The 10 best green teas to buy in the UK
Green tea is one of the most popular types of tea after black tea, known for its crisp and refreshing taste. However, with many types available finding the best green tea can be a struggle, especially if you’re unsure what to look for. Check out the handy buying guide below for all the info you need to find the best green teas.
What are green teas?
All tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrubs, which can be processed in several ways to achieve different types of tea. Green tea is produced from the freshest Camellia sinensis leaves that have yet to oxidize (the process that turns them into black and oolong teas), steaming them to produce a beverage that is in a mild in flavor and light in color. Unlike other types of tea, green tea tastes best when brewed on its own, with additives such as milk or sugar not combining well with the beverage.
Why should you buy a good green tea?
Many of the health claims surrounding green tea are greatly exaggerated, although it does feature various properties that can have positive effects. For instance, the best green teas are rich in antioxidants and B vitamins, while containing potassium, magnesium, and folate. It’s also very refreshing and low caffeine, making it a fine alternative to coffee or black tea. So there is certainly no harm in adding the drink to your diet.
How to choose the right green tea in 2024?
Looking to buy the best green tea possible but aren’t sure how to choose the right one? Consider some of the following things to help make it easier:
- Type: While all green tea comes from the same plant, there are many types available. Sencha, jasmine, longjing, and gyokuro green tea are some of the most popular options, although there are dozens of varieties to choose from. Be sure check the type of green tea before you buy, reading descriptions on the packaging for more info about the taste, origin, aroma etc.
- Freshness: The best green tea is always the freshest, as it doesn’t really age well. So, make sure the green tea is reasonably fresh by checking the harvest date, and remember you can maintain the freshness by storing tea in the refrigerator.
- Brewing Method: Not all green tea is made in the same way! While there are many types available in traditional tea bags, many of the best green teas are sold loose. This means you need appropriate brewing equipment, such as a tea strainer, a French press or at least a good electric kettle. So be sure to check the brewing method before you buy!
What is the best kind of green tea in the UK?
There is a huge selection of amazing green teas out there, so it’s impossible to list the different types. However, there are some that have become regarded as the best tasting green teas due to their popularity. This includes:
- Jasmine Green Tea: This type of green tea has a wonderfully sweet with fantastic flowery aromas, although be aware that cheaper products can feature artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Go for organic green tea that is naturally scented, as the taste is much better.
- Longjing Green Tea: The most popular Chinese green tea, longjing is also pleasantly sweet and features a mild chestnut flavor. Very rich in flavor, it can be one of the costlier green teas, although its quality certainly makes it worth every penny.
- Sencha Green Tea: A great green tea for first-time drinkers, it’s an affordable option that comes with plenty of quality. The taste is rather mild, with hints of grass to the flavor, and it’s a fine choice for an everyday tea drinker.
Top 10 list of green teas in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their green teas. Which tea is the best?
- Enjoy a Clipper cuppa: Luxury tea bags, tea gift sets, loose leaf teas, fruity tea…
- Natural, organic tea: We fill our plastic-free tea bags with non-GM soil-association…
- Delicate and pure: 40 Pure Green Tea bags with a deliciously fresh flavour. Organic…
- At Twinings, we recognise our responsibility to source ethically and our ability…
- Brew a delicious cup in just two minutes, any longer and it may lose its delicate…
- At Twinings, we choose our first and second flush green teas from select tea gardens…
- At Twinings, we recognise our responsibility to source ethically and our ability…
- Brew a delicious cup in just two minutes, any longer and it may lose its delicate…
- We choose our first and second flush green teas from select tea gardens in the Zhejiang,…
- Packaging is certified plastic-free by A Plastic Planet
- How to brew green tea - at 80 degrees (so it doesn't burn!) and steep for 3-5…
- Loose-leaf quality with the convenience of a tea bag, and 0 calories per teabag.…
- Enjoy a Clipper cuppa: Luxury tea bags, tea gift sets, loose leaf teas, fruity tea…
- Natural, organic tea: We fill our plastic-free tea bags with non-GM soil-association…
- Large bulk buy set: 4 x boxes of 80 green organic teabags (320 bags in total). Organic…
- Unit: 1 count
- Number Of Items: 12
- Premium Quality
- Ethical, Direct & Fair-trade - Our supply chain ensures you get the freshest…
- A Brand With a Billion Dreams - Feel alive with VAHDAM India’s premium teas.…
- Full-Flavor Tea Bags - High-quality tea leaves in plant-based biodegradable tea bags…
- Rich in Antioxidants: Each Tea Bag of our Supreme Green Matcha Tea is packed with…
- Sustainably Packaged, Easy to Prepare: We are committed to the environment. Each…
- Health Benefits in Every Sip: Enjoy a boost to your immunity and brain performance…
- SUSTAINABLE: At Tetley, we strive towards creating not merely the perfect brew but…
- ETHICAL: We are committed to working with the Rainforest Alliance and The Ethical…
- MORE THAN JUST A CUPPA: Discover our wide range of delicious natural fruits, herb…
- SUSTAINABLE: At Tetley, we strive towards creating not merely the perfect brew but…
- ETHICAL: We are committed to working with the Rainforest Alliance and The Ethical…
- MORE THAN JUST A CUPPA: Discover our wide range of delicious natural fruits, herb…
We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/12/06.