The Best Green Tea Brands of 2023

Green tea, derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, is renowned for its abundant health benefits, from antioxidant properties to cognitive enhancement. We’ve analyzed dozens of varieties to bring you the best green tea brands that outshine the rest in tea quality, intensity, flavor, and brewing convenience.

Here are the best green teas on the market:

The 9 Best Green Teas

Green teas are not all created equal. We’ve hand-picked a select array of top-rated green teas, each offering a unique taste profile and a broad range of health benefits. These make them the go-to choices for tea enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Vahdam Himalayan Loose-Leaf Green Tea – Best Green Tea Overall

Himalayan Green Tea is a high-quality loose-leaf tea packaged in a 12 oz zipper bag, providing an estimated 170 servings. Sourced from tea estates in Darjeeling, India, the leaves are vacuum-sealed at the origin to ensure the preservation of their freshness by the time they reach the customer. The leaves are jade green, well-rolled, and may exhibit an occasional silver tip. When brewed, this tea unveils a soft, herbaceous, and earthy aroma, heightened by subtle undertones of orchids and jasmine. The taste profile is light, clean, and brisk, with a sweetness that lingers in the mouth. The caffeine level is moderate, making it suitable for consumption at any time of the day.

Pros

• The tea is vacuum-sealed at source, ensuring the freshness of the product.
• It has a rich, light, and clean flavor, without bitterness if brewed correctly.
• The aroma is pleasant and soothing, offering a unique combination of vegetal and floral tones.
• The tea has a moderate level of caffeine, suitable for all-day consumption.
• The loose-leaf format allows for a more refined tea experience.
• High-quality tea leaves, with few stems and lots of full leaves.
• Suitable for various uses, including brewing, cooking, and kombucha making.

Cons

• The flavor profile may be more subtle than what some green tea enthusiasts are used to.
• It is more expensive than some other green teas on the market.

2. Teatulia Organic Green Tea Bags – Best Organic Green Tea

Teatulia Organic Green Tea Bags are recognized for their organic quality. Each package contains 50 pyramid tea bags, filled with broken green tea leaves. When dry, the leaves give off an aroma that might remind you of bell pepper and fresh-cut grass.

Once brewed, this best organic green tea has a green-gold color with a hint of pink. Its taste is light-bodied with notes of orange rind and sweet straw, giving it a unique flavor profile compared to other green teas. 

The pyramid tea bags make brewing convenient, and they’re packed in a way that’s easy to store and carry. You can use the same tea bag for multiple cups, if desired.

Pros

• It has a unique flavor profile, with light-bodied notes of orange rind and sweet straw.
• Each package contains 50 pyramid tea bags.
• The caffeine content is moderate.
• It’s organic, which means it’s free from harmful pesticides and additives.
• Each tea bag can be used multiple times for brewing.

Cons

• The taste might seem weak compared to some loose-leaf tea options.
• It’s priced higher than some other green tea brands.

3. Tenzo Matcha Green Tea Powder – Best Matcha Green Tea

Tenzo Matcha Green Tea Powder is a premium-quality, finely-ground powder made from the choicest green tea leaves grown in Kagoshima, Japan. This best matcha green tea is meticulously curated to offer a perfect balance of aroma, taste, and health benefits. It is entirely USDA Organic, Kosher, Paleo, and Vegan, ensuring that you savor the goodness of pure and naturally-sourced ingredients.

This matcha powder has a subtle, earthy flavor, with hints of sweetness and a light, smooth texture. Its aroma carries the authentic essence of fresh green tea leaves. The vibrant green appearance of the powder adds a beautiful visual element to your cup. 

Tenzo Matcha is a loose-leaf powder packaged in a compact tin. Each serving contains 36mg of natural caffeine, offering a steady, jitter-free energy boost.

Pros

• One of the best ceremonial matcha on the market.
• Could provide a steady, jitter-free energy source.
• Aligns with USDA Organic, Kosher, Paleo, and Vegan dietary choices.
• Versatile for use in various beverages and recipes.
• Discounts are available through a subscription model.

Cons

• Some may find the matcha flavor too weak.

