Here Are The Top 5 Tea Brands for a Perfect Brew

Several tea brands abound, yet which is the best for a refreshing start? Be it a refreshing tea, soothing herbal infusion, or eco-friendly plastic-free tea bags, we've handpicked the top 5 tea brands for you to opt for the best suited one.

Read More: The Home Of Tea: A Guide To Chinese Tea

Specifications to Check

Flavour: A tea's flavour profile consists of its taste, aroma, and overall essence, spanning from subtle and floral to bold and full-bodied. Some teas may feature additional elements such as fruits, spices, or floral accents, resulting in distinct and intricate flavours. Hence, it’s important to consider this while purchasing one. 

Packaging: Packaging is essential for maintaining the quality and flavour of the tea. Loose-leaf tea typically offers a superior taste and aroma, as the leaves can fully expand and release their essence. In contrast, tea bags provide convenience and ease. When choosing tea bags, opt for environmentally friendly alternatives, like plastic-free, biodegradable, or compostable materials, to reduce ecological impact.

Tea Type: Tea varieties mainly include black, green, white, oolong, and herbal infusions. Each category possesses unique attributes in flavour, aroma, and potential health benefits, influenced by factors such as processing methods and oxidation levels. Grasping these distinctions can aid in selecting a tea that aligns with your tastes and expectations.

Origin and quality: A tea's origin, encompassing aspects like cultivation techniques, geographic region, and elevation, significantly affects its taste and quality. Trustworthy brands frequently disclose the tea's origins, enabling you to make informed decisions. Choose brands that procure high-quality, ethically-sourced leaves for an exceptional tea experience.

Organic and fair-trade certifications: Organic and fair-trade certifications reflect a brand's dedication to sustainable agriculture practices and fair working conditions. Organic certifications ensure tea is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, while fair-trade certifications ensure fair wages and safe work environments for farmers. Selecting teas with these certifications supports both the environment and those involved in tea production.

Brewing instructions: Adhering to suggested brewing times and temperatures is crucial for achieving the ideal flavour and experience. Oversteeping or incorrect water temperature can yield bitter, astringent, or weak tea. Each tea type requires specific brewing instructions, so follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome.

Shelf life and storage: Appropriate storage is vital for preserving tea freshness and flavour. Keep your tea in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Besides, airtight and opaque containers are optimal for retaining tea quality. Verify the tea's shelf life and consume it within the suggested period to guarantee the finest taste and aroma.

Top Recommended products 

Best 5 Tea Brands to purchase

1. Tata Tea Premium | Desh Ki Chai | Unique Blend Crafted For Chai Lovers Across India | Black Tea | 1.5kg

Tata Tea Premium stands on the top of our list due to its popularity among the masses. Let’s know what makes them the most popular choice for tea lovers.

Main Features:

Consistent Quality

Wide Availability

Unique Blend

What we like:

Taste- Many customers love Tata Tea Premium for its rich flavour and strong aroma, which appeals to tea lovers across India who prefer a robust cup of tea to start their day.

Quality- The brand is often praised for its consistent quality, as it maintains the same high standards across various batches. This is ensured by the company's strict quality control measures, which ensure that consumers get the same level of quality with every purchase.

Accessibility- Tata Tea Premium is widely available throughout India, due to its extensive distribution network of the Tata Group. This convenience is appreciated by customers who can easily find the product in stores nearby.

What we don’t like:

Cost: Although the quality and unique blend of Tata Tea Premium justifies its higher cost for many customers, others may find it more expensive than other tea brands available in the market. As a result, some consumers prefer a more affordable option.

Packaging: Some customers often have concerns regarding the packaging of Tata Tea Premium, such as the freshness of the product or the ease of resealing the package after opening. 

Overall Review: Tata Tea Premium enjoys broad recognition as a popular tea brand in India, celebrated for its distinct blend, robust flavour, and potent aroma. The product maintains high-quality standards and is easily accessible across the country. Although, some consumers perceive it as more expensive than alternatives, and personal taste preferences can differ. Despite this, the product deserves to stand first on the list. 

