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  4. 10 Best Earl Grey Teas 2022 | UK Lifestyle Blogger Reviewed
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10 Best Earl Grey Teas 2022 | UK Lifestyle Blogger Reviewed

Earl Grey tea has made a well-deserved comeback in recent years - it can be enjoyed with or without milk and is a delicate alternative to breakfast tea. Black tea scented with bergamot and orange oil, provides the distinctive fragrance, although you can now find a wide variety of variations on this classic recipe, ensuring that there is a flavour combination out there for you.


Whether you prefer tea bags or loose leaf, Ceylon or Assam, Rooibos or Floral blends, we're here to help you find the perfect Earl Grey to pair with a slice of cake. Read on to find out more about the top 10 best Earl Grey teas to buy in the UK. With options available from Amazon, Tesco, Waitrose and more, you'll soon be settling down and calming any tea cup storms in your life, thanks to this comforting brew.

Last updated 28/03/2024
Rachael Kinsella
Expert
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

Rachael has been a writer, editor and marketing communications specialist for some 18 years, writing about all things tea and lifestyle for her blog "Tea with Rachael" for over a decade. She loves tea and enjoys trying different types of tea, as well as pairing teas with food and fun things to see and do.

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Advice From Tea and Lifestyle Blogger Rachael Kinsella

With Specialist Advice From Tea and Lifestyle Blogger Rachael Kinsella

Rachael has been a writer, editor and marketing communications specialist for 2 decades, writing about all things tea and lifestyle for her blog "Tea with Rachael" for over a decade. She loves tea and enjoys trying different types of tea, as well as pairing teas with food and fun things to see and do.


Keep up-to-date with all things tea and lifestyle-related on Rachael's blog, InstagramFacebook and Twitter and discover some inspiring new tea blends.

How to Choose an Earl Grey tea in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Traditional, Green, Rooibos or Floral? Decide Which Flavour of Earl Grey to Try
  2.  If You Want the Highest Quality, Look For Single Origin Blends
  3. According to Your Brewing Preferences, Choose Between Leaves or Tea Bags
1

Decide Which Flavour of Earl Grey You Would Like to Try

Decide Which Flavour of Earl Grey You Would Like to Try

Choose Traditional Earl Grey for a Classic Blend of Orange and Bergamot

If this is your first time trying Earl Grey tea, or you would prefer a more classic blend of flavours, then look for a 'traditional' Earl Grey tea. These offerings combine black tea with orange and bergamot for a subtle, zesty and botanical flavour, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: black / milk / lemon - it's up to you! We recommend drinking this tea with breakfast, for a mild caffeine kick to start your day.

Rachael Kinsella
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

I love traditional Earl Grey tea and all its different variations; whether that's Lady Grey, black tea versions with added lemon or orange oils, or even blending in some lovely lavender. Perfect as a refreshing summer drink with a slice of lemon or with a dash of milk all year round. But that comes down to personal taste whether you prefer Earl Grey and indeed all black teas with or without milk (or in my case, a dairy substitute). 

Earl Grey Made With Green, White and Rooibos Tea Varieties Provide Different Tastes and Caffeine Content

Several Earl Greys use other varieties of tea rather than black tea as a base. For example, green tea has become an innovative contemporary choice, appropriately receiving the moniker 'Earl Green'. When infused with bergamot, these teas have a refreshing and vibrant taste.


A similar version made with white tea has been branded 'Earl White'. White tea is left to oxidise for longer than green tea, giving it a refined, yet subtle flavour. Another alternative is 'Red Earl Grey', made from the South African herbal tea Rooibos, which produces a caramel-red infusion. This tea retains the delicacy of traditional Earl Grey, but with rich earthy undertones - plus it is a naturally caffeine-free blend.


Here are our suggestions for other herbal teas too.

Rachael Kinsella
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

Earl Grey flavoured Rooibos is deliciously sweet, refreshing and comforting. It's also caffeine-free, so is a great option for people who can't tolerate caffeine, pregnant women or to drink at night time when you don't want the caffeine kick! In particular, I really like the Dragonfly or Tick Tok Earl Grey Rooibos tea bags. I introduced some friends to Earl Grey Rooibos too and now it's a favourite in the tea cupboard.


