Searching for the best Earl Grey tea can feel overwhelming. There are so many blends, with surprisingly big differences in flavor and aroma. Some are bold and citrusy, while others seem weak or taste artificial. To help, we looked at taste, ingredients, and how people actually enjoy their tea. Check out these top picks from trusted brands, based on real reviews and thoughtful taste tests:
Best Earl Grey Tea Picks for November 2025 (By User Reviews)
- EARL GREY FOR FOR EARL GREY LOVERS - Our Earl Grey Imperial tea is an elegant tea with a little extra bergamot, as compared to a regular Earl Grey tea. So it is an absolute must for those who just...
- GREAT PRESENT IDEA - This tea is featured in Harney's Historic Royal Palaces Collection in a traditional tin design, making it a great present idea for tea lovers. Tin contains 30 sachets. Each sachet...
- BREWING SUGGESTION - Tea is only as good as the water it is brewed in. Use filtered water as needed. Use one sachet for each cup of tea desired. Pour 212F water over the tea and infuse for 5 minutes....
- Full-bodied, distinctive flavor and aroma.
- Ingredients: Black tea, natural bergamot flavouring with other natural flavourins (5%).
- For the perfect cup use one tea bag. Add freshly boiled water and infuse for 4-5 minutes. Serve pure or with lemon.
- CLASSIC BLACK TEA: Fresh, fragrant and flavoured with distinctive notes of citrus and bergamot, this Earl Grey tea has all the taste of the original; Caffeinated, 100 Tea Bags
- A LEGACY OF TEA: Ten Generations of the Grey family have enjoyed this black tea created for the second Earl Grey by Richard Twining; The tradition continues today with a tea celebrated throughout the...
- INDIVIDUALLY SEALED TEA BAGS STAY FRESH: Take your tea on the go in your purse, workout bag, backpack, school or work desk or car; Each tea bag is sealed for freshness so every cup of Twinings is the...
- Earl Grey Supreme Ingredients: Black tea, white tea, bergamot oil. All Natural.
- You might never go back to regular Earl Grey once they have tasted the Supreme
- If you love Bergamot and fine tea, this is the blend for you
- Double Bergamot Earl Grey: Delicious hot or iced this extraordinary tea features double the usual amount of bergamot oil; The citrusy bergamot flavor is carefully balanced with a blend of fine, bold...
- Incomparable Quality: From herbal, black, and green to white, or oolong, our premium tea bags are packaged in stay fresh foil wrappers to deliver a high quality cup , from morning chai to bedtime...
- Find Your Flavor: With over 150 teas to choose from including loose leaf, iced tea, green tea, decaffeinated black tea, chai, herbal teas and more, you're sure to find your next favorite with Stash
What Makes a Great Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey is not just tea with bergamot. The quality depends on so many details, from the black tea base to the way the bergamot oil gets added. Too much oil and it can smell almost like perfume. Too little, and it is just plain tea. What we look for is a true balance , but everyone’s tastes are a little different, which complicates things.
A well-made Earl Grey should have real bergamot oil listed as an ingredient. Artificial flavors tend to stand out in a bad way.
Loose leaf or bagged? Some believe loose leaf always wins, but that is not always true. Convenience matters too. The best bagged options use whole leaves and pyramid bags, which actually allow the leaves to open up and infuse better. Low-quality choices often use dust or fannings, which end up tasting flat or muddy.
The Importance of Ingredients
Everything comes back to the blend. A smooth, medium-bodied black tea is traditional. But there are versions based on green tea, oolong, or even herbal blends. When picking Earl Grey, look for just a few clear ingredients:
- High quality black tea (whole leaf is best)
- Natural bergamot oil or extract
- Minimal added flavorings
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Do fruit pieces, cornflowers, or sweeteners belong? Some blends add these for color or a delicate twist. Purists will tell you it is not real Earl Grey. For many, though, a hint of something extra can make it more interesting. That said, check the ingredient list if you want the classic taste.
Not every brand uses real bergamot oil. Look for words like “natural bergamot oil,” not just “natural flavors.”
Comparing Top Earl Grey Tea Types
| Type | Strength of Black Tea | Bergamot Profile | Best For |
| Loose Leaf | Medium to Strong | Complex, aromatic | People who enjoy brewing tea with more control |
| Pyramid Bag | Medium | Balanced, not perfumy | Busy drinkers who still want good taste |
| Conventional Tea Bag | Mild to Medium | Subtle, often less fragrant | Quick brews or on-the-go |
The Role of Bergamot in Taste
Bergamot oil is what gives Earl Grey its signature citrus flavor. Real bergamot comes from a Mediterranean orange, which offers a floral, almost sweet tartness. The challenge is that bergamot can go wrong , too much and it starts tasting earthy, almost soapy. Too little, and the blend lacks personality.
