Get ready to discover the best oolong tea brands!
Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea. It offers a complex flavor profile ranging from light and floral to bold and roasted. As a tea enthusiast, I understand the importance of choosing the right oolong tea brand that satisfies your taste buds and supports your health and well-being.
There are many factors to consider when searching for the perfect oolong tea brand. High-quality oolong tea should have a distinct fragrance, a rich taste, and an appealing appearance. Additionally, the tea’s origin, processing, and packaging all play a vital role in determining the overall quality of the product.
I firmly believe in the power of research, analysis, and comparison when finding the best product. In my quest to discover the best oolong tea brands, I have spent hours researching and testing various options, ensuring that the chosen teas live up to their reputation. Now, let’s dive into the top oolong tea brands that will elevate your tea-drinking experience.
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me keep offering readers solid information.
Best Oolong Tea Brands
I’ve gathered a list of the best oolong tea brands for you to enjoy. Take a look below and find your favorite!
Please note this article focuses on the most popular oolong tea brands. These often label their product as “oolong tea,” the type of tea, not the type of oolong. If you want to learn more about oolongs and purchase based on type, origin, and flavor profile, I recommend checking out our best oolong teas article.
Prince of Peace Organic Oolong Tea
Prince of Peace Organic Oolong Tea is a top choice for authentic flavor and health benefits.
Each time I sip this tea, I am instantly delighted by its woody aroma and full-bodied flavor. Compared to a cup of coffee, this beverage has a lower caffeine content (approximately 30 mg–40 mg per cup), making it a fantastic alternative for those trying to reduce their caffeine intake.
Brewing this oolong tea was quick and straightforward. I placed one tea bag in a cup and added hot water, waiting 3–5 minutes before the tea was ready to drink. Adding a touch of honey provided the perfect amount of sweetness. Plus, the tea bags make it easy to prepare an iced version of the beverage on hot summer days.
Prince of Peace Organic Oolong Tea is good in terms of quality. The tea leaves are certified organic by ECOCERT SA, ensuring the product’s purity and quality. However, those seeking a more robust flavor or energy boost might still lean toward other brands or loose-leaf alternatives.
Also, the tea leaves are sourced from the Wuyi Mountains, where the most highly-prized oolongs in the world come from. The Wuyi mountains are depicted in the package, which is a great touch.
Bigelow Tea Oolong Tea
You should definitely try the Bigelow Tea Oolong Tea for its mellow taste and versatile pairing with various meals.
I was quite impressed with Bigelow Tea Oolong Tea’s smooth and consistent flavor. It has this mellow taste that goes well with almost any meal. In fact, I found it to be a perfect drink to serve at my last dinner party, and my guests appreciated it both as hot tea and iced tea (I set up a tea bar).
The fact that each tea bag is individually wrapped in a foil pouch ensures peak flavor, freshness, and aroma. It’s a gluten-free, calorie-free, and Kosher-certified tea, making it an excellent choice for various preferences and dietary needs. The Bigelow Tea brand guarantees uncompromised quality and is the number one specialty tea company in the United States.
However, if you prefer a stronger flavor or like to explore various tea blends, you might find the Oolong Tea’s mild taste and single-flavor option limiting. There is no specific information about the tea leaves’ origin (they mention a special region in Asia). This does not allow us to asses quality based on origin and terroir. Additionally, this tea is only available in teabags, which might discourage those who prefer loose-leaf tea.
Overall, the Bigelow Tea Oolong Tea is a solid choice, especially for those who enjoy a more subtle taste that pairs well with meals.
TIAN HU SHAN Premium Oolong Tea
TIAN HU SHAN’s tea leaves are handpicked, and only the freshest ones are used, ensuring rich flavor and aroma. The company does not compromise when crafting the tea, using a strict process from planting to packaging, and it shows in the final product.
One of the things I loved about this tea was its unique roasted aroma. This sets it apart from other oolong teas I’ve tried. When steeped, the tea soup was mellow and thick, with a lingering aroma and sweet aftertaste. I could enjoy multiple steeps without losing the tea’s distinct flavor.
This product has very few drawbacks, one being its slightly higher price point than other oolong teas. However, the quality of the tea does warrant the price. Some might initially find its strong taste overwhelming, but adjusting the brewing time to suit personal preferences is easy. Lastly, the packaging is straightforward and purely functional, but it keeps the tea’s top-notch quality.
Imozai Organic Oolong Tea Bags
The leaves used for Imozai’s oolong tea are hand-picked in the Anxi District of Fujian, China, which produces high-quality oolong tea. The USDA Certified Organic label ensures a clean and chemical-free cup each time.
