Best Loose Leaf Teas of 2025: Expert Picks for Taste, Quality, and Craftsmanship

Loose leaf tea brings a fresh and flavorful experience to every cup. Whether you enjoy traditional black and green teas or prefer herbal and unique blends, this guide highlights the best loose leaf teas for 2025. Our top 14 picks are chosen based on quality, taste, customer feedback, and availability.

A lot of tea fans love loose leaf tea for the richer taste and aroma that comes with using individual leaves as opposed to a bagged tea. Our selection focuses on high-quality organic sourcing, sustainable practices and premium craftsmanship - with organic tea being a real highlight because of its purity and totally eco-friendly way of growing.

Whether you need a comforting cup to start the day, a pick-me-up in the middle of the day or a caffeine-free option, every one of these teas has got something to offer for tea enthusiasts.

Loose leaf tea means whole or partially broken tea leaves sold in bulk, not pre-packaged in little bags. Because they’re processed less and haven’t lost as much of their natural oils and goodness as bagged teas have, they tend to have more flavor, aroma and nutrients.

Loose leaf tea comes in loads of different types - like black tea leaves, green, white, oolong and herbal blends like chai tea and hibiscus. Each tea variety offers its own unique characteristics, processing methods, and steeping techniques, giving you a wide range of options to explore and enjoy. 

If you’re a serious tea fan, you know that loose leaf tea is a far more authentic and nuanced drinking experience - where every sip is a true reflection of the tea’s unique character and the place where it was grown.

Brand Overview: Gardenika is committed to keeping things pure and simple. You'll love that they've got USDA Organic and Kosher certifications, so you know you're getting the real deal. These folks really care about sustainability and balance, and it shows in every cup. If you're someone who values wholesome, minimally processed teas that actually make you feel good, Gardenika's got your back with their amazing herbal and wellness blends.

Flavor & Experience: This blend is like a warm hug in a cup. You'll get this beautiful earthy warmth with bright ginger that really wakes you up, plus aromatic turmeric and just the right hint of cinnamon spice. The tulsi adds this lovely herbal depth that makes you feel grounded, while cardamom, cloves, and black pepper create this gentle warmth that'll make you smile with every sip.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Turmeric Ginger Tulsi Chai in hot water at 200–212°F for 3–5 minutes, and watch those warming spices come alive. It's smooth, comforting, and totally invigorating all at once. Try it neat if you want the full experience, or add some milk for a soothing, creamy treat that'll become your new favorite.

Brand Overview: Since 1983, Harney and Sons has been a wonderful family-owned American tea company that just gets it right. You'll appreciate how they're totally committed to quality and sustainability—they even use compostable paper for their sachets to keep everything fresh and flavorful. They've managed to blend old-school tradition with modern eco-friendly practices, and honestly, it's earned them fans all over the world.

Flavor & Experience: This tea is like having a cozy autumn day in your cup. You'll taste dark black tea layered with zesty orange peel and not one, not two, but three different types of cinnamon. The cloves add this subtle warmth that just makes everything feel right.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Hot Cinnamon Spice in hot water at 212°F for 4–5 minutes to really let that cinnamon and orange peel shine. The medium-bodied amber cup bursts with warm spices and citrus that'll make you feel cozy and lively at the same time. Try it neat for those bright flavors, add milk for creamy richness, or go iced to discover this amazing zesty side.

Brand Overview: August Uncommon Tea is based in California, and these creative folks are totally changing the game with bold, imaginative blends that'll blow your mind. They're all about putting flavor first, and they combine real artistry with super helpful brewing guidance.

Flavor & Experience: Psychocandy is basically autumn in a cup, and you're going to fall in love with it. You'll taste earthy rooibos mixed with roasted pumpkin and these golden caramel notes that are just incredible. Turkish apple and vanilla add this subtle sweetness that lingers beautifully, and the finish is creamy and comforting in all the right ways.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew two teaspoons of Psychocandy in hot water at 212°F for 4–5 minutes and let those pumpkin and caramel aromas work their magic. You'll get this warm amber-red cup that tastes sweet, dessert-like, and velvety, with caramel notes that just keep giving. It's smooth and comforting, and it's absolutely delightful neat or with milk for this creamy treat.

