Tea

Tea: Types, Brewing Basics and FAQs

Tea is a daily ritual you can shape to your mood. Our globally inspired assortment spans green tea, black tea, oolong, herbal blends and matcha so you can build a routine that’s calm, energizing or a bit of both. Explore premium loose leaf and convenient tea bags, then round out your setup with helpful tools.

Types of Tea and Their Benefits

Tea naturally contains plant compounds and for non-herbal varieties, some caffeine. Enjoy what tastes best to you as part of a balanced lifestyle.

• Green Tea: Bright and grassy with gentle caffeine. Enjoyed for a focused lift and clean finish. Choose organic tea if you prefer minimal intervention with the plant.
• Black Tea: Robust and versatile. Delicious plain, with citrus or with milk for a cozy morning cup.
• Oolong Tea: Layered and aromatic, ranging from floral to toasty for slow, mindful sipping.
• Herbal “Tea”: Naturally caffeine-free tisanes like chamomile, mint and rooibos. Made from botanicals, not actual tea leaves. Great for evenings.
• Matcha: Stone-milled green tea powder whisked into water or milk for a creamy, vivid drink.
• White Tea: Delicate and lightly caffeinated, prized for its subtle sweetness and gentle antioxidants.
• Chai: Spiced black tea blended with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves for a cozy, aromatic cup.

Brewing the Perfect Cup: Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags

For the best flavor, start with fresh, filtered water and heat it to the right temperature for your tea type.

• Loose leaf: Use about 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water. Steep in an infuser or a teapot with a built-in strainer. A variable-temp kettle or teapot keeps green tea around 175–185°F and black/oolong near 200–212°F. Find strainers, timers and filters in our coffee and tea accessories.
• Tea bags: Place one bag per cup, add hot water and steep 2–5 minutes to taste. Remove the bag to avoid bitterness.
• Iced Tea Tip: Double the tea leaves or bags and pour over ice for a refreshing cold brew.
• Flavor Boost: Add a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of honey to enhance aroma and taste.

Serve and explore

Create a simple afternoon spread with scones and jams inspired by the British Isles, gift a sampler from our tea lovers’ gifts or try something playful like tea-cube Moscow Mule mocktails and a cozy chocolate chai latte mocha. Imported tea, organic tea and green tea favorites are ready to make every cup feel like a small journey.