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A great cup of tea can make everything better. Even though tea is not as popular as coffee in the US, we think it deserves its place as the second-most widely consumed beverage in the world (water being the first). Tea is part of a daily routine for billions of people who drink it for pleasure, comfort, and myriad health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and even reducing the risk of various types of cancer.

Tea is truly versatile. There are more than 3,000 varieties in the world, so there’s something to suit just about any palate. Like fine wine and chocolate, tea can have a subtle, nuanced flavor and aroma, or it can be rich and bold (nearly enough to rival coffee). You can drink it hot or iced. And you can choose from caffeinated or decaffeinated tea.

Dozens of my coworkers here at Wirecutter love tea. You can see that in our list of essential equipment we recommend (including mug warmers). And when I asked my coworkers for specific tea recommendations, they really showed up. We hope this list of tea companies and our favorites from each will set you on your way to your next delicious cuppa.

What: Adagio Teas Silver Needle White Tea ($22 for 1.5 ounces of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: This is an elegant white tea with a delicate, honeysuckle flavor. It steeps at a golden color, and it is smooth, almost buttery, to drink. Although this tea is pricier than many others (since the rare silver needle leaves are picked for only a few days in the spring), you can re-steep it multiple times. White tea has been shown to have more antioxidants in general than green or other tea types. This makes it a feel-good tea in more ways than one. This is a little luxury for days when I want to treat myself.

—Melanie Pinola, senior staff writer

Other varieties to try from Adagio: Fujian Silver Needle, an even rarer silver needle tea; White Peony, a mellow tea that gets better with each sip (recommended for those new to white teas)

Other notes: Adagio Teas offers free US shipping over $49. It also has a tea of the month club for discovering new teas.

What: David’s Tea Anji Green Organic ($26 for 50 grams of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: Some green teas are too vegetal for my tastes, but this organic tea has a nuttiness that balances out the notes of artichoke and asparagus. This tea has a smooth mouthfeel and a rich aroma. David’s Tea rates it as having low caffeine content (1 to 19 milligrams per cup), so it’s a good option if you want a nice cup in the evening.

—Melanie Pinola, senior staff writer

Other notes: David’s Tea offers free US shipping on orders over $39. It also has a tea subscription box, which delivers new teas every season.

What: Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast Tea ($6 for 50 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: My daily morning teapot is filled with this black tea from Taylors of Harrogate, based in Yorkshire, England. This tea isn’t as smoky as my old favorite, the Scottish Breakfast from Peet’s Coffee (Why, oh, why, Peet’s, did you discontinue it?). I drink what’s known in the UK as builder’s tea (black tea brewed strong and served sweet and milky). The Taylors blend of Assam and African leaves is robust and malty, and it holds up quite nicely to 2% milk and sugar. I’ve been seeing Taylors of Harrogate teas appearing more often in regular supermarkets here in the States (not just fancy ones) but usually only in tea bags. Happily for my morning caffeine habit, the loose tea is available online.

Other varieties to try from Taylors of Harrogate: Assam, a full-bodied tea with the distinct malty flavor specific to Assam leaves

What: Three Gems Tea Midnight Blossom Oolong ($16 for 25 grams of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: This floral, medium-roast oolong has hints of sweetness and jasmine. (The tasting notes listed are “jasmine, milk, and wood,” which is accurate!) Three Gems Tea is an Asian American–owned business located in Los Angeles that sources its oolong teas from family farms in Taiwan and China. If you’re looking to try a few varieties, this company offers sampler packs and occasionally seasonal herbal teas.

Other varieties to try from Three Gems: Duck Shit Oolong (for when you’re having a crappy day) or Bamboo Peak Milk Oolong (both with different earthy, floral, and fruity aromas)

Other notes: Three Gems Tea offers free shipping in the US for orders over $35.

What: Us Two Tea Taiwanese Black Tea Manhattan Black  ($12 for 12 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: This ruby black tea variety is unique to Taiwan and sourced directly from tea farms in Taiwan’s Nantou County. It brews a smooth, balanced cup with a lovely natural sweetness and notes of honey, and it’s great for the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. Us Two Tea is an Asian American–owned business.

