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10 Best English Teas UK 2022 | Taylors of Harrogate, Whittard and More

After water, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world  and we'd argue it is most popular right here in the UK! Traditional English Breakfast tea is a unique blend of black leaves originating from Assam, Ceylon and Kenya. Since it's the most common type of tea on the British market, it can be difficult to sift through all the options and choose one to buy.


For the perfect cup of tea, it's important to consider everything from the strength and brewing method to the brand's ethical credentials. To make your search easier, we've compiled a list of the 10 best English teas currently available online, including products from Yorkshire-based Taylors of Harrogate, Whittard and Teapigs. Let us take the stress out of tea shopping so you can put your feet up and enjoy an afternoon cuppa instead!

Last updated 28/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose an English Tea in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose Between Loose Leaf and Bagged Tea
  2. Decide if You’d Prefer a Caffeinated or Decaf Cuppa
  3. To Ensure the Brand Aligns With Your Beliefs, Check Their Ethical and Eco-Friendly Credentials
1

Select Loose Tea for a Strong, Rich Flavour, or Go for Tea Bags if You Want Something Simple and Convenient

Select Loose Tea for a Strong, Rich Flavour, or Go for Tea Bags if You Want Something Simple and Convenient

The most common way to brew tea in the UK is with a tea bag, which is made from a porous material that allows the tea inside to filter through when immersed in hot water. Each bag is filled with the correct serving of tea to infuse into one standard-sized mug, making it a handy option for brewing tea without measuring or extra tools!


However, some people prefer loose tea over bags. You will need a tea strainer in order to use loose tea leaves but the tea generally has a much stronger, fuller flavour. Also, as many tea bags contain food-grade plastics, loose tea is a great option for cutting out unnecessary waste.

2

Consider a Caffeinated Beverage if You Need a Morning Pick-Me-Up, or Try Decaf Tea for a Better Night’s Sleep

Consider a Caffeinated Beverage if You Need a Morning Pick-Me-Up, or Try Decaf Tea for a Better Night’s Sleep

Caffeinated tea is the standard when it comes to English tea, as black tea naturally contains around 47 mg of caffeine. This makes it an energising beverage that's ideal for tired mornings when you need a bit of a pick-me-up! 


If you've made the decision to cut out caffeine in a bid to avoid anxiety or insomnia, you should look for a decaf product. Decaf tea goes through a caffeine removal process but will still have trace amounts (usually around 2 mg per serving). This should be low enough not to cause jitters or disturb your sleep though.


For an alternative caffeine-free option, try one of these barista-approved decaf coffees or herbal teas.

3

Check the Brand's Ethical and Eco-Friendly Credentials for a Cuppa That Aligns With Your Beliefs

Check the Brand's Ethical and Eco-Friendly Credentials for a Cuppa That Aligns With Your Beliefs

Where Possible, Opt For a Company That’s Fairtrade Approved, Part of the Ethical Tea Partnership or Rainforest Alliance Certified

Certain weather conditions are required to grow the perfect tea leaves, so the majority of English tea is sourced from other countries that have more suitable climates. This means that the tea industry is a global operation, with leaves coming from East Asia, India and Africa. With this in mind, we're sure you'll agree that it's important to buy from brands with non-exploitative practices.


The easiest way to find a suitable product is by looking for the Fairtrade logo. The Fairtrade Foundation is an organisation that works with suppliers across the globe to ensure fair pay and safe working conditions for everyone involved with the production process. 


Some products may not feature the Fairtrade logo but might be part of the Ethical Tea Partnership, which seeks to create opportunities for workers to increase their incomes as well as minimise the environmental impact of tea farming. Or, the brand might be Rainforest Alliance Certified, meaning that the tea leaves were grown in a sustainable, energy-efficient way that keeps both humans and animals safe.

Look Out for Plastic-Free, Biodegradable and Organic Products to Limit Environmental Damage

Single-use plastics are fast becoming one of the biggest issues facing our climate today. We may not even realise how much plastic we use on a day-to-day basis, as many plastics can be hidden inside things we wouldn't expect. For example, some tea bags contain food-grade plastic that won't be harmful to you but can be deadly for our environment.


Loose tea is a good way to avoid this issue altogether, but those who love the convenience of a pre-measured tea bag can still enjoy a cuppa without damaging the environment. If you don't want your teabags to sit in a landfill forever, select a brand that uses 100% biodegradable or compostable materials.


