Enjoy a classic, fragrant cup of earl grey tea for a calming afternoon break. You’re probably craving something that feels both familiar and comforting, right? That’s exactly what a good earl grey tea delivers. It’s that perfect middle ground between a simple black tea and something a little more special. The bergamot oil gives it a bright, citrusy kick that wakes up your senses without being too strong.
I’ve tried so many versions of this beloved blend, from fancy loose-leaf options to budget-friendly bags. Some hit the mark, others fall a bit short. But here’s the thing – you don’t need a fancy ceremony to enjoy a great cup. Just a kettle, a mug, and the right leaves. In this review, I’ll share what makes a truly memorable Earl Grey, so you can find your new go-to brew. Trust me, it’s worth getting right.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Earl Grey Tea
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Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 100…
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9.8 |
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Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea, Caffeinated Tea, 100…
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9.6 |
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Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Flavored Black Tea, Kosher, 20…
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9.4 |
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Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey Supreme | Box…
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9.2 |
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TAZO Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags, Black tea with…
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9.0 |
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Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey, Black Tea, Pillow Bags,…
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8.8 |
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Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 20…
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8.6 |
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Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme, Black Tea, 20…
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8.4 |
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Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea, Caffeinated Tea, 20…
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8.2 |
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Quick Review For Top 9 Earl Grey Tea
Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 100 Count (Pack of 1), Flavoured with Citrus & Bergamot, Caffeinated, Enjoy Hot or Iced, 100 Teabags
The Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 100 Count pack gives you a classic black tea thats both fresh and fragrant. Each cup is flavoured with distinct notes of citrus and bergamot, making it the same tea that has been enjoyed for generations. It all started when the second Earl Grey was given this blend by Richard Twining, and now ten generations later, the tradition continues.
You get that same celebrated taste in every single bag.
These are caffeinated teabags, so they work great as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon boost. You can serve them hot or iced, whatever suits your mood or the weather. The big draw here is the individually sealed bags. Each teabag is wrapped to keep the tea fresh, which means you can toss a few into your purse, gym bag, backpack, or desk drawer without worrying about stale tea.
They are perfect for travel or just keeping at your workspace. When you want a cup, the seal ensures the flavor is still sharp and true.
This pack gives you 100 teabags in a single box. That is a lot of tea, so you wont run out anytime soon. The bags are easy to use—just steep one in hot water for a few minutes, or brew a few together for a big pitcher of iced tea. The taste is smooth, with the bergamot adding a bright, floral lift that cuts through the black tea base nicely.
Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea, Caffeinated Tea, 100 Count Box (Pack of 1)
The Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea, Caffeinated Tea, 100 Count Box (Pack of 1) gives you a classic tea experience that has been trusted since 1945. This box contains 100 individually wrapped tea bags, each one filled with a bold black tea blend that is perfectly balanced with pure bergamot oil from Calabria, Italy.
That citrusy note is what makes Earl Grey so distinctive, and Bigelow uses hand picked tea leaves to ensure a fragrant and flavorful cup every time.
You get a lot of control over how strong you want your tea. Just let one bag steep for three to five minutes in hot water, and you will have a smooth, caffeinated drink that works great in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Because the tea bags are individually wrapped in foil pouches, the flavor and aroma stay fresh for a long time.
You can toss a few bags in your bag or keep them in your desk without worrying about them going stale.
These tea bags are also gluten-free, calorie-free, and Kosher certified, so they fit into many different diets. If you like to switch things up, Bigelow offers a wide variety of teas. You can try their Perfectly Mint, Green Tea, decaffeinated options, organic blends, or herbal teas.
Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Flavored Black Tea, Kosher, 20 Bags, 1.18 Ounces (Pack of 6)
The Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Flavored Black Tea, 20 Bags, 1.18 Ounces (Pack of 6) gives you 120 tea bags in total. Each one is individually wrapped in a foil pouch. That foil keeps the flavor and aroma locked in until you are ready to brew. So if you like your tea fresh, this is a good way to keep it that way. This is classic Earl Grey. It starts with hand picked black tea. Then it gets blended with pure bergamot oil from Calabria, Italy. That oil gives it a rich, citrusy scent and a bold flavor.
