It may come as a surprise to many in the United States that tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (after water, of course). Take that, coffee drinkers! It can be enjoyed hot or cold any time of day, making it incredibly versatile. While the majority of tea drinkers in the U.S. prefer to drink it iced, there are many healthy teas that taste great hot. According to the Tea Association of America, black, green, oolong, yellow, dark and white teas all come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. What makes them different is how they are processed and oxidized, which affects their color, taste and caffeine strength. Additionally, herbal teas, while not derived from a tea leaf, but from herbs and spices, are brewed in the same fashion.
1
Best Overall
The Tea Spot Cinnamon Spice
If you’re searching for a caffeine-free tea that doesn’t compromise on flavor, the Cinnamon Spice Rooibos Tea is a standout. Originating from South Africa, this blend combines rooibos with a robust cinnamon kick, creating a naturally sweet and spicy profile.
The blend features a thoughtful mix of ingredients: cinnamon, rooibos, apple bits, natural cinnamon flavor, orange peel and clove powder. The rooibos adds depth and a boost of antioxidants, making this tea not only flavorful but also a healthy option. While it’s ideal for the colder months, this tea can also be enjoyed as an iced beverage, offering a refreshing contrast with its spice.
As one reviewer described it, the tea is “Aromatic, sweet, strong cinnamon.” Another said, “This tea has quickly become a favorite in my evening routine, offering a comforting and flavorful way to wind down. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a delicious and caffeine-free tea.” Our tea experts rated this a perfect five, making it the top choice for the best overall tea.
2
Best Value
Lipton Black Tea Bags
Lipton tea is one of the most recognizable tea brands in the world and likely the best-selling tea in the United States, according to 2022 data analytics. It was one of the first companies to sell tea in a tea bag. The majority of fans prefer to drink this straightforward black tea iced, although it’s just as good hot.
One tester said, “It’s the perfect thirst quencher with lots of fresh squeezed lemon and ice added.” Our testers preferred the original tea bag version, though it’s available in many different forms including iced, sweetened, flavored, in gallon size bags and K-cup pods, among others.
3
Best Herbal
Vahdam Organic Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea
Headquartered in India, this tea company says they source directly from farmers, eliminating the middle man, allowing the farmers to retain more of their profits. Vahdam also claims to direct a minimum of 1% of its revenue towards the education of our tea growers’ children.
Out of a broad portfolio of USDA-certified organic and non-GMO verified varieties within this brand, we chose to highlight the turmeric ginger tea which is made from the spice turmeric and not from actual tea leaves. “No matter how long you steep this tea, it still tastes smooth with a slightly spicy bite of ginger,” said one of our experts.
One tester commented, “this is the least bitter turmeric tea I’ve ever tasted.” Turmeric, or more specifically, curcumin, the active ingredient, is a powerful antioxidant, known for its health benefits including being used as an effective anti-inflammatory.
4
Best Black
The Republic of Tea Earl Greyer Tea
Black tea is one of the most popular varieties in the United States, making up approximately 86% of all tea consumed in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Tea Association of America. Earl grey is a top pick within this variety. This choice from The Republic of Tea is non-GMO verified and according to the company website, it contains less than half the amount of caffeine per cup than in a similar-sized coffee. Our experts commented on the “light and floral taste with perfectly balanced notes of orange from the oil of bergamot.”
The tea is sourced from Ceylon and Kenya and the bergamot oil from Italy. Our testers reported, “this tea tastes great with milk, alternative milks or a squeeze of lemon and served hot or cold.” One tester said this is her go-to when she is trying to cut back on caffeine because “it has less caffeine than coffee but still provides a pick-me-up while also being satisfying due to its bright and robust notes.”
Another tester commented, “I love using this earl grey tea to make infused baked goods; it lends a unique and unexpected flavor. It is also great to use when steaming chicken and fish to give it a floral punch.”
5
Best for Gifting
Tea Forte Assorted Classic Teas
Tea Forte takes the headache out of measuring loose tea with their single steep, pre-portioned loose-leaf tea pouches. They come in a variety of flavor profiles and combinations all beautifully packaged in gift sets or in canisters. They are also known for their signature pyramid infusers which are essentially tea bags in the shape of a petite pyramid.
Our experts love the presentation, with one highlighting “the subtle but perfectly flavored teas that are never overwhelming.” One tester said, “the teas are presented so beautifully. They are the perfect gift for any tea lover; they have a very zen and spa-like feeling to them.”
The company offers limited-edition sets such as collections inspired by the 250 acres of the New York Botanical Gardens with a percentage of proceeds supporting NYBG’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture and education.
