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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.The Best Green Tea for an Antioxidant Boost
Expert Contributions ByBethan Thomas :Green tea is well-known for its antioxidant content and is thought of as a superfood in the world of nutrition. Originating in China and Japan, green tea is equally as popular in the US. If you want to give yourself a break from the regular breakfast tea and are looking to try a brew beyond your usual caffeinated drink, then green tea is the ideal choice.
You can find a huge variety of different green tea products on the market, including cold brew, matcha powders, loose-leaf teas, tea bags, and different green tea supplements. Because green tea has a lower caffeine content, it can serve as a great alternative to coffee, and we all know someone who could probably drink less coffee every day (and that someone might be you). You should keep in mind that the caffeine content of different products varies — as a rough estimate, 8 ounces of perfectly brewed green tea has around 28 milligrams of caffeine whereas a cup of coffee of the same size has around 95 milligrams of caffeine.
While many of us love green tea for its earthy, herbaceous flavor, it can be really difficult for newcomers to find the right flavor to introduce their taste buds to the drink. If you choose a low-quality or badly prepared green tea, it can have a bitter and unpleasant taste that’s miles away from the vegetal, nutty profile that you’re likely looking for. To help you choose the right type from a solid range of options available on the market, we’ve rated and reviewed some of our top green tea picks of 2023.
Show contentsComparing the Top Green Teas of 2023- FGO Green Tea - Best Overall
- PureChimp Matcha Green Tea - High-Quality Ingredients
- Vahdam Green Tea - Maximum Infusion
- Twinings Green Tea - Smoothest Taste
- Lipton Green Tea - Reliable Choice
- Bigelow Tea Green Tea - Amazing Variety
- TAZO Green Tea - Unique Blend
- Cha4TEA Green Tea - Great Value
- IMoZai Green Tea - Affordable Pick
Buying Guide: Green TeaBuying Guide: Green Tea
If you’re a true tea connoisseur, or even if you are just someone looking to get into teas, not all the green tea that you get off the shelves will satisfy your cravings for a fresh, earthy cup. When you’re looking through the top green tea options to get a healthy dose of caffeine or give yourself the perfect kickstart to your day, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider before choosing any product. You’ll also want to look for a green tea that fully releases its contents as soon as it hits boiling water to invigorate your senses with an enticing, crisp flavor. To help, we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide with all the information you’ll need to make the right choice for your needs.
The Difference Between Green Tea and Black Tea
You may be thinking “Obviously green and black teas are different!”, but they are actually more similar than you think! Green tea and black tea are actually extracted from the same plant. However, the main differences between the teas stem from the plantations, the harvesting process, the way tea leaves are processed, and how they’re brewed.
Region
Black tea is mainly grown in China, India, Africa, and Sri Lanka. Green tea, on the other hand, comes from China, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. Although these tea products are made from the same plant, green tea is extracted from a variety that’s more commonly found in plantations from Southeast Asia, while black tea is more commonly cultivated and found in India.
Processing
The processing methods are the largest difference that comes into play. Manufacturers allow black tea to oxidize after harvesting, which turns green leaves black and also changes the flavor profile. This leads to the intense, rich, and malty flavor tea drinkers love.
Green tea is made by heating the leaves soon after harvesting to prevent oxidation. Tea leaves are either pan-fried or steamed and the process of preserving the green color and taste of leaves. Green tea drinkers will note that it has a fresher taste that is more earthy and vegetal.
Brewing
The brewing method for both black and green tea also makes a huge difference. Black tea is usually made by boiling it in water and steeping it for three to five minutes. Most people make the mistake of preparing green tea the way they make black tea, which burns the delicate green tea leaves and gives it a bitter and unpleasant taste. You should brew green tea at a lower temperature for no more than three minutes.
How to Choose Green Tea
Form
Some people like to prepare green tea from leaves or powder, while others go for green tea extracts in either pill or liquid form. But research has shown that liquid or pill forms may have different side effects like increased blood pressure, constipation, stomach issues, or in some cases, liver damage.
