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Whether you drink yours strong, milky, black or sweet, it’s hard to beat a good cup of tea. But which tea bags will give you the perfect brew?
It seems the big brands we used to love are disappearing, as sales figures suggest cash-strapped consumers are swapping stalwarts such as PG Tips and Yorkshire Tea for supermarket brands.
But a low price doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. Asda’s Everyday teabags topped consumer group Which?’s taste tests this month, with tasters saying they had a “perfect colour” and “perfect flavour” – as well as being the cheapest around, at just 1.5p a bag.
What other in-house brands offer unrivalled flavour? We put supermarket teas to the test.
Whether you drink yours strong, milky, black or sweet, it’s hard to beat a good cup of tea. But which tea bags will give you the perfect brew?
ENGLISH BREAKFAST
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference English Breakfast with Fine Tea
COST: £2.20 for 80 (2.8p per bag).
TASTE TEST: These fair trade bags contain Assam and blends from Kenya and Malawi, and are described as “strong and invigorating.” There’s a balance of bitterness and sweetness, and my cup turns the perfect shade of malty brown within two minutes.
DRINK IT IF… You like strong, earthy tea. 5/5
Tesco Finest English Breakfast Tea Bags
COST: £2.75 per 100 (2.8p per bag).
TASTE TEST: Combining rich Assam tea from India and “lively” Kenyan tea, they are said to be robust and classic, using only the finest quality tea leaves. Sadly, the flavour seems to have been lost on the way to Britain – they are smooth, subtle and lack the maltiness you might expect.
DRINK IT IF… You like your tea smooth and milky. 1/5
Asda Everyday Tea Bags
Asda Everyday Tea Bags
COST: £1.20 for 80 (1.5p per bag).
TASTE TEST: These bags are unadorned and come in a plain red and white box. They are said to be “smooth and refreshing, with a rich, balanced flavor, with a hint of earthiness. You can also throw them in your food waste bin.
DRINK IT IF… You like a strong, traditional cup of coffee like the one your grandmother used to make. 5/5
Co-op Irresistible English Breakfast Tea
COST: £1.75 for 50 (3.5p per bag).
TASTE TEST: Co-op claims its own-brand teas are meticulously selected by its master blender, who tastes over 400 cups a day to ensure quality. This tea certainly lives up to expectations – it’s made from leaves from Malawi, India and Kenya, and is full-bodied without being intense.
DRINK IT IF… You want an energizing morning cup of coffee that isn’t too strong. It’s a good choice for all kinds of activities. 4/5
Earl Grey
M&S Earl Gray Tea Bags
M&S Earl Gray Tea Bags
COST: £3.30 per 100 (3.3p per bag).
TASTE TEST: The citrusy aroma of bergamot hits you the moment you open the foil bag and completely dominates the tea – it tastes like a mix of flowers, herbs and lemons. Milk just doesn’t work. Price-wise, it’s comparable to Twinings.
DRINK IT IF… You prefer a very fragrant Earl Grey. 2/5
Earl Grey tea specially selected by Aldi
COST: £1.15 for 50 (2.3p per bag).
TASTE TEST: Made from a blend of lemon and bergamot flavoured black teas, this tea offers a lovely balance of floral, tart and spicy notes. It comes in biodegradable bags and is also a good value for money. My only complaint is the brewing time – it needs about five minutes to get its full flavour.
DRINK IT IF… You like a flowery Earl Grey that goes well with milk. 3/5
Waitrose Earl Grey Tea Bags
It seems that the big brands that used to be our favorites are disappearing (archive image)
COST: £3 per 100 (3p per bag).
TASTE TEST: Smooth and refreshing, this tea is made from Chinese black tea with natural bergamot flavor. It is subtle and delicious. Definitely designed to be sipped from a cup and saucer with lemon, not milk.
DRINK IT IF… You want a sophisticated flavor, more citrus than floral. 5/5
HERBAL
Sainsbury’s Mint Infused Tea Bags
COST: £2.90 for 80 (3.6p per bag).
Morrisons Pure Chamomile Tea Bags
TASTE TEST: Made from mint leaves, this product is said to be refreshing and soothing before bed, and is known to aid digestion. However, it’s a little minty… and a little minty. It’s like drinking toothpaste.
DRINK IT IF… You’ve just had a curry. Too minty for me. 1/5
Morrisons Pure Chamomile Tea Bags
COST: £1.75 for 40 (4.4p per bag).
TASTE TEST: This tea, called Camomile Dream, promises a “smooth, golden brew.” It’s a bit too mild for me: the apple flavor of the chamomile is hard to detect, and I get a slight aftertaste of honey.
DRINK IT IF… You want a slightly sweet tea before bed. 3/5
Lidl Knightsbridge Green Tea
COST: 59p for 40 (1.5p per bag).
TASTE TEST: Lidl’s own-brand version of green tea is bitter and hard to digest – it’s like drinking burnt water. The bags, however, are biodegradable.
DRINK IT IF… Cost, not taste, is at the top of your priority list. 0/5
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