People have been drinking tea for ages, and it continues to be one of the world’s favourite drinks. Well, it’s easy to see why. It’s simple just leaves, hot water, and you’ve got a comforting cuppa!
Behind this simplicity lies incredible diversity. Over 3,000 different types of teas exist today, each with its own character and story. They range from classic green, black, white and oolong to herbal infusions and unique options like yerba mate.
This variety is part of why it’s loved worldwide second only to water in popularity. If you’re curious to learn more about all teas available, let’s explore them together
tea plant camellia sinensis: source of different types of teas
All types of teas come from one place — the Camellia Sinensis plant. The camellia sinensis is the plant from which all 'true' tea types of teas originate. It's an evergreen plant that can grow as tall as sixty feet in the wild. However, when grown with the intent of harvest, camellia sinensis bushes are typically only grown to about three feet. This plant originated thousands of years ago in southern China.
The leaves of Camellia sinensis are used to make up all of the crowd-favourites when it comes to types of teas, including black tea, green tea, oolong tea and white tea. Which tea types are made from the plant will depend upon the specific plant variety of Camellia sinensis and its growing environment and processing method. Tea types that don't contain Camellia sinensis aren't actually tea - but because most people consider them herbal teas, they tend to be thought of as different types of teas.
There are two main varieties of Camellia sinensis:
Camellia sinensis var. sinensis — This plant grows primarily in China and other East Asian countries. Tea types made from this plant tend to have a mild and mellow flavour.
Camellia sinensis var. assamica — Of the tea variety this one grows primarily in India. Types of teas made from this plant tend to have a stronger flavour.
green tea
Green tea is undoubtedly one of the most popular types of tea. While it comes from the same Camellia Sinensis plant that produces other traditional tea varieties, its uniqueness lies in its non-oxidised leaves. Even though all of these teas are made from unoxidised leaves, regional cultivation has given rise to different tea varieties.
mao feng green tea
Mao Feng green tea is a top-tier tea from China. It’s celebrated for its young and tender buds that are handpicked carefully in spring. The leaves are thin and pointy – which slowly open when brewed, turning the water a soft and pale green.
The flavour is gentle and refreshing, setting it apart from most types of tea. You can expect subtle floral and fruity notes along with some sweetness.
Mao Feng’s flavour can change depending on where it’s grown, and it isn’t limited to one region. The most famous types of tea come from the Yellow Mountain in Anhui province. You can also find high-quality Mao Feng tea types in Yunnan, Fujian, Zhejiang and even other countries.
green mint tea
Green mint tea is a combination of two types of tea. A mix of traditional and herbal tea – it has unoxidised green tea leaves with refreshing peppermint. You can pick any green tea, though Chun Mei is a popular choice. This green tea, also known as “Precious Eyebrows” because of the shape of its leaves, has a mild fruity sweetness. Its natural flavour balances perfectly with the cooling flavour of the mint.
When brewed, the leaves and mint release a golden infusion that smells fragrant and tastes lively. Beyond its bright and uplifting flavour, green mint tea also comes with several health benefits.
black tea
Among all the types of tea available, black tea is the most consumed globally. It’s also probably the most recognisable by its dark, oxidised leaves. The oxidation simply means that the leaves are dried in the air – the process makes the leaves darker and stronger in flavour. That change makes it suitable to be enjoyed with or without milk.
Everyday Brew tea bags
These tea bags contain exceptional types of tea from Assam, Ceylon, and Rwanda. Each leaf is carefully chosen to ensure consistent flavour and aroma – every time it’s brewed. The mix of different tea types gives it an outstanding flavour – simple, satisfying and energising.
The taste is bold and full-bodied. And it’s enjoyable both ways – plain or with milk and sugar. It’s a tea for almost all types of tea lovers. It feels warm and familiar, the kind of tea types that make you feel at home, no matter how busy your day is. It's designed for those who appreciate great taste without fuss.
Darjeeling Earl Grey tea bags
Darjeeling Earl Grey is one of the liveliest types of tea with a citrusy twist. Only the finest leaves are picked with care – two leaves and a bud – the careful plucking standard that ensures a tasty tea.
Once the black tea leaves are ready, the real transformation happens when the oil from the rind of the bergamot orange is infused into them. That single step softens the sharpness of the tea and makes it uplifting. It’s this balance – the strength of Darjeeling paired with the citrus notes – that makes it one of the most distinctive types of tea.
You can enjoy the high-quality ingredients packed into teapigs darjeeling earl grey tea bags for an outstanding drink – every time.
English breakfast tea bags
English Breakfast tea remains one of those types of tea that never go out of style. It’s loved all over the world for its full-bodied flavour sets the tone whenever you enjoy it. A morning serving of this tea gives an outstanding start to the day.