Variety
You can find a solid range of green tea varieties on the shelves of your local stores and supermarkets and each of these varieties has different flavor profiles. Some popular options are Sencha and Jasmine green teas, both of which yield a more balanced and sweet flavor with a smooth aftertaste. But if you’re after a bold and strong flavor, matcha is the right choice for you because it has higher caffeine and is rich in antioxidants.
Caffeine content
When it comes to green teas, there’s no perfect amount of caffeine to have throughout the day because the effects of caffeine are different for everyone. Some people can withstand higher caffeine intake, while others are much more sensitive.
You should start with low caffeine content and take notes of the amount of caffeine that suits your body. You should bear in mind that matcha green tea has higher caffeine content than other varieties. Also, caffeine content increases when you brew tea for longer durations.
Ingredients list
As a general rule, the shorter the ingredients list of a green tea, the better of an option it is. You should look for products that are made using all-natural ingredients and have just green tea leaves or powder as the only ingredient.
Some packaged green tea products contain high amounts of artificial colors and added sugar. Keep in mind that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people should keep added sugar intake to less than 10% per day of their total calorie intake. For example, if your calorie intake is 2,000 per day, you should not consume more than 200 calories (or 50 grams) of added sugar per day.
Sourcing
When it comes to purchasing green tea, you may have quality and ethical concerns. If this is the case, search for certified organic items to verify the tea leaves were grown without the use of artificial fertilizers. Besides this, look for items that have a clear sourcing policy that resonates with you if you want to feel more confident about the rights and remuneration of the farmers and farmworkers who have grown the tea.
Parameters for the Quality of Green Tea
Explore different varieties
When you’re searching for the perfect product, seeing just the label “green tea” isn’t enough. There are many different types of green tea, so it’s important to experiment with different blends to discover one that you enjoy.
Chinese and Japanese tea varieties are more popular as both countries are the main producers of green tea. Dragonwell, sencha, bancha, gyokuro, and matcha are some of our favorites. The texture, flavor, and color of different types of green tea are all unique, so the type of green tea you drink is entirely up to you.
Know the green tea’s origin
Green tea, like many other types of tea, can vary greatly in flavor, texture, and even color depending on where it was grown. Japanese green tea, for example, has a softer, more herbaceous flavor because the leaves are processed through the steaming method. Whereas, in China, the usual practice is to roast tea leaves, which gives the beverage a smoky, toasty flavor.
Consider packaging
One of the most important criteria for high-quality green tea is its packaging. Green tea blends packaged in airtight, well-lined containers preserve the taste and aroma of the tea for longer durations. When properly wrapped, most products may be stored for at least a year without going bad. Look at the packaging and the date it was made before purchasing green tea.
Find the right formulation
In addition to a wide range of aromas and tastes, green tea also comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. Green tea prices might vary depending on how the tea is processed. Loose tea, which consists of entire leaves, is more expensive than tea dust or pre-packaged teas. When compared to standard green tea, whole-leaf green tea has high-quality leaves to offer a more nuanced flavor and a stronger aroma. Green tea bags, on the other hand, are inexpensive and convenient if you’re running late but don’t want to miss your cup of tea in the morning.
Know the tea quality
Green tea is now something that can be found in almost all kitchens and many of us drink it every day. That said, it’s not easy to figure out which green tea is ideal to satisfy your taste buds. To choose a high-quality product, you have to think about many factors that affect the harvesting and processing of green tea. Low-quality green tea is made with overheated roasting, delayed processing, too much oxidation, and bad packaging — keep an eye out for these red flags before you end up spending your money on a tea that’s just not worth it.
Benefits of Green Tea
A boost of antioxidants
Green tea is full of antioxidants, which are great for keeping your skin healthy. Also, the antioxidants in green tea help your body fight off free radicals, which can cause premature aging and different health problems. Our expert Bethan Thomas says, “It is really high in a specific type of anti-oxidant, a catechin called ECGC (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) which has been linked in studies to having an anti-ageing effect on the bodies cells, potentially protecting our bodie’s cells from disease and aiding weight loss.”