Other varieties to try from Us Two Tea: Taiwanese Oolong Tea Homesick, a mild tea with a melon aroma and slightly bitter flavor; Taiwanese Baozhong Tea Family Tradition, a creamy, robust oolong tea

Other notes: Us Two Tea offers shipping in the US for orders over $50 and a 5% discount on tea subscriptions.

What: Art of Tea Plum Oolong Tea ($27 for 4 ounces of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: I’m usually a green tea person, but this oolong is my favorite for perking up an afternoon. The dried oolong leaves smell strong and sweet with the infusion of plum (I love inhaling the aroma before we start brewing!), yet once they’re steeped, the plum scent relaxes. The tea itself has a smooth oolong flavor with a tart fruity undertone, creating a surprisingly gentle flavor in comparison with the scent. The solid caffeine kick with just a hint of sweetness saves me from my late-in-the-day slump.

Other varieties to try from Art of Tea: Green Pomegranate, a tangy tea blended with raspberries and pomegranate flavor; Crimson Oolong, smooth with honey and bourbon flavors; Apricot Escape, an herbal infusion that’s fruity and tart

Other notes: Art of Tea offers free US shipping on orders over $60. It also has a tea-of-the-month club for exploring new teas.

What: Bellocq Tea Atelier No. 96 White Wedding ($24 for 2 ounces of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: I bought this tea as an engagement gift for a tea-loving friend, and it smelled so good that I had to splurge on some for myself, too. It’s the kind of tea you take time to appreciate, not for everyday drinking. A blend of jasmine silver needle tea, lavender, red rose petals, and orange blossoms, it looks and tastes as good as it smells.

Other varieties to try from Bellocq: Bellocq Breakfast No. 01, a robust blend of organic Indian, Chinese, and Ceylon black teas

Other notes: In addition to teas, this atelier sells honey, mulling spices, candles, and other household items. US shipping is free on orders over $100.

What: Fortnum & Mason Smoky Earl Grey (about $17 for 250 grams of loose tea or $18 for 25 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: Fortnum & Mason, a high-end British department store, was was founded in 1707 by a shopkeeper and one of Queen Anne’s more entrepreneurial footmen. I attended Fortnum & Mason’s famous afternoon tea in the summer of 2019, and this flavor brings me back to the multi-tiered, light blue cake stands and scones with clotted cream. The company says it developed this tea after an undisclosed royal asked for a smokier take on the classic Earl Grey. Fortnum & Mason added lapsang souchong, which is prepared by smoking tea leaves over a pinewood fire, and it was rumored to be a favorite of Winston Churchill. I don’t know about Queen Elizabeth, but I enjoy it.

Other varieties to try from Fortnum & Mason: Royal Blend, a classic blend of pekoe and Assam tea; Earl Grey Classic, a refreshing tea with the distinct oil-of-bergamot aroma and flavor, but not as smoky; Breakfast Blend, a full-bodied tea with a malty flavor to start your day

Other notes: If you’re ordering the loose-leaf teas in tins directly from Fortnum & Mason, be sure to use the drop-down menu to convert pricing to US dollars. You will have to pay shipping costs from the UK. (The links listed above are for tea bags sold on Amazon.)

What: Harney & Sons Dragon Pearl Jasmine ($22 for 4 ounces of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: Jasmine pearls tend to be pricier than other common loose-leaf teas, but the taste and overall experience are worth paying a premium for. This tea is great for those who like a floral green tea and those who like watching tiny pearls of tea unfurl. Jasmine pearls are made by plucking newly sprouted tea leaves, letting them wither slightly, and then rolling them between a thumb and forefinger to create a small, tightly furled ball of tea (which is then infused with jasmine blossoms). When steeped in hot water, the delicate pearls unfurl (I use about eight pearls per cup) and release a distinctly floral aroma. Harney & Sons uses nylon tea sachets, which are known to be harmful to the environment, so I prefer to buy its loose-leaf teas. The company does say, however, that it’s working on a petroleum-free sachet design, which will be implemented soon.

