There’s nothing like a warm cup of green tea to start the day. From the comforting earthy taste to the numerous benefits for mind and body, it’s one of the best beverages you could possibly add to your routine. And whether it’s your first cup or your fifth, you’ll enjoy increased mood and focus along with a boost in brain function with the best green tea filling your cup.
Science has long celebrated the benefits of green tea, and new reasons to pick up a cup and start drinking it are emerging all the time. In a 2022 study, a team from Tufts University discovered that green tea catechins and resveratrol inhibit growth of sticky beta amyloid plaques. When this protein clumps together in the brain, it disrupts neural cells and leads to the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s, such as memory loss and confusion.
Another recent study shows green tea carries an ingredient that helps reduce memory loss, brain insulin resistance, and one’s risk for obesity, too. Research released by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology shows that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a biologically-active ingredient prevalent in green tea, could alleviate high-fat, high-fructose-induced insulin resistance in the brain, as well as cognitive impairment.
Whether you’re drinking green tea for your brain health or for your taste buds, it would be hard to find a bad reason to enjoy this super-beverage. With antioxidants, caffeine, and L-theanine all working together for your benefit, your daily cup of green tea is sure to leave you feeling better than ever. But thanks to the widely advertised benefits of green tea, the shelves are packed full with different options. Avid fans of the beverage may be left confused on which options are the real deal, and which are worth leaving at the store. To help narrow down the best green teas, StudyFinds sought expert opinions from across the internet. This list includes the top recommendations, but if you have a favorite that we missed, be sure to let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Green Teas, According to Experts
1. Bigelow Classic Green Tea
This familiar favorite can be found at just about any grocery store. But its accessibility and low price shouldn’t make you think it lacks in flavor or quality. “Green tea can be expensive, depending on the variety and brand. Bigelow Classic Green Tea offers an affordable alternative,” says Verywell Fit. “Their green tea leaves are hand-picked from high elevated gardens, and each tea bag is packaged in a foil packet to protect it from air, moisture, and other aromas that might affect the flavor.”
“Want to stock up your kitchen shelves with a green tea that has a smooth, invigorating taste without any bitterness? Look no further than Bigelow Green Tea. The great thing about this green tea is that it’s a blend of tea leaves that makes a unique recipe that’ll surprise and enamor everyone. This green tea is packed with essential antioxidants, making it a complete delight for your taste buds and a healthy choice to improve your heart health,” explains Cuisine at Home. “And, since it’s available in five varieties — classic, organic, green tea with ginger, matcha green tea with turmeric, and a variety pack with even more flavors to choose from — you’re sure to find one that suits your palate.”
“From the look of online reviews, it seems like just about everybody likes Bigelow green tea,” adds Tasting Table. “Not only does this tea taste good, it is also one of the least expensive options sampled. We opted for the signature Green Tea Classic, which we found to be full (but not too full) of that traditional, earthy green tea flavor.”
2. Twinings Green Tea
Another grocery store staple, Twinings is easy to find and affordable to keep stocked. And with centuries of tea-making experience, you’re sure to enjoy their classic blends. “If you’re looking for a smooth green tea that is easy-to-find and well-priced, Twinings of London’s Green Tea might be a good fit for you,” says Tasting Table. “Founded by Thomas Twining, Twinings of London has become a tea giant. They have been in the business for more than 300 years, producing $22 million in revenue. While their plain Green Tea is the best selling of a fairly robust line of green tea products, there are many others to choose from.”
“With over a 300-year history of selling tea, Twinings is a brand you can trust to offer delicious and high-quality products. Treat yourself to this indulgent tea, and you will not want to try another green tea again,” boasts TheStreet.
“Everyone agreed that it was exactly what they need when a craving for straight-up, no-frills cup of green tea strikes. They also said it was light enough to drink multiple cups of, while not becoming bitter if left to steep for too long,” adds Today.
3. Yogi Tea Green Tea Pure Green
If eating and drinking organic is a priority for you, you’ll love Yogi. All of the brand’s teas are certified organic and non-GMO verified, which means you can drink up with confidence. “Yogi aims to improve both body and mind through their organic tea blends,” explains Tasting Table. “Yogi currently offers 11 green teas, some of which are labeled with their intention — for example, Positive Energy, Blueberry Slim Life, or Skin DeTox — and sold in boxes of 16 individually wrapped tea bags.”
“USDA organic Yogi Tea is inspired by the ancient holistic philosophy of Ayurvedic medicine. They use highly selective sourcing standards and rigorous quality testing, requiring all suppliers to regularly perform Good Agricultural Practice (GAP),” adds Verywell Fit. “You can feel good about this purchase too, as Yogi Tea is involved in international and local giveback missions supporting social responsibility and sustainability.”
To enjoy Yogi tea means to know exactly where your blend came from. “This green tea is sourced directly from Zhejiang Province, which is located on the southeastern coast of China,” says Cuisine at Home. “This province has a humid subtropical climate with the perfect combination of sunshine and rain to yield smooth, fresh, and natural-tasting tea. So, with this pick, you know you’ll be getting something special.”
4. Vahdam Himalayan Green Tea
For a green tea drinker who appreciates both quality and a great deal, there’s Vahdam. With both bagged and loose leaf options, the brand is a great next step for a graduate of the basic grocery store green tea selections. “It’s usually pretty easy to load up on tea without breaking the bank, but even so, Vahdam Himalayan Green Tea represents an especially good value,” claims Active. “You’ll get a minimum of 50 cups out of this value-priced tea, which contains nothing but pure Himalayan tea. A great option for anyone who’s looking for a pure, unadulterated product for a modest price point.”
“Loose-leaf tea tends to yield a more complex flavor, as the water can flow through more of the leaf’s surface, infusing at a higher concentration. Climate-neutral and Fair Trade, Vahdam Himalayan Green Tea Leaves are sourced from the Himalayan region of India and have a sweet and vegetal flavor profile,” says Verywell Fit.
“We love that the packaging is certified carbon- and plastic-neutral,” adds MindBodyGreen.
5. Rishi Tea Sencha Tea
If you’re looking to try something new, this is the pick for you. Rishi Tea’s Sencha Tea is a fresh and earthy blend that’s sure to reawaken your love for green tea drinking. “Sencha is a Japanese green tea that’s easy to identify by its long, thin leaves and easy to drink throughout the day thanks to its moderate caffeine content,” explains The Spruce Eats. “It can contain a range of flavors but typically leans toward the grassier, vegetal side. Rishi Tea’s sencha strikes a great balance with a predominantly hearty taste that’s underlined by a light sweetness.”
“Certified organic, non-GMO, and 100% green tea, Rishi Sencha Green Tea tops our list,” says Verywell Fit, ranking the blend its number one selection. “Sencha tea has a delicate flavor profile with sweet and bright earthy notes, making it an easily drinkable beverage. Rishi sources their sencha tea from Kyushu Island in southern Japan.”
If you’re new to drinking green tea, don’t be intimidated by this pick. “Mild in both its flavor and its caffeine content, the Rishi Tea Sencha Organic Green Tea is a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike,” adds Active. “This is a great tea to have on hand for sipping and savoring, whether for comfort on a cold day or iced to help hydrate yourself for a workout session. We love it for the great value, the earthy taste, and the sustainable business practices, right down to the eco-friendly packaging.”
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Sources:
- The Spruce Eats
- Verywell Fit
- Today
- Food Network
- Active
- MindBodyGreen
- Tasting Table
- Cuisine at Home
- TheStreet
- Eat This
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.