[11 Best] Black Teas Reviewed and Rated

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In a Hurry? Editors choice:
1. Twining’s Earl Grey
Test Winner: 1. Twining’s Earl Grey
Last Updated: February 26, 2020
By Lacey Bourassa:

We’ve made some updates to this list to help you make a more informed choice. For starters, we’ve changed our editor’s pick to Twinning’s Earl Gray tea. Thanks to its affordable price, moderate caffeine levels, natural ingredients, and other standout features, it’s easily the best black tea you buy in 2020. We also added information regarding black tea’s benefits and potential side effects to provide an unbiased look at whether it’s right for you. Read on to help you choose the best black tea.

Among the oolong, green, and white teas, the black tea is the most oxidized tea. It undergoes an oxidation process, known as fermentation, which is why this tea has a highly oxidized variety. From its name you can guess the flavor of this particular type of tea is strong. It is called black tea because of its dark and rich amber colored texture. In China, black tea is called red tea due to the distinct reddish color of the brew. The strong flavor of red tea can be diluted and sweetened by adding milk, honey, and sugar but this might lessen the antioxidants potential of the black tea.

Black tea leaves are first cut and torn from the plant. They are then left to dry and wilt. The withered leaves are then processed into excellent evenly sized particles. Then comes the oxidation stage, where the black tea leaves are oxidized at a controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen level. This is the stage where the green leaves turn their color into brown and aroma of the tea develops during the oxidation process as well. After that, the wet leaves are left to dry. Lastly, the leaves are sorted into tea grades such as whole leaf grade, fanning, and broken leaf grade. Black tea is a safe beverage choice which has a broad range of benefits. You can get a good pack of black tea easily from sites like Amazon and other online stores.

Twining’s Earl Grey TeaOffer
  • Twining’s Earl Grey Tea
  • 5 out of 5
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Taylors of Harrogate Tea
  • Taylors of Harrogate Tea
  • 4.6 out of 5
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  • very flavorful
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Decaf Black Tea by TwinningsOffer
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  • 4.3 out of 5
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Usage Recommendation

Yes, black tea has its set of benefits, but it should be consumed moderately. Drinking too much of it during pregnancy or if you have a pre-existing medical condition may result in negative effects rather than positive ones. Don’t drink more than five cups per day as the caffeine content will make you hyperactive and jumpy. Be vigilant if you are a breastfeeding mom, consult a doctor before settling on a dosage for black tea.

For a normal and healthy individual, one to three cups of black tea is enough for a day.

10 Best Black Teas

1. Twining’s Earl Grey

1. Twining’s Earl Grey
Twining is considered one of the best black tea brand in the world. Earl Grey is a tea blend of black tea with the flavor of Oil of Bergamot. It is now offered in Oolong and Green flavors. Earl Grey tea is used widely. Bakers use it for flavoring their cakes.
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One of the most known key features of Earl Grey tea is that it helps in losing weight, as it has very few calories.

Features and Specifications

  • The product contributes to Improve digestion. Caffeine in the tea helps with the constipation problems. It helps with the upset stomach thus preventing nausea and vomiting.
  • Helps in preventing fever, cold and flu.
  • This tea protects against cavities and tooth decay.
  • Earl Grey Tea also works as a relaxant. It helps with dealing with depression and anxiety.

Price

It is very affordable and can be purchased at a very reasonable price. Everyone can easily afford such a great tea.

Verdict

It can be used as an alternative to black tea for breakfast. It is a natural way to boost up your health to a newer level. It does not include any preservatives. It is purely organic and helps in various ways to improve your life.

Pros
  • It has fewer levels of caffeine as compared to other teas
  • It does not stains clothes
  • Contains no artificial colors, sugar and it's gluten-free
  • Remains fresh for a longer period
  • Typically a box can be used for three years
Cons
  • None

2. Scottish Breakfast by Taylors of Harrogate

2. Scottish Breakfast by Taylors of Harrogate
This traditional tea has its roots in the Assam region of India. It is very flavorful and consists of a medley of traditional flavours that just leave you mesmerised with its soothing effect.
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It goes best with milk and is a perfect way to start off your day happily and healthily by having it during breakfast. As the name indicates, the Taylors have manufactured this tea specifically for Scottish water. This is because water in Scotland is soft water which can dull the flavour and aroma of any tea. However, this tea is thick as well as strong, which makes it capable enough to give a full bodied effect even in a cup of soft water.