Our Rating :

Taste & Aroma- 4.5/5

Quality & Consistency- 4.5/5

Affordability- 4/5
  

2. Amazon Brand - Vedaka Gold Tea, 1 kg

Here comes the next, Vedaka Gold Tea, an Amazon-owned brand that offers a 1 kg pack of blended Indian tea that too on a budget. Know its specifications, pros and cons, and ratings. 

Main Features:

Large Quantity

Affordability

Packaging

What we like:

Affordable: Vedaka Gold Tea is reasonably priced, making it an accessible option for daily tea drinkers.

Blend: The blend of Assam and Darjeeling tea leaves offers a balanced flavour that many tea lovers can enjoy.

Packaging: The tea comes in a well-sealed package, which helps maintain its freshness and aroma.

What we don’t like:

Inconsistency: Some customers have reported variations in taste and quality between different batches, which affect the overall experience.

Not a single-origin tea: Vedaka Gold Tea is a blend of different tea leaves, which may not cater to those looking for single-origin or speciality teas.

Overall Review: Vedaka Gold Tea is a budget-friendly option for customers seeking a decent everyday tea. While it may not compete with high-end, single-origin teas, it can be a satisfactory choice for those who prioritise affordability and convenience. As with any product, personal preferences and tastes will play a role in determining the suitability of Vedaka Gold Tea for individual consumers.

Our Rating :

Packaging and Convenience- 4/5

Value for Money- 4.5/5

Taste and Flavour- 3.5/5

3. Rungtas Real Gold Tea Box Black CTC 1.25Kg | Strong & Fresh Kadak Chai | Premium blend of Assam and Dooars

Rungtas Real Gold Tea is a premium blend of Assam and Dooars tea leaves, offering a strong, fresh, and "kadak" tea experience. This innovative brand has made its mark at number three with a unique fusion of traditional tea mastery and modern flavour profiles.

Main Features:

Generous Quantity

CTC Processing

Strong and Fresh Flavour

What we like:

Premium Blend: Combining Assam and Dooars tea leaves, Rungtas Real Gold Tea offers a flavorful and robust experience for those who enjoy a strong tea.

CTC Processing: The CTC processing method results in a bold, richly coloured brew that is characteristic of many Indian tea recipes.

Generous Quantity: The 1.25 kg pack size provides ample tea for regular consumption and reduces the need for frequent repurchasing.

Packaging: The tea comes in a well-designed box, which helps maintain its freshness and aroma.

What we don’t like:

Taste Preferences: The strong flavour may not cater to those who prefer milder or more delicate tea varieties.

Limited Availability: Rungtas Real Gold Tea may not be as easily accessible as some other popular tea brands, depending on regional availability.

Overall Review: Rungtas Real Gold Tea is suitable for tea lovers who prefer a strong, robust, and fresh tea experience. The CTC processing method and the high-quality packaging ensure a consistently delightful and aromatic cup of tea. Not just that only, it comes in a well-designed, sturdy box that preserves the freshness and quality of the tea leaves.

Our Rating :

Value for Money- 4.5/5

Taste and Flavor: 4/5

Packaging and Convenience: 4/5

4. Tata Tea Gold | Assam teas with Gently Rolled Aromatic Long Leaves | Rich & Aromatic Chai | Black Tea | 1.5kg

Tata Tea Gold is a premium blend of carefully chosen Assam tea leaves combined with gently rolled aromatic long leaves. Its commitment to sustainability and fair trade has earned them the well-deserved fourth spot on our list. 

Main Features:

Trusted Brand

Rich Flavour

Ample Quantity

What we like:

Premium Blend: Tata Tea Gold combines high-quality Assam tea with aromatic long leaves, providing a unique and flavorful taste.

Rich and Aromatic Flavour: The tea offers a rich and aromatic tea experience.

Quantity: The 1.5 kg pack size provides a substantial amount of tea for regular consumption and reduces the need for frequent repurchasing.

Packaging: The tea comes in a well-designed package, which helps maintain its freshness, aroma, and overall quality.

Trusted Brand: Tata Tea is a well-known and reputable brand in the tea industry, ensuring a certain level of quality and consistency.