Stress buster
After a long day, there is nothing we here at Cuisine prefer more than a nice cup of earthy green tea. It truly is the ideal way to relax your body and soothe your nerves. Green tea’s high polyphenol content provides a much-needed energy boost and combats stress hormones in the body.
Better overall health
Green tea is an excellent (not to mention easy) preventative approach for maintaining good health and combatting different diseases. A cup of hot green tea plays a great role in regulating your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In addition, it’s an excellent detox beverage for cleansing the body of noxious substances and lowering the possibility of clogged arteries. When we put it that way, how can you say no? Think of all the benefits a simple cup of green tea can give you. Check out this video below by Dr. Mikhail Varshavski for more benefits of green tea.
Comparing the Top Green Teas of 2023
1FGO Green Tea
– Best OverallIf you’re looking for a delicate and refreshing cup of green tea that perfectly balances the sweet and nutty notes, then look no further than FGO’s Organic Green Tea Pods. These K-cup pods help you fight free radicals by just sipping your cup of tea from the comfort of your couch. This green tea has the perfect blend of earthy tones, plant-based antioxidants, and it’s decaf (feel free to drink one of these bad boys after work without sacrificing a good night’s sleep)!
This authentic green tea is sourced from China, where green tea originated, and it’s transported to California where the manufacturer fills the tea in Keurig-compatible K-Cup pods, delivering your ready-to-use green tea. This green tea can be easily found both online and in stores and, with every sip of this refreshing green tea, your tastebuds will be transported to China where this delicious green tea was actually produced and cultivated.
You can enjoy this green tea with complete peace of mind because it doesn’t contain any Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and is also certified by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Using these green tea pods is also a breeze — all you need to do is take out the K-Cup pod and throw it in the single-serve brewer to get a perfectly brewed cup of green tea. With its affordable price tag, organic ingredients, ease of use, and delicious flavor, this green tea earns the top spot on our list.
Pros- Premium tea imported from China
- Contains natural antioxidants
- Perfect blend of earthy notes
- Compatible with Keurig 2.0
Cons- Some tea leaves may come through the Keurig and end up in your mug
2PureChimp Matcha Green Tea
– High-Quality IngredientsThe PureChimp Matcha Green Tea is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy the full, flavorful taste of ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha. This matcha is made from quality ingredients, with each jar containing 50 servings crafted with 100% matcha powder. Preparing a cup of tea with this matcha tea powder couldn’t be easier. We like to add half a teaspoon of the powder to a dash of cold water and whisk, then top with hot water or our favorite type of milk.
The taste you get is one that is both energizing and delicious; it has a lovely delicate green tea flavor with every sip. The versatility of the matcha green tea powder also makes it easy to create drinks beyond just tea. We’ve even used this tea to make smoothies or, when we’re feeling wild, matcha lattes or cappuccinos! You can truly enjoy the distinct flavor of matcha in whichever way you prefer.
Pros- Bitter-free flavor
- Vibrant green color
- Helps with stress, inflammation, focus and energy
- Tastes similar to the matcha from Starbucks
Cons- Not as frothy as other matcha options
3Vahdam Green Tea
– Maximum InfusionUnlike other green teas on our list that come in the form of K-cups, VAHDAM’s Organic Green Tea comes in pyramid tea bags to preserve its natural flavor and aroma. Each package contains 100 full-leaf pyramid tea bags that are hand-plucked, produced in high-elevation tea plantations and offer a light, sweet taste. Also, this green tea is 100% natural and is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids to cleanse your body and protect it from the negative effects of free radicals.
This product is incredibly smooth with a rich yet mellow taste that even the pickiest tea drinker will love. The leaves are packaged in thin, spacious bags so there’s enough space in the tea bag for the leaves to unfurl, leading to a better infusion and providing a richer taste. The sealed bag is great for keeping the aroma and freshness locked in the tea leaves for longer.
