Today, I will help you find the best earl grey tea that will make your taste buds sing.
The perfect cup of earl grey tea is a balanced flavor of bergamot and black tea, and you should crave it long after it is gone.
I have sampled many earl grey brands over the years. I will share my best earl grey tea brands with you in this article.
- Best Overall: VAHDAM, Earl Grey Tea Leaves
- Runner Up: Teapigs Earl Grey Strong Tea
- Best Organic Tea: Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey Tea
- Best Quality at Bargain Price: Ahmad Tea Earl Grey
Top Pick: VAHDAM, Earl Grey Tea Leaves
VAHDAM, an Indian brand, stands out globally for its top-tier teas and inventive business approach.
Their Earl Grey showcases this excellence with a delicate floral taste and a more distinct malt flavor as it cools.
Although steeping beyond 3 minutes might introduce bitterness, it remains a superior tea, characterized by its inviting aroma upon contact with hot water and a smooth, delightful taste.
Features:
- Superior Quality: VAHDAM’s Earl Grey features 100% natural black tea leaves from India’s best gardens, infused with bergamot oil for a fragrant aroma.
- Freshness Guaranteed: Direct sourcing and vacuum-sealing within 24-72 hours of harvest for peak freshness.
- Ethically Sourced: Fair trade certification underscores VAHDAM’s commitment to its tea growers’ wellbeing.
- Health Benefits: Packed with antioxidants, this tea offers various health advantages.
- Value: High quality at an affordable price. For optimal flavor, steep 2 grams in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, yielding a robust black tea with a citrusy bergamot twist.
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Teapigs Earl Grey Strong Tea
Tea pigs, known for high-quality and creative blends, offers an Earl Grey Strong, enhancing the classic favorite for global tea enthusiasts.
This version features a strong bergamot taste, lighter and fruitier than others, with unmatched smoothness.
For best results, use loose leaf to adjust brew strength and avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness. It’s delightful on its own and maintains flavor well with milk added.
Features:
- Flavorful & Robust: A blend of Assam and Rwandan black teas with bergamot for a strong, aromatic experience. Ideal for those who love a hearty Earl Grey.
- Ethical Sourcing: Tea pigs prioritize ethical practices, with their Earl Grey Strong being Rainforest Alliance Certified.
- Versatile: Perfect for mornings or an afternoon boost, with customizable strength through steeping time.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Their “tea temples” are biodegradable, crafted from corn starch. To enjoy, steep a tea temple in boiling water for 3-5 minutes to achieve your preferred intensity. This tea offers a unique, bolder take on the classic Earl Grey.
Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey Tea
Consider Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey Tea for a top Earl Grey choice. This classic black tea, enhanced with bergamot oil, uses organic leaves from trusted plantations, appealing to those who value organic, fair-trade options.
Features:
- Organic and fair trade: Harney & Sons use organic black tea leaves and supports fair trade, making it a sustainable choice.
- Premium blend: This tea is a blend of high-quality black tea with natural bergamot oil.
- Decaf option: Harney & Sons also offers a decaffeinated Earl Grey tea, perfect for those who wish to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey without the caffeine.
Ahmad Tea Earl Grey
Ahmad Tea, a popular British brand, makes a memorable Earl Grey. This tea is a blend of choice black tea leaves from Assam and Kenya, giving it a unique, rich taste.
The addition of bergamot oil transforms it into a classic Earl Grey. With its vibrant aroma and full-bodied flavor, it might be the best Earl Grey for those who prefer a stronger brew.
Features:
- Bold blend: Ahmad Teaโs Earl is a robust blend of black tea with a distinct bergamot aroma.
- Quality assured: Ahmad Tea is recognized globally for its quality tea blends.
- Comes in a beautiful tin: The packaging is not just practical, but itโs also aesthetically pleasing, making it a nice gift option.
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Bigelow Earl Grey Tea
The Bigelow family has made its mark in the world of tea with quality blends that delight tea lovers worldwide. Bigelowโs classic Earl Grey is a full-bodied black tea with a hint of bergamot oil, producing a flavor profile thatโs robust and unmistakably Earl Greyโs.
Bigelow also offers a decaffeinated black tea version for those who enjoy this tea but prefer to avoid caffeine.
