Personally, I adore Earl Grey tea. I especially love it with just a pinch of sugar and some cream. The earthy, citrusy flavors pair so well with comforting creaminess; there is just nothing like a daily cup to warm my day.
If you're a tea enthusiast or just someone looking to explore the world of Earl Grey, you're in for a treat. It's not just me that loves Earl Grey... Earl Grey is one of the most beloved and iconic tea blends, celebrated for its fragrant aroma and bold flavor. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best Earl Grey tea for your taste buds? I've compiled a list of 10 of the best Earl Grey tea blends that stand out from the rest and are trusted by tea lovers. Let's talk about what makes each of these teas great.
Photo from rishi-tea.com
Rishi elevates the Earl Grey experience with organic and Fair Trade Certified loose leaf tea leaves. The bergamot flavor is vibrant, and the tea's ethical sourcing adds to its appeal. Customers of Rishi LOVE this tea, so you won't be disappointed!
ORIGIN:
Rishi Herb Lab
INGREDIENTS:
Organic black tea, essential oil of bergamot
Photo from adagio.com
Adagio's twist on Earl Grey includes notes of vanilla and cream, creating a balance of flavor between robust black tea and gentle, comforting vanilla. It's an excellent choice for anyone like me who loves a creamy cup! Adagio also offers the same high quality tea in pyramid-shaped tea bags (giving the leaves more room to expand than traditional tea bags), in case you prefer the convenience that brings!
ORIGIN:
Artisan Farmers
INGREDIENTS:
Black Tea, Orange, Blue Cornflowers, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Natural Bergamot Flavor & Natural Creme Flavor
Photo from smithtea.com
With a commitment to quality, Steven Smith Teamaker's Lord Bergamot features a unique blend of Ceylon and Assam teas. It's bold and citrusy, a delightful take on the classic. They offer loose leaf, tea sachets, and even a subscription so you can relax knowing you'll never run out of your favorite blend.
ORIGIN:
Friends in India's Assam Valley
INGREDIENTS:
Ceylon Dimbula, Uva and Indian Assam full leaf teas and bergamot oil
Photo from shop.numitea.com
Numi's innovative Aged Earl Grey combines bergamot with real aged loose leaf tea leaves. They are aged together, creating a complex and robust flavor profile with a hint of oak. It's available in tea bags or as loose leaf tea.
ORIGIN:
Organic tea estate in Assam, India
INGREDIENTS:
Fair Trade Certified™ organic Assam black tea, organic bergamot
Photo from teaforte.com
Tea Forté brings elegance to Earl Grey with its loose leaf blend. This blend combines organic cornflower petals with the traditional components of Earl Grey for a bright and floral character that really holds its own.
ORIGIN:
Assam, India
INGREDIENTS:
Organic black tea, natural flavors, organic cornflower petals
Photo from thejasminepearl.com
The Jasmine Pearl Tea Company offers a medium-bodied Earl Grey tea with a surprising twist on tradition. It's crafted with a blend of Chinese Keemun from Anhui, China, and Ceylon from the lush tea fields of Sri Lanka, leaving behind the usual Assam black tea. Its aromatic and perfectly balanced character makes it a versatile choice, whether enjoyed piping hot or poured over ice.
ORIGIN:
Anhui, China and tea fields of Sri Lanka
INGREDIENTS:
Chinese Black Tea, Organic Sri Lankan Black Tea, Bergamot Essential Oil
Photo from theteaspot.com
The Tea Spot offers a loose leaf Earl Grey blend that's vibrant and robust, with a lively citrus twist. It's perfect for those who crave a bold cup of tea. This tea shows off a unique and impressive balance of citruses, vanilla, licorice root, and mallow flowers to perfectly complement the much-loved flavors of timeless Earl Grey.
ORIGIN:
unknown (I tried to find the tea source for the Earl of Grey specifically, but could only find general information that their tea is either handcrafted in Colorado or sourced from trusted tea estates)
INGREDIENTS:
Black tea, citrus rind, licorice root, mallow flowers, bergamot, citrus & vanilla flavoring
Photo from harney.com
Harney & Sons offers several variations of Earl Grey tea (pictured are Earl Grey Supreme, Earl Grey, and Viennese Earl Grey). Their Earl Grey Imperial combines black tea and oolong teas and a more intense bergamot flavor for a bold and well-balanced cup that stands out from the crowd.
ORIGIN:
"The finest tea gardens around the world."
INGREDIENTS:
Black tea, oolong tea, bergamot oil
Photo from tealyra.com
Tealyra's loose leaf Classic Earl Grey combines Ceylon tea with natural bergamot flavor for a pleasing and fragrant brew. Like Tea Forté's version, Tealyra includes cornflower petals for that extra floral something to really make this tea impress.
ORIGIN:
Sri Lanka
INGREDIENTS:
Ceylon black tea, cornflower petals, natural flavor
Photo from artoftea.com
Art of Tea provides this lovely black tea blend, skillfully crafted with cornflower petals, fragrant bergamot oil, and a hint of French vanilla for a rich, satisfying finish, making it the perfect choice for a bold morning start.
ORIGIN:
Tea sourced from top 2% of providers
INGREDIENTS:
Select Organic Black Teas, Organic Cornflower, Natural Flavors, Bergamot Oil
Earl Grey tea is generally made from black tea leaves, which contain caffeine. However, the caffeine content in Earl Grey can vary depending on factors such as the type of tea used as the base and the brewing time. On average, an 8-ounce cup of Earl Grey tea may contain about 30-40 milligrams of caffeine, which is significantly less than a cup of coffee but more than some herbal teas. If you're looking to reduce your caffeine intake, you can opt for decaffeinated Earl Grey or choose Earl Grey blends made with green or white tea, which naturally contain lower caffeine levels.
While Earl Grey tea is primarily enjoyed for its delightful flavor, it also offers potential health benefits. The black tea base provides a source of antioxidants, particularly catechins and theaflavins, which are known for their protective effects on the body. These antioxidants can contribute to overall well-being by supporting the immune system and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the bergamot oil used to flavor Earl Grey has been associated with mood-boosting properties and may help alleviate stress and anxiety. As with any tea, moderation is key, and Earl Grey can be a part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
What makes my recommended top 10 Earl Grey teas great is their commitment to quality, distinctive flavor profiles, and the use of real bergamot oil. Each tea has its unique character, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether you prefer a traditional cup or a modern twist on this classic blend.
Whether you're sipping Rishi's vibrant organic blend or indulging in Art of Tea's creamy take on the classic, among the top 10 loose leaf Earl Grey teas on this list you are sure to find your new favorite. Here's to satisfying our tea taste buds and gaining a newfound appreciation for this beloved tea variety. Explore, taste, and savor the magic of iconic Earl Grey tea.
Happy sipping!
Evelyn Boyer
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~Evelyn
© 2024 Always Time for Tea. All rights reserved.
All content on this blog is the property of Always Time for Tea and is protected by international copyright laws. The content is intended for personal, non-commercial use only. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
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