Exploring the World of Loose Tea Varieties

The true teas: black, green, oolong and white

Black, green, oolong and white teas all come from the same Camellia sinensis plant, with the differences coming down to how the leaves are processed. Black tea is fully oxidised for a bold, malty cup, while green tea is barely oxidised, keeping it fresh and grassy.

Oolong sits somewhere in between, often floral and complex, and white tea is the most delicate, gently sweet and light. Trying them side by side is the best way to find where your taste sits.

Herbal and wellness blends

Herbal blends, sometimes called tisanes, aren't technically tea at all because they contain no Camellia sinensis. Instead they're built from herbs, flowers, fruits, roots and spices, which makes them naturally caffeine-free.

These are the blends many people reach for in the evening or when they want something soothing. Peppermint, chamomile, ginger and rooibos are popular starting points.

How to find your favourite variety

The easiest way to discover what you love is to sample widely without committing to a big pack. Start with a couple of true teas and a herbal blend or two, and pay attention to which flavours you look forward to.

Our 10g sample size is made for exactly this kind of exploring, so you can wander through several loose tea varieties before settling on the 50g packs that become your everyday go-to.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of loose tea?

The main true teas are black, green, oolong and white, all from the Camellia sinensis plant, plus caffeine-free herbal blends made from other plants.

Which loose tea variety has the most caffeine?

Black tea typically has the most caffeine, followed by oolong and green, while white tea is usually the lightest and herbal blends have none.

What's the difference between tea and a tisane?

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, while a tisane or herbal blend is made from herbs, flowers, fruits or roots and contains no true tea leaves.

How do I choose a loose tea variety to start with?

Try small samples across a few types, note the flavours you enjoy most, and then buy larger packs of the ones you keep coming back to.