I also love white tea with bergamot from Love Leaf Tea - a delightfully subtle tea blend that works equally well as a hot drink, iced tea or as a mixer for cocktails, particularly in the summer.

Try Floral or Russian Earl Grey for a Sweeter After-Dinner Treat

For a sweeter flavour, try a 'floral' Earl Grey tea. These teas are usually made with jasmine flowers or rose petals, resulting in a fragrant tea known as 'French Earl Grey'. These varieties have a light and delicate sweetness, making them the perfect choice to be enjoyed after dinner. 


Another after-dinner variety called 'Russian Earl Grey' contains ingredients such as citrus peel and lemongrass. The combination of the additional citrusy flavours, plus the usual black tea and bergamot, results in a similarly sweet blend.


This selection of chai teas may be of interest to you.

Rachael Kinsella
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

Earl Grey can often be more floral and even include different flower petals and extracts in the tea blend to add depth of flavour. Lavender Earl Grey is one of my favourite teas and a more unusual tea blend to try: Twinings offers a lovely Signature loose leaf blend with black tea, bergamot and lavender buds – it’s my go-to blend when tired, winding down or even with a sore throat. 

2

Look For Single Origin Blends if You Want the Highest Quality

Look For Single Origin Blends if You Want the Highest Quality

The best tea blends often pride themselves on being single origin. This means that the tea is sourced from only one tea plantation and the tea leaves are picked and packed on site. The origin of your chosen tea will have an influence on the flavour and strength.


For example, Darjeeling tea comes from the Darjeeling region in India and has a delicate flavour that is best enjoyed without milk. Alternatively, Assam tea, from the Assam region in India, has a richer and more robust flavour, which means it pairs better with a splash of milk. 


Most Earl Grey teas are made with a blend of Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, as it provides a good base for the bergamot flavour. Conversely, some teas are simply marketed as 'black tea', which means they are produced with a blend of various strains. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you're a tea purist, you might just think so!

Rachael Kinsella
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

I actually brew Earl Grey teas for less time than regular, strong black tea. I prefer it this way, but everyone's taste is different. I would brew for no more than 3 minutes, rather than the 5 minutes plus I allow for stronger black teas and English Breakfast blends. 


The strength of individual blends is all about the varied makeup of tea leaves, such as rich, earthy Assam and delicate, light Ceylon, and the different botanicals added, like bergamot, lemon, oranges and other herbs or flowers. Each tea blender has their own recipe for success!

3

Leaves or Tea Bags? Pick According to Brewing Preferences

Leaves or Tea Bags? Pick According to Brewing Preferences

Select Loose Leaf Teas for Freshness, Flavour and the Option to Create Your Own Blends

If you enjoy brewing tea at home, it makes sense to go with loose leaf tea. Many loose leaf teas are hand picked to prevent the leaves from being damaged by machinery (and releasing their precious oils prematurely). This results in a much fresher taste as the intact leaves are able to infuse in water much more effectively


The downsides are that you will need more time (to brew and to clear up afterwards) and you will need a tea strainer. Luckily, tea strainers are easy to get hold of and don't cost much - but don't scrimp, as overly cheap versions let unwanted particles through. 


These teacups will be sure to enhance the whole tea experience.

Rachael Kinsella
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

Loose leaf tea is a more sustainable option, which is why many are returning to loose leaves in their daily cuppa. They provide a fuller flavour and are often higher quality, keep well if you store in an airtight container, and last longer, as you don't need as much to brew the same amount of tea. Loose-leaf also gives you the opportunity to mix different teas together to create your own blends, which can be fun!


I also have a wide variety of tea steepers I can use for loose leaf tea. These can be attractive, inexpensive and very eco-friendly, so it's worth checking out the different options available; either built into teapots or mugs or steepers on a chain. I recommend: Capacitea, T2, Whittard's of Chelsea and other reputable UK tea brands.

