teabags
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I love bougie loose leaf tea, of course. But nothing beats a classic bag of english style tea, with milk.
I've tried a lot of brands and boxes over the years. These are the black tea bags you can find on Amazon that are solid picks. Mostly English breakfast and morning teas, plus a few Earl Greys at the end.
Picking up a few boxes at once? here's how to store tea so it stays fresh once the box is open.
How to read the list: it's ranked by how much I like them. Strength, flavor, and value all count. My usual cup is one bag, boiling water, 1-2 minutes (i use a spoon to agitate!), then milk. Honey if I'm feeling it.
Looking to upgrade the whole setup? Here are the electric kettles that are great for tea time..
Let's start with my number one.
1. Yorkshire Tea Gold, 80 Bags
$7.72 | 4.7 stars | 7,400+ ratings
My number one. The flavor is good, and these bags have the most tea per bag of anything on this list. That means a strong, proper cup, and it still stands up to milk. If you only buy one box, buy this one.
2. PG Tips Black Tea, 80 Bags
$8.49 | 4.5 stars | 3,300+ ratings
Another favorite of mine. The classic British brew, made to take milk. Square bags, easy to find, and it hits the spot every time.
3. Dilmah English Breakfast, 150 Bags
$24.99 | 4.4 stars | 90+ ratings
My taste favorite. Single-origin Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka's Dimbula Valley, so it drinks a little different from the Assam-heavy British bags. Bright, clean, and very good. This is the one I'd pour for someone who says they don't like black tea.
4. Yorkshire Tea Proper (Red Box), 100 Bags
$7.78 | 4.6 stars | 12,100+ ratings
Gold's everyday sibling. A rich, full-bodied blend that works for breakfast or the afternoon slump. It's the better value per bag, and it's one of the most reviewed teas in the category.
5. Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast, 50 Bags
$5.94 | 4.7 stars | 4,200+ ratings
A bold, punchy morning tea from the same Harrogate family as Yorkshire. It blends Assam and African teas, and the tagless bags hold about 2.5 grams of tea each. Great with milk, fine without. This is the one I'd reach for at my desk on a slow morning.
6. Barry's Tea Gold Blend, 80 Bags
$9.99 | 4.6 stars | 4,000+ ratings
Not English, but it earns a spot. A strong Irish tea, imported, and a good one to grab if you like a hearty mug with milk. Think of it as the English breakfast cousin.
7. Tetley Original, 80 Bags (From England)
$12.10 | 4.6 stars | 12,100+ ratings
Tetley is here for the drawstring bags. They have a little string that lets you squeeze the last of the tea out of the bag, and it never stops being fun. Imported from England and well loved, with over 12,000 ratings.
8. Typhoo Premium Black Tea, 80 Bags
$9.99 | 4.7 stars | 1,700+ ratings
A classic British blend, full-flavored and made for the milk jug. Sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified gardens, and a solid everyday box if you like to switch things up.
9. Ahmad Tea English Tea No. 1, 100 Bags
$9.65 | 4.7 stars | 3,500+ ratings
The dark horse. Ahmad has won 22 Great Taste Awards, and English Tea No. 1 is one of its best sellers. A solid black tea at a friendly price, and 100 bags go a long way.
Now the Earl Greys.
10. Dilmah Earl Grey Ceylon Tea, 50 Bags
$13.42 | 4.4 stars | 89 ratings
If Dilmah's English Breakfast is my taste favorite, this is the Earl Grey to try. A Ceylon base with bergamot, which makes for a smooth, bright cup.
11. Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme, 20 Sachets
$6.82 | 4.7 stars | 3,800+ ratings
The treat-yourself Earl Grey. Silky sachets instead of paper bags, and a higher price per cup, but it's a lovely one for a slow afternoon. A great box to put out if you're inviting people over for tea, too.
12. Twinings Earl Grey, 100 Bags
$14.34 | 4.7 stars | 13,100+ ratings
The easy, available-everywhere Earl Grey. Black tea with bergamot, and a reliable one if you want a bulk box. It's fine. Not my favorite, but a lot of people love it.
13. Twinings English Breakfast, Individually Wrapped Bags
$12.38 | 4.8 stars | 20,200+ ratings
Last on my list, but not bad. Their English Breakfast is okay. It's easy to find, it's what a lot of people grew up on, and it has over 20,000 ratings. I'd reach for any of the teas above first.
My pick for a first order
Start with Yorkshire Gold. Add Dilmah English Breakfast if you want something a little different. Between the two you'll know fast which way you lean, strong and malty or bright and smooth.
Need something for the other end of the day? Black tea isn't it. Here's what I reach for before bed instead.
Homework: Make one cup of Yorkshire Gold this week with milk, and one with milk and honey. Pick your side.
Much love,
Josh
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