Features:
- Classic blend: Bigelowโs Earl Grey is a blend of Assam black tea and bergamot oil.
- Convenient packaging: Comes in individually wrapped tea bags, ideal for those constantly on the go.
- Decaf option: Perfect for those who want the taste of Earl Grey without the caffeine kick.
Twinings Earl Grey Tea
Twinings Earl Grey stands out in the search for the best Earl Grey.
Originating from England, it embodies the classic English style favored by Earl Grey aficionados. Twinings expertly blends the distinct bergamot flavor with premium Assam and Ceylon black teas.
Features:
- Traditional recipe: Named after Charles Grey, the blend captures the essence of the typical Earl Grey.
- High-quality ingredients: Twinings uses only the finest black tea leaves and bergamot oil.
- Available loose: For those who prefer loose tea, Twinings Earl Grey loose tea allows you to adjust the strength of the tea to your liking.
Adagio Teas Earl Grey
Adagio Teas is known for their passion for creative tea blends and high-quality teas. The Earl Grey by Adagio Teas is no exception, providing a unique, refreshing take on this classic beverage.
Named after Charles Grey, their Earl Grey is a premium blend of black tea sourced from the best tea plantations worldwide. The tea is infused with natural bergamot oil, bringing you the typical Earl Grey taste at once comforting and refreshing.
Features:
- Fine Blend: Adagioโs Earl Grey is a blend of high-quality black tea with natural bergamot oil, striking a delicate balance between the two.
- Available loose: Adagio offers their Earl Grey as loose tea, giving you the flexibility to adjust the strength of the tea to your preference.
- Variety: Adagio offers a broad range of Earl Grey blends, such as Earl Grey Bravo, Earl Grey Moonlight, and Earl Grey Bella Luna. Each blend adds a unique twist to the classic Earl Grey, catering to different tastes and moods.
Numi Organic Aged Earl Grey
Numi is a well-known brand committed to providing exceptional organic, fair trade teas.
One of their standout products is their Organic Aged Earl Grey, an embodiment of the traditional Earl Grey tea that originated in England.
Features:
- Unique Flavor Profile: Numiโs Organic Aged Earl Grey is made of Assam black tea aged with real Italian Bergamot for several weeks, so the leaves absorb the orange scent. This process results in a robust Earl Grey with a bold citrus flavor.
- Organic and Fair Trade: Numi is dedicated to ethical sourcing, only using 100% organic black tea leaves and fair trade-certified bergamot.
- Full-Bodied: Numiโs Organic Aged Earl Grey is a full-bodied black tea that remains true to the classic Earl Grey profile. You get the strength of the tea, balanced perfectly with the fragrant bergamot oil.
Stash Tea Double Bergamot Earl Grey
Stashโs Double Bergamot Earl Grey is a bold, flavorful option for bergamot lovers. With double the typical amount of bergamot oil, it stands out with its strong citrusy notes.
This teaโs strong bergamot presence may not be everyoneโs cup of tea (pun intended), but itโs a must-try for those who enjoy a pronounced bergamot flavor.
Features:
- Double bergamot: A robust blend with more bergamot oil, delivering a distinctively citrusy brew.
- Quality Assured: Stash uses only premium-quality ingredients for its teas.
- Convenient packaging: Comes in a box with individually wrapped tea bags, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
The History of Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea traces its origins to Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey, who first received the tea blend from a Chinese individual in the 1800s.
The mixture of black tea with bergamot oil, a tiny lemon mainly found in the Mediterranean, quickly became popular in British high society and eventually among tea lovers worldwide.
If you’re unfamiliar with Earl Grey tea, its strong aroma, and flavor arise from the unique combination of Asam and Kenyan tea leaves. Some people prefer to add sugar to temper these potent notes.
Does Earl Grey Tea Have Caffeine?
The level of caffeine varies by brand, and it’s wise to check the label if you have it. A small Earl Grey tea typically contains 30-60 milligrams of caffeine, still less than a cup of coffee.
However, decaffeinated options are available for those sensitive to caffeine or craving a late-night cup without disrupting sleep.
Types of Earl Grey Teas
The delightful combination of black tea and bergamot makes Earl Grey so unique. Earl Grey tea is so popular that it inspired the creation of many other teas like it.