Tea Bags Are Always Convenient but Are Best Bought Biodegradable Where Possible

Tea bags are the modest heroes of the tea world, they're instant, portable and produce a decent brew. Unlike loose leaf, tea bags can be brewed on the go and are hassle and mess-free. Most Earl Grey varieties can be found in tea bag form and usually you will find the flavour remains fairly authentic and complex.


That said, modern tea manufacturers use a process called CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl), which quickly dries the leaves ready for a tea bag. This process damages the tea leaves and takes away from the delicate flavour, so you are unlikely to find a tea bag that really equals the subtle and rich flavours of loose leaf tea. 

Rachael Kinsella
Writer, Editor, Tea and Lifestyle Blogger
Rachael Kinsella

Teabags are quick and convenient - I look out for sustainable teabags that are biodegradable and don't contain plastic, or I use loose leaf tea in my own plastic-free, compostable tea bags and make up a tin of them in advance. Ace Tea London and We Are Tea are two great brands in the UK for sustainable teabags and their Earl Greys provide a refreshing bergamot bounce! 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Earl Grey Teas in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used. 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Brew Tea Co

Earl Grey Proper Tea Bags

Brew Tea Co  Earl Grey Proper Tea Bags 1

£7.95

Mid

Pyramids Filled With 3 g of Expertly Blended Tea in 100 % Plastic-Free Packaging

2

Birchall Tea

Virunga Earl Grey

Birchall Tea  Virunga Earl Grey 1

£3.99

Low Mid

Fragrant Single-Origin Tea Blended With Blue Cornflowers

3

Clipper

Organic Fairtrade Everyday Earl Grey 6 x 80 bags

Clipper  Organic Fairtrade Everyday Earl Grey  1

£18.00

High Mid

The Ethical Option That's Organic, Fairtrade and Biodegradable

4

Tick Tock

Rooibos Earl Grey Tea

Tick Tock Rooibos Earl Grey Tea 1

£2.15

Low Mid

A Calming Caffeine-Free Blend for Bedtime

5

Teapigs

Darjeeling Earl Grey

Teapigs Darjeeling Earl Grey 1

£7.95

Mid

Popular Tea Temples Loaded With Bold and Bright Flavours

6

Vahdam

Earl Grey Green Tea

Vahdam Earl Grey Green Tea 1

£19.99

High Mid

Loose Leaf Tea from an Indian Family-Run Business

7

Williamson

Elephant Grey Tea Bags and Caddy

Williamson Elephant Grey Tea Bags and Caddy 1

£14.99

High Mid

Elephant Grey Tea Caddy To Keep Your Top Quality Tea Fresh and to Hand

8

Twinings

Earl Grey Loose Leaf

Twinings Earl Grey Loose Leaf 1

£2.50

Low Mid

Loose Leaf Tea From the Original Producers of Earl Grey in the UK

9

Twinings

No. 4 Dark Grey

Twinings No. 4 Dark Grey 1

£3.00

Low Mid

An Intense Tasting Experience for Those Who Like a Stronger Brew

10

T2 Tea

French Earl Grey

T2 Tea French Earl Grey  1

£7.50

Mid

An Elegant After-Dinner Option Pairing Fine Florals With Delicate Citrus

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Brew Tea Co Earl Grey Proper Tea Bags

Earl Grey Proper Tea Bags 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.95
Mid
Reference price
£7.95
Mid

Pyramids Filled With 3 g of Expertly Blended Tea in 100 % Plastic-Free Packaging

Proudly blended at 'Tea HQ' in Manchester - this bright, woody, Ceylon tea is infused with natural bergamot oil  and blended with orange peel. No artificial flavours or granules are used, so there's no risk of feeling like you are drinking hot perfume! So this tea could really win your round, if you've been put off Earl Grey in the past...