It is not a weak tea. It is fragrant and full bodied. You will smell the bergamot as soon as you open the pouch. These tea bags are Kosher Certified. They are also gluten-free and calorie-free. So if you are watching what you eat or have dietary needs, this fits in easily. You can drink it hot or cold. It works as a hot tea in the morning or as an iced tea in the afternoon. Because the bags are wrapped individually, you can toss a few in your bag or keep them in your desk at work.
The freshness stays no matter where you go. Bigelow has been making tea since 1945. Ruth Campbell Bigelow started it all with a blend called Constant Comment. That was a strong black tea with orange rind and spice. The company is still 100% family owned today. They blend and package this tea in the USA. So you are getting a product with a long history behind it. If you like variety, Bigelow makes a lot of other teas too.
Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey Supreme | Box of 50 Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags with Black Tea & Bergamot Oil, Individually Wrapped Teabags
The Harney & Sons Organic Earl Grey Supreme is a box of 50 organic tea bags, each individually wrapped for freshness. This is a classic black tea blend with natural bergamot oil, giving it that bright, citrusy scent you expect from a good Earl Grey. It’s a rich and traditional cup, bold but not overpowering, and it works well on its own or with a splash of milk and sugar.
You can enjoy it any time of day—morning, afternoon, or even evening, if you don’t mind the caffeine.
Each tea bag is sealed in its own wrapper. This keeps the flavor locked in and makes them easy to toss in your bag or pocket. You wouldn’t want to be caught without your Organic Earl Grey Supreme teabags close at hand, would you? They brew one 6 to 8 ounce cup per bag. Just use filtered water if you can, bring it to 212°F, pour it over the tea, and steep for 4 to 5 minutes.
Remove the bag, relax, and enjoy. The tea is only as good as the water you use, so fresh water makes a diference.
This tea does contain caffeine, so it’s a good choice for a morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up. Some people like it with milk and sugar, but however you take it, the flavor is something you won’t soon forget. The ingredients are simple: organic black teas and natural bergamot oil.
TAZO Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags, Black tea with Caffeine, 16 Total Tea Bags
The TAZO Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags, Black tea with Caffeine, 16 Total Tea Bags is a straightforward choice if you need a reliable, caffeinated tea for your morning or afternoon routine. This product is built around a bold flavored black tea that has been enhanced with the refreshing essence of bergamot. That citrus note gives it a classic Earl Grey taste without being overly floral or sweet.
You get 16 tea bags in each pack.
They are non-GMO and kosher certified, so you don’t have to worry about genetic engineering in your cup. TAZO is a trusted company that meets the Non-GMO Project Standard, meaning their ingredients are carefully sourced to give you a consistent flavor you can count on. The tea itself is highly caffeinated, making it perfect for a morning cup of tea or an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a little boost.
Making this tea is simple, but there is a right way to do it.
You want to bring fresh water to a boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it boil for about five minutes, then pour eight fluid ounces of that hot water over one tea bag. Do not add milk or sugar at this point. Let the bag steep patiently for a few minutes to get a perfect brew. If you rush it, you might end up with a weaker cup, so be patient. The result is a strong, smooth black tea with that distinct bergamot aroma.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a real caffiene kick.
Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey, Black Tea, Pillow Bags, 50 Count (Pack of 1), Fragrant, Delicate & Light, Caffeinated, Enjoy Hot or Iced, 50 Teabags
The Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey, Black Tea, Pillow Bags, 50 Count is a classic choice for anyone who enjoys a fragrant, delicate, and light cup of tea. This is a caffeinated black tea that works well hot or iced, giving you flexibility no matter the season. You get 50 pillow bags in one pack, which means you have a generous supply ready to go.
The tea delivers a full-bodied, distinctive flavor and aroma. It is not overpowering.
Instead, it offers a balanced taste that comes from a simple ingredient list: black tea and natural bergamot flavouring with other natural flavourins, making up 5% of the blend. The bergamot gives it that signature citrus note without being too sharp. It feels smooth and clean on the palate, which makes it a good option for daily drinking.
Brewing is straightforward. For the perfect cup, you use one tea bag. Pour freshly boiled water over it and let it infuse for 4 to 5 minutes.
