19 Best Loose Leaf Tea Brands in 2025
Let the best loose-leaf teas introduce you to a world of new sipping pleasures. Whether you’re a lifelong tea drinker or a newcomer, we probably aren’t the first to nudge you to drink loose-leaf. It’s generally considered to be much more flavorful and intense than bagged tea, and knowledgeable tea lovers tend to swear by it.
But it’s also a lot more complicated. Drinking the best loose-leaf tea requires special utensils, different brewing methods and a little bit of background knowledge. It’s not quite as simple as dropping a tea bag into a pot of boiling water, which is enough for many to shy away from trying it.
We think it’s still worth it, though, and this list of the best loose-leaf tea brands is sure to simplify at least one element of the often-baffling process of switching from bagged to loose-leaf. Who exactly makes the best loose-leaf tea? It’s a much-debated question with no one right answer — so here are 19 picks that are sure to leave a warm, fuzzy feeling in your stomach.
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The 19 Best Quality Loose Leaf Teas
1. Masha Tea
Tea can be a secret weapon for better health: According to the National Institutes of Health, tea has been linked in some studies to cardiovascular health and healthy metabolism. If your interest in tea is tied to its health benefits, Masha might sell some of the best loose-leaf teas for you.
The brand was created by a naturopathic doctor with both healthfulness and aesthetics in mind to encourage customers to slow down and enjoy a good-for-you cup of tea. Masha offers a wide variety of variants with vastly different flavors, from green tea to hibiscus to mint, all of which were created to evoke peace and tranquility through mindful sips of happiness.
2. Big Heart Tea Co.
If you’re looking for herbal tea, this is about as herbal as it gets. Since 1969, Big Heart Tea Co. has been peddling some of the best loose-leaf teas on the herbal tea market from its camper van.
Despite the brand’s down-to-earth marketing and philosophy, the staff is diligent about sourcing: single-source, top-quality ingredients ensure not only a truly excellent cup of tea, but one that benefits the farmers and environment as well. Fans of the brand looking for caffeine-free options especially point to the Chai flavor as one of the best loose-leaf teas money can buy.
3. Fortnum & Mason
When you think of the best loose-leaf tea, you likely think of those beautifully wrapped tins of English tea that cost a pretty penny at specialty stores. Fortnum & Mason is exactly that kind of brand.
The renowned tea powerhouse first opened its doors in 1707 at its London flagship store, and the brand’s history in the tea business is nothing short of legendary. If you’re willing to splurge a little, Fortnum & Mason’s black teas are frequently noted among the best loose-leaf teas.
4. Ippodo Tea
Tea aficionados know that some of the world’s best loose-leaf tea comes from Japan, but many less-than-stellar brands are trying to capitalize on the country’s reputation for excellent green tea. Make sure you’re getting the best loose-leaf tea by sticking to an internationally-renowned matcha brand.
Ippodo's green tea is particularly great for beginners because it isn’t as bitter as some other traditional matcha brands. Despite its popularity overseas, the natural flavor of matcha can be extremely bitter — it’s often described by detractors as “tasting like grass” — so this mild-flavored matcha is a good introduction to the world of Japanese green tea.
5. Palais des Thés
Tea fans are often split on the question of flavored tea. Some insist that the best loose-leaf teas are pure, unflavored black or green teas. Others find those flavors too overpowering or get tired of drinking the same tea every time. If you fall into the latter category, allow us to introduce you to up-and-coming Parisian brand Palais des Thés.
Often flavored with fruit or floral notes, the brand offers a wide variety of flavors. They’re also more refined than many commercially available flavored teas. This ensures a delicate balance of flavors that keeps the fruity or floral aroma from overshadowing the base tea flavor, as is all too common.
If you think that a flavored blend is going to be a more enjoyable introduction to the loose-leaf tea world for you than a matcha or Assam, a taste of Palais des Thés is a great way to be introduced.
6. Yamamotoyama
Move over, Fortnum & Mason: as far as anyone knows, this Japanese brand is the oldest continually-operating tea shop in the world. Yamamotoyama has been selling tea (and, unrelatedly, dried seaweed) since 1690, and all you’ll get from the brand are traditional, Japanese-sourced teas. Think matcha, hojicha and sencha.
Yamamotoyama expanded to the U.S. market in 1975, and since then, it’s been a reliable brand for Japanese teas at a reasonable price. While its history alone would earn it a spot on any list of the best loose-leaf teas, it’s also a great introduction to truly traditional Japanese tea flavors.
7. Bigelow
Even if you’re new to the tea world, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of this towering presence in the industry. It’s no surprise that Bigelow offers some of the world’s best loose-leaf tea: its 80-year history and enduring popularity are evidence of that.
However, it offers a broader variety of less-traditional flavors than other major companies, making it a better choice for customers who enjoy flavored teas. Choose Bigelow if the best loose-leaf teas for you come from brands that are a little more laid-back.
8. Harney & Sons
Another tea shop with a strong online presence, Harney & Sons shines in its selection of black and flavored teas. With an elegant look and a reputation for quality, this is one of the best loose-leaf teas to order if you’re looking for a gift to give a loved one.
There’s undoubtedly something for every customer among this brand's wide selection. It’s also a great place to start if you’re just beginning to explore the loose-leaf tea world: they sell high-quality tea supplies as well.
9. Osulloc
The camellia sinensis plant that all true teas are derived from has its roots in China, but it’s cultivated all over South and East Asia. In the case of Osulloc, top-quality green tea is sourced from Korea. Grown on South Korea’s subtropical Jeju Island, Osulloc tea is one of the country’s most well-respected tea brands and a famed local specialty.