 Each pyramid tea bag holds a generous 3 grams of tea - all contained in absolutely no plastic. The tea bags, wrapping and window are all made from biodegradable materials and are industrially compostable, so are suitable for your food-waste caddy. The Brew Tea Co is top notch when it comes to workers' rights too. So you can enjoy your delicious tea, guilt free.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Birchall Tea Virunga Earl Grey

Virunga Earl Grey 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Virunga Earl Grey 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.99
Low Mid

Fragrant Single-Origin Tea Blended With Blue Cornflowers

This tea is sourced directly from the finest plantations in Rwanda, ensuring each producer gets their fair share. It's Rainforest Alliance Certified™ pure origin tea, which means better protection for farmers and a more authentic tea. The company also has impressive sustainability credentials - it's removed plastic from its tea bags and powers a new UK-based factory with solar energy.


The tea is picked at high altitude which allows the tea bush to grow more slowly, thus developing an especially rounded flavour. The leaves are then delicately blended with natural bergamot and blue cornflowers in prism-shaped, plastic-free bags for a truly beautiful and fuller-tasting infusion. 

No.3

Clipper Organic Fairtrade Everyday Earl Grey 6 x 80 bags

Organic Fairtrade Everyday Earl Grey  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Organic Fairtrade Everyday Earl Grey  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.00
High Mid
Reference price
£18.00
High Mid

The Ethical Option That's Organic, Fairtrade and Biodegradable

 Clipper were the UK's first Fairtrade tea, and they're now a certified carbon neutral company. Unlike many other teas, this Earl Grey is completely organic and uses plastic-free, unbleached biodegradable tea bags. This means no harmful ingredients, which is both good for the planet and good for you!


Of course it also tastes great, with a real citrus zing to compliment the Assam tea base. Given its impressive ethical and environmental credentials and its light, aromatic and very refreshing flavour - you are in for a guilt-free treat. 

No.4

Tick TockRooibos Earl Grey Tea

Rooibos Earl Grey Tea 1
Source:ocado.com
Reference price
£2.15
Low Mid
Reference price
£2.15
Low Mid

A Calming Caffeine-Free Blend for Bedtime

If you love Earl Grey, but not the caffeine, look no further. Rooibos (pronounced 'roy-boss') is a naturally caffeine-free, traditional South African drink made with the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, found only in South Africa's Cedarberg mountains. 


Tick Tock have produced this rich blend with bergamot to satisfy Earl Grey and Rooibos fans alike, creating a tea with a deep red colour and brimming with goodness. It can be enjoyed morning, noon and night, and is especially good for restful sleep, pregnancy and for those who suffer from caffeine-induced anxiety or headaches.

No.5

TeapigsDarjeeling Earl Grey

Reference price
£7.95
Mid

Popular Tea Temples Loaded With Bold and Bright Flavours

Why choose between loose leaf vs tea bags, when you can have the best of both worlds? This whole leaf tea is gently handpicked from the foothills of the Himalayas and carefully separated into tea 'temples' - Teapigs' signature triangular shaped, biodegradable bags, designed to give leaves adequate room to fully infuse in water. 


The exotic, floral tones of Darjeeling tea are balanced with the zesty citrus taste of bergamot, giving a fresh tasting and elegant brew - with the added convenience of a tea bag. We think that this tea is a winner, and so do the judges in a number of Great Taste Award years.

No.6

VahdamEarl Grey Green Tea

Earl Grey Green Tea 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£19.99
High Mid
Reference price
£19.99
High Mid

Loose Leaf Tea from an Indian Family-Run Business

Vahdam teas were founded as a direct link between tea plantation and drinker. They grow all their tea themselves in plantations across India, ensuring the freshest and finest leaves are packed and sealed in ideal conditions, from farm to your cup in its purest state. 


This blend offers a distinctive take on the original Earl Grey, using green tea rather than black, thus combining the health benefits of loose leaf green tea with a floral & citrus flavour. Which gives a mellow drink, which is both revitalising and refreshing. The price of this tea has rocketed recently, so it's further down our ranking for the reason of lesser affordability.

