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A good cup of tea can make everything better. Although tea is not as popular as coffee in the United States, we believe that it should become the second most widely consumed beverage in the world (water is the number one). Tea is part of the daily lives of billions of people. They drink tea for pleasure, comfort and countless health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and even reducing the risk of various cancers.

Tea is really omnipotent. There are more than 3,000 varieties in the world, so almost any taste can be satisfied. Like fine wine and chocolate, tea can have subtle, nuanced flavors and aromas, or it can be strong and full-bodied (almost comparable to coffee). You can drink it hot or iced. You can choose tea with or without caffeine.

Dozens of my colleagues at Wirecutter like to drink tea. You can see this in our recommended list of basic equipment (including thermos cups). When I asked my colleagues for specific tea recommendations, they really showed up. We hope that this list of tea companies and each of our favorite tea companies will put you on the road to taste the next cup of delicious tea.

What: Adagio Silver Needle White Tea ($22 for 1.5 oz loose tea at the time of publication)

Reason: This is an elegant white tea with a touch of honeysuckle flavor. It is golden yellow and has a smooth entrance, almost like butter. Although this tea is more expensive than many other teas (because the rare silver needle leaves are only picked for a few days in the spring), you can re-steep it many times. White tea has been shown to have more antioxidants than green tea or other types of tea. This makes it a feel-good tea in many ways. This is a bit extravagant in the days when I want to reward myself.

——Melanie Pinola, senior writer

Other varieties of Adagio: Fujian Silver Needle Tea, a rarer type of Silver Needle tea; White Peony, a mellow tea that gets better with every sip (recommended for those who are new to white tea)

Other notes: Adagio Teas offers free shipping in the United States for more than $49. It also has a tea month club for discovering new tea.

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

Why: Some green teas are too plant-based for my taste, but this organic tea has a nutty flavor that balances the flavors of artichoke and asparagus. This tea has a smooth taste and strong aroma. David's Tea believes that its caffeine content is very low (1 to 19 mg per cup), so if you want a good cup of coffee in the evening, it is a good choice.

——Melanie Pinola, senior writer

Other notes: David's Tea can get free shipping on orders over $39. It also has a tea subscription box, and new teas are provided every season.

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

Reason: Every morning my teapot is filled with this black tea from Taylors College in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. This tea is not as smoky as my previous favorite Peet's Coffee's Scottish breakfast (why, oh, why, Peet's, have you discontinued it?). I drink tea called the builder in the UK (black tea is very thick and tastes sweet and milky). The Thales blend of Assam and African leaves has a strong flavor and malt flavor, and it can maintain good condition even with 2% milk and sugar content. I have always seen Harrogate’s Taylor tea more often in ordinary American supermarkets (not just high-end supermarkets), but usually only in tea bags. I am very happy with my morning coffee habit, loose tea can be bought online.

Other varieties of Taylors of Harrogate: Assam tea, a rich tea with the unique malt flavor of Assam leaves

What: Sambo Tea Midnight Flower Oolong ($16 for 25 grams of loose tea at the time of publication)

Reason: This floral, moderately roasted oolong tea has a hint of sweetness and jasmine fragrance. (The tasting notes listed are "Jasmine, Milk and Wood", which is accurate!) Sambo Tea is an Asian-American-owned business based in Los Angeles, and its oolong tea comes from family farms in Taiwan and China. If you want to try a few varieties, this company offers sample packs and occasionally seasonal herbal teas.

Other varieties of three gems: Duck Shit Oolong (when you have a bad day) or Bamboo Peak Milk Oolong (both have different earthy, floral and fruity aromas)

Other notes: Three gems tea is free shipping within the United States, and orders over $35.

What: Our two teas Taiwanese black tea Manhattan black (12 tea bags at the time of publication, $12)

Reason: This ruby ​​black tea variety is unique to Taiwan and comes directly from tea gardens in Nantou County, Taiwan. It is a smooth, balanced cup with a lovely natural sweetness and honey flavor. It is perfect for refreshing in the morning or afternoon. Us Two Tea is an Asian American owned company.

Our two other tea varieties: Taiwan Oolong Tea Homesick, a mild tea with a melon fragrance and slightly bitter taste; Taiwan Baozhong Tea family tradition, milky oolong tea

Other instructions: Us Two Tea provides delivery within the United States, orders over $50, and tea subscriptions can enjoy a 5% discount.

What: The Art of Chamei Oolong Tea ($27 for 4 ounces of loose tea at the time of publication)

Reason: I am usually a green tea lover, but this oolong tea is my favorite afternoon tea. The dried oolong leaves smell strong and sweet when immersed in the plums (I like to inhale the aroma before we start brewing!), but once they are soaked, the plum aroma relaxes. The tea itself has a smooth oolong tea flavor, with a sour fruity flavor, which creates a surprisingly mild flavor compared to the fragrance. The solid caffeine with a hint of sweetness saves me from the trough of the day.