This tea has a full, rich and malty taste which is soft at the same time so that your taste buds are stimulated to just the right extent and to make your experience more flavorful and enjoyable.

Features and Specifications

  • Teabags come in a cardboard box weighing 125g. Each box has 50 tag-less tea bags. Each tea bag has 2.5g of tea.
  • It is made from a blend of Assam and African teas.
  • This product is blended and then packaged in England.
  • The tea bag has to be left in warm water for 4-6 minutes prior to making tea.

Price/Value

This tea is extremely affordable for the quantity and quality that it possesses which in itself is a great motivating factor for the customer to buy it.

Verdict/Conclusion

The great cost to tea ratio, amazing flavor, and a perfect assortment of teas in this box makes this tea an ideal option for all those tea fans out there looking for affordable options to try out.

Pros
  • Blend of 100% natural black teas from different regions of the world
  • It can be served both with or without milk
  • It has a very soothing and anxiety relieving effect
Cons
  • It comes in a cardboard box which is not a very good storage option
  • It does not taste as good with just water as it does with milk or cream

3. Decaf by Twinnings

3. Decaf by Twinnings
Decaf fits itself in the list of strong black teas. This strong and healthy black tea has its roots in India, and as its name indicates, it is manufactured to suit the traditional English breakfast. However, the refreshing aroma and delightful taste of this tea make it suitable for absolutely any occasion and any time of the day, not just breakfast.
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The most special thing about this black tea which makes it unique and different from all the other options available in the market is that this version is decaffeinated. So if you love black tea but at the same time want to avoid caffeine, this is an ideal alternative for you.

The antioxidants naturally present in this tea such as flavonoids helps clear out toxins from your body without any effort and keeps you protected from deadly diseases.

Features and Specifications

  • This tea comes in a box weighing 40g and consists of 120 individually wrapped tea bags.
  • Blend of black teas acquired from the regions of Assam and Kenya.
  • Has to be brewed for 2-5 minutes or more depending on how strong you want your tea to be.

Price/Value

The price seems quite high at first, but when it is compared to the amount of tea bags in one box, it seems very reasonable and worth the money.

Verdict/Conclusion

If you have given up on caffeine and are looking for a decaf substitute to regular black tea, this is an ideal option for you with very a very affordable price to quality and quantity of tea ratio.

Pros
  • It is decaffeinated
  • It is a natural source of antioxidants
  • It can be even used to make iced tea
  • It has no artificial flavors and no bitter taste
Cons
  • The flavor becomes very strong and unpleasant if brewed for very long

4. Fruity with Bergamot by Harney and Sons

4. Fruity with Bergamot by Harney and Sons
This tea was specifically manufactured to pay homage to the lovely city of Paris, and the infusion of flavors that it possesses has an essence of its culture and traditions. This tea simply just takes you to Paris in your thoughts with its wonderful aroma and flavorful components.
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This tea is not a mixture of the usual teas and spices. In fact, it has a completely new assortment of flavors to provide you with a completely new flavorful experience. It is actually a fruity black tea, and the flavors infused in this tea include caramel, vanilla, and lemony bergamot. This completely unique but appealing combination of flavors is something that makes this tea attention catching and worth a try.

Harney and Sons are dedicated to providing their customers with the best and completely pure products. Hence, all the constituents of this tea are kosher.

Features and Specifications

  • This tea comes in a box of 50 individually wrapped tea bags.
  • It is a medium body tea product.
  • Its constituents consist of black tea with currants, caramel, and citrus.

Price/Value

These tea bags are a little expensive as compared to the quantity of tea. The price to quality ratio of these tea bags is not so satisfactory, however, if you are a fan of a combination of such flavors, it is definitely worth it.