The individually wrapped tea bags kept the tea fresh and full of flavor. However, a few tea bags had small holes, causing some leaves to spill out. This was a small issue, but it’s something to consider if you prefer perfectly crafted tea bags.
Regarding caffeine content, a cup of Imozai Organic Oolong Tea has around 30-40mg. While this was perfect for me, others may require a stronger caffeine kick. The taste is similar to the oolong tea served in Chinese restaurants, but this might feel too mild if you prefer bolder flavors.
This is a popular product on big online retailers. The combination of flavor and price works for a lot of people.
VAHDAM High Mountain Oolong Tea
VAHDAM High Mountain Oolong Tea is known for its robust flavor and superb freshness.
The first thing that struck me about this tea was its garden-fresh aroma, thanks to the vacuum-sealed packaging and quick shipping from premium Indian plantations. It reminded me of why I fell in love with oolong tea in the first place.
When I brewed my first cup following the recommended preparation, I noticed the flavor leaning slightly more towards a black tea than a typical oolong. However, adjusting my brewing technique helped me find my ideal taste profile. For newcomers to oolong tea, be prepared to experiment a little to get the best flavor from these leaves.
Beyond the quality of the tea itself, I truly appreciate VAHDAM’s commitment to both people and the planet. Through their direct and fair-trade practices, they ensure fair profits for farmers and even invest in education for tea growers’ children. Moreover, they work as a carbon and plastic-neutral brand, offsetting their environmental footprint.
Despite its slightly higher price tag, the quality and freshness of this tea are undeniable. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite oolong tea!
Twinings Pure Oolong Tea
I recommend Twinings Pure Oolong Tea for its delightful taste and high quality. The tea leaves are sourced from Fujian, the Chinese province known for centuries of tea production.
This tea has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and toasty aroma, making it just right for sipping during lunch or in the afternoon.
The individually sealed tea bags maintain the tea’s freshness and make it easy to take on the go, whether in my purse, workout bag, or desk. I appreciated the convenience of brewing the tea by the cup or pot without hassle. However, some people may find the flavor stronger for their preference, and others might prefer not to use milk or sweeteners.
What truly impressed me was how Twinings sources their oolong tea with care to improve the communities they work with. From providing access to water and sanitation to empowering women to enhance incomes and resilience through income diversification and careful farming practices, it’s evident that Twinings is committed to more than just great tea.
The Tao of Tea, Black Dragon Oolong Tea
The Tao of Tea’s Black Dragon Oolong has a robust flavor and excellent quality.
I am impressed by the exquisite flavor this tea offers. Anxi oolongs from Fujian, China, are known for their quality, and this 40% oxidized tea is no exception. The dark, toasty flavor and sweet and robust aftertaste make for an incredible tea experience.
The Black Dragon Oolong comes in a beautifully designed tin that preserves the quality of the loose-leaf tea. The handcrafted nature of this tea means that it provides multiple infusions, each with a consistent and delightful taste. As someone who appreciates a good oolong tea, I found this a fantastic daily consumption option.
One drawback of this tea is the cost, which is expensive for some. Additionally, the darker flavor might only suit some people’s preferences, especially if you prefer a lighter, greener oolong. Furthermore, this product has limited international shipping options, which could be a downside if you’re outside the United States.
TEARELAE Taiwan Oolong Tea
This TEARELAE Taiwan Oolong Tea is a decent choice for those seeking a mild-flavored, high-mountain oolong focusing on natural processing.
TEARELAE Taiwan Oolong Tea is harvested using a strict manual hand-picking process that ensures the freshness of the leaves. It’s evident in the taste that they retain a part of the stems to strengthen the flavor. However, some people might prefer something else (stems and leaves blends are considered lower quality compared to teas made exclusively with leaves).
The reliable certifications and tests for safety give me confidence in the product, which also makes for a healthy alternative to carbonated drinks or coffee. However, I noticed that some users have found the quality lower than other Taiwanese oolong teas, making it hard to justify the price.
While enjoying this tea’s natural processing and absence of additives, stems might appeal to only some. The mild flavor is pleasant, but I’ve encountered Taiwanese oolong teas with more depth and complexity.
Beantown Wuyi Oolong Tea Sampler
Beantown Wuyi Oolong Tea Sampler is a great option for those looking for high-quality loose-leaf tea.
In terms of flavor, the tea is toasty and slightly earthy, with a pleasant floral aftertaste. Even more intriguing, you may detect hints of honey as you sip. Not only is the flavor well-balanced and complex, but each infusion brings a new nuance to the taste (you can infuse the tea multiple times).