Other varieties to try from Harney & Sons: Yellow & Blue, a soothing herbal blend of chamomile, lavender, and cornflowers; Paris, a black tea with a caramel aroma and the deep berry flavor of black currants

Other notes: Harney & Sons offers free US shipping on all orders, 30-day returns, and a 10% discount on tea subscriptions.

What: Kettl Genmaimatcha (about $16 for 12 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: I’m a Japanese tea fan, and Kettl is hands down my favorite tea source. This company works directly with small tea farms in Japan to source teas that are otherwise unavailable in the US. And Kettl is obsessive about the farm-to-delivery chain, ensuring that the tea arrives without losing aroma. Truly, all of its teas are delicious and, in some cases, dare I say revelatory. And for those who prefer tea bags, Kettl’s are the best I’ve used, providing similar brewing results to that of a loose-leaf tea. If I had to pick one tea bag, I’d pick Genmaimatcha, which is both umami-rich and remarkably fresh, with that signature background nuttiness from the roasted rice. I’ve been nursing a cup after lunch most days.

Other varieties to try from Kettl: Soba Cha Tea Bags, a caffeine-free roasted buckwheat tea that’s sweet and toasty; Gyokuro Tea Bags, a premium, dark green tea with a rich, nutty flavor; Houjicha Tea Bags, roasted green tea with the scent of toast; Sencha Jou Tea Bags, a savory tea with lots of umami and sweetness

Other notes: Kettl offers free US shipping on orders over $50 and a 15% discount on tea subscriptions.

What: Kusmi Anastasia ($19 for 3.5 ounces of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: If you’re a fan of Earl Grey, you’ll probably love this tea (though, be warned, it’s hard to go back to the regular stuff once you’ve tried it). Kusmi Anastasia is a bold black tea, and, in addition to the typical bergamot (a citrus fruit that’s a trademark of Earl Grey), it’s flavored with lemon and orange blossoms. This loose-leaf tea comes in an adorable little tin, which is pretty enough to save for repurposing. If you prefer tea bags, this tea is also available in muslin sachets, which are biodegradable and therefore more eco-friendly than nylon or other plastic-based materials.

Other varieties to try from Kusmi: Prince Vladimir, an Earl Grey tea flavored with orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove

Other notes: Kusmi offers free US delivery on orders over $49 and has a loyalty program that sends you a free gift on your birthday.

What: Pantai Thai Tea Mix ($20 for two 16-ounce pouches at the time of publishing)

Why: At the start of the pandemic, the place I got Thai iced tea from closed down, so I ordered this dark, bitter Thai tea. Now, every time I have a craving for Thai iced tea, I brew a cup and let it cool down in the fridge overnight. In the morning I add sugar, ice, and a splash of milk (you could also use sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk). This tea would also be delicious with boba.

Other notes: Here’s a recipe for how to use this tea mix.

What: Twinings of London Jasmine Green Tea ($20 for six boxes, with 20 tea bags each, at the time of publishing)

Why: This is a regular green tea with a Jasmine flower add-on that gives it a tiny bit of sweetness, and I don’t feel like I have to add sugar or milk of any kind to enjoy a cup. Sometimes green tea leaves can have a musty smell to them, but the jasmine gives this one a much more pleasant floral scent. Because of the caffeine level of this tea, I especially like to have it during a midday slump; it gives me that bit of energy to finish off the workday.

Other notes: Twinings tea is easily found in most supermarkets, but you can also buy directly from the company. US shipping is free on orders over $50.

What: Yamamotoyama Jasmine ($5 for 16 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: I like to keep a box of this tea in my cabinet for those days when something as simple as making a cup of loose-leaf tea just feels like too much to bear (this coming from someone who has a tea strainer tattooed on their forearm). The jasmine aroma and flavor comes through clearly, and it’s a strong cup of tea to keep you going throughout the day. Also, I just love the colorful, vintage-y look of the packaging.

