With its rich tea heritage and biological diversity, India is home to some of the finest tea varieties in the world. From the lush tea gardens of Assam and Darjeeling to the grassy plantations of Nilgiri, Indian teas are known for their unique flavors and unmatched quality. For the lovers of this steamy beverage, choosing the right brand can be an exciting yet daunting task, given the tons of choices available in the market. Whether you prefer the classic and energizing taste of Assam tea, the delicate and floral notes of Darjeeling, or the refreshing essence of Nilgiri, there is a perfect blend for everyone. Enjoy these exquisite teas with Hyyzo and get extra cashback on your favorite brands.
In this blog, we will explore the top 10 tea brands in India that have established themselves as common household names and have set themselves apart with their superior quality and delightful brews. Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey through the most famous tea brands in India.
List of Top 10 Tea Brands In India
India is a nation of tea lovers, and there’s no shortage of brands that are readily available to satisfy our tea temptations. The availability of thousands of brands in the market makes it nearly impossible for an average consumer to figure out the top 10 best tea brands in India. To aid every tea enthusiast, we have prepared a well-researched list of the famous tea brands in India that are ranked below:
1. Brooke Bond - Widely regarded as the oldest tea brand in India, Brooke Bond was established in the 19th century by a British entrepreneur, Arthur Brooke who couldn’t resist the fascination of India’s most beloved beverage. Over the decades of its existence, Brooke Bond has established itself as the number 1 among the top 10 tea brands in India. Known for its invigorating taste, the perfect blends of this tea are formulated with handpicked leaves from the finest gardens to ensure a consistently rich flavor for strong tea lovers.
2. Tata Tea - A crown jewel of the prestigious Tata Group, Tata Tea offers a wide range of assorted blends that perfectly capture the traditional Indian taste and culture. With a balanced blend of heritage and modernity, Tata Tea has become a household name and the favorite choice of millions of families with several unique sub-categories like Tata Josh and Tata Agni each offering a distinct taste and aroma.
3. Taj Mahal Tea House - Ranked among the most premium tea brands in India, Taj Mahal Tea House is a daughter brand of India’s tea titan, Brooke Bond. Associated with the highest quality tea leaves that are carefully selected for the most refined taste, the Taj Mahal stands tall as the choice of tea connoisseurs worldwide. The rich legacy of over 50 years has empowered the Taj Mahal to create unique and royal blends like the Royal Saffron Tea and the Darjeeling Second Flush tea.
4. Society Tea - Widely known as the ‘street vendor’s first choice’, Society Tea delivers the classic bold and robust taste of traditional Indian tea at economical prices. Fulfilling the needs of most vendors, this 20th-century tea brand has not restricted itself to just tea. In recent years, Society Tea has introduced many innovative products like cappuccino premix, instant tea pouches, and a wide range of aromatic teas.
5. Wagh Bakri - Next on the list of the top 10 tea brands in India is Wagh Bakri, the closest competitor to Society Tea. Wagh Bakri boasts of sourcing its tea leaves from selected plantations of India’s tea garden, Assam and Darjeeling. Wagh Bakri packs a punch of strong taste in each sip and offers products at different price range. Tracing its origins to a small tea plantation in South Africa, Wagh Bakri has expanded to build a beverage empire and tea lounges at prime locations throughout the country.
6. Lipton Tea - Primarily known as one of the top 10 brands of green tea in India, Lipton is one of the most famous international beverage brands that have a significant presence in India. Although most people know Lipton as a green tea and ice tea brand, Lipton’s product portfolio has expanded far wider with numerous hot teas, black teas, black specialty teas, and versatile teas that can be served both hot and cold.
7. Twinings Tea - One of the newest entrants to be on the list of top 10 tea brands in India, Twinnings Tea is rapidly gaining popularity among young tea lovers. Twinnings Tea traces its origins back to the 1700s. It is widely revered as one of the best brands offering premium quality herbal and flavoured teas globally.
