Classic Black Teas

Loose leaf tea uses whole or larger pieces of tea leaves, which means more oils, flavour and aroma are preserved. Tea bags typically contain smaller, broken leaves or dust that brew quickly but with less depth and complexity. With loose leaf black tea, you get a richer, more satisfying cup, and you have more control over the strength.

Black tea brews best with water that's 100°C. Use approximately one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 250ml cup and steep for 5–6 minutes depending on how strong you like it. A shorter steep gives a lighter, brighter cup; longer gives a bolder, more robust flavour. If you prefer your tea with milk, a slightly longer steep stands up better to it.

Absolutely, black tea is one of the most versatile teas for this. It pairs beautifully with milk (dairy or plant-based) and holds its flavour well with a little sweetener if that's your preference. Of course, it's equally lovely straight. There's no wrong way to enjoy it.

Yes, black tea is one of the higher-caffeine teas. It generally contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to give you a gentle, sustained lift, which is why it's such a popular morning or mid-afternoon choice. If you're sensitive to caffeine, it's worth enjoying it earlier in the day. If you wish to avoid caffeine you can find our Caffeine Free Tea range here.

Black tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which are associated with supporting gut health, heart health and general wellbeing. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works alongside caffeine to support calm, focused energy rather than a sharp spike. While tea is not a medicine, it's a genuinely nourishing daily ritual with well-researched benefits.

All loose leaf tea has a 2 year best before date. We suggest storing your tea in an air proof container in a dry cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can view our recommended Loose Leaf Tea Caddies here.

Yes, some blends offer a small taster size which contains approx 4 serves so you can try the tea before committing to a larger size. If you find you love the blend, our sizes get cheaper in bulk.

If you're not sure which Black Tea to try, take our Black Tea quiz. We'll ask you some quick questions and provide suggestions for blends that will match your preferences. Take the Black Tea Quiz now.