You can use this tea with complete peace of mind because it’s completely natural, is free of any type of pesticides, and is hand-plucked fresh. Because of its low caffeine content, this green tea makes for an amazing detox tea. We recommend three cups a day for the best detox results!
Pros- Contains 100 pyramid-shaped tea bags
- Carbon and plastic-neutral certified
- Harvested using sustainable methods
Cons- Fairly mild taste, while some drinkers prefer it stronger
4Twinings Green Tea
– Smoothest TasteThe Twinings Decaf Green Tea is another convenient K-cup option on our list. You get a 24-pack of decaf green tea pods that are the perfect blend of the finest green teas to satisfy your cravings and give you just the right amount of flavor with an enticing aroma. We have these in our office kitchen, so believe us when we say the smell is amazing. This tea is also sourced responsibly and ethically while minimizing the carbon footprint to give back to the environment.
You can brew this green tea with a Keurig or a single-serve brewer to enjoy a cup whenever you’d like. The smooth, fresh, and earthy notes of these green tea K-cups are bound to instantly refresh your mind and mood to give you the needed boost to kickstart your day. Unlike other K-cup options, this product is made from freshly picked leaves that are heated right after harvesting to preserve their taste and aroma.
This green tea is sourced directly from Zhejiang Province, which is located on the southeastern coast of China. 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.
Pros- High-quality tea
- Comes in K-Cups for instant use
- Completely caffeine-free
Cons- Flavor is not as strong as other options
5Lipton Green Tea
– Reliable ChoiceIf you don’t want to go wrong with your tea, Lipton Green Tea is your ideal choice. It’s not only delightfully light but has a fresh, non-bitter taste and an amazing smell. These green tea bags are made with natural leaves to give you a rich flavor and caffeine boost to give you a burst of energy to start your day. You can also get this tea completely decaffeinated, meaning that you can consume it at any time of the day without worrying about it interrupting your sleep cycle or messing with your digestive system.
You only need to brew this tea for two minutes to unleash its rich flavor, so on those days when you are running late (you know the ones), this is the perfect thing to grab and go. Even better, this green tea comes unsweetened to help you control your sugar intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Drinking two to three cups of this decaffeinated green tea, which is packed with flavonoids, can even boost your heart health.
This green tea is my personal favorite, the classic taste is unbeatable, and it tastes great hot or iced!
Pros- Packed in Rainforest Alliance-certified tea bags
- Fresh-pressed leaves for a strong aroma
- Can be enjoyed both iced or hot
Cons- Very standard flavor, may not be as desirable for tea aficionados
6Bigelow Tea Green Tea
– Amazing VarietyThe great thing about the Bigelow Green Tea is that it’s packed with essential antioxidants, making it a complete delight for your taste buds as well as a healthy choice to improve your heart health. 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 you. Or maybe get all the flavors and try them all!
This tea has a very smooth and delicate taste, and it comes packaged in foil pouches, keeping them fresh for longer. It’s the perfect thing to grab on your way out the door or put in your work bag so you can make a cup of tea whenever a craving comes on.
Like the Lipton option, you can enjoy this green tea either hot or iced. And, for your peace of mind, this pick meets or exceeds the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, so you can rest assured that you’re picking a sustainable and eco-friendly brand.
Pros- Comes in a range of flavors and quantities
- Hand-picked from high-elevation gardens
- Protected in foil to preserve flavor
- Ideal for both iced and hot tea
Cons- Has a slightly more bitter aftertaste than other options
7TAZO Green Tea
– Unique BlendTAZO’s Green Tea Pods have a smooth texture combined with refreshing flavors to give your body a boost of antioxidants. If you’re looking for an option for chilly evenings, this green tea is a great choice. The blend of green tea with lemon verbena, spearmint, lemongrass, and mint gives it a unique and unmatchable aroma and taste. All these ingredients are hand-picked and sourced from the top plantations around the world to give you the best of both worlds.
