Need something to get you going in the morning? Or simply looking for a tea that's rich and robust? Breakfast tea, essentially a blend of different black teas, is a great choice! It has a bold, malty taste and is high in caffeine to boost your energy level for the day ahead. Also, there are a few variations of breakfast tea, including English breakfast tea and Scottish breakfast tea. So, what are the differences between those teas, and how do you know which one suits your taste the most?
If you're in need of some suggestions, check out our list of favorites! Vahdam's English Breakfast Tea was our top pick, as it's made with high-quality whole tea leaves and has a rich, strong taste. There are more options on our list, and you can also take a look at our buying guide, reviewed by a certified tea sommelier, at the end.
Quick List - Top Breakfast Teas
Kate Hesser is a certified tea sommelier, tea taster, blogger, and brand collaborator. She provides event and restaurant menu consulting, and personalized tasting experiences for in-home gatherings and office retreats. She believes every tea is made with pride and has something unique to show us!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Whether you're already familiar with breakfast tea or not, there are many fantastic variations for you to try! In this buying guide, we will walk you through all the factors you should consider to choose a breakfast tea that suits your taste.
Breakfast tea is essentially a blend of different black teas. Depending on the blend and origin, each tea has its own distinct flavor and characteristics. While there are many variations of breakfast tea even between the "types" we will list, the common types are English breakfast, Irish breakfast, and Scottish breakfast.
Compared to English breakfast tea, Irish breakfast tea is stronger. It has Assam teas with mellow Kenyan and/or Assam teas. Irish tea has a reddish color and a malty taste. Since it's pretty strong, many people prefer adding milk to it.
There's also breakfast tea made with leaves harvested in the Yunnan region of China. It's full-bodied with sweet, malty notes and has a bright red color.
First, understand that there is no standard formula for a breakfast tea be it English, Irish, Scottish, or any other ilk. They are made to be bold enough so that the flavors will shine with the addition of milk and sugar and bright enough to open the eyes. The majority of the blend will be teas from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya - as those are European-developed tea industries. Many blends often include an element from China.
A favorite English Breakfast of mine includes tea from Assam (India), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and Keemun (China). The same blend could be considered an Irish Breakfast, which is known to be stronger if made with broken pieces of leaves. The smaller the pieces, the more water to the leaf surface area, and the stronger the tea. Some blends will even include different sizes of leaves so that, for example, the blend has a stronger flavor from the Keemun component (smaller leaves) and a more subtle addition from the Assam (larger leaves).
The best way to choose a breakfast tea is to keep track of the flavor profiles you like and look for a blend that includes them. Malty Assam is the base for most breakfast teas. A Ceylon will add floral notes, Darjeeling will add muscatel and astringency, Kenyan teas will add briskness, Keemun will add smoke and dark fruit, and Yunnan teas will add cocoa notes. Large tea companies will have signature blends that are consistent from year to year. Small shops will allow you to enjoy a year-to-year variation.
Breakfast tea usually comes in two forms: loose leaf tea and tea bags. In this section, we will walk you through the pitfalls and benefits of each type so that you can make the right decision.
If you're an avid tea drinker, you might want to choose loose leaf tea. Since it still keeps all the essential oils of the leaves intact, loose leaf tea usually offers a bolder, fresher flavor and a stronger aroma than a bagged tea.
However, loose leaf tea is not as convenient to prepare since it hasn't been portioned out for you. To brew loose leaf tea, you will need an infuser, a teapot, or a French press. But, brewing tea is pretty straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes only. For many people, this process is relaxing and enjoyable!
Also, you can adjust the number of tea leaves to make a stronger or milder brew. You can also add some spices or dried fruit, like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels, to make your breakfast tea more exciting!
Tea bags offer convenience and simplicity since you only need a mug and some hot water. Also, there's no need for you to use a measuring spoon to measure out loose tea leaves!
However, tea bags are often made with finely crushed tea leaves processed using the CTC (crush, tear, and curl) method. Crushed tea leaves have lost most of their aroma and essential oils, and they might result in bitter brews. Still, if you're looking for an option that's both cost-effective and convenient, tea bags are the way to go!
When choosing tea bags, make sure to check their material. Some are made with polypropylene and might release microplastic and nanoplastic particles into your tea.
Be careful with tea bags made with paper, too! Some paper bags are bleached with chlorine for a clean look. But the chlorine bleaching process can produce dioxin, a harmful chemical that has been associated with hormonal problems.
Instead, go for tea bags bleached with oxygen as they're less likely to contain chemicals like dioxin. There are also safe tea bags made of plant-based materials like hemp or cornsilk. They are usually biodegradable, too. If you're looking for more eco-friendly tea bags, get ones that don't have any tags or staples.