That timing gives you a nice strength without turning bitter. You can serve it pure to appreciate the bergamot, or add a slice of lemon for a bit more brightness. If you prefer iced tea, just brew it a little stronger, pour it over ice, and you are set.
Beyond the tea itself, Taylors of Harrogate takes sustainability seriously. This product is Carbon Neutral Certified, a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, and Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 20 Count (Pack of 1), Flavoured with Citrus and Bergamot, Caffeinated, Enjoy Hot or Iced, 20 Teabags
The Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 20 Count (Pack of 1) brings you a classic black tea that is fresh, fragrant, and flavored with distinctive notes of citrus and bergamot. This is the same recipe that has been enjoyed for generations, starting with the second Earl Grey himself. Richard Twining created this blend specifically for the Earl, and the tradition continues today.
You get all the taste of the original in a convenient, caffeinated cup that works just as well hot as it does over ice.
Each tea bag is individually sealed to keep the flavor fresh. You can toss a few bags in your purse, workout bag, backpack, or keep them in your desk at work or in your car. No more worrying about stale tea or loose bags getting crushed. Every cup you brew will taste like the first one.
The seal protects the tea from air and moisture, so you always get the perfect cup of Twinings.
This tea is sourced with care. Twinings has a responsible sourcing program that aims to improve the lives of the communities they work with. The program focuses on improving access to clean water and sanitation, empowering women, and helping farmers increase their incomes and build resilience.
Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme, Black Tea, 20 Sachets
The Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme, Black Tea, 20 Sachets is a tea that takes a classic and makes it just a little bit better. This isn’t your standard Earl Grey. The blend starts with a base of black tea, but then white tea is added for a smoother, lighter body. The star is the bergamot oil, which is all natural. You get that bright, citrusy aroma without any artificial flavors. It’s a simple mix, but the combination creates a cup that feels more refined.
If you are a fan of bergamot and fine tea, this is a blend worth trying. The bergamot flavor is really forward, giving you those wonderful lemony notes that make Earl Grey so popular. But here, it tastes cleaner and more vibrant. It’s not overpowering, just perfectly balanced. The white tea softens the black tea’s bite, so the finish is smooth and not bitter. You might never go back to regular Earl Grey once you have tasted this Supreme. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
The tea comes in 20 sachets, which are convenient for a quick brew. Each sachet is filled with loose leaf quality tea, not dust. You just steep it in hot water for about three to five minutes. That is all you need. The flavor is consistent every time, which is nice for your morning routine or an afternoon break. The tea is also kosher, so it fits a variety of dietary preferences. There is no need for milk or sugar here, though you can add them if you like. The lemony bergamot stands on its own.
Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea, Caffeinated Tea, 20 Total Tea Bags (Pack of 1)
The Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea offers a classic and fragrant cup of tea. This pack has 20 tea bags. Each bag is individually wrapped in foil. This keeps the flavor fresh. You get a bold black tea blended with real bergamot oil from Calabria, Italy. The citrusy notes are rich and natural. It is not artificial tasting at all. You can enjoy it hot or as an iced tea.
The tea bags are gluten-free and calorie-free. They are also Kosher Certified.
The individual foil pouches make it easy to take with you. You can bring a bag to work, on a trip, or keep one in your bag. The flavor stays strong because of the wrapping. No stale tea here.
Bigelow Tea offers many options if you want to try more. There is Earl Grey Tea, Perfectly Mint Tea, Green Tea, and decaffeinated teas. They also have organic teas and herbal tea bags. You can pick one for morning, noon, or night time relaxation.
All of them work well as hot tea or iced tea.
This tea is blended and packaged in the USA. The company started in 1945. Ruth Campbell Bigelow created their first tea, Constant Comment. It was a strong black tea with orange rind and sweet spice. Bigelow is still 100% family and woman owned. That history gives the tea a sense of care and tradition.
Quality is uncompromised here. Since 1945, Bigelow has been a leader in premium tea. They are proud to be a Certified B Corporation.
Earl Grey Tea Buying Guide
Earl grey tea offers a classic flavor; here’s how to find the best blend. The distinct taste of bergamot oil mixed with black tea leaves creates something special. But not all boxes are equal. You might have bought a bag that tasted weak or overly floral. That happens when the quality is off. To avoid that, focus on a few key details before you add it to your cart. This guide breaks down what matters most.