Other varieties to try from Yamamotoyama: Genmai Cha, green tea roasted with brown rice; Oolong, a smooth, classic oolong (the kind you might have had at a nice Chinese restaurant)

What: Big Heart Tea Co. Chai ($10 for 10 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: I love drinking a hot mug of tea with a generous glug of oat milk as a late-afternoon or soothing post-dinner treat (or both). The tea must be caffeine-free, because even a drop of a caffeinated beverage will keep me up at night. The organic red rooibos chai from Big Heart Tea Co., a woman-owned business in St. Louis, Missouri, hits just the right notes. It’s spicy and sweet, thanks to a pungent blend of spices (including ginger, cardamom, and black pepper) and mellow honey-tobacco notes from the rooibos (a naturally decaffeinated leaf). And if you believe what they say about the herb tulsi, the first ingredient in this blend, the tea is not only an aromatic pick-me-up but also a mood booster.

Other notes: Big Heart Tea Co. offers free US shipping on orders over $25.

What: Leaves and Flowers Turmeric Wellness Blend ($17 for 3 ounces of loose tea at the time of publishing)

Why: Every blend I’ve tried from Leaves and Flowers has surprised me: Each tastes vibrant and complex and looks like the chicest, freshest potpourri. I particularly love making a cup of the Turmeric Wellness Blend as a nighttime ritual. I inhale the herbs and spices while the tea is still dry and watch the bits bloom and swirl as I pour water over it (I do recommend our gooseneck kettle and tea steeper picks for this). This tea—which has rosemary, ginger, pepper, turmeric, and citrus peel—is spicy, earthy, and a little tangy. It yields a deep orangey-gold liquid from the turmeric. Sometimes I’ll add soy milk and honey to make it sweeter and a little more soothing.  The fragrant, gorgeous teas from Leaves and Flowers make the tea process feel extra-special, and it helps that the packaging is really beautiful and well-thought-out. You can reseal the paper bags like a coffee bag, squeezing out the air and folding the top closed with built-in plastic tabs.

Other teas to try from Leaves and Flowers: Mintha, a verdant tea and just a touch sweet, like fresh mint picked from a garden

What: The Republic of Tea Decaf Ginger Peach Longevity Tea (about $14 for 50 tea bags at the time of publishing)

Why: This is a yin-and-yang type of tea: It’s soothing yet refreshing, has complex yet balanced flavors, and is tasty both hot and cold. The peachy aroma reminds me of sitting on a porch on a warm summer day. The ginger isn’t overpowering at all—there’s just a hint of it—but its addition makes this the tea my family reaches for when we have nausea or other stomach issues. This tea is comforting and, not surprisingly, the company’s most popular flavor since 1992.

Other teas to try from The Republic of Tea: Ginger Peach Longevity Tea, the caffeinated version; Get Some ZZZ’s, a sleep-encouraging herbal tea that blends rooibos with chamomile, passionflower, and valerian

Other notes: The Republic of Tea offers a subscription program that includes free shipping.

What: Tazo Tea Refresh Mint ($15 for three boxes, with 20 tea bags each, at the time of publishing)

Why: My mom used to make me fresh mint tea whenever I was sick. It was simply just-picked mint from our garden steeped in hot water. This tea brings me right back there, and, true to its name, it’s very refreshing. Also, this tea doesn’t contain caffeine, which is so nice when you just want something warm on a cold day without the buzz. Also tastes great iced!

Other teas to try from Tazo: Tazo Zen Green Tea, a refreshing tea with spearmint and zesty lemongrass and lemon verbena; Tazo Juniper Mint Honey, a subtly sweeter mint tea with a slightly fruity, peppery flavor from juniper berries

Melanie Pinola previously covered all things home office as a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. She has contributed to print and online publications such as The New York Times, Lifehacker, and PCWorld, specializing in tech, productivity, and lifestyle/family topics. She’s thrilled when those topics intersect—and when she gets to write about them in her PJs.

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