Earl Grey vs. English Breakfast: What’s the Difference?
Few things can rival a good cup of tea when starting your day or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up. And among the plethora of tea options, Earl Grey and English Breakfast are among the favorites. While both are renowned worldwide, how much do you know about their differences?
What Is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey is a classic tea blend named after Charles Grey, the British Prime Minister in the 1830s. The distinct feature of Earl Grey lies in its bold flavor, accentuated by the essence of bergamot orange. Bergamot, a citrus fruit primarily grown in Italy, imparts a unique citrusy and slightly floral aroma to Earl Grey that sets it apart from other teas.
What Is English Breakfast Tea?
On the other hand, English Breakfast tea is a robust, full-bodied black tea blend that was traditionally associated with a hearty English breakfast. Its origin dates back to colonial Britain, and it was designed to accompany the traditional English breakfast. Unlike Earl Grey, English Breakfast tea is characterized by its robust flavor, derived from a blend of several black teas, usually Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas.
The Differences Between Earl Grey and English Breakfast Teas
While both Earl Grey and English Breakfast teas are renowned, they are far from identical twins in the world of teas. Here’s a deeper look into their distinguishing features, from origins to flavor profiles and caffeine content.
Origin and History
While Earl Grey is famously linked to a British Prime Minister, its origins remain a mystery. Some suggest it was crafted to complement the water at the Earl’s estate. English Breakfast, however, was explicitly created to pair with a hearty English breakfast during the colonial era.
Flavor Profile
The unique selling point of Earl Grey is the addition of bergamot oil, which offers a citrusy and slightly floral twist to the robust black tea base. English Breakfast is a powerful blend of several black teas that provide a strong and hearty flavor. It lacks the floral or citrusy undertones of Earl Grey.
Caffeine Content
Caffeine content can vary among blends and brands. Still, English Breakfast tea generally tends to have slightly more caffeine than Earl Grey. This is because English Breakfast is a blend of several robust black teas designed to wake you up in the morning. Earl Grey, on the other hand, has moderate caffeine content, with the uplifting citrusy notes of bergamot providing a different kind of ‘wake-up call.’ However, the difference isn’t substantial, and both teas should gently lift your mood and energy levels.
Ideal Pairing
With its delicate citrus notes, Earl Grey pairs well with light, sweet pastries or dark chocolate. In contrast, with its rich flavor, the robust English Breakfast tea pairs perfectly with a hearty breakfast, especially when you have meat and eggs on your plate.
Is Earl Grey or English Breakfast Better for You?
Both Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea have similar health benefits as they are both primarily made of black tea. They are rich in antioxidants, can boost heart health, and might aid in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
The minor difference lies in the added bergamot in Earl Grey. Bergamot contains flavonoids, which can help with cholesterol control and have potential mood-enhancing effects. However, it’s crucial to remember that these benefits can vary based on the quantity of tea you consume and individual health conditions.
Best Earl Grey and English Breakfast Teas for You to Try
We have tried many tea brands that offer different types of Earl Grey and English Breakfast teas. From intense blends to decaf versions, loose-leaf and tea bags, we’ve tasted them all.
For Earl Grey enthusiasts, we suggest trying these options.
If you lean more towards English Breakfast tea, these are the best English Breakfast teas we have tried.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea often depends on personal preference. While Earl Grey offers a unique, aromatic, citrusy twist to your traditional black tea, English Breakfast delivers a strong, robust flavor ideal for kick-starting your day.
Ultimately, both teas are rich in flavor, history, and health benefits, making either an excellent choice for any tea lover.