This green tea is completely unsweetened, so you can consume it with complete peace of mind even if you’re on a diet. While you can drink it as both a hot or cold beverage, it’s best enjoyed as a hot tea to awaken your senses. Whether you’re drinking it in the morning or as an afternoon treat, the moderate caffeine content helps to awaken your senses, bringing a calmness to your day. It’s perfect for those who want to take a moment of zen with every cup of tea.
This green tea comes in different sizes and it is carefully packaged to retain a refreshing aroma and flavor.
Pros- Invigorating blend of different flavors
- Non-GMO and kosher-certified
- Made using all-natural ingredients
Cons- Not as strong as some other options
8Cha4TEA Green Tea
– Great ValuePacked with 36 single-serving pods at a reasonable price as compared to other options on the market, these Cha4TEA K-cups offer a really good value for a delicious tea that’ll satisfy your caffeine cravings.
These green tea pods are made with 100% natural green tea leaves, which are sourced directly from Taiwan, to give you a perfect blend of refreshing taste and enticing aroma. This tea is bound to refresh your mood quickly by giving your body a boost of caffeine, and because it is rich in antioxidants, it protects your body from free radicals to prevent different diseases.
This green tea is softly aromatic and has an invigorating taste, making it an ideal choice for picky tea lovers. It does contain more caffeine than other options on this list, but the caffeine count is still way lower than you’d find in a cup of coffee. Another great thing about this green tea is that it doesn’t contain any sugar.
Pros- Made using high-quality, natural leaves
- Low in caffeine, high in antioxidants
- Sourced directly from Taiwan
Cons- Some excess tea leaves come through the Keurig to the cup
9IMoZai Green Tea
– Affordable PickWhile green tea can be a little more expensive than other types of tea, the IMoZai Organic Green Tea is your best bet if you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on taste and quality. Each box of this green tea contains 100 tea bags, giving you enough supply of green tea for the whole month if you consume it three times per day. Filled with the company’s signature green tea blend, this green tea is sourced from a tea plantation in China.
This green tea is USDA-certified, which means it’s grown and harvested according to federal guidelines to provide you with a rich flavor. Another great thing about this green tea is that it makes an amazing herbal supplement and is gluten-free with no artificial flavors, which means you get to enjoy the healthiest cup of green tea every morning. And did we mention that this product doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives that can cause oxidation or take away the natural aroma of green tea?
With this all-natural green tea, you can kick start your day without feeling guilty about overdosing your body with caffeine. Because it has low caffeine content, you can also drink this green tea at night and it won’t mess with your sleep pattern. Even better, this product is also climate pledge-friendly, meaning that it minimizes carbon footprint, has minimal chemical pesticides, and is grown by following the highest safety standards.
Pros- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Has multiple sustainability certifications
- 100% natural to support your health
- Can turn even non-tea drinkers into tea lovers
Cons- The tea bag string tends to fall off the tea bag
Green Tea FAQ
Q: How do I brew a perfect cup of green tea?A: The quality of the water used to brew green tea greatly affects its taste and flavor profile, so you should always try to use bottled water because it yields significantly better results. To a similar extent, the type of tea you use determines the maximum water temperature needed for brewing the tea for optimal infusion. Different types of tea, such as gyokuro, may only produce a flavorful infusion when the water is heated to a much lower temperature — typically between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You should keep in mind that green tea can develop a bitter aftertaste if brewed with excessively hot water or if the tea is allowed to steep for too long. After all that, you need just the right amount of tea leaves to make a cup of delicious tea. To get a rich taste, play around with the number of tea leaves used. You can prepare a great cup of piping hot green tea with just 1 or 2 teaspoons of green tea powder or leaves.
