With around 100 million cuppas enjoyed every day in the UK, it’s no surprise the question of 'which brew is best?' continues to spark debate. From strength to smoothness and price to preference, tea drinkers often have firm opinions.
While taste is highly subjective, cost is becoming an increasingly important factor for many shoppers, who often look for cheaper alternatives to branded products. With this in mind, a taste test by Express writer Emily Malia set out to see whether budget teabags could hold their own against leading names such as Yorkshire Tea, Tetley and PG Tips. To ensure a fair comparison, supermarket own-brand teabags were tested alongside branded options, with all cups prepared as a standard 'builder’s tea' - strong, with a splash of milk and no sugar.
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Sainsbury’s (80p for 40 bags)
Sainsbury’s red label teabags deliver a strong, full-bodied flavour that will suit those who prefer a more robust cup. While the tea was described as 'rich and refreshing' on the packaging, the flavour proved particularly strong and may be too intense for everyday drinking. It is, however, a budget-friendly option that would work well in workplaces or for frequent tea drinkers who prefer strength over subtlety, according to the Express. Rating: 4/5
M&S (£1.30 for 80 bags)
Marks & Spencer’s teabags were among the most balanced tested, offering a smooth and consistent flavour. While not the strongest brew in the selection, the tea was widely drinkable and avoided the harshness found in some cheaper options. It was also noted as the closest match to Tetley, making it a potential lower-cost alternative for regular drinkers of that brand. Rating: 5/5
Tetley (£3.50 for 80 bags)
Tetley produced a milder, smoother cup compared with some stronger competitors, though it lacked depth for those preferring a richer taste. Despite its reputation as a household staple, it was considered less distinctive than both Yorkshire Tea and M&S’s equivalent. The tea tested was also decaffeinated, though standard versions are reported to be similar in strength. Rating: 4/5
Tesco (£1.30 for 80 bags)
Tesco’s own-brand teabags were found to be noticeably weak in comparison, producing a thin and underwhelming cup. Although brewing time recommendations suggest a longer steep for fuller flavour, the result still lacked strength and depth. Rating: 2/5
Lidl (£2.75 for 240 bags)
Sold under the Knightsbridge brand, Lidl’s teabags offered better strength than Tesco’s but still fell short on flavour. While offering excellent value in terms of quantity, the tea was described as watery and lacking richness. Rating: 3/5
Yorkshire Tea (£2.18 for 40 bags)
Yorkshire Tea performed strongly across all categories, delivering a bold yet smooth flavour. The square teabags and consistent strength were noted as key positives, producing what many would consider a classic cup of tea. However, its premium pricing meant it was significantly more expensive when matched against supermarket alternatives. Rating: 5/5
BREW BATTLE
All cups were prepared strong, with a splash of milk and no sugar.
Asda (28p for 40 bags)
Asda’s cheapest own-brand option was the lowest-priced in the test but also the weakest in terms of flavour. The tea was described as thin and watery, with very little depth, even when brewed strongly. Rating: 1/5
PG Tips (£1.80 for 40 bags)
PG Tips matched Yorkshire Tea for overall quality, producing a strong yet smooth brew. It was slightly milder in flavour but still consistent and notably cheaper per bag than Yorkshire Tea. For many, it may represent the best balance between price and performance. Rating: 5/5
The verdict
Yorkshire Tea emerged as the strongest all-round performer for flavour, strength and consistency. However, for shoppers looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality, the Marks & Spencer own-brand option emerged as the best-value alternative. Prices may vary depending on retailer and location, but the results suggest that when it comes to tea, paying more doesn’t always guarantee a better cup.
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