8. Tetley Tea - Best known as one of the finest detox teas available in the market, Tetley Tea began business in the year 1837 in Yorkshire. Now owned by the the Tata Group, Tetley Tea has been offering a consistent quality of tea blends primarily in the green tea category. After its change of ownership, Tetley has evolved its product offerings to satisfy Indian tastebuds. The recent additions to Tetley’s product offerings include Masala Chai blend and herbal tea.
9. Typhoo - Although not as popular as other entrants among the top 10 tea brands in India, Typhoo Tea is an age-old brand that began business in 1903. Ever since its origin, Typhoo has been serving specialty teas derived from the finest quality leaves available. Typhoo offers many unique blends like peppermint-infused tea, sliming blends, and detox tea that are certified organic and have a loving consumer face in its segment.
10. Goodricke - A homegrown tea brand with a legacy of more than 140 years, Goodricke claims itself to be the second-largest tea producer in India. With its high-tech harvesting and processing techniques, Goodricke delivers numerous exclusive tea blends like Darjeeling tea, Assam tea, Green Tea, Black tea, flush tea, moonlight tea, Oolong Tea, summer flush tea, spring flush tea, white tea, and single estate tea.
Goodricke is one of the premium tea brands in India and promises to deliver the highest quality tea directly from its self-owned plantations to your cup.
How To Choose The Best Tea Brands In Indian Market
We Indians are keen at nitpicking and when it comes to selecting any product for our personal use or making a purchase, no matter how trivial it may be, we’re never behind in considering every factor, no matter how miniscule it may be. So why be any different when making a choice for our cups of tea, the most consumed beverage in India, second only to water?
Before we dive into the list of the top 10 best tea brands in India and compare them with each other, we need to learn about the factors that must be considered for these comparisons. We have gone through an expansive list of factors that determine the superiority of a tea brand and selected the most important ones that are explained as under.
- Quality of Tea Leaves
It’s common knowledge that tea is derived from the leaves of the tea plant which makes quality of tea leaves a factor of paramount importance. Most premium tea brands in India use whole leaves because they retain more of the natural oils and flavor compounds than broken leaves or dust found in lower-quality teas. Using whole leaves enhances the aroma of the alongwith providing a richer taste to the drink. Moreover, most of the top 10 brands of green tea in India use handpicked organic leaves for superior quality.
2. Sourcing & Origin
The area of cultivation and species of tea plants is just as important as the quality of the leaves themselves. Location and species are critical in determining the flavor and quality of tea as each location has its unique climate and soil, which affect the tea plantations differently. For example, the tea leaves harvested in the hilly regions of Assam have an earthy and malty taste while those that are grown in the Niligiri hills have a minty fresh aftertaste. Information about the sourcing can be a reliable indicator of the tea’s quality.
3. Processing Techniques
Manufacturing and packaging high-quality tea is a complex procedure and the steps involved in this process greatly affect its taste and quality. The famous tea brands in India have adopted traditional processing techniques like handpicking, sun-drying, and pan-frying to preserve the authentic taste of tea. A basic understanding of the processing techniques used by a brand can help you select the tea brand that best suits your preferences.
4. Packaging & Freshness
Paying attention to packaging is essential because it plays a significant role in maintaining the freshness and quality of tea. High-quality packaging protects tea leaves from light, air, and moisture, saving the flavour and quality from degrading over time. Tea brands that offer airtight, opaque containers or resealable bags have the maximum freshness. Some premium brands also use nitrogen-flushed packaging to preserve the tea's aroma and flavour ensuring that every cup of tea tastes the same throughout the year.
5. Flavour & Aroma
Flavour and aroma are a matter of personal preference and vary from person to person. While most people prefer a cup of masala tea with a perfect blend of spices and herbs, a niche segment of tea enthusiasts is fond of floral teas made with freshly picked flowers and herbs that are carefully selected by experienced men and women. Trying out different varieties of tea and reading reviews can help you determine the best flavour that matches your taste profile.
6. Brand Reputation & Reviews
With each one of the top 10 best tea brands in India selling its products online on various e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon, searching for product reviews from real customers has become easier than ever. Customer reviews offer valuable insights into the experiences of previous buyers who have already tried the product, thereby, highlighting the pros and cons of each tea brand without any effort.