Devotees claim that Osulloc’s mild, easy-to-drink flavors are some of the best loose-leaf teas in the world. Choose if you’re looking for a black, oolong, blended or green tea that’s a bit less stringent than those sold by other brands.
10. Jade Leaf
The highest-quality matcha on the market is known as “ceremonial-grade,” meaning it’s good enough to use in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Jade Leaf is a ceremonial-grade blend available at comparatively reasonable prices in the U.S., and one of the best matcha green tea powders if you’re looking for a truly traditional choice.
11. Bellocq
When it comes to New York City-based Bellocq, aesthetics are everything. Whether you visit the flagship tea shop in person or order online, this brand’s attention to detail and design stand out among the best loose-leaf teas.
Oh, and it’s no slouch in the flavor department, either: Bellocq’s flavored tea blends are enjoyable across the board, no matter what your taste. Whether you find design to be a key element of the tea experience or you’re looking for a flavor that will make an impressive gift, Bellocq offers some of the best loose-leaf teas for you. Insiders recommend checking out the brand's oolong.
12. Tea Forté
Tea Forté is a trendy, contemporary brand of loose-leaf tea focused on creative blends that are perfect for beginners. It offers some of the best loose-leaf tea options for those getting an introduction to the art of drinking tea.
With a wide range of flavors and “tea samplers” available, it's the perfect way to explore a variety of flavors without the commitment of a whole box. It may not look as smart as some fancier competitors, but Tea Forté is one of the best loose-leaf tea brands for newcomers and enthusiasts who prefer their teas laid-back and creative.
13. Sainsbury’s
Even the grocery store tea in the U.K. is on another level, as proven by Sainsbury’s, which is as renowned for its teas as it is for many of its other products. Although you might not expect it, the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability makes it deserving of a spot on any list of the best loose-leaf tea brands. Quick tip: You might find that its classic Earl Grey holds its own against some of the pricier brands you'll find online.
14. Numi
If you’re looking for herbal teas or tisanes in U.S. grocery stores, Numi is likely one of the best loose-leaf teas you’ll find. Though it doesn’t come with the prestige branding or elegant packaging of some of the best loose-leaf teas on this list, Numi’s flavors are no less satisfying.
It’s a great option for treating yourself to high-quality tea if you can’t swing the shipping fees that come with your favorite tin of imported Earl Grey or straight-from-the-source matcha.
15. Art of Tea
If you want to make drinking the best loose-leaf teas a regular part of your routine, Art of Tea offers one of the best ideas out there: a subscription. Subscribe and you’ll receive a shipment of different loose-leaf samples every month for your sampling pleasure.
If not, you can also purchase your favorite flavors on their own. But it’s not just the novelty of tea subscriptions that make the brand's products some of the best loose-leaf teas out there: the delicious variety of flavored teas also receives praise for being consistently excellent.
16. Taylors of Harrogate
Taylors of Harrogate is another of the best loose-leaf tea companies with a long and storied history: it’s been operated continually since 1886. To this day, the company is family-owned and headquartered in its founding city of Harrogate in the Yorkshire region of northern England.
Taylors excels at more traditional blends like Assam, mint and green tea, as well as its locally-unique line of Yorkshire teas. We have no doubt about this being one of the best loose-leaf tea options if you’re looking for something classic, time-tested and simple.
17. Bar Harbor Tea Company
If you’re most interested in small-batch, artisanal teas, try ordering from this Maine-based tea shop. You know you're guaranteed quality thanks to the fact that the brand makes all of its own tea blends locally in the seaside town of Bar Harbor.
The brand’s teas are inspired by local ingredients — try the Maine Blueberry blend if you’re looking for something entirely unique. If you’re not getting what you want from the best loose-leaf teas offered by bigger brands, think small. Bar Harbor Tea Company is just one example of the smaller businesses nationwide offering some of the best loose-leaf teas that often go under the radar.
18. Murchie’s
Canada might not spring to mind when you think of the best loose-leaf tea, but think again: this company boasts over 100 years of history and one of the tastiest Earl Grey blends you’re likely to find. Although the company offers top-quality teas across its range of flavors, its black teas are out of this world. Seek this brand out in Canadian stores or online for some of the best loose-leaf teas you wouldn’t expect.
19. Hatvala
You’ll often find some of the best-kept secrets of the tea world in places that aren’t as well-known for tea production. We all know that Chinese, Japanese and Indian teas are top-class, but when was the last time you heard about Vietnamese tea?
That’s what allows Hatvala Tea to sneak under the radar and rank among some of the world’s best loose-leaf teas. The brand partners with local tea producers in Vietnam to source the best ingredients, and it shows.
What Is the Best Loose Leaf Tea?
The question of the best loose-leaf tea is contentious, and your answer will depend heavily upon what kind of tea you’re looking for. Some want to avoid caffeine while others specifically look for it; some like a mild flavor while others like it bitter — you’ll never find a single best tea for all tastes. Even so, there are some generally well-loved brands.
If you’re looking for an excellent matcha, Jade Leaf’s green tea is of unusually high quality. For beginners, brands like Palais des Thés offer a wide range of tea varieties, so you can be assured of a high-quality brew but still be picky about what exactly that tastes like. And if you’re gifting tea, go with Bellocq: not only is the company’s tea of the highest quality, but the presentation and packaging are second to none.
We’ve got one more tip for finding the best loose-leaf tea: if possible, visit a local tea shop. If there’s a tea shop in your area, employees will be able to point you towards their favorite and most popular loose-leaf brands, and that expert guidance can help you find flavors you may otherwise have missed.
It’s a great way to get familiar with smaller or more local brands that might slip through the cracks online, especially since small tea businesses are usually extremely selective about the tea they sell. Who knows, the best loose-leaf tea for you might not even be on this list!
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