Premium types of tea leaves from India, Rwanda and Sri Lanka undergo thorough oxidation to develop that distinctive dark colour and powerful taste. Each region adds its own strength to the blend. The result is a bright and malty tea that’s both bold and balanced.
Brew a cup of teapigs English Breakfast tea bags and see why it’s a timeless classic.
chai tea
Chai is a comforting drink that combines black tea and a mix of spices in just the right way. The cinnamon, cardamom and ginger blend with the strong tea leaves, creating an outstanding flavour. One that’s both bold and comforting.
This is one of those tea varieties that holds deep cultural significance, especially in India. Countless regional variations exist there – it shows just how much care goes into balancing the spices.
Getting the spice balance right can be challenging, but quality brands, like teapigs chai tea bags, solve that problem. Simply steep them in water, add the extras like milk and sugar, and enjoy the drink without any complexity.
white tea
White tea is one of the most delicate types of tea because it’s made from minimally processed tender leaves and buds of the tea plant. The youngest leaves and buds are harvested while they are still covered in fine white hair. The white tea gets its aroma and name from these fine hairs.
Silver needle
Also called Bai Hao Yin Zhen, silver needle is made from only the tiniest and youngest buds of the tea plant. Each bud is carefully picked to create a tea that’s light but still full of subtle complexity. Though it originated in China’s Fujian mountains, today you can find different types of teas made in a similar style from other regions around the world.
Across these regions, the flavours and the overall profile of the tea can vary. Some versions have soft floral or fruity notes, while others have a herbal character. The texture also varies for different tea varieties – from crisp and refreshing to smooth and creamy.
White peony
White peony (or Bai Mu Dan in Chinese) comes from the Zhenghe and Fujian regions of China. It’s made from two young leaves and a single tender bud that are picked before they fully open. When the leaves steep in hot water, they open dramatically and resemble blooming white peonies – hence the poetic name.
One of the premium types of tea in the category, white peony feels gentle on the palate but carries a surprising depth. The flavour unfolds softly and may remind you of fruit and a faint green tea freshness. There’s a natural sweetness in the leaves that you won’t miss. You can make it even more refreshing by adding some sweetener and lemon.
Shou Mei
Shou Mei, which means “Old Man’s Eyebrow” in Chinese, stands out from other white tea types. It comes from the high mountains of Fujian and is harvested later in the season, once the top-grade white teas have been picked. It’s made from the older leaves and tips left behind after harvesting higher-grade teas.
Using fewer buds and 2-3 leaves makes this a more affordable white tea option without compromising quality. Its crescent-shaped leaves give it both its unique look and its name. The tea feels quite different from silver needle or white peony, with a bolder character and deeper flavour. These leaves are usually compressed into cake form, which is then aged for beautiful, sweeter and more complex flavours over time.
oolong tea
Oolong is one of the types of tea that falls between green and black due to partial oxidation. The level of oxidation can range anywhere from very light to quite heavy – 7% to 70%, depending on how long leaves are exposed to air.
Lighter oolongs taste floral and delicate, while darker versions have rich and smoky complexity. Colours also vary from pale green to deep brown, reflecting the oxidation level and processing style.
matcha tea
Matcha is unlike other types of tea. Instead of drying and packaging the leaves, the whole leaf is stone-ground into a bright green powder.
When whisked with hot water, this powder turns into a smooth and frothy drink. One that feels both rich and vibrant. Because you’re drinking the entire leaf, matcha has a stronger flavour and more nutrients compared to regular green tea types.
yellow tea
Yellow tea is one of the rarest types of tea that falls between green and white tea in terms of oxidation. Many consider it similar to green tea, however, yellow tea goes through an additional step where the leaves are steamed for longer, then wrapped and allowed to ferment slightly. This process gives the tea its yellow colour and makes it different from other types of tea. It also gives it a sweet and mellow flavour.
purple tea
Purple tea is made from one of the unique types of tea plant – a variety of the Camellia Sinensis plant, mostly grown in Kenya. Its leaves are purple due to a natural change in its genes. This change also gives them lots of antioxidants called anthocyanins. In fact, purple tea has about 15 times more of these antioxidants than blueberries! When brewed, this tea has a sweet, earthy taste and a nice colour.
pu-erh tea
Pu-erh tea is a uniquely processed tea that gets its name from a place called Pu’er in China. Made from one of the large-leaf types of tea plant, Pu-erh tea undergoes a special fermentation process after drying, which deepens its flavour over time. It gives Pu-erh tea a rich and earthy flavour and makes it age more dynamically than other types of tea. That’s why it’s often regarded as a wise investment choice.
herbal tea
Herbal tea isn’t one of the traditional types of tea, but it’s called “tea” since it’s brewed similarly. Technically correct terms are herbal infusion or tisane. These herbal infusions are made from herbs, spices, flowers, fruits or other parts of a plant. There are many different herbal tea types and almost all are caffeine-free.