If your tea bag contains particularly small particles, taste it in minute increments while you are brewing to be sure it does not get too strong. Also consider using water that is closer to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than the customary 212 degrees for black tea.
Hotter water releases more tannins and, thus, more bitterness. A slightly cooler brew will allow you to get more of the flavanols and flavanoids that produce the nuanced flavors.
To save money, some manufacturers use only tea dust and fanning. These have already lost their natural essential oils and won't be able to render a strong flavor. Some teas also rely on added natural or artificial flavors to give the tea a fruity taste. However, those products will likely have an artificial aftertaste and a weak taste.
So to make your tea actually delivers a pleasant flavor, you should check to see if it's made with whole tea leaves, real fruit pieces, and herbs. Try to avoid tea dust at all costs since it will easily go through your tea infuser or the tea bag!
All tea of all grades are made with pride and different-sized pieces of leaves are meant to be brewed differently. The smaller the pieces, the greater the water-to-surface area ratio - and the stronger the brew will be.
If you have a tea that is either loose or in a tea bag and the pieces of the leaves are very small - like dust, which are called "fannings", then you can let the water cool for 30 seconds to one minute after it reaches boiling and reduce the amount of steeping time to two to three minutes, as opposed to the typical four to five minutes.
The work of tea farmers is strenuous, and they are usually not paid an economically significant wage. To improve the working conditions and ensure fair wages for farmers, many manufacturers are dedicated to fair-trade practices. So, purchasing teas with Fairtrade certification can help enhance the lives of workers.
Another certification that helps promote environmental, economic, and social responsibility is the Rainforest Alliance Certification. Rainforest Alliance certified teas are produced following standards that ensure the well-being of the environment and farmers.
Also, teas can be grown using pesticides or fertilizers. Products certified organic by the USDA still can use certain pesticides, but they are often naturally derived and less likely to be harmful.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vahdam English Breakfast Tea | ![]() | High-Quality Tea Leaves for a Rich, Smooth Flavor | |
2 | Twinings English Breakfast | ![]() | High Caffeine Level to Get You Through the Day | |
3 | Harney & Sons Royal English Breakfast | ![]() | Delicate Flavor Without Any Bitterness | |
4 | Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast Leaf Tea | ![]() | Perfect for Those Who Love a Bold Cup of Tea | |
5 | Numi Chinese Breakfast | ![]() | Great Base Tea for Adding Extra Ingredients | |
6 | Tazo Awake English Breakfast|4 pack | ![]() | Darjeeling Tea for Unique Muscatel Notes | |
7 | Davidson's Irish Breakfast | ![]() | A Blend of Assam and Ceylon Teas for a Full-Bodied Taste | |
8 | Tetley British Decaf |6 pack | ![]() | Eco-Friendly Microwavable Decaf Tea Bags | |
9 | Brodies Estd 1867 Scottish Breakfast Tea | ![]() | Ethically Sourced and Fairtrade Tea | |
10 | Barrys Irish Breakfast|2 pack | ![]() | Start Your Day With This Brisk, Invigorating Tea |
Vahdam's English Breakfast Black Tea is made only with tea leaves harvested in Assam, India. It's graded as finest tippy golden flowery orange pekoe, which is the highest grade for whole leaf tea. This loose leaf tea has a calming woody aroma with a note of chocolate.
A few buyers found the tea not as robust as other breakfast teas they had tried. But the majority complimented its smooth, fresh taste without any bitterness. Both tea novices and connoisseurs raved about its beautiful amber color and soothing aroma. Many also liked that the resealable bag helps keep the tea leaves fresh.
Twinings' English Breakfast combines black teas from Kenya, Malawi, and Assam. It features a smooth, full-bodied flavor that stands up to milk and sugar. It's suggested to steep this tea for four minutes for a strong taste.
Some buyers said the bags leaked tea leaves into their cup. But, this breakfast tea received many compliments from reviewers for its deep, bold flavor and fragrant aroma. Many also said that no matter how long the steeping time was, the tea didn't get bitter. Those looking for a coffee alternative said this black tea did the trick for them, as well.
This tea uses a blend of Kenilworth Ceylon and Kenyan Milima tea leaves, and it has notes of toast and honey. This tea is packed in a decorative tin to preserve freshness. This company is also a part of 1% for the Planet, which means they donate at least one percent of their sales to environmental charities.