Other varieties of tea art: green pomegranate, a rich tea with raspberry and pomegranate flavors; dark red oolong, smooth, with honey and bourbon flavors; Apricot Escape, a fruity and sour flavor Herbal infusion

Other notes: Art of Tea orders free shipping within the United States over $60. It also has a monthly tea club for exploring new teas.

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

Reason: I bought this tea as an engagement gift for friends who love tea. It smells very good and I have to splurge some for myself. This is the kind of tea you need time to appreciate, not every day. A mixture of jasmine silver needle tea, lavender, red rose petals and orange blossom, its appearance and taste are as good as its smell.

Other varieties of Bellocq: Bellocq Breakfast No. 01, blended with organic Indian, Chinese and Ceylon black tea

Other notes: In addition to tea, this studio also sells honey, spices, candles and other household items. Free shipping within the U.S. on orders over $100.

What: Fortnum & Mason Smoky Earl Gray (At the time of publication, 250 grams of loose tea was about $17, and 25 tea bags were about $18)

Reason: Fortnum & Mason, a high-end British department store, was founded in 1707 by a shopkeeper and a more entrepreneurial servant of Queen Anne. In the summer of 2019, I participated in the famous afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason. This taste brought me back to the multi-layer light blue cake stand and scones with clotted cream. The company said it developed the classic Earl Grey tea after an undisclosed member of the royal family requested that the classic Earl Grey tea be more smoked. Fortnum & Mason added Lapsang Souchong, which is made by smoking tea leaves over a pine fire. It is rumored to be Winston Churchill's favorite. I don't know Queen Elizabeth, but I like it.

Other varieties of Fortnum & Mason: Royal Blend, a classic blend of Pekoe and Assam tea; Earl Grey Classic, a refreshing tea with a unique bergamot aroma and flavor, but no smoky flavor; breakfast mix, one Start the day with a rich tea with a malt flavour

Other notes: If you order canned loose leaf tea directly from Fortnum & Mason, be sure to use the drop-down menu to convert the price to U.S. dollars. You must pay for shipping from the UK. (The links listed above apply to tea bags sold on Amazon.)

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

Reason: Jasmine pearls tend to be more expensive than other common loose leaf teas, but its taste and overall experience are worth the extra price. This tea is very suitable for those who like floral green tea and those who like to watch the tea beads spread out. Jasmine pearls are made by picking newly sprouted tea leaves, letting them wither slightly, and then rolling them with your thumb and index finger to make a small, tightly rolled tea ball (and then injecting jasmine flowers). When soaked in hot water, the delicate pearls will unfold (I use about eight pearls per cup) and release a distinct floral fragrance. Harney & Sons uses nylon tea bags that are known to be harmful to the environment, so I prefer to buy its loose leaf tea. However, the company did say that it is working on a design for a petrol-free pouch that will be implemented soon.

Other varieties of Harney & Sons: Yellow & Blue, a soothing herbal blend of chamomile, lavender and cornflower; Paris, a black tea with caramel aroma and deep berry flavor of black currant

Other things to note: Harney & Sons provides free shipping in the United States, 30-day returns, and a 10% discount on tea subscriptions for all orders.

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

Why: I am a Japanese tea fan, and Kettl is my favorite tea source. The company works directly with small tea gardens in Japan to purchase tea that is not available in the United States. And Kettl is fascinated by the chain from the farm to the distribution to ensure that the tea does not lose its aroma when it arrives. Indeed, all of its teas are delicious, and in some cases, I dare say that it is enlightening. For those who like tea bags, Kettl is the best I have used, and the brewing effect is similar to loose leaf tea. If I had to choose a tea bag, I would choose brown rice matcha, which is rich in umami and very fresh, with the signature nutty flavor of roasted rice. Most days I have a drink after lunch.

Other varieties of Kettl: Soba Cha Tea Bags, a caffeine-free roasted buckwheat tea, sweet and delicious; Gyokuro tea bags, a high-quality dark green tea with a strong nutty flavor; postscript tea bags, roasted green tea, toast Aroma; Sencha Jou tea bag, a salty tea with plenty of umami and sweetness

Other things to note: Kettl offers free shipping in the United States for more than $50 and a 15% discount on tea subscriptions.

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

Reason: If you are a fan of Earl Grey tea, you might like this tea (however, please note that once you have tried it, it is difficult to go back to regular products). Kusmi Anastasia is a bold black tea with lemon and orange blossom in addition to the typical bergamot (a citrus fruit that is the trademark of Earl Grey tea). This loose-leaf tea is packed in a cute little jar, enough to preserve for reuse. If you prefer tea bags, this tea is also available in muslin bags. It is biodegradable and therefore more environmentally friendly than nylon or other plastic materials.

Other varieties of Kusmi: Prince Vladimir, an Earl Grey tea flavored with orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves

Other things to note: Kusmi offers free shipping in the US for orders over $49, and has a loyalty program that can send you free gifts on your birthday.