Rooibos
In the mountains of South Africa, a special red bush grows – the source of rooibos tea. That’s why it is also called the red bush tea. Farmers pick the plants by hand and bundle the leaves together.
After the branches are picked by hand, the leaves can take two paths. If they are cut and left to change in the air, they turn a deep red and develop a naturally sweet taste – this is red rooibos. If they are quickly steamed and dried instead, they stay green and keep a grassy, earthy flavour. That’s green rooibos. One plant, two teas – each shaped by how the leaves are handled.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a soothing drink made from the delicate flowers of the chamomile plant. By the way, the name “chamomile” comes from the Greek words for “earth apple”.
There are two main types of tea from the plant. One is German chamomile, which has large white petals and a tall yellow centre. The other is Roman chamomile, which has smaller petals and a flatter yellow disc.
Both tea varieties make soothing brews, though German chamomile is more common for tea because of its slightly sweeter and stronger flavour. It has a nice fruity flavour that may remind you of apples.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a caffeine-free herbal drink made from the leaves of the peppermint plant. They could be either fresh or dried. It is known for its strong minty flavour and fragrance. Its qualities make it both refreshing on a hot day and warming on a cold one.
The flavour comes from natural oils in the leaves, especially menthol. This oil gives the tea a cooling sensation and may provide health benefits. Peppermint has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Dried leaves have even been found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 BCE. Now that indicates its long history of use!
Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is a deep red drink made from the petals of hibiscus flowers. Its bright colour immediately draws attention. Its visual appeal is matched by its refreshing flavour, similar to cranberry juice.
Originally from Africa, hibiscus tea is now enjoyed all over the world for its flavour, colour and potential health benefits. It’s especially refreshing when served chilled on warm days. Its lively red colour and tangy taste also make it a popular ingredient in cocktails – adding a lively and refreshing twist to summer drinks.
yerba mate tea
The yerba mate tree, a member of the holly family, is a traditional South American tea prepared using the leaves and stems after they’ve been dried. The evergreen leaves and small greenish-white flowers can eventually develop into berries, though the tea is made only from the leaves and stems.
After harvesting, the leaves and stems are dried and sometimes roasted over wood. Once prepared this way, they’re brewed with hot water to make a caffeinated tea-like drink.
conclusion
And that wraps up our look at the many different types of teas – some of the most enjoyable and diverse drinks you’ll ever come across. We’ve touched on unique tea varieties like yellow and purple tea. Along with that, we’ve explored a range of herbal options, from caffeine-free blends to those that provide a little extra energy.
Of course, this is only the beginning. Countless types of tea are waiting to be enjoyed, each with its own flavour and story. Keep discovering and enjoying the natural brews the earth has to offer.
faqs on different types of teas
Q. What are the 6 main types of tea?
A. All traditional teas come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), and from it we get six main types – black, white, green, oolong, pu-erh and yellow tea. There are also many other popular and beneficial varieties, but these are considered herbal infusions rather than traditional teas.
Q. What are the 5 types of tea?
A. Tea comes in a range of varieties, each with its own flavour profile and style within the main categories. Some popular examples include:
- Black tea – English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Everyday Brew
- Green tea – Mao Feng, Green Mint, Matcha
- White tea – Silver Needle, White Peony
- Oolong tea – Tieguanyin, Da Hong Pao
Q. What are the 10 best teas?
A. There are plenty of different teas to enjoy, and it’s hard to say which of them are truly the 10 best teas. That said, here are some that stand out –
1. English Breakfast (Black Tea)
2. Darjeeling (black tea)
3. Earl Grey (black tea)
4. Everyday Brew (black tea)
5. Matcha (green tea)
6. Mao Feng (green tea)
7. Silver Needle (white tea)
8. White Peony (white tea)
9. Tieguanyin (oolong tea)
10. Da Hong Pao (oolong tea)
Q. what are the top 10 best teas to drink?
A. Choosing the best teas depends on your taste. The top 10 popular options include:
1. Green tea – fresh
2. Black tea – robust
3. Oolong tea – balanced
4. White tea – delicate
5. Pu-erh tea – earthy
6. Chamomile – soothing
7. Peppermint – minty
8. Hibiscus – tart
9. Ginger – warming
10. Rooibos – sweet and red
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