No.7

WilliamsonElephant Grey Tea Bags and Caddy

Elephant Grey Tea Bags and Caddy 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.99
High Mid
Reference price
£14.99
High Mid

Elephant Grey Tea Caddy To Keep Your Top Quality Tea Fresh and to Hand


The distinctive caddy, and the 'Elephant Grey' tea bags contained inside, really caught our eye. Plus this tea is made by a fifth-generation, family owned business, with 150+ years of tea growing, selecting and blending experience, ensuring top quality in each tea bag. The company is working towards being plastic-free across it's range, so it's further down the rankings than some who have already made the switch.

This light and refreshing blend of tea is suitable for everyday drinking. The caddy (with a pleasingly tight-fit, practical lid) can be refiled as needed, by purchasing just the tea bags. The tea is sustainably grown and pesticide free, as certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Now all that's left to decide is whether to buy this as a gift for someone else or as a gift to yourself... 


No.8

TwiningsEarl Grey Loose Leaf

Earl Grey Loose Leaf 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.50
Low Mid

Loose Leaf Tea From the Original Producers of Earl Grey in the UK

A classic cuppa from Twinings, this Earl Grey tea is a close rival to their Breakfast Blend. It can be drunk throughout day and takes milk very well. It produces a fine tea, with the distinctive fragrant flavour of bergamot and lemon

The ceremony of making tea from loose leaves cannot be hurried and therefore won't fit into everyone's day - Twinings do also offer this blend in tea bags, but they haven't yet managed to remove the plastic from their bags, which may steer you back towards this traditional option of loose leaf brew-making.

No.9

TwiningsNo. 4 Dark Grey

Reference price
£3.00
Low Mid

An Intense Tasting Experience for Those Who Like a Stronger Brew

Twinings No. 4 makes up part of a collection of teas with a stronger, fuller flavour. Dark Grey will intrigue regular earl grey drinkers and encourage those who have been previously put off by a traditionally mild type of tea. If you like your tea well-brewed, this blend will certainly float your boat. 


Having gone through a longer oxidation process, the base of this tea gives it a dark, rich taste. Made with Assam tea, it's well-balanced, smooth, and full of depth, making it great either with or without milk. Each tea bag comes individually wrapped and presented, to help the tea retain its fullest flavour before hitting the water. This one is a bit niche so won't suit all, but do give it a try!

No.10

T2 TeaFrench Earl Grey

French Earl Grey  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
French Earl Grey  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
French Earl Grey  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
French Earl Grey  4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.50
Mid
Reference price
£7.50
Mid

An Elegant After-Dinner Option Pairing Fine Florals With Delicate Citrus

The use of blended rose, hibiscus, sunflower and mallow flowers makes a fine and elegant tea with strong floral flavours. In other words the classic Earl Grey flavourings get a French twist, thanks to the decadent use of florals. 


As an Earl Grey, the citrus flavour profile still stands out, meaning that the whole leaf blend is very well complimented by either a twist of lemon or a dash of milk. The pyramid tea bags are convenient and biodegradable, but unfortunately a little pricey at around 30p per bag.

Rachael's Extra Tips on Flavour, Earl Grey Recipes and Making Your Own Blends

Rachael's Extra Tips on Flavour, Earl Grey Recipes and Making Your Own Blends

"I always recommend looking for tea blends that are similar to those you know you already like, but with a twist. Some Earl Greys have cornflower or rose petals added for colour or a more floral flavour; while others use little pieces of citrus fruit in addition to bergamot and/or orange oil. Many loose leaves also work wonderfully in cakes, cocktails and cold drinks too." 


"Look for good quality, larger leaves and blends including other ingredients - you can usually see and smell the quality. Consider where the tea has come from - is it sustainable, does it offer fair prices to pickers and growers and have a good ethical philosophy? Also, why not mix a few different blends to make up your own? Bird & Blend, T2 and Chash Tea can make custom blends for you based on preferred tastes."

Written and researched by Ross Fraser-Smith

Top 5 Earl Grey Teas

No. 1: Brew Tea Co Earl Grey Proper Tea Bags

No. 2: Birchall Tea Virunga Earl Grey

No. 3: Clipper Organic Fairtrade Everyday Earl Grey 6 x 80 bags

No. 4: Tick TockRooibos Earl Grey Tea

No. 5: TeapigsDarjeeling Earl Grey

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