For those who preferred a strong cup of tea, this breakfast blend didn't work for them. To make the flavor bolder, they used two bags at once. Still, reviews are mostly positive; they praised the giftable tin and the rich yet mild flavor of the tea. Many were pleased that it didn't taste bitter or acidic at all.
This breakfast loose leaf tea blend is crafted from Assam and African teas. It's strong and full-bodied with malty undertones. To make a cup of tea, use about one teaspoon of tea leaves and brew for about four to five minutes. Add a dash of milk if you prefer a creamy flavor.
Some buyers noted that this Scottish breakfast tea was too powdery. Also, since it's pretty strong, reviewers suggested using the amount of tea leaves suggested, or it might get bitter. Yet, most still loved this tea's bold and smooth flavor, saying it's even stronger than Irish breakfast tea.
Numi's Chinese Breakfast is comprised of golden-tipped tea leaves from the Yunnan mountain. It's a full-bodied, malty cup of black tea with subtly sweet floral hints. What's more, this tea is certified USDA organic and is grown with fair labor practices.
Overall, reviewers said that it was very flavorful with nice floral tones. They further mentioned that it tasted great with or without milk, and its neutral flavor pairs well with other fruits, herbs, and spices, like orange peel.
Tazo's Awake English Breakfast contains more than 61 milligrams of caffeine to wake you up and keep you focused. This blend of black tea has a bold, bright, and malty flavor, and it incorporates Darjeeling tea for musky-sweet notes. The manufacturer recommends drinking it hot.
A few buyers complained about ripped tea bags. Still, most were impressed with this tea's strong flavor and caffeine level, saying it's a great way to start the day. Coffee drinkers mentioned that this tea was the perfect alternative, too. Reviewers also reported that it takes milk well.
Davidson's Irish Breakfast is made up of Assam and Ceylon black teas. Ceylon provides brightness to the tea, while Assam gives it body and thickness. This tea blend is packed in a paper pouch with an aluminum foil lining to preserve its freshness. What's more, it's certified organic by the USDA.
According to some reviewers, this product contains a lot of crushed tea leaves and tea dust. On the other hand, many buyers noted that this Irish Breakfast had a robust, full-bodied, and complex flavor with a deep amber color and wonderful aroma. They also didn't find it bitter at all.
Trying to limit your caffeine intake? Consider Tetley's British Decaf. It delivers a rich, full-bodied flavor without all the caffeine. The tea bags are environmental-friendly, too, since they have no strings or staples. You can also microwave these tea bags!
Some buyers recommended using two bags for a stronger flavor. Yet, many reviewers were impressed with how smooth and pleasant this tea was, even though it's decaf. They added that the tea flavor was still there, even with milk, cream, or sugar.
Blending Assam and Kenya black teas, this Scottish breakfast tea has a bright, crisp flavor with malty notes. It contains a good amount of caffeine to give you a kick in the morning. Plus, it's Fairtrade Certified, which ensures fair wages and good working conditions for farmers.
Most reviewers complimented this tea's strong, non-bitter taste and lovely aroma. Many drank it black, but a lot of reviewers also loved it with sugar, cream, or milk. The reusable canister was another plus point for buyers, as it helped keep the tea leaves fresh.
Barry's breakfast tea is imported directly from Ireland. It includes African and Indian black teas for a brisk flavor and a bright, golden color. Keep in mind that these tea bags don't have strings and tags, so it might be hard to get them out of your cup or pot.
Some buyers said that this tea was too strong for their preferences, and a couple of others added that it had a slightly bitter aftertaste. But reviewers said if brewed as instructed, it won't get bitter. For many, its strong and robust flavor makes it a must-have to start their morning.
My breakfast tea of choice is Mincing Lane from Upton Tea Imports. It is a blend of Assam and Yunnan tea that has notes of dark fruit and chocolate. It has the tiniest touch of smoke that really helps to wake me up. I enjoy it with milk and without.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Kate also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about breakfast teas.
"Drip coffee contains about 165 milligrams of caffeine per cup while black tea will have anywhere from 25 to 48 milligrams per cup," Kate says.
Kate explains, "English breakfast tea is perfect as a morning pick-me-up, as a pairing with anything from scones, to sandwiches, to desserts, and lovely as an after-dinner beverage for those who are not overly sensitive to caffeine. It is also wonderful as a base for iced tea."
There are many different kinds of tea that can help brighten your mood and make you feel prepared for the day ahead. Check out our favorites below!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Vahdam |English Breakfast Tea
No. 2: Twinings |English Breakfast
No. 3: Harney & Sons|Royal English Breakfast
No. 4: Taylors of Harrogate|Scottish Breakfast Leaf Tea
No. 5: Numi|Chinese Breakfast
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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