Verdict/Conclusion

The price goes with the quality of this tea and not quantity but as they say ‘quality over quality.' So, if you love caramel and vanilla with a hint of bergamot, this is the tea for you.

Pros
  • It can be brewed in hot water and used without milk
  • It is a kosher product
  • The flavor and aroma are robust
Cons
  • The vanilla flavor and aroma sometimes feel artificial and too strong
  • There is not much black tea flavor with only one tea bag

5. Lipton

5. Lipton
Lipton black tea is an uplifting drink with a delicious taste. Lipton utilizes an innovative process by pressing the high quality, fresh tea leaves and releasing the natural essence from them. This essence is then utilized in Lipton’s blend.
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It comprises flavonoids which are heart-healthy and naturally hydrating keeping you energetic and active all day.

Features and Specifications

  • It has an intense color, rich taste along with it invigorating aroma.
  • You can serve this tea either cold or hot.
  • The tea leaves are carefully selected and freshly pressed to capture the natural taste as much as possible.
  • Lipton black tea serves a lock box which is sturdy and allows easy storage with complete wrapping. This preserves the tea leaves and allows them to stay fresh and maintain their aroma with long shelf life.
  • The box comprises 312 tea bags. This tea can be sweetened with agave nectar, sugar or stevia.
  • The tea bags are 100% certified by Rainforest Alliance.

Price/Value

Lipton black tea has a deep discount with the normal price so that customers can drink it every day by spending a little cash on it.

Verdict

Lipton Black tea is simple to brew, costs little, simple flavor along with pleasant smell and taste. It’s an amazing drink which is calorie free and easy to buy.

Pros
  • It is gluten-free without any artificial flavors or colors
  • It is modestly priced with a moderate amount of caffeine
  • Lipton Black tea arranges the tea bags with paper dividers
Cons
  • May stain your cotton clothes because it gets darker with steeping time
  • Tea bags are not sealed in an airtight form

6. Twinnings English Breakfast

6. Twinnings English Breakfast
The invigorating and refreshing flavor which makes the Twinning Tea English Breakfast one of the best drinks which you can enjoy anytime or on occasions. It is well-blended with Assam and Kenyan teas. It is a traditional form of tea with satisfying aroma and rich taste.
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Features and Specifications

  • A satisfying and rich form of black tea
  • Teabags are fully wrapped in foil making them air tight. They are portable and easily kept fresh
  • Twinning black tea has a little bitter taste with deep orangish red color, and it’s a clear beverage

Price

It has an average price which everyone can easily buy. It is notably economic and an excellent beverage for cold and hot recipes

Verdict

It is an easy and simple drink to prepare with good taste and smell along with a cinch to aroma and flavor. This tea product is adopted as a hot drink during breakfast or served as an iced drink while enjoying picnics, lunch or supper.

Pros
  • Extended shelf life
  • Even if you sweeten it, this tea will taste as robust, flavorful, black tea
  • It is gluten-free without any artificial flavors or colors
Cons
  • Some individuals may feel extra caffeine in this tea
  • The tea bags are not sealed impeccably so it is not air tight by nature

7. Twinnings K Cups

7. Twinnings K Cups
Twinning has been serving the world with the finest quality teas for more than 300 years. Twinning experts only utilize the leaves from standard sources which are cultivated by trusted growers all around the world. Twinning has a wide range of tea blends which have high standards and maintain the quality along with ethical values.
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It is a favourite choice of tea all over the world. It is a robust tea with satisfying and delicious flavours. It is an original, traditional blend to compliment the English breakfast.

Features and Specifications

  • It is a traditional blend of Assam and Kenyan black teas.
  • Can be served without or with milk, unsweetened or sweetened, this all depends on your choice.
  • Premium quality tea which is loved by many consumers.
  • Embrace 24 counts.

Price/Value

It is economical and excellent beverage which can serve at all times or on occasions.

Verdict

It is a pure and perfect tea with flavorful blends. It has an amazing taste with a fresh smell of tea leaves. The tea by twinnings can be served as hot or cold teas.