Brand Overview: Tea with Tae offers these delightful floral-infused black teas that are all about bringing you relaxation and well-being. You'll love their eco-friendly packaging with those convenient mini tea tubes and pyramid sachets—they've figured out how to give you premium loose leaf quality with super easy brewing. It's all about that calming, elegant tea experience that just makes everything better.

Flavor & Experience: This Lavender Earl Grey is pure elegance in a cup, and you're going to adore how it balances the citrusy brightness of bergamot with that calming floral lavender. Blue lavender flowers and orange peel create these subtle herbal and sweet undertones that dance on your palate, while the Ceylon black tea gives you this smooth, malty foundation.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Lavender Earl Grey in hot water at 212°F for 5 minutes to really capture that floral lavender and bright bergamot magic. The amber cup feels calming and elegant, with these lovely orange peel undertones. It's best sipped neat so you can really appreciate all those aromatic layers, or try it with milk to soften and enrich those beautiful floral notes.

Brand Overview: Pinky Up was founded in 2016 in Seattle by tea-loving women, and honestly, they've created something special. You'll love their guilt-free indulgence approach with high-quality whole leaf teas and botanicals. Their unique blends range from classic to dessert-inspired flavors, and everything comes with this fun, feminine flair that just makes you smile.

Flavor & Experience: This tea sampler takes you on this amazing journey through warm, spicy chai blends that'll make you feel like you're traveling the world. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom totally dominate in the best way, while these subtle sweet undertones come through in the vanilla and licorice varieties. 

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Chai Loose Leaf Tea in hot water at 200–212°F for 3–5 minutes and watch those spices come alive. Each blend releases these amazing fragrant layers of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom that'll make your kitchen smell incredible. They're warm, cozy, and aromatic, and they taste fantastic.

Brand Overview: Nepal Tea Collective is an amazing U.S.-based Public Benefit Corporation founded by immigrants who are totally committed to transparency and lifting up farmers. You'll love knowing that they distribute organically grown teas from Nepal, and these teas have a unique flavor profile that comes from the region's high elevation and special terroir.

Flavor & Experience: Kumari Gold is pure luxury in your cup, and you're going to feel spoiled drinking it. This full-bodied black tea has honeyed sweetness, caramel, and these beautiful baked fruit notes that'll make you close your eyes and savor every sip. Those delicate golden tips create this smooth texture with minimal astringency—it's just so well-balanced.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Kumari Gold in hot water at 200–212°F for 3–4 minutes and let those golden tips and honeyed notes shine. You'll get this beautiful amber cup with caramel, baked fruit, and earthy undertones that work together perfectly. It's smooth, elegant, and refined, and it tastes amazing neat or with just a splash of milk to bring out that caramel sweetness even more.

Brand Overview: Piper & Leaf is a charming family-owned tea company from Lacey's Spring, Alabama, and they're all about those artisanal Southern-style blends that'll transport you. They craft these amazing gourmet black teas infused with local fruits, herbs, and spices that create unique, nostalgic flavors.

Flavor & Experience: This Southern-inspired blend is like sitting on a veranda on a perfect summer evening, and you're going to love it. You'll taste Ceylon and Assam black teas dancing with jasmine, spearmint, and just a touch of bergamot. Those floral and minty layers come through beautifully on your palate, and it really does evoke those warm summer evenings that make you feel peaceful.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Front Porch Special Muslin in hot water at 208°F for 3–4 minutes and let those jasmine, mint, and bergamot aromas work their magic. You'll get this light amber cup that tastes crisp, floral, and refreshing all at once. It's absolutely perfect, so you can enjoy all those layered notes.

Brand Overview: iLola has figured out how to perfectly blend traditional tea richness with modern wellness focus, and you're going to appreciate their approach. Their innovative Tea Discs make loose-leaf tea so much easier to enjoy—they're environmentally friendly and thoughtfully crafted for this refined tea experience that just feels special.