We have found that inexperienced drinkers sometimes equate strength with quality. But a more aggressive bergamot is not always better. Sometimes, the best cup is one where bergamot sits quietly on top of the tea, never pushing it out of the way.
If your tea tastes harsh or bitter, ask yourself if you are using water that is too hot or steeping too long. Sometimes the tea is not to blame , the brewing method changes everything.
How to Prepare the Perfect Cup
Personal Preferences: What to Keep in Mind
Tea is personal. A strong cup with heavy bergamot might excite one person and turn off the next. Some find classic Earl Grey too bold, while others crave more citrus. Do not be afraid to experiment. The best way to pick is to try a few styles until something clicks.
Loose Leaf or Bag: Which One Wins?
Not everyone wants to fuss with a teapot and strainer every day. If you are someone in a rush, a pyramid-style bag does nearly as well as loose leaf, especially if it uses whole leaves rather than dust. For special occasions, though, loose leaf always brings a certain ritual to the process. The smell when you open the packet is hard to beat , but it is not for everyone, and that is fine too.
Common Complaints with Earl Grey Blends
Even among top-rated options, people run into problems. Overpowering scent, bitter aftertaste, or fading flavor as a tin sits open too long. It is easy to assume the fault is in the brand, but often, these problems come down to how the tea is stored or made.
Key Features to Watch Before Buying
- Check for ‘real bergamot oil’ in the ingredients
- See if the tea base is Ceylon, Assam, or blended – each brings a unique body
- Try small samplers first to see what fits your taste
- Look for resealable packaging to keep aroma fresh
- Prefer pyramid bags if you want convenience without losing too much quality
- Read user reviews to spot recurring issues with bitterness or weak flavor
- Consider caffeine levels – many brands now offer decaf options
Natural vs Artificial Bergamot Flavors
The origin of bergamot oil can change everything. Real oil brings a mellow, natural citrus note. Artificial flavor is bold but sometimes harsh, leaving a chemical aftertaste. Some people do not notice this, but for many, once tasted, it is hard to ignore.
Natural Bergamot Oils
Artificial Bergamot Flavors
Tips for Storing Your Tea
Proper storage matters more than people think. A tin left out open, or a bag that never gets sealed, loses flavor fast. Humidity ruins good tea in days. Keep your tea in a cool, dry spot, away from strong scents. Airtight containers help, but glass can let in too much light. If your cupboard has a distinct smell, avoid storing tea there. Tea absorbs everything around it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using boiling water that scalds the delicate flavors
- Leaving the bag in too long , after 4 minutes, bitterness takes over
- Scooping tea from the bag with wet spoons, introducing moisture
- Storing tea near spices, which can ruin the aroma
- Choosing based on price alone – expensive does not mean better, just different
Who Should Drink Earl Grey?
Some people wonder who this tea is for. In reality, it fits almost anyone: those moving from coffee to tea, or someone after an afternoon ritual. The bergamot lifts the black tea, making it gentler than straight Assam. If you want a flavor that pairs well with sweets or something relaxing before work, it is a good match. People with citrus allergies might need to skip it, though, or look for special blends with less oil added.
FAQ: Best Earl Grey Tea
What makes a good Earl Grey tea?
A good Earl Grey balances quality black tea and real bergamot oil. It should be smooth, not bitter, with a clear but not overpowering citrus aroma. If you see only ‘natural flavor’ on the label, the result might be less impressive.
How do I brew Earl Grey tea for the best taste?
Use fresh, clean water just under boiling, steep for 3 to 4 minutes, and avoid squeezing the bag. If the flavor is harsh, try a cooler temperature or shorter steeping time.
Can I add milk to Earl Grey tea?
Many people drink Earl Grey without milk to taste the bergamot best, but some blends take milk nicely. It depends on your preference and the body of the tea.
Is organic Earl Grey better than regular?
Organic teas avoid pesticide use and often attract those who want a ‘cleaner’ product. Flavor-wise, there is not always a huge difference unless the tea is also fresher or higher quality overall.
Why do some Earl Grey teas taste soapy?
‘Soapy’ flavor in Earl Grey usually means too much bergamot (especially if it is artificial). Adjusting brewing method, or switching to a different brand, often fixes the issue.
Curious if a different blend or style of Earl Grey might suit you better? Sometimes you need to taste a few before finding a favorite. What are your biggest questions, or have you found a hidden gem worth recommending?
Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