Q: When should I drink green tea during the day?A: It depends on the type of green tea you're consuming because the caffeine content of green tea differs greatly. If your green tea is higher in caffeine, you should avoid consuming it at night because it can disrupt your sleeping pattern. For a more subtle caffeine boost first thing in the morning, try substituting your regular coffee with a cup of brewed green tea or matcha. You can also plan your green tea consumption to align with your workout because research suggests that consuming caffeine 60 minutes before your routine exercise will boost performance. You should keep in mind that green tea might interfere with the absorption of iron and other minerals, so it's better to drink it in the middle of the day rather than before or after a meal.
Q: Does my decaf green tea have the same benefits as caffeinated green tea?A: Caffeinated and decaffeinated green tea both contain the antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), although the processing of decaffeinated tea may reduce the content of antioxidants. The two most common techniques for decaffeination are the use of a direct chemical solution and supercritical carbon dioxide. The polyphenol content of decaffeinated green tea is better preserved using the carbon dioxide technique, so look for that option if possible.
Q: How much caffeine does green tea have?A: Caffeine levels in green tea products can range from nothing to hundreds of milligrams per 8 ounces, with the average being between 20 and 50 milligrams — this compares to roughly 80 to 100 milligrams in coffee. With roughly 70 milligrams, matcha tea is among the highest in caffeine content among teas. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that it is safe to consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day without any potential health risks. A daily dose of this is about equivalent to eight cups of green tea or four cups of coffee. So drink away!
Q: Can I use green tea to lose weight?A: Evidence shows that the combination of EGCG and caffeine in green tea may have slight benefits on weight loss and fat oxidation, but further studies are needed to confirm these claims. Drinking green tea daily may be part of a healthy diet, especially if you’re using it as a replacement for other sugary drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t recommend green tea extract supplements for weight loss, however, because they can have different side effects. If you want to enjoy good health for years to come, you should prioritize your general health over your weight loss goals. You should maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats. Changing other aspects of your lifestyle, like eating more home-cooked meals, doing more exercise, and getting enough sleep, can also have a significant impact on your well-being and help you lose weight faster.
Q: How do I make iced green tea at home?A: You can prepare iced green tea at home in two different ways. First, you may make iced tea by steeping tea leaves or tea bags in boiling water and then cooling them in the fridge. The time needed to make iced tea with this method ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. The second technique is called cold brewing, and it includes steeping tea for an extended period, typically overnight, in cold water. To make iced tea from hot brewed tea, you need to bring 4 cups of water to a boil, but remember that you shouldn't boil green for too long. After that, remove the tea bags or filter the loose-leaf tea after steeping for around five minutes. This recipe calls for four tea bags or 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea. Finally, dilute the tea by adding four glasses of cold water. When finished, chill in the fridge overnight or serve with a lot of ice. Experts suggest using 0.2 ounces of loose-leaf green tea for every 25 ounces of water for making cold-brewed iced tea, which works out to around 0.5 ounces of tea for an 8-cup pitcher. Simply place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the green tea steep for at least 36 hours before serving it as iced tea. Cold brew is incredibly simple and it's an approach that's both reliable and foolproof. Just remember that because cold-brewed iced tea is unpasteurized, you should consume it shortly after the 48-hour brewing time has passed, and keep in mind that microorganisms in the tea might become harmful after three days.
Q: Is it safe to drink green tea every day?A: As with other types of tea, green tea includes natural chemicals called tannins, which can restrict the absorption of iron. As these molecules prevent iron from being absorbed into your body, you should wait at least an hour after eating iron-rich foods to have your cup of green tea. Many so-called "health" products contain low amounts of green tea due to its purported health benefits. There is, however, scant data to support the claim that these products actually work. To be on the safe side, you should almost always check with your doctor before you start consuming larger amounts of green tea. If you're caffeine sensitive, cutting back on your daily intake of caffeinated beverages is a good idea. Caffeine can cause sleep disruption and anxiety in some individuals; if this is the case for you, you may want to cut back on your consumption of green tea and should stop drinking caffeine at least 8 hours before bed.