1. Classic Earl Grey: Most people are familiar with This traditional type of Earl Grey. It’s typically a blend of black tea leaves (like Assam or Ceylon) infused with natural bergamot oil, giving Earl Grey its distinctive citrusy flavor.
2. Lady Grey: Named after Mary Elizabeth Grey, the wife of Charles Grey (for whom Earl Grey tea is named), Lady Grey is a variation that often includes additional citrus flavors, such as lemon and orange, along with the traditional bergamot.
3. Earl Grey Cream: This variation adds a hint of vanilla to the classic Earl Grey blend. The vanilla softens the citrus notes of the bergamot, providing a smooth and creamy flavor.
4. Red Earl Grey: Instead of black tea, Red Earl Grey uses rooibos (a herbal tea from South Africa) as its base. It is then flavored with bergamot, producing a caffeine-free alternative to traditional Earl Grey.
5. Green Earl Grey: This version uses green tea as its base instead of black tea, offering a lighter, more delicate tea experience while still containing the distinctive bergamot flavor.
6. Decaf Earl Grey: For those who want to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey without caffeine, decaf tea is used in this variation.
7. Lavender Earl Grey: Here, lavender is added to the traditional Earl Grey blend, resulting in a floral, aromatic, and soothing variation.
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Twinings vs Bigelow Earl Grey
Twinings and Bigelow each offer unique takes on Earl Grey tea. Twinings blends high-quality Assam and Ceylon black teas with natural bergamot oil, creating a smooth and balanced flavor.
This traditional English blend is ideal for those who appreciate a refined taste.
In contrast, Bigelowโs Earl Grey uses robust Assam black tea and bold bergamot oil, resulting in a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
Bigelowโs tea bags are individually wrapped, making them convenient for on-the-go enjoyment.
Whether you prefer the classic elegance of Twinings or the robust boldness of Bigelow, both brands deliver a delightful Earl Grey experience.
Ahmad vs Twinings
Ahmad Tea and Twinings each bring distinct qualities to their Earl Grey blends. Ahmad Teaโs Earl Grey is known for its bold blend of Assam and Kenyan black teas, offering a rich and full-bodied flavor with vibrant bergamot notes.
This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a stronger brew. On the other hand, Twinings Earl Grey provides a more traditional experience with a balanced combination of Assam and Ceylon black teas infused with natural bergamot oil.
Twinings is celebrated for its smooth and refined taste, perfect for classic Earl Grey lovers.
Best Grocery Store Earl Grey Tea
When looking for the best Earl Grey tea at the grocery store, a few brands stand out. Twinings offers a traditional and balanced flavor, making it a reliable choice.
Bigelow provides a robust and convenient option with individually wrapped tea bags, ideal for daily use. Ahmad Tea delivers a rich, full-bodied Earl Grey with vibrant bergamot notes, perfect for those who prefer a stronger flavor.
Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey is a premium, organic option with a smooth and aromatic profile.
Best Earl Grey Tea Bags
For the best Earl Grey tea bags, several brands offer convenient and flavorful options. Twinings Earl Grey tea bags provide a smooth and balanced taste with natural bergamot oil, making them a classic choice.
Bigelow Earl Grey tea bags deliver a robust and full-bodied flavor, ideal for those who enjoy a strong brew. Teapigs Earl Grey Strong tea bags are known for their rich and aromatic blend with a bold bergamot punch.
Harney & Sons offers a premium, organic option with their Earl Grey tea bags, for a high-quality and aromatic experience.
Best Earl Grey Crรจme Tea
Earl Grey Crรจme tea offers a creamy and smooth twist on the classic blend. Teavanaโs Earl Grey Crรจme combines black tea with fragrant bergamot, vanilla, and a hint of lavender, creating a rich and creamy flavor profile.
Adagio Teas Earl Grey Moonlight features a blend of black tea, vanilla, and cornflowers for a velvety smooth finish. For a more luxurious option, DAVIDsTEA Cream of Earl Grey blends creamy vanilla with blue cornflowers, enhancing the classic Earl Grey taste.
These options provide a delightful and creamy twist on traditional Earl Grey tea.