Flavor & Experience: Royal Cream of Earl Grey No. 12 is elegance in a cup, and you'll absolutely love how it blends bold Kenyan black tea with creamy vanilla and bright bergamot. Orange peel adds this citrus brightness that makes everything pop, while the unique brewing method subtly enhances that smoothness.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one Tea Disc of Royal Cream in hot water at 195°F (90°C) for 2 minutes and watch those bergamot and vanilla aromas bloom. You'll get this amber cup that tastes smooth and comforting, with citrusy brightness and creamy undertones that work together perfectly. It's delicious neat for this bold, elegant experience, or add milk to really emphasize that rich, indulgent creaminess.

Brand Overview: Magiktea is a wellness tea company that's totally dedicated to showcasing the rare "fluorescent" tea Palo Azul, and honestly, it's pretty amazing. They sustainably harvest it on this protected 12,000-acre reserve in Mexico, and their whole approach highlights the naturally occurring plant compounds while really emphasizing sustainability and sensory enjoyment.

Flavor & Experience: Palo Azul gives you this earthy, smooth cup with this subtle natural sweetness that's just so refreshing. The aroma feels light and fresh—it reminds you of those sun-dappled forest floors that make you want to take a deep breath.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Palo Azul in hot water at 200–212°F for 4–5 minutes to really extract those earthy, subtly sweet notes. The cup tastes smooth, light, and naturally refreshing, with these gentle woodsy undertones that are just lovely. Try it neat to really appreciate that delicate sweetness, or chill it for this crisp, revitalizing drink that'll make you feel amazing.

Brand Overview: Teappo is this wonderful California-based, husband-and-wife artisan tea company that draws on over 100 years of family legacy in premium Taiwanese oolong sourcing. You'll love that they offer sustainably grown loose leaf teas and premium tea powders from Taiwan and Japan, all curated and packaged in California.

Flavor & Experience: Osmanthus Oolong is absolutely fragrant and elegant, and you're going to fall in love with how it combines floral osmanthus with this lightly sweet, smooth oolong base. The aroma is bold yet delicate—it's like having a blooming garden right in your cup.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Osmanthus Oolong in hot water at 200–212°F for 3–4 minutes to really capture that floral osmanthus and oolong magic. You'll get this pale amber cup that tastes fragrant, sweet, and layered, with this gentle, elegant finish that's just perfect. It's absolutely best enjoyed neat so you can really highlight those floral notes, or try it iced for this bright, refreshing twist.

Brand Overview: Beach House Tea is a lovely family-owned company from Long Beach, Washington, and they're totally inspired by the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty. You'll appreciate how they craft small-batch, artisan loose leaf teas using only the finest organic or wild-harvested ingredients. They're all about freshness and sensory storytelling in every blend, and honestly, you can taste the care they put into everything.

Flavor & Experience: Fog Horn Grey takes traditional Earl Grey and gives it this Pacific Northwest twist with lavender and cornflower, and you're going to love it. Aromatic orange peel and subtle vanilla create this creamy, slightly sweet cup that's just divine.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Fog Horn Grey in hot water at 212°F for 5–6 minutes to really let those lavender, cornflower, and citrus notes shine. The amber cup tastes aromatic, slightly creamy, and totally soothing. It's wonderful neat for all that aromatic depth, with milk to soften those flavors beautifully, or iced for this bright, refreshing coastal-inspired experience.

Brand Overview: Danfe Tea is a specialty tea company based in Dallas that showcases these incredible high-altitude, loose-leaf teas sourced directly from the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. You'll love their mission—they're focused on elevating Nepal's tea industry by offering teas grown in these pristine mountain climates and ethically importing them to highlight those unique flavor profiles and sensory characteristics.

Flavor & Experience: Rose Black Tea is pure floral elegance, and you're going to adore how those delicate rose petals balance the robust black tea base. The aroma feels elegant and uplifting—it'll literally brighten your day—while the flavor tastes smooth, lightly malty, and beautifully aromatic.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of 08° Rose Black Tea in hot water at 200–212°F for 3–4 minutes to really bring out those floral rose and black tea aromas. You'll get this dark amber cup that tastes smooth, fragrant, and lightly robust in all the right ways. You can really savor those delicate floral layers, or try it with milk for this comforting, richer experience.