4. Vahdam Organic Himalayan Green Tea Bags – Best Green Tea Bags

The product features 100 individually packaged, high-quality green tea bags sourced directly from estates in India and packed for ultimate freshness. Each tea bag offers the convenience of loose-leaf tea, without the hassle of preparation.

The tea leaves are a beautiful jade green color, rolled meticulously with occasional silver tips. This attention to detail extends to the aroma, which is soft, vegetal, and herbaceous. You will also catch distinct earthy notes complemented by subtle hints of orchids and jasmine. The tea brews into a light and clean cup, carrying a delightful briskness and sweet mouthfeel. The taste offers prominent floral hues of wild mountain orchids and a subtle tint of jasmine, with a teasing wisp of peony at the end.

This Organic Himalayan Green Tea has a medium amount of caffeine, making it suitable for any time of the day. It serves as an alternative for those concerned about the environmental and health implications of other teas, specifically those sourced from areas with water pollution issues.

Vahdam Organic Himalayan Green Tea is one of the best green teas in tea bags we have tried.

Pros

• Organic, sourced directly from India.
• High quality, offers the superiority of loose-leaf tea with the convenience of tea bags.
• Rich aroma and complex flavor profile.
• Suitable for drinking at any time of the day due to a medium amount of caffeine.
• Individual tea bags maintain freshness.

Cons

• Some tea drinkers may find the tea weak. 
• We have encountered a few tea bags tearing at the string attachment.
• It lacks the “Supplemental Facts” panel on the product storage bag.

5. Harney & Sons Japanese Sencha Tea – Best Loose-Leaf Green Tea

Harney & Sons Japanese Sencha Tea offers a tasteful blend of earthy and herbal flavors. Sourced from the central Shizuoka province in Japan, this best loose-leaf green tea lends a sense of authenticity to your everyday tea rituals. Its pleasant and approachable taste, devoid of any grassy undertones, makes it a fine choice for both seasoned tea lovers and those trying green tea for the first time.

The tea comes packaged in two vacuum-sealed foil packages and a reusable tin, ensuring the leaves remain fresh until your last brew. 

The green tint of the tea is a delightful sight, and the aromatic brew offers a rich, mild herbal aroma that is a pleasure to the senses. 

Pros

• Sourced from Shizuoka province in Japan, lending it authenticity.
• Comes with a pleasing, approachable flavor, suitable for everyday consumption.
• Comes in vacuum-sealed packages, ensuring freshness.
• Comes in a reusable tin, useful for storing tea after opening.
• The large quantity provides good value for money.
• Suitable for multiple infusions, enhancing its value.

Cons

• Some may find the leaves too finely cut or powdery.
• Flavor can become unpleasantly grassy if overbrewed.
• This tea can be a bit more bitter than some people might expect from Sencha.
• No organic certification is provided.

6. Art of Tea Green Pomegranate Tea – Best Tasting Green Tea

Art of Tea’s Green Pomegranate Tea is a delightful fusion of organic green and black teas, creating a unique, flavorful, and aromatic blend. The base of this blend is a robust, high-quality green tea, appreciated by many as one of the best-tasting green teas. Complemented with organic black tea, rosehips, raspberries, and natural flavors, this mixture provides a complex and inviting aroma. One of its most noticeable qualities is the enticing pomegranate essence, which provides a lightly fruity note, making it both delightful to the senses and tastebuds.

This best-tasting green tea comes in a loose-leaf form, offering a premium brewing experience that is bound to please tea enthusiasts. The packaging includes a sturdy and artistic container that ensures freshness and prevents crushing, along with a foil-sealed bag.

Pros

• High-quality blend of organic green and black teas.
• Delightful aroma with fruity pomegranate notes.
• Packaged well to ensure freshness and prevent crushing.
• Versatile enough for hot or iced tea.
• Can be reused for different servings or mixed with other teas.
• Not overly strong but still full-flavored.
• Sustainable packaging can be reused for other purposes.

Cons

• Some might find the tea a bit pricey.
• The pomegranate flavor comes from natural flavors rather than actual fruit.
• Contains black tea, which may not appeal to those seeking purely green tea.
• Flavor intensity might be too subtle for some.
• Packaging may seem excessive to some.

