Tea Starter Sets

New to tea? Each starter set pairs teas with the tool you need to brew them, so your first cup turns out right. Pick a set by how you want to drink tea: loose leaf, matcha, chai, caffeine-free, or simple tea bags.

  • 7starter sets
  • Tea + toolin every set
  • $34.90starting price
  • $99+free US shipping

Shop starter sets Already have a brewing tool? Browse tea samplers

How do you want to drink tea?

Ready-made starter kits

Complete kits packed by the brand as a single product.

What You Need for Your First Cup of Tea

Good tea at home takes only four things. Every starter set above covers the first two, and you likely already have the rest.

1. Tea you'll enjoy

Starting with a few different teas is the fastest way to learn what you like. For even more variety, browse our tea samplers.

2. A way to brew it

Loose leaf tea needs an infuser, a teapot with a strainer, or a mug with a built-in infuser. Tea bags need nothing extra, and matcha needs a whisk.

3. Water at the right heat

Green and white teas prefer cooler water, around 160 to 185°F. Black and herbal teas prefer water close to boiling.

4. A few minutes

Most teas steep for 3 to 5 minutes, and green tea for 2 to 3. Steep longer for a stronger cup rather than using hotter water.

How to Choose a Starter Set

  • Want the simplest start? Choose a tea bag set. There's nothing to strain or clean.
  • Curious about loose leaf? Choose a loose leaf set with an infuser. It lets you control strength and often re-steep the same leaves. Explore more loose leaf tea.
  • Drink tea in the evening? Choose the caffeine-free set, or browse our caffeine-free teas.
  • Love lattes? Choose the chai set, then explore more chai tea.
  • Want to try matcha? Choose the matcha set, then explore our matcha.
  • Buying a gift? A starter set is a complete present. See our guide to the best tea gifts for more ideas.

How to Brew Your First Cup of Loose Leaf Tea

  1. Heat fresh water to the temperature your tea needs.
  2. Add about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water to the infuser.
  3. Place the infuser in your mug and pour the water over the leaves.
  4. Steep for the time on the package, then lift the infuser out.
  5. Taste the tea plain first, then add milk or honey if you like.

Tea Starter Set FAQ

What is a tea starter set?

A tea starter set pairs teas with the tool you need to brew them, such as an infuser, a mug with a built-in infuser, or a matcha whisk. It gives a new tea drinker everything for a first good cup in one step.

Which starter set is best for a complete beginner?

If you want the simplest start, choose the Tea Bag Starter Set, which needs no extra tools. If you'd like to try loose leaf tea, the Loose Leaf Starter Set includes an infuser that sits right in your mug.

Is there a caffeine-free starter set?

Yes. The Caffeine-Free Starter Set includes only caffeine-free teas, along with an infuser and a mug, so it works well for evenings.

What do I need to make matcha at home?

You need matcha powder and a bamboo whisk. Sift about 1 to 2 grams of matcha into a wide bowl or mug, add 2 to 3 ounces of water around 160 to 175°F, and whisk quickly in a zigzag until it turns frothy.

Why does the set add several items to my cart?

Each starter set adds its items to your cart as separate products, so you can see every price and remove or change anything before checkout.

Is a starter set cheaper than buying the items separately?

No. The set total is the sum of the individual prices. The benefit is that the teas and the brewing tool are already matched for you.

Will my starter set arrive in one package?

Sets marked Ships together come from a single brand. If a set combines items from different brands, they may arrive in separate packages. Standard shipping is free on US orders over $99.