What we don’t like:

Price: Tata Tea Gold may be slightly more expensive than some other tea brands, but this can be attributed to the premium blend and quality of the tea leaves used.

Overall Review: For tea aficionados in search of a well-rounded tea experience, Tata Tea Gold is a good option. Despite its pros and cons, it claims a distinctive fusion of strong Assam teas and fragrant long leaves, producing a full-bodied and flavoursome chai. While other choices do exist in the marketplace, what sets it apart is its superior quality, ensuring that each sip is a pleasurable one. 

Our Rating :

Packaging and Convenience: 4.5/5

Taste and Flavor: 4.5/5

Value for Money: 4/5

5. Red Label Natural Care Tea, Chai Made With 5 Ayurvedic Herbs, 1 Kg

Last but not the least, the Red Label Natural Care Tea is a unique blend of tea leaves combined with five Ayurvedic herbs: tulsi, ashwagandha, mulethi, ginger, and cardamom. Its unwavering dedication to preserving the authentic tea experience has secured its spot in our top 5.

Main Features:

Aromatic

Balanced Flavour

Accessibility

What we like:

Unique Blend: The combination of tea leaves with five Ayurvedic herbs provides a distinctive flavour and potential health benefits.

Health-focused: Including Ayurvedic herbs like tulsi, ashwagandha, mulethi, ginger, and cardamom offer benefits such as boosting immunity, relieving stress, and improving digestion.

Flavourful: The blend of tea leaves and herbs results in a flavorful and aromatic tea that many tea drinkers enjoy.

Quantity: The 1 kg pack size provides a substantial amount of tea for regular consumption and reduces the need for frequent repurchasing.

Brand: Red Label is a well-known and reputable brand in the tea industry, ensuring a certain level of quality and consistency.

What we don’t like:

Taste Preferences: The unique blend of tea leaves and Ayurvedic herbs may not cater to everyone's taste preferences, particularly those who prefer a more traditional tea flavour.

Overall Review: Red Label Natural Care Tea is a flavourful choice for those interested in the potential health benefits associated with Ayurvedic herbs. The fusion of these herbs with the rich taste of black tea ensures that you enjoy a flavourful and aromatic cup of chai without compromising on health benefits. That’s not all; it also claims a better immunity. So, if you prefer herbal taste in your tea, this could be your go to pick. 

Our Rating :

Packaging and Convenience: 4.5/5

Value for Money: 4/5

Taste and Flavor: 3.5/5

FAQs 

1. What are the different types of tea available?

Answer: There are six main types of tea, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant: white, green, oolong, black, dark (or puerh), and yellow. The differences between these teas come from the processing methods used, which include variations in oxidation, rolling, and drying. Each type of tea offers distinct flavours, colours, and aromas, so exploring different options can lead to new favourite varieties.

2. How do I choose a high-quality tea?

Answer: To choose a high-quality tea, consider the following factors: appearance, aroma, flavour, and freshness. High-quality tea leaves should be whole and uniform in size, with a vibrant colour and a pleasant aroma. When brewed, the tea should have a rich, balanced flavour and leave a pleasant aftertaste. Ensure that the tea is fresh by checking the packaging date and buying from a reputable supplier.

3. How do I store tea to maintain its freshness?

Answer: To maintain the freshness of tea, store it in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odours. Use an airtight container to prevent exposure to air, which can degrade the tea's flavour and aroma. Some teas, like green and white varieties, are more delicate and should be consumed within a year, while others, like oolong, black, and puerh teas, can be stored longer and may even improve with age.

4. What is the best way to brew tea?

Answer: The best way to brew tea depends on the specific variety you are using, as different teas require different water temperatures and steeping times. Always use fresh, high-quality water and adjust the steeping time according to your personal taste preferences.

5. Is loose-leaf tea better than tea bags?

Answer: Loose-leaf tea is generally considered superior to tea bags, as it offers a richer flavour and aroma. Loose-leaf teas are made from whole leaves, which allows them to fully expand and release their essential oils during the brewing process. Tea bags often contain smaller, broken leaves or tea dust, which can result in a less flavorful and more astringent brew. However, tea bags can be more convenient for those who prefer a quick and easy option.