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

Reason: When the pandemic started, the place where I bought Thai iced tea was closed, so I ordered this black and bitter Thai tea. Now, every time I want to drink Thai iced tea, I make a cup and let it cool in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning I add sugar, ice and a little milk (you can also use sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk). This tea and boba are also delicious.

Other notes: This is a recipe for how to use this tea mixture.

What: Twinings of London Jasmine Green Tea ($20 for six boxes, 20 tea bags per box, at the time of publication)

Reason: This is an ordinary green tea with jasmine added to give it a little sweetness. I don't think I need to add any kind of sugar or milk to enjoy a cup. Sometimes green tea leaves give off a musty smell, but jasmine gives it a more pleasant floral fragrance. Due to the high caffeine content of this tea, I especially like to drink it at the low noon; it gives me a little energy to end the day's work.

Other notes: Twinings tea is easy to find in most supermarkets, but you can also buy it directly from the company. Free shipping within the U.S. on orders over $50.

What: Yamamoto Mountain Jasmine ($5 for 16 tea bags at the time of publication)

Reason: I like to keep a box of this tea in my cupboard in case it feels unbearable for simple things like brewing loose leaf tea (this comes from a person with a tea strainer tattooed on their forearm). The aroma and taste of jasmine are clearly visible, and it is a cup of strong tea that will refresh you all day long. Besides, I just like the colorful retro look of the packaging.

Other varieties from Yamamoto: brown rice tea, brown rice roasted green tea; oolong, a smooth, classic oolong (the kind you might have eaten in a good Chinese restaurant)

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

Why: I like a cup of hot tea and a big sip of oat milk as a late afternoon or soothing after-dinner treat (or both). Tea must be caffeine-free, because even a drop of caffeinated beverage will keep me awake at night. The organic red Rooibos tea from Big Heart Tea Co., a female company in St. Louis, Missouri, is just right. It is spicy and sweet due to the blend of spicy spices (including ginger, cardamom, and black pepper) and the mellow honey tobacco flavor from Rooibos (a naturally decaffeinated leaf). If you believe what they say is the herb tulsi, the first ingredient in this mixture, then tea is not only an aromatic refresher, but also a mood booster.

Other things to note: Big Heart Tea Co. offers free shipping for orders over $25.

What: Leaf and Flower Turmeric Healthy Blend ($17 for 3 ounces of loose tea at the time of publication)

Why: Every mixture of leaves and flowers I have tried surprised me: each flavor is full of vitality and complexity, looking like the most chic and fresh potpourri. I especially like taking a cup of turmeric healthy mixture as a night ritual. I inhale the herbs and spices while the tea is still dry and watch the fragments bloom and spin as I pour the water (I recommend our gooseneck kettle and the steeper choice of tea). This tea with rosemary, ginger, pepper, turmeric, and citrus peel is spicy, earthy, and a little tangy. It produces a deep orange golden liquid from turmeric. Sometimes I add soy milk and honey to make it sweeter and more soothing. The fragrant, gorgeous tea from Leafs and Flowers makes the tea making process extra special, and the packaging is very beautiful and well thought out. You can reseal the paper bag like a coffee bag, squeeze out the air and fold the top with the built-in plastic label.

Other teas you can try from the leaves and flowers: mint tea, a green tea, a bit sweet, just like fresh mint picked from the garden

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

Reason: This is a kind of yin and yang tea: it is soothing and refreshing, with a complex and balanced taste, suitable for both hot and cold. The scent of peaches reminds me of sitting on the porch on a warm summer day. Ginger is not strong at all—just a hint—but its addition makes my family drink tea when they have nausea or other stomach problems. This tea is comforting, and not surprisingly, it has been the company's most popular flavor since 1992.

Other teas of The Republic of Tea: Ginger Peach Longevity Tea, a caffeinated version; Get Some ZZZ's, a sleep-promoting herbal tea that mixes Rooibos with chamomile, passionflower and valerian

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

What: Tazo Tea Refresh Mint ($15 for three boxes, 20 tea bags per box, at the time of publication)

Reason: Whenever I was sick, my mother would make me fresh mint tea. It is just mint picked from our garden and soaked in hot water. This tea made me go back there right away, and as its name suggests, it is very refreshing. In addition, this tea is caffeine-free, which is great when you just want to drink something warm in cold weather without buzzing. The iced taste is also great!

Tazo’s other teas: Tazo Zen Green Tea, a refreshing tea with spearmint, rich lemongrass, and lemon verbena; Tazo Juniper Mint Honey, a slightly sweet mint tea with a hint of juniper berries Fruity and peppery

Melanie Pinola is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, covering all the content of the home office. She has contributed to print and online publications such as The New York Times, Lifehacker, and PCWorld, specializing in technology, productivity, and lifestyle/family topics. When these topics crossed each other, she was excited-when she wrote them down in her pajamas.

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