7. Pure Leaf Iced Tea, Unsweetened Green Tea – Best Bottled Green Tea

Pure Leaf Iced Tea’s Unsweetened Green Tea is the embodiment of the phrase “less is more.” Housed in a convenient 18.5-ounce bottle, each pack contains twelve such bottles, providing an abundance of this authentic, refreshing beverage. Brewed from real tea leaves picked at their peak freshness, this drink is celebrated for its simplicity and the purity of its ingredients. No artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors are used, reflecting Pure Leaf’s unwavering commitment to natural ingredients and minimal processing.

The result is an iced tea that boasts an unsweetened green tea flavor that many consider the best bottled green tea on the market. The taste is slightly bitter yet fresh, inviting those who appreciate the natural taste of green tea to savor each sip. Ascorbic acid, a form of Vitamin C, is used to protect the flavor and promote the overall goodness of the drink, which is calorie-free and thus an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers.

This tea’s packaging emphasizes its authenticity and quality. Its clean, transparent bottle showcases the clear, inviting green hue of the beverage. 

Pros

• Brewed from real tea leaves for an authentic taste.
• Contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
• Calorie-free, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious consumers.
• Convenient packaging in 18.5-ounce bottles.
• Retains natural, slightly bitter green tea flavor.
• Contains ascorbic acid, a form of Vitamin C.
• Is often described as the best bottled green tea on the market.

Cons

• The unsweetened, slightly bitter flavor might not appeal to everyone.
• The price point can be high, making it less affordable for some consumers.
• The flavor may vary slightly between different batches.

8. The Republic of Tea Decaf the People’s Green Tea Bags – Best Decaf Green Tea

The Republic of Tea’s Decaf The People’s Green Tea Bags presents the best decaf green tea experience for those seeking a calm, soothing brew without the caffeine. Gently decaffeinated using a chemical-free, high-pressure CO2 process, this tea preserves the intrinsic qualities of the finest China green tea leaves. The result is a delicate flavor that mirrors the classic smoothness of a Japanese matcha, with its delightful aroma and rich green color.

Packaged in a fresh-keeping tin, this product offers 50 tea bags that are crafted from toxin-free wood pulp fibers, assuring a safe and gluten-free experience. Despite being decaffeinated, this tea retains a vivacious essence with potential healthful properties, owing to its natural antioxidants, although specific polyphenol content is untested.

This tea can be steeped more than once without becoming bitter, a rare advantage for those who enjoy multiple cups throughout the day.

Pros

• Smooth and mild flavor, evoking a good Japanese matcha.
• Decaffeinated using a chemical-free process.
• Affordable, given the quality and quantity of tea bags.
• The tea can be re-steeped at least once without getting bitter.
• Packaging in a tin helps to maintain freshness.
• The tea bags are free from harmful chemicals, gluten, and GMOs.

Cons

• Some may find the taste less vibrant due to the decaffeination process.
• Some tea drinkers may be surprised by the lack of a string on the tea bags.

9. Pique Japanese Sencha Green Tea – Best On-The-Go Green Tea

Pique Japanese Sencha Green Tea is a shade-grown Japanese Sencha green tea that offers a balance of calm energy without subsequent crashes, making it a viable option for those who enjoy tea in the morning or afternoon. The product, which is free from preservatives, additives, and refined sugar, contains a medium amount of caffeine, L-Theanine, and polyphenols. The carton contains 14 servings of tea.

A key aspect of Pique’s Japanese Sencha Green Tea is its convenience as an on-the-go green tea solution. It comes in the form of tea crystals, which are added to hot or cold water, eliminating the need for a brewing process. The tea has been recognized for its quality, winning a Gold Medal at the 2018 Global Tea Championships. Its flavor profile includes gentle, grassy notes with occasional undertones of rice.

Pros

• Easy to prepare, good for on-the-go situations.
• Certified as organic and toxin-screened.
• Provides steady energy without crashes.
• Free of preservatives, additives, and refined sugar.
• Can be prepared either hot or cold.
• Contains antioxidants beneficial for immune support and wellness.

