more, their teas are also affordably priced, so you can stock up on your favorites without breaking the bank. In addition, your proceeds will go toward the Tiesta Tea Foundation, which helps to provide clean water to those in need. So, not only will you be getting a great cup of tea, but you’ll also be giving back with every purchase.
They also hold annual “Spread the Warmth” drives, where they collect warm teas and winter clothing to donate to those in need. Whether you’re looking for a great cup of tea or want to give back, Tiesta Tea is a brand worth trying out. You might find our guide on how to brew loose-leaf tea without a strainer useful.
2. Harney & Sons
If you’re looking for a luxurious cup of tea without the luxurious price tag, Harney & Sons is the way to go. This family-owned business has been around for over 40 years, and they know a thing or two about tea. They’re so confident in their product that every tin of tea comes with a 30-day guarantee.
If you don’t like your tea, return it for a full refund.
They offer a wide selection of teas (over 300, to be exact) with classic blends like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as more unique flavors like Paris and Birthday Tea with reships and vanilla. If you can’t decide or feel completely lost, they have a quiz on their website to determine which blend is right for you.
Harney & Sons also belong to 1% For The Planet, meaning they donate 1% of their sales to environmental organizations. So, you can feel good about your purchase knowing that you’re supporting a sustainable company.
3. Lipton
Lipton has a brand value of over $10.5 billion in the United States in 2022. Their tea leaves are picked at the peak of freshness and blended with other ingredients to create unique flavor profiles.
Plus, Lipton offers both caffeinated and herbal teas, so there’s something for everyone. One of their best-selling teas is their loose-leaf black tea. If you’re looking for a tea that’s a bit more on the fruity side, their raspberry lime black tea is also a great option.
What’s more, Lipton is also partnered with the Rainforest Alliance, meaning that their tea leaves are sourced from sustainable farms; Lipton practices responsible land management and constantly strives to improve its environmental footprint. For a tea that won’t break the bank, opt for Lipton loose-leaf black tea!
4. Twinings
Established in 1706, this 300-year-old company is one of the oldest tea brands on our list. Their commitment to quality loose-leaf tea is evident in every cup.
Their Earl Grey tea is a customer favorite, and for a good reason. It’s deliciously fragrant and has a smooth, mellow flavor. If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, try their English breakfast loose-leaf tea.
This isn’t your average blend but a blend made of teas from Kenya, Indonesia, Assam, Malawi, and China. Whether you’re looking for an Irish breakfast tea, an Earl Grey tea, or something in between, Twinings has you covered.
5. Numi Organic Tea
If you’re looking for an organic, Fair-Trade, and delicious cup of tea, look no further than Numi Organic Tea. This company was founded over 20 years ago by a brother and sister duo who have continued to grow the company while staying true to their values.
Numi Organic Tea sources their tea leaves from Fair-Trade farms, meaning that the farmers are paid a livable wage and working conditions are up to par. They also use organic ingredients and compostable or recyclable packaging. Their compostable tea bags are made from plant-based material and are completely plastic-free.
In terms of flavor, Numi Organic Tea does not disappoint. Their Aged Earl Grey tea is a customer favorite, with its unique blend of bergamot, lemon, and orange peel. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and has a floral aroma.
For a delicious cup of tea, you can feel good about, opt for Numi Organic Tea.
6. David’s Tea
If you’re looking for a large selection of loose-leaf teas, look no further than David’s Tea. This company offers different types of tea put in categories by functionality, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and needs. Choose from Calm, Sleep, Immunity, Cold, Energy, and Detox and Digestion.
If you can’t decide on just one flavor, their sampler packs on Amazon are a great way to try a variety of sweet, best-selling flavors!
Started in 2008 in Canada, David’s Tea has quickly become a favorite among tea drinkers. Their teas are high quality, flavorful, and reasonably priced with special and fun blends like S’mores Chai, Strawberry Kiwi, and the best-selling Bai Hao Yin Zhen tea!
7. Heavenly Tea Leaves
From reducing heart disease risk to reducing the risk of strokes, drinking tea has been linked to a plethora of health benefits. Heavenly Tea Leaves makes it easy to get your daily dose of tea with their large selection of loose-leaf teas. Check out our explainer on how to cold brew loose-leaf tea.
This family-owned business was started in 2006 when founder Noushin Ebrani found herself struggling with a rare neuromuscular disease and breast cancer. She turned to tea as a way to cope and found that it helped her immensely. Now, Heavenly Tea Leaves strives to provide the best quality teas and customer service possible so that others can experience the benefits of tea!
What I love about Heavenly Tea Leaves is their subscription pack so that you can get fresh tea sent to your door every week or month. Heavenly Tea Leaves allows you to give yourself luxury at a small price, which is what makes it one of the best loose-leaf tea brands on this list.
8. Stash
You can find Stash sold in many grocery stores, making it a convenient option if you’re just getting started with loose-leaf tea. It’s affordably priced and offers a variety of flavors, including classic favorites like Earl Grey and English Breakfast. I love their Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearl Tea, which is one of the most luxurious tea blends that are a bit rare to find in loose-leaf form.
Stash is considered one of the biggest and fastest-growing names in the tea business. Their blend of teas, herbs, and spices has been brewed and enjoyed by tea drinkers around the world for over 50 years. As a certified B Corp, Stash is committed to social and environmental responsibility.
9. Tetley
Tetley is a British tea company that’s been around since 1837, so you know they know their stuff when it comes to tea! They offer a wide range of black, green, and herbal teas that are all affordably priced. If you’re someone who wants to enjoy a simple, smooth tea free of florals, spices, and frills, then Tetley is the best tea for you.
Tetley is one of the most popular and highest-rated tea brands on the market. People love that it’s a classic, no-fuss tea that can be enjoyed anytime. Tetley is also a Rainforest Alliance company, meaning they’re committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
10. Tea Forte
Tea Forte is known for their beautiful and aesthetically pleasing tea blends, which are perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself). They have a wide range of tea flavors, including some unique ones like Cherry Cosmo and Orchid Vanilla.
What I love most about Tea Forte is the truly unique flavors used by picking tea leaves at their peak of freshness. This allows them to create some of the most flavorful teas I’ve ever tried. If you’re looking for a tea brand that truly values high-quality tea and combinations, I recommend Tea Forte.
In addition, all loose-leaf teas are packaged in 100% recyclable canisters so that you can feel good about your purchase. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the best tea brands where we cover other types of tea.
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