7. Price & Value
While quality is a critical factor, we can not ignore the pricing of a brand before selecting it for regular usage. An appropriate tea brand must deliver a proper balance of taste and quality without having to be unaffordable for everyday tea consumption. Although most of the premium tea brands in India are worth the extra expense for their exceptional flavor and health benefits, numerous other brands offer good quality at more affordable prices. Therefore, you must consider your budget and the value you receive when choosing a tea brand for yourself and your family.
8. Health Benefits
For ages, tea has been known to carry numerous health benefits. When selecting a tea brand, you must consider your body’s requirements and opt for a brand that best fulfills your needs. For example, green tea is rich in catechins that can boost metabolism and support weight loss. On the other hand, black tea is proven to have theaflavins that improve heart health.
Health Benefits Of Tea
For ages, tea has been known to carry many complex compounds and nutrients that are proven to improve health. If prepared following proper steps and taken in limited quantity, regular consumption of tea can have noticeable health benefits like improved heart health and glowing skin. The most notable health benefits of tea are listed below:
- Antioxidant Properties - Many types of tea, particularly green tea are rich in antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols that are proven to eliminate harmful radicals and detoxify the body. This results in reduced signs of aging, making the skin look younger, healthier, and glowing.
- Enhanced Brain Function, Stress Management & Relaxation - The caffeine and L-theanine contents of tea increase the alertness and concentration leading to better functioning of the brain. Occasional consumption of tea can also reduce anxiety and stress in certain individuals, making it an ideal comfort drink to sip after a long and exhausting day.
- Improved Heart Health - Many doctors across the world suggest patients with cardiovascular diseases have a cup of freshly brewed green tea early in the morning. The presence of flavonoids in green tea lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and promotes better circulation, leading to an overall decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Weight Management - Catechins-rich varieties of tea like Japanese green tea provide a few hours of boost to the metabolism and fat-burning mechanism. If timely and smart, it can aid in weight management, controlling digestion, and prompting a healthier diet.
- Strengthened Immune System - Herbal teas, especially the blends of herbs and spices prescribed in the centuries-old Ayurveda have antimicrobial properties due to high concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols. These compounds strengthen the human body’s natural ability to fight infections and microbes significantly reduce the risks of catching cold and flu. This quality of Ayurvedic tea made it immensely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Reduced Risk of Diabetes - Popularly regarded as one of the prominent causes of widespread diabetes in India, controlled consumption of tea without adding any harmful sweeteners like sugar and aspartame can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve the secretion of insulin.
- Hydration - Unlike most other caffeinated drinks that are known to cause dehydration, mild blends of tea like lemon tea, iced tea, and herbal teas relish the body with essential electrolytes and fluids, improving the overall functioning of the body and smoother metabolism.
Conclusion
With thousands of options available, choosing the right tea brand can be a delightful and informative experience for seasoned tea lovers. The top 10 tea brands in India provide a wide range of choices for every tea lover. From the robust Assam teas to the delicate Darjeeling blends, each brand has its unique appeal. Whether you enjoy a classic blend or something more unique, these brands ensure that every cup is a satisfying experience, making your tea time a moment of pure pleasure and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which is the oldest tea brand in India?
Ans. Brooke Bond, the parent company behind popular tea blends like Red Label is often regarded as the oldest tea brand in India. It was established by a British citizen, Arthur Brooke in the year 1869.
Q2. What is the healthiest tea brand?
Ans. VAHDAM India, Australia’s organic tea brand- Tielka, and UK-based Pukka Herbs are widely known as the healthiest tea brands among tea enthusiasts and experts.
Q3. Which place is called the ‘Tea Garden Of India’?
Ans. Assam is called the ‘Tea Garden Of India’ because of its expansive tea plantations and farms.
Q4. Does tea contain caffeine?
Ans. A majority of tea varieties are known to have traceable amounts of caffeine.