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If you’re a tea drinker, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve enjoyed a steaming hot cup of black tea at some point. Discovered in China in the mid 17th century and adopted by Western civilisation over 500 years ago, it is now perhaps the most famous and popular type of tea in the world. Black tea leaves are served and enjoyed in many blends, in many different ways. A dash of milk for a breakfast brew, or simply hot water poured over something more flavoured, whichever way you drink yours, we have the best selection of black loose tea leaves waiting to be selected by you.

Popular types of black tea

While black tea in general can be found in lots of tea blends, there are a few that remain the most popular worldwide. A great option for those looking for an alternative to coffee, black tea contains caffeine but at a lower quantity. Some full bodied and strong in flavour, others with hints of citrus and florals; all of our black tea leaves are hand-picked with care, ensuring each cup you drink is fresh and of the highest quality.

English Breakfast Tea – perhaps the most traditional of all black teas, typically served in the morning or afternoon with a splash of milk, and sugar for those with a sweet tooth! Enjoy a smooth elegant finish with this brew, a popular choice for all.

Earl Grey Tea – Take a  moment to sit back and enjoy one of our aromatic and flavourful Earl Grey teas. Perfect for any time, and season of the day. Supreme Earl Grey - a beautifully balanced traditional earl grey with a citrus balance. Or fragrant and fruity, our french earl grey invites a pleasant melange of rose, bergamot and summer fruits to meander on your taste buds.

Darjeeling Tea - This is a classic traditional Indian Tea blend – best enjoyed as a pure black tea, it is delicately floral with notes of musky spiciness and mild flowery tones. 

Can we interest you in a cup?

Shop online with Tea Drop today and choose from our selective range of hand-picked, ethically sourced  black loose leaf teas. Sourced directly from its origins, for you to enjoy a fresh cup of tea at home, any time of the day.

FAQ

Where does black tea come from?

Black tea is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which is native to Sri Lanka, China & India.

What is the best black tea?

The best black tea is subjective and depends on personal preference. There are various types of black tea available, including Ceylon black tea, Assam black tea, Darjeeling black tea, Nilgiri black tea, and Keemun black tea, each with its own unique flavour profile.

Does black tea have caffeine?

Yes, black tea contains caffeine, but the amount can vary depending on the type and how it is brewed.

How much black tea should I use per serving?

The recommended amount of black tea per serving is one and a half teaspoons of black tea leaves or one tea bag per 8 ounces of filtered water.

How long should black tea be brewed for the best flavour?

In general, black tea should be brewed for 3 to 5 minutes for the best flavour. It may become bitter if you let it brew for more than 6 or 7 minutes.

How many cups of black tea should you drink a day?

It is safe to consume 4 to 5 cups of black tea daily. However, it is important to note that the daily caffeine intake should be kept under 400 milligrams to avoid over-caffeination. Drinking at least two cups of black tea per day is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, protection against cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke. Milk and sugar have no significant effect on the health benefits of black tea, although health experts still advise consumers to limit their intake of sugar and saturated fats.

What is black tea good for?

Black tea is good for your health due to its high antioxidant content. It may help reduce inflammation in the body, improve heart and gut health, and provide protection against chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, stroke, and cancer onset. Studies have found that regularly drinking black tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower LDL cholesterol. Drinking black tea without added sweeteners can also decrease blood glucose and improve your body's ability to manage sugar. It is also a healthy, non-sweeten, and less-calorie alternative to coffee and energy drinks.

What is the main benefit of black tea?

Black tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. It may also improve mental alertness and lower the risk of stroke.

What are the side effects of black tea?

Black tea has potential side effects due to its high caffeine content. Consuming black tea along with cimetidine may increase the chance of caffeine side effects including jitteriness, headache, and fast heartbeat. Black tea is also a rich source of tannins, which can reduce iron absorption and cause increased anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Furthermore, regular consumption of black tea can stain your teeth due to the presence of tannins and other components. Therefore, while black tea has many health benefits, it's important to be aware of these potential side effects and limit consumption accordingly.