This is a good option to brew using the Gong Fu method. This method involves using a small teapot (Yixing clay teapot) and brewing the tea in multiple short infusions. You can find instructions on any of our oolong articles.
However, some users might find the tea overpowering, and brewing requires loose-leaf equipment, which may only suit some. The sampler contains only three servings, so consider purchasing more or taking advantage of the 20% discount when buying five or more items to have a sufficient supply.
Butterfly Brand Oolong Tea 20 Bags
The moment I brewed a cup of Butterfly Brand Oolong Tea, I could immediately appreciate its delicate and flavorful aroma. Originating from Fujian, China, known as the home of Oolong Tea, I was satisfied with my choice.
The packaging is another great feature of this product. With 20 tea bags in each box, enjoying the perfect cup of oolong Tea is accessible anytime, anywhere. Just pop a tea bag into a cup and let it steep for a few minutes to enjoy a relaxing and delicious hot beverage.
One thing to consider is that Butterfly Brand may not be as well known as other brands. However, this should not deter tea enthusiasts looking for authentic, high-quality oolong tea. The few available reviews provide a positive outlook on the product.
Best Oolong Tea Brands – Buying Guide
When I’m shopping for oolong tea, I like to consider a few key factors to ensure I’m getting the best product. I’ll share these tips in this buying guide to make your oolong tea shopping a breeze!
First, let’s talk about the tea’s origin. High-quality oolong teas typically come from China (Wuyi & Anxi) and Taiwan, as these regions have the ideal climate and expertise for this type of tea. Look for teas that indicate their origin so you can trust you’re getting the real deal.
Next, consider the oxidation level. Oolong teas differ in their oxidation level, which affects their flavor, aroma, and color. Oxidation levels can range from lightly oxidized (around 20%) to heavily oxidized (over 60%). When choosing an oolong tea that suits your taste preferences, look for information about the oxidation level.
Loose leaf versus bagged tea is another important factor. While tea bags are more convenient, loose-leaf oolong teas offer superior taste and quality. Loose-leaf teas have larger leaves and give you more control over the brewing process, resulting in a better cup of tea.
It’s crucial to pay attention to the packaging and storage of the tea. Oolong tea leaves can be delicate and should be stored in an airtight container and away from light. Proper packaging preserves the tea’s freshness and flavor. Look for teas in resealable pouches, tins, or other well-sealed containers.
Lastly, remember price and quantity. While choosing the cheapest option is tempting, spending a bit more on a high-quality oolong tea is worth it. Balance the price with the quantity you’re getting, and remember that a little goes a long way with oolong tea, as the leaves can be steeped multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top US-based oolong tea brands?
In my experience, some of the top US-based oolong tea brands include Harney & Sons, Art of Tea, and Rishi Tea. These companies are known for their high-quality tea leaves and diverse flavors. However, remember that purchasing oolong teas from non-US companies through online retailers is easy.
Which oolong tea brands are highly recommended on Reddit?
Users often recommend brands like Eco-Cha, Beautiful Taiwan Tea Company, and Yunnan Sourcing on Reddit. These brands are praised for their authentic flavors and genuine sourcing practices. However, as with any recommendation, it’s important to try different brands and see what suits your taste the best.
Which oolong tea brands are popular on Amazon?
I’ve noticed popular oolong tea brands on Amazon include Vahdam Teas, Prince of Peace, and Republic of Tea. These brands have received high ratings and positive reviews from customers. While Amazon can be a great place to find popular tea brands, remember that trying different brands and flavors is essential to finding the perfect fit for your taste buds.
Is it okay to consume oolong tea daily?
Yes, it’s okay to consume oolong tea daily. In fact, many oolong tea enthusiasts enjoy at least one or two cups per day. Oolong tea contains antioxidants, which can support overall health, and moderate caffeine levels offer a gentler energy boost than coffee. However, listen to your body and adjust your tea consumption accordingly – excessive caffeine intake can cause undesirable side effects for some individuals.
Which tea brand offers the healthiest oolong tea?
Determining the “healthiest” oolong tea brand can be subjective, depending on the cultivation method, processing, and personal preferences. Organic tea brands such as Numi, Choice Organics, and Rishi Tea are healthier because they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Always check the brand’s sourcing practices and ingredient lists to ensure you consume a high-quality product when looking for healthy oolong teas.
The article has provided ample information to allow you to choose a delicious oolong. See you next time!
Tell me, what are the best oolong tea brands?