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The 7 Best Black Tea Bags (Beyond Yorkshire)

By TeaTrade Editorial Team • Updated February 2026 • Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Black tea accounts for over 90% of tea consumed in the UK, and for good reason. It's bold, comforting, and pairs perfectly with milk and a biscuit.

We tested over 30 brands side-by-side, evaluating strength, flavour complexity, and value for money. Whether you want a builder's brew or something more refined, we've found your perfect match.

Best Black Tea Bags
Editor's Choice
Yorkshire Tea

1. Yorkshire Tea

★★★★★ (The People's Champion)

Taylors of Harrogate's flagship blend remains unbeatable for everyday drinking. It's strong without being harsh, malty without being heavy, and brews consistently every single time. The blend of Assam, African, and Sri Lankan leaves creates a perfectly balanced cup.

Pros:
  • Exceptional consistency
  • Perfect strength for milk
  • Great value in bulk
Cons:
  • Not the most complex flavour
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Premium Pick
Twinings English Breakfast

2. Twinings English Breakfast

★★★★★ (Classic Refinement)

For a more refined cup, Twinings' English Breakfast offers a brighter, more aromatic experience. It has a lovely golden colour and subtle malty notes that work beautifully with just a splash of milk.

Pros:
  • Elegant flavour profile
  • Widely available
  • Consistent quality
Cons:
  • Lighter than some prefer
  • Premium price point
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Best Value
PG Tips Original

3. PG Tips Original

★★★★☆ (Solid Everyday Brew)

PG Tips uses a pyramid bag design that they claim gives leaves more room to move. Whether or not that's marketing speak, it does brew a solid, reliable cuppa. It's slightly lighter than Yorkshire but still delivers good flavour.

Pros:
  • Excellent price per bag
  • Pyramid bags brew quickly
  • Rainforest Alliance certified
Cons:
  • Can taste thin if under-brewed
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Strongest Brew
Tetley Extra Strong

4. Tetley Extra Strong

★★★★☆ (For Serious Tea Drinkers)

If you find regular tea too weak, Tetley Extra Strong delivers a powerful punch. It's designed for those who want a proper builder's brew that can stand up to generous amounts of milk.

Pros:
  • Very robust flavour
  • Holds up to milk well
  • Good for large mugs
Cons:
  • Can be bitter if over-steeped
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Organic Choice
Clipper Everyday Tea

5. Clipper Everyday Tea

★★★★☆ (Ethical Excellence)

Clipper proves organic doesn't mean weak. Their Everyday Tea is smooth, well-rounded, and uses unbleached bags. It's slightly lighter than Yorkshire but has a clean, pure taste.

Pros:
  • Organic and Fairtrade
  • Unbleached bags
  • No plastic in bags
Cons:
  • Milder strength
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Budget Pick
Tesco Finest Assam

6. Tesco Finest Assam

★★★★☆ (Supermarket Surprise)

Don't overlook supermarket own-brands. Tesco Finest Assam punches well above its weight with a rich, malty character that rivals premium brands at a fraction of the price.

Pros:
  • Excellent value
  • Rich Assam character
  • Widely available
Cons:
  • Less consistent than branded options
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Read Next

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The Complete Guide to Tea Types

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