Opting for an organic product is also more eco-friendly. This means that the tea leaves haven't been farmed using chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which can harm local wildlife and pollute water sources.


You can look after the environment and still get your caffeine fix with a pack of compostable coffee pods!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best English 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

Taylors of Harrogate

Yorkshire Tea160 Tea Bags

Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea 1

£3.60

Low Mid

A Taste of the North From One of the UK’s Best Loved Brands

2

Tregothnan

Classic Tea21 Tea Bags

Tregothnan Classic Tea 1

£7.00

High Mid

The First and Only Tea Produced Solely on British Soil

3

Brew Tea Co

English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea113 g

Brew Tea Co English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea 1

£5.00

Mid

Rich, Earthy Loose Leaf Tea That's Ethically Sourced and Packaged

4

Clipper

Fairtrade Decaf Tea80 Tea Bags

Clipper Fairtrade Decaf Tea 1

£5.50

Mid

A Fairtrade Decaf Tea Bag That's Fully Biodegradable

5

New English Teas

Traditional English Tea40 Tea Bags

New English Teas  Traditional English Tea 1

£5.98

Mid

A Traditional English Tea Tin That Would Make a Memorable Gift

6

Teapigs

Loose Leaf English Breakfast100 g

Teapigs Loose Leaf English Breakfast 1

£3.00

Low

Organic Loose Leaf Tea in 100% Plastic-Free Packaging

7

Taylors of Harrogate

Decaf Yorkshire Tea160 Tea Bags

Taylors of Harrogate Decaf Yorkshire Tea 1

£5.59

Mid

A Decaf Option That Doesn't Compromise on Flavour

8

Fortnum & Mason

Royal Blend Tea50 Tea Bags

Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Tea 1

£9.95

High

Feel Like Royalty With This Blend Designed for King Edward

9

Whittard

English Rose50 Tea Bags

Whittard English Rose 1

£6.00

Mid

A Chinese Blend With an Aromatic Hint of English Rose

10

Taylors of Harrogate

English Breakfast Tea100 Tea Bags

Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast Tea 1

£5.99

Mid

Malty Tea With an Undercurrent of Sweetness

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

Taylors of HarrogateYorkshire Tea160 Tea Bags

Yorkshire Tea 1
Source:groceries.asda.com
Reference price
£3.60
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.60
Low Mid

A Taste of the North From One of the UK’s Best Loved Brands

If you're searching for the ultimate cuppa, you can't get much more English than Yorkshire Tea! This family business was established in the Yorkshire town of Harrogate in 1886 and they have been providing only the best quality beverages ever since. 


The company remains family-run to this day, and as founding members of the Ethical Tea Partnership, they are committed to the highest standard of trade to support communities, farmers, the environment and the economy. Best of all, their tea tastes amazing and it's incredibly affordable too!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

TregothnanClassic Tea21 Tea Bags

Reference price
£7.00
High Mid

The First and Only Tea Produced Solely on British Soil

The Tregothnan estate in Cornwall reaped its first harvest of home-grown tea in 2005. Since then, the company has been expanding and creating perfect brews with a full-bodied flavour.


This classic blend is everything you might expect from an English tea and Tregothnan describes it as their best-loved product, so it serves as a great introduction to the brand. Delicious, UK-grown and wrapped in elegant packaging, this tea is sure to please even the most discerning palates. 

No.3

Brew Tea CoEnglish Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea113 g

Reference price
£5.00
Mid

Rich, Earthy Loose Leaf Tea That's Ethically Sourced and Packaged

This English Breakfast blend from Brew Tea Co is a superb sustainable option, as the brand only works with Ethical Tea Partnership growers and has been certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Their packaging is 100% compostable and recyclable, plus you don't have to worry about hidden plastics as it's a loose-leaf tea!


Their rolled whole leaves result in a richer and fuller flavour than alternative products. By picking and drying each tea bud whole, they ensure they are not eliminating any of the complex flavours contained within the plant, allowing the final product to remain as earthy-tasting as nature intended.  

No.4

ClipperFairtrade Decaf Tea80 Tea Bags

Reference price
£5.50
Mid

A Fairtrade Decaf Tea Bag That's Fully Biodegradable

If you'd prefer a decaf option, it can be difficult to find a blend that truly tastes like the real thing. Well, look no further, as Clipper has hit the nail on the head with their organic decaf tea bags!