Bergamot Quality
The bergamot oil is the soul of this tea. Cheap blends use artificial flavoring, which can taste like perfume or soap. Look for “natural bergamot oil” on the package. Real oil gives a bright, citrusy note without being harsh. Some brands use bergamot from Calabria, Italy, which is often considered top-tier. Ask yourself: does the scent smell clean and fresh? If it smells fake, skip it. A good tea will have a balanced aroma that invites you to brew a cup.
Base Tea Leaf Grade
What else is in the bag? The black tea base matters just as much. Low-grade leaves, like fannings or dust, brew bitter and flat. You want whole leaves or broken orange pekoe (BOP) grade. These leaves unfurl properly and release complex flavors. A Chinese keemun or Indian darjeeling base often pairs well with bergamot. Check the label for origin info. If it just says “black tea” with no details, the quality might be lacking. Pay attention to leaf size and color when you open the bag.
Flavor Additions & Blends
Some blends include lavender, vanilla, or even jasmine. These can be nice, but thay change the classic profile. If you want pure earl grey, stick with just tea and bergamot. For a twist, try a “cream” version with vanilla notes. Think about your routine: do you want a simple morning cup or something fancy for afternoon sipping? Avoid blends with too many extras, as they can overpower the bergamot. Taste should be clean and not cluttered.
Trust your nose and read labels carefully. A quality blend will make your daily tea ritual feel effortless. Start with a small batch to test before buying in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earl Grey Tea
What exactly is Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey is a black tea blend that’s flavored with oil from the bergamot orange. This citrus fruit gives it a distinct floral and slightly bitter taste. Most blends use a base of Chinese black tea, but some use Indian or Sri Lankan teas. You’ll find it in loose leaf or bag form.
Does Earl Grey contain caffeine?
Yes, it does. Since it’s made from black tea leaves, it has about 40-70 mg of caffeine per cup. That’s less than coffee but more than green tea. If you want less caffeine, look for decaf versions or mix it with herbal tea.
How should I brew the perfect cup?
Start with fresh, cold water. Heat it to around 200°F (just below boiling). Use one teaspoon of loose leaf or one bag per cup. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Longer steeping makes it stronger but can turn bitter. Experiment to find your prefered strength.
What’s the difference between Earl Grey and Lady Grey?
Lady Grey is a lighter version. It has less bergamot oil and often includes lemon or orange peel. It’s a bit softer and less intense. If you find Earl Grey too strong, Lady Grey might be a good choice for you.
Can I add milk or sugar to Earl Grey?
Absolutely. Many people enjoy it with a splash of milk and a little sugar or honey. The bergamot flavor pairs well with creamy additions. However, purists prefer it plain to taste the citrus notes. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
How should I store my Earl Grey tea?
Keep it in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. A cool, dark cupboard is perfect. Don’t store it near strong-smelling foods like spices or coffee, as tea absorbs odors easily. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to two years.
Is Earl Grey good for your health?
Like other black teas, it contains antioxidants that may support heart health and digestion. The bergamot oil might help reduce stress and improve mood. But remember, it’s not a medicine. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
What brands should I look for?
Popular options include Twinings, Harney & Sons, and Ahmad Tea. For a premium experience, try loose leaf from specialty shops. Start with small amounts to find your favorite. Don’t be afraid to sample different ones.
One Last Look
Sip teh perfect balance of bergamot and black tea with these classic Earl Grey blends. Whether you like it strong or light, there’s a version here for you. Think about your morning routine. A hot cup can start your day off right. Or maybe you prefer it iced on a warm afternoon. These teas are simple to brew and easy to enjoy. Just grab your favorite mug and let the citrus aroma fill the room. Don’t forget to add a splash of milk or a slice of lemon if that’s your style. Each sip offers a familiar comfort that feels like home. You can trust these picks to deliver consistent flavor every time.
So, take a moment to choose your next box. With so many options, you might want to try a few. That’s part of the fun. A good earl grey tea can make any moment feel special. It’s a small luxury you deserve. Enjoy it with a biscuit or just on its own. No matter how you drink it, you’re in for a treat. Go ahead and treat yourself to a cup today. You’ll be glad you did.