Cons

• Some consumers may find the flavor too mild.
• Tea crystals might not dissolve as easily in cold water.
• Higher price compared to some other teas on the market.

How We Selected the Best Green Teas

In our search for the highest-quality green tea, we evaluated the following factors:

Type of Green Tea

There are several types of green tea, including Matcha, Sencha, Longjing, Biluochun, and more. Each variety brings distinct taste profiles and health properties, attributed to the unique processing methods and geographical origins. From the robust, creamy texture of Matcha to the refreshing, vegetal notes of Sencha, we accounted for the diversity in green tea types to cater to varied taste preferences.

Quality of the Tea

Quality reigns supreme in our selection criteria. We focused on brands committed to ethical sourcing and farming practices, upholding the highest standards of tea production. We favored teas derived from high-elevation, pollution-free regions, ensuring they are void of any harmful substances and are rich in flavor and nutritional benefits.

Intensity and Flavoring

A significant factor in our selection process was the balance of flavor intensity and natural sweetness. The best green teas aren’t overwhelmingly bitter; instead, they should leave a pleasant, subtly sweet aftertaste, marking a harmonious combination of flavors that engage and delight the palate.

Caffeine Content

While green tea is generally lower in caffeine than black tea or coffee, the caffeine content can vary based on the type and how it’s brewed. We included teas with different caffeine levels in our selection, ensuring options for those seeking an energy boost and those preferring a relaxing, low-caffeine brew. We also included some exceptional decaf options.

Brewing and Drinking Convenience

To cater to varying lifestyle needs, we considered the tea format. Loose-leaf tea, while offering the most authentic tea experience, requires some expertise and time to brew. Tea bags and bottled green tea provide more convenience and speed, ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. We ensured our selection catered to all these requirements, offering both quality and convenience.

Tips for Choosing the Best Green Tea

Selecting the perfect green tea can feel overwhelming with countless options available. Let’s simplify the process with key tips to help you choose the best green tea that fits your taste and health preferences:

• Identify Your Preference: Some green teas are stronger and grassier, while others are lighter and sweeter. Understand your taste preference before choosing. For stronger green tea, go for matcha. For the lighter option, consider Sencha. If you like your green tea sweeter, consider the various blends of green tea and herbs, like ginger, hibiscus, or pomegranate.
• Check the Origin: The quality of green tea can vary based on where it’s grown. Japanese and Chinese green teas are often considered the best.
• Look at the Color: High-quality green tea leaves should have a vibrant green color. Avoid any that look brownish or overly dull.
• Consider the Packaging: Quality green teas are usually packed in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Brewing Convenience: If you usually drink your tea on the go or at the office, tea bags or sachets are probably the best options. If you usually enjoy drinking green tea in the comfort of your home, consider loose-leaf tea.
• Verify the Ingredients: The healthiest green tea is usually 100% pure and without added sugars or artificial flavors.

FAQ

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Green Tea?

Green tea is rich in antioxidants known as catechins, which can help reduce inflammation, aid weight loss, and lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. It can also improve brain function, protect against aging, and provide many other health benefits.

How Much Caffeine Is in Green Tea?

On average, an 8-ounce cup of green tea contains around 35-70 mg of caffeine, depending on the type and brewing time.

What Does Green Tea Taste Like?

Green tea has a delicate balance of sweet and bitter flavors, often described as grassy or vegetal. Some types can have floral, fruity, or seaweed notes.

How to Make Green Tea Taste Even Better?

Adding a slice of lemon or a small spoonful of honey can enhance the flavor of green tea. Avoid adding milk, as it can mask the tea’s subtle flavors.

How Much Green Tea Should I Drink a Day?

Most research suggests that drinking three to five cups of green tea daily can provide the most health benefits.

When Is the Best Time to Drink Green Tea?

Green tea is best consumed in the morning or early afternoon due to its caffeine content. Drinking it late at night may interfere with your sleep.

How to Make Green Tea?

To make the best green tea, heat water to just below boiling (around 80°C or 175°F). Steep the tea for 1-3 minutes. Oversteeping can make the tea taste bitter.