Not only that, but they hold longstanding Fairtrade approval and their plant-based tea bags are 100% biodegradable and bleach-free. We think it's definitely worth buying from a company that's so equally dedicated to great taste and positive social change!

No.5

New English Teas Traditional English Tea40 Tea Bags

Traditional English Tea 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.98
Mid
Reference price
£5.98
Mid

A Traditional English Tea Tin That Would Make a Memorable Gift

Each of these 40 tea bags is foil-wrapped for freshness and contains a traditional blend of fine English Breakfast tea. It's the most expensive option on the list, but what you're really paying for is the packaging!


The tea comes in a gorgeous mint green tin with a vintage-inspired design. It's a lovely keepsake to continue storing your tea after these bags run out, or it would make a memorable gift for the tea lover in your life.

No.6

TeapigsLoose Leaf English Breakfast100 g

Reference price
£3.00
Low

Organic Loose Leaf Tea in 100% Plastic-Free Packaging

This is Teapigs' signature blend of black tea from Assam, Ceylon and Rwanda. In addition to tasting delicious, it comes in packaging that's 100% plastic-free and plant-based, making it fully biodegradable. 


We love that Teapigs works with Ethical Tea Partnership growers and is a B Corp, meaning they provide high-quality tea without any negative social and environmental impacts! Best of all, for every pack sold, 15 pence of the profit is donated to Point Foundation which supports orphans and vulnerable young people in Rwanda.

No.7

Taylors of HarrogateDecaf Yorkshire Tea160 Tea Bags

Reference price
£5.59
Mid

A Decaf Option That Doesn't Compromise on Flavour

Here's another decaf option from a renowned brand. If you're looking to cut down or cut out caffeine altogether, this tea is perfect. Although we've ranked it lower than Clipper's offering, this is simply because we prefer the taste of organic decaf.


Nevertheless, this tea doesn't lack flavour and if you're already a fan of Yorkshire Tea then this is a brilliant option that's sure to please. You get a huge number of tea bags for the price too!

No.8

Fortnum & MasonRoyal Blend Tea50 Tea Bags

Reference price
£9.95
High
Reference price
£9.95
High

Feel Like Royalty With This Blend Designed for King Edward

Fortnum & Mason's Royal Blend is exactly that  royal! First brewed in 1902 for King Edward VII, this take on the Great British cuppa is nothing short of divine. It has the malty taste of traditional English tea but elevates the flavour with notes of honey. 


Although the sophisticated flavour will appeal to many tea drinkers, some customers have raised concerns that the tasting notes are far too subtle. If you prefer something stronger, this won't be the best choice for you!

No.9

WhittardEnglish Rose50 Tea Bags

Reference price
£6.00
Mid
Reference price
£6.00
Mid

A Chinese Blend With an Aromatic Hint of English Rose

Since 1886, Whittard have been creating expertly blended tea with a distinct flavour. Their tea bags today are just as impressive and if you're looking for something quintessentially English, this option will be ideal for you!


Although their tea is sourced in China, this blend has been combined with the delicate and sweet flavours of English rose. However, this is artificial flavouring produced by flavour beads in the bag, which might not be to everyone's taste. 

No.10

Taylors of HarrogateEnglish Breakfast Tea100 Tea Bags

English Breakfast Tea 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.99
Mid
Reference price
£5.99
Mid

Malty Tea With an Undercurrent of Sweetness

This offering from Taylors of Harrogate is less well known than their Yorkshire Tea blend, but it has a lovely malty flavour that we reckon some customers will prefer. It has a subtle sweetness too, meaning it can be enjoyed without milk and sugar.


This is certainly a unique blend, but it may be an acquired taste! Although the sweetness can uplift some of the more intense flavours, there is a distinct bitterness that may be too overpowering for some.

Written and researched by Alicia Byrne

Top 5 English Teas

No. 1: Taylors of HarrogateYorkshire Tea160 Tea Bags

No. 2: TregothnanClassic Tea21 Tea Bags

No. 3: Brew Tea CoEnglish Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea113 g

No. 4: ClipperFairtrade Decaf Tea80 Tea Bags

No. 5: New English Teas Traditional English Tea40 Tea Bags

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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