Brand Overview: Morelitea is an amazing U.S.-based, family-owned artisan tea brand that's all about storytelling and imagination. You'll love how they're inspired by this enchanting world of Mycorzha—their blends have these whimsical names and unique flavor profiles that really stand out. If you're a tea lover looking for something creative and distinctive, you're going to have so much fun exploring what they offer.

Flavor & Experience: Indie's London Fog is this incredible mix of English Breakfast tea with vanilla, sarsaparilla, and just a whisper of smoky Lapsang Souchong, and it's absolutely fascinating. The cup feels full-bodied yet smooth, with these warm, sweet undertones and just the right amount of subtle smoke.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Indie’s London Fog Earl Grey in hot water at 205°F for 3 minutes to really highlight those bergamot, vanilla, and smoky notes. The amber cup tastes full-bodied with this subtle sweetness and gentle smoke that works so well together. You can enjoy all that complex flavor, or try it with milk to create this creamy, indulgent twist on classic Earl Grey.

Brand Overview: Somage, founded in 2007 in Melbourne, Australia, crafts premium organic teas, chai blends, and drinking chocolates. Their Curated Range highlights botanicals sourced directly from growers and refined through traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Certified organic and B Corp recognized, Somage blends ethical trade with exceptional, flavor-forward beverages.

Flavor & Experience: English Breakfast is classic and robust, with full-bodied Ceylon black tea and subtle earthy undertones. The aroma feels rich and inviting, while the flavor tastes smooth, slightly malty, and uplifting.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of English Breakfast Loose Leaf in hot water at 200–212°F for 3–4 minutes to extract rich Ceylon notes. The dark amber cup tastes full-bodied, smooth, and subtly earthy. Perfect for a traditional experience, with milk to mellow the robust flavor, or paired with sugar for a classic breakfast-style indulgence.

If you really want to get the most out of your loose leaf tea, here are some top tips to help you bring out the best flavor and enjoyment:

1. Start with fresh water: How good the water is can really make or break the taste of the tea - so go for fresh, filtered water that will help the tea’s natural goodness shine through without introducing any unwanted flavors.
2. Steep it for the right amount of time: Stick to the recommended steeping times - usually 1-3 minutes for green and white teas, 3-5 minutes for black teas and 5-10 minutes for herbal teas. Steeping it for too long can make the tea taste bitter.
3. Give the leaves some space to breathe: Using a loose infuser or teapot will give the tea leaves the space they need to unfurl and release all their flavor and aroma, which means you’ll get the most out of your loose tea.
4. There’s no harm in trying multiple brews: With high-quality loose leaf teas, you can often brew them multiple times, with each brew offering something a bit different.
5. Making iced tea: To make a really refreshing homemade iced tea, try using brewed hot loose leaf tea first, then pouring it over cold water or ice. Alternatively, you can try cold brewing, which uses cold water to unlock different flavor profiles.
6. Experiment to find your perfect cup: Enjoy your tea on its own to really appreciate its natural character, or add milk, honey, lemon or ice to suit your taste. Some loose leaf teas like lavender earl grey or floral blends are not just great to drink - they look pretty too, and can add a bit of magic to any occasion.

Loose leaf teas are packed with naturally occurring plant compounds and antioxidants, which is part of what makes them such a great choice. Some people love green teas for their fresh taste, while others go for herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint for their calming qualities.

Black teas, including earl grey and English Breakfast, are perfect for a strong, satisfying cup of tea that can be a great alternative to coffee.

Then there are naturally caffeine-free blends like rooibos which are smooth and versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

There's a big difference between a mediocre cup of tea and one that's really going to make your day. Finding a loose leaf tea that you love - and one that suits your daily schedule - can totally elevate your daily routine. Take some time to browse our top 14 picks for the year, try out a few different brewing techniques and see what works for you. Experiment with different blends until you find the ones that really hit the spot.

Whether your cup of tea is a morning pick-me-up, a relaxing break in the afternoon or a quiet moment to wind down in the evening, loose leaf tea gives you a ton of options for making every single cup a bit more special.

Ready to find a new go-to? Have a browse through our collection of premium loose leaf teas and accessories - we've picked them all out with the idea of making every single cup a delight.