Did you know that tea is the most consumed beverage after water in the UK? Yep, us Brits down over 100,000,000 cups of tea across the UK every single day of the year.
The best tea brands to choose for that little slice of daily comfort depends on whether you're an English breakfast tea fan, herbal tea fan, along with other factors like sustainability and organic offerings.
James Carter, of Tea-Direct.co.uk, says: "Since its arrival in Britain in the 1650s, tea has become one of the most well-loved beverages consumed here, and is why we are known to be a nation of tea lovers. As well as being a popular drink, tea drinking in the UK is an essential part of our culture.
"The best teas are produced with quality tea leaves, often those made with the youngest, whole leaves and buds from early harvests. A good tea should be flavoursome and aromatic, with a good mouthfeel and no bitterness.
"Black tea is the most popular type of tea bought in the UK and all-time favourites include Darjeeling - the ‘Champagne of Teas’ - with its delicate muscatel flavour and floral aroma; Earl Grey tea, with its citrusy bergamot notes is always much in demand, as well as quality black tea blends, such as English Breakfast Tea."
So, whether you're a good old English Breakfast brew or a tasty herbal infusion, we've rounded up the best tea brands below. Who's putting the kettle on?
Best tea brands in the world
1. Twinings
The master brewers at Twinings have been tickling the nation’s tastebuds since 1706. The family originates from Gloucestershire and moved to London in 1684. Young Thomas Twinings was the one who started learning the trade from an East India Company merchant and, in 1706, bought Tom's Coffee House on London's Strand - and a tea empire was born.
Still a family company today, the brand was the first to invent Earl Grey and, in 2016, were asked to blend a special Queen's 90th Birthday Tea.
Renowned for creating vibrant and aromatic blends that are loved by all, from Earl Grey and English Breakfast to Chai Lattes and super-fruity infusions.
2. Tetley
Did you know that this good old Yorkshire tea is the largest tea company in the UK and Canada, and the second largest in the US? Yes, really.
The company was founded by the Tetley brothers in 1837, and by 1940 had launched their ever-popular teabags. The brand offers everything from English Breakfast to fruit and herbal, redbush, green tea and even vitamin-boosted tea. Brewtiful.
3. Whittard of Chelsea
A headstrong young Walter Whittard quit the family leather business at 17 out of frustration at the way it was run, and went to work with a tea trader in London's city centre. By 1886, at just 25, he opened his own shop on Fleet Street with an aim to only 'buy the best'.
He insisted on blending his tea and roasting his coffee on site, and the business later moved to Chelsea. In 1999, a flagship store in Covent Garden was opened, and is like a treasure trove for tea-lovers. And, if you like your cuppa served with a side of super-pretty packaging, this luxurious brand is for you.
They have everything from black tea to rooibos, and their heritage-style loose leaf tea caddies are a bit of a must for those kitchen shelfies.
4. Yorkshire Tea
Let's have a proper brew! That's Yorkshire Tea's tagline and it certainly rings true for a brand that's a third generation Yorkshire family business born in 1886.
Made by Taylors of Harrogate, the heart of the business is this upmarket town, where they also have a renowned cafe called Betty's. The English Breakfast is, of course, the most popular, but there's a diverse range of teas from green to fruit and herbal infusions.
5. Pukka
Two business partners with a passion for the power of herbs joined forces in 2001 to create this cult-status herbal tea brand that offers an "incredible cup of herbal tea that supports people’s health, promotes conservation, and shows off the true brilliance of herbs".
Pukka's herbal infusions are no doubt delicious, but the company is also interested in wellbeing, and you can take a quiz to discover your Ayurvedic mind-body type as well as get weekly personalised emails based on your dosha and your wellbeing goals.
The organic teas include everything from Three Mint to Lemongrass & Ginger, and also cone in blends for specific categories and issues, like night time, revitalise, peace, or relax. Go on, unwind with nature...
6. Clipper Teas
Clipper Teas was founded in 1984, and was one of the first companies in the UK to receive the Fairtrade Mark. All the teas are organic, and the company support over 114,00 producers and their families, making sure they have access to education and medical care.
You can get everything from Everyday Tea to delicious infusions. The company has also launched the world's first plant-based, biodegradable, unbleached and non-GM tea bags. At the factory in Dorset, the team has worked tirelessly to create this new tea bag that's free from plastic.Yep, did you know that a lot of tea bags contain a small amount of polypropylene plastic? Not at Clipper.