6
Best Chamomile
Celestial Seasonings Chamomile Herbal Tea
Chamomile tea comes from the chamomile flower and is not a tea in the traditional sense but rather an herbal beverage. It may have many medicinal properties and antioxidant powers, according to research, such as helping with an upset stomach. It may also contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Our experts appreciate that the sole ingredient in this tea is chamomile and that it has a “soothing, light flavor.”
One of our testers reported, “Instead of a night cap, I prefer to drink this tea and it’s my go-to when I’m feeling under the weather.” This may be a good choice to stock up on during cold and flu season.
Expert tip: “You don’t have to limit tea to just a sipping beverage,” Sassos said. “I like swapping in chamomile or apple cinnamon herbal tea for water in my morning oatmeal for depth of flavor without added sugar.”
7
Best Dandelion
Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root
This brand stands out for using the high quality wild herbs. The teas are certified USDA organic, non-GMO and fair-trade certified. They are also Fairwild certified, which works to ensure the sustainability of wild plants.
Research shows that dandelion root can improve digestion and thanks to Traditional Medicinals it can be enjoyed as an herbal tea. It’s a great replacement for coffee lovers that are trying to cut back or eliminate coffee because it has a similar flavor profile.
This pick is one of our expert’s favorite dandelion tea blends because it is “super smooth, without any bitterness.” It also tastes great with non-dairy milks and a touch of honey or by itself.
8
Best Mint
Numi Organic Tea Moroccan Mint
The company carries many notable certifications including USDA organic, fair trade and fair labor certified, among others. While Numi offers many blends to choose from in every tea category, including unique offerings such as flowering teas and pu-erh teas, it also offer multiple herbal blends, including a line of turmeric teas.
While it was difficult to choose a favorite from this brand, our experts loved the strong yet smooth taste of the mint tea made with Egyptian tea leaves. One reported this is their “go-to after dinner treat.” Also, peppermint is widely know as a digestive aid, specifically peppermint oil, and can be helpful with gas, bloating or other IBS symptoms. It should be avoided in individuals that suffer from GERD as it can be a trigger.
According to Susan Choung, Good Housekeeping Recipe Editor and an avid tea drinker, “There’s a hidden danger in some tea bags that are made with bleached paper or plastics or sealed shut with glue or other chemicals.” She likes that Numi states on the packaging that the tea bags are made from “biodegradable, unbleached, non-GMO Manila hemp fiber, not from plastic.”
9
Best Cinnamon
Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
With more than 13,000 five-star Amazon reviews, this tea stands out for its rich, cinnamon flavor and natural sweetness. Developed in the early 1980s, Hot Cinnamon Spice remains Harney & Sons’ best-selling tea worldwide. It is a blend of black tea with three types of cinnamon, orange peel and sweet cloves. One tester said, “This tea is an assault on the senses, in the best way possible. Although you have to be a fan of cinnamon to really enjoy this.”
Another tester commented that this tea is like a “warm cinnamon blanket.” This black tea is full of antioxidants from both the tea and the cinnamon. The latter has been shown to improve blood glucose levels and may help prevent type II diabetes.
Sassos likes this pick because of its natural sweetness. “Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the major sources of added sugars in the standard American diet,” she said. “Incorporating unsweetened tea into your diet can help you stay hydrated and even promote healthy weight loss in the long run.”
10
Best Aroma
Stash Tea Breakfast in Paris Black Tea
This blend features a delightful combination of lavender, bergamot citrus and vanilla, offering a pleasant fragrance and unique flavor. Though the lavender is prominent, this tea is more than just a lavender infusion. It’s a captivating Earl Grey lavender blend with a touch of vanilla, providing a sophisticated twist.
With a tea bag that’s free of microplastics, according to the brand, it’s a choice you can feel good about. One expert praised it for being “Smooth, flavorful, satisfying.” One reviewer noted, “I loved everything about this product. This would be a great subscription product.” Another shared, “I drink tea several times a day, 12 months a year. I loved the variety of tea products, especially the one I tried. It is so relaxing to me to have a cup of tea.”
11
Best Sampler
DAVIDsTEA David’s Top Teas Sampler
DAVIDSTea says it is committed to environmental sustainability and giving back to the communities it sources from. For example, in South Africa, they have worked with their rooibos tea producer to develop a homework facility to provide a safe environment for children of tea farmers. The company offers over 150 types of tea, including organic, limited seasonal collections, infusions, loose leaf and bagged teas. Best-sellers include Cream of Earl Grey, Nepal Black, Orang Pekoe, Cold 911 and S’more Chai, among others.
Our experts are big fans of the multiple green tea varieties with one claiming the coconut matcha, “turned me from a coffee drinker into a tea lover. It’s creamy without having a grassy or vegetal flavor. It also has a very smooth and light mouth feel.”