Pros
  • It has an extended shelf life
  • It has a dark appearance with flavorful experience
Cons
  • It has an extra amount of caffeine
  • Serves as a hunger stimulant

8. Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Gold

8. Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Gold
Yorkshire Gold tea is the 3rd most well-known tea brand in the UK. Yorkshire Gold is a blend of Assam and East African teas. This black tea that goes well with milk, giving it a silky smoothness that everyone wants. It has an excellent strong tea for mornings and early afternoons. It has a floral smell and brews up nicely. This tea is a combination of savory flavors with fruity touches.
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Features and Specifications

  • It is an English tea with a unique flavor.
  • Blends three tea leaves grown in three different countries, i.e., Sri-Lanka, Kenya, and Assam.
  • This tea is also known as luxury tea.
  • Yorkshire Gold is full-bodied
  • The tea has malty flavor.

Price/Value

It is easily affordable. Therefore, anyone can enjoy a delicious tea for breakfast.

Verdict

Just like the coin has two sides, there are health benefits as well as health hazards of this product. You have to use a product carefully, and in a limited amount otherwise, you may feel nauseous. Likewise, it is good for people with heart problems, as it contributes to lower blood pressure. It works as a stress reliever. Thus, proving it is good for health.

Pros
  • Taylor’s finest tea blend
  • Tea is rich in antioxidants
  • It has a smooth and delicious taste
  • Yorkshire gold works as a stress reducer
Cons
  • For some, it's too weak

9. Hot Cinnamon by Harney and Sons

9. Hot Cinnamon by Harney and Sons
An amazing blend of a wide variety of unique flavors including black tea, cinnamon, orange peel and sweet cloves. This tea has been manufactured with a careful selection of flavors which complement each other. These flavors have then been put together carefully in specific amounts to create a blend of flavors your taste buds cannot resist.
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This tea by Harney and Sons has not one or two but a blend of three different kinds of cinnamon. The presence of such a variety of cinnamon in this tea not only imparts a strong flavor to it but also helps you get healthy by improving your metabolism and helping you to lose weight.

Features and Specifications

  • A combination of spices with citrus flavors such as cinnamon and sweet cloves with orange
  • This tea comes in a container weighing 2.67 ounces. Each container consists of 30 sachets
  • Medium bodied tea
  • The base of this tea is China black, and the leaves are dark brown
  • You have to use boiling water for this tea and brew it for 5 minutes to enjoy it

Price/Value

This tea is a bit pricey as the money it costs a bit too much for just 30 sachets. However, the lovely tin the tea bags come in, and the divine taste and aroma make these tea bags worth it.

Verdict/Conclusion

The soothing impact, delightful flavor and mesmerizing aroma of this tea make it the perfect choice for those who love cinnamon and citrus flavors and those who are watching out to lose weight and avoid sugar. All this makes this tea definitely worth the money it costs.

Pros
  • Extremely flavorful
  • It has a strong aroma of spices and citrus
Cons
  • The strong cinnamon flavor might be a setback for some who are not a fan of this spice

10. Twinings Decaf

10. Twinings Decaf
Twinings Decaf English breakfast tea is one of the most popular blended teas, common in British tea culture. It is described as full-bodied, robust, creamy and blended to go well with milk and sugar. Furthermore, it is healthy, smooth and flavorful. It is a purely caffeine-free tea. It just involves 4mg or less caffeine per cup.
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Features and Specifications

  • It can be prepared only within 3-5 minutes
  • It is also available in Tea-bags packing
  • It is the deep-orange color of tea, with a little bit bitterness in taste
  • Gluten-free

Price/Value

Quite affordable for everyone. It is easily available around the globe. It is very pricey. And people can easily manage to use them for breakfast in everyday life.

Verdict

It provides resistance to many illnesses and improves your health. It contains vitamin C and E that prevents hair and skin dullness.

Pros
  • It helps you against insomnia
  • The tea is easily served in tea-bags packing
  • Long shelf life
  • It assists in burning calories in a lesser period
  • It is easily sweetened without ruining the flavor
Cons
  •  Not organic
  • It has an intense strain

 



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