Guides

Types of Tea

There are various types of teas available, but generally speaking there are only a few general types that then split up into more detailed variants.

The main categories are:

  • Black Tea: Bold and robust, often enjoyed with milk and sugar, popular in the UK.
  • Green Tea: Originating from China and Japan, known for its health benefits, including matcha, which is powdered and used in lattes.
  • Oolong Tea: Partially fermented, offering a unique flavor profile with colorful leaves.
  • White Tea: Delicate and less processed, originating from China, noted for its subtlety.
  • Earl Grey: A black tea blend flavored with bergamot.
  • Matcha: A powdered green tea, often used in Japanese ceremonies and lattes.
  • Darjeeling: A premium black tea from India, noted for its floral notes.
  • Chai: A spiced blend including cinnamon and cardamom, popular in Indian cuisine.
  • Yerba Mate: A traditional South American drink, consumed culturally significant there.
  • Fruit Teas: Varieties include berry or citrus flavors, offering fruity notes.

Another Large category are the Herbal Teas which can be:

  • Chamomile: Known for relaxation.
  • Peppermint: Refreshing and cooling.
  • Hibiscus: Fruity and tangy, popular in Mexico.
  • Rooibos: Caffeine-free, from South Africa with a distinct flavor.

Most teas will fall into one of these categories, but depending on specific usage or tastes they can vary quite a lot even within the same category. 

This article was updated on June 18, 2025