Top 10 Best Tea Brands in India
After China, India is the second-largest country in terms of the production and export of tea. More than 1% of India’s GDP comes from tea production. In the world market, the value of the Indian tea industry is around USD 11 billion. In recent years, the tea industry in India has grown at an annual average rate of 5.2%. Every year, the country produces 1.3 kgs of tea, out of which 70% is consumed domestically and 30% is exported to almost 100 countries around the world. Some of the countries where Indian tea is exported are Egypt, the UK, the US, Germany, and Russia. There are various tea brands that contribute to this growing industry. Let’s learn about each of them.
1. Halmari Tea
Halmari Tea is renowned as one of the best tea brands, offering premium Assam tea leaves that cater to tea enthusiasts worldwide. With a legacy spanning over a century, Halmari has perfected the art of producing high-quality tea from its estate located in Assam, a region celebrated for its rich, malty, and robust teas. The brand consistently delivers an exceptional product, known for its full-bodied flavor, vibrant color, and invigorating aroma.
What sets Halmari Tea apart is its commitment to quality at every stage of production—from handpicking the finest tea leaves to ensuring meticulous processing methods. This attention to detail results in teas with a distinctive taste that stands out among competitors. Whether it’s the bold Assam CTC or the exquisite orthodox tea leaves, Halmari ensures a satisfying cup, perfect for both traditional tea drinkers and those who appreciate finer blends.
Halmari’s teas are particularly loved for their consistent taste, which balances strength with a hint of natural sweetness. Ideal for both strong morning brews and delicate afternoon teas, Halmari has earned its reputation as a world-class brand that tea connoisseurs trust for an exceptional tea experience, making it a go-to choice for premium tea leaves.
2. Tata Tea
A household name in India, Tata Tea is one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the country. Tata Tea offers a wide range of tea products, from traditional black tea to premium leaf blends. The brand’s flagship product, Tata Tea Premium, is known for its strong, brisk flavor, making it a popular choice for those who prefer their tea with milk.
In addition to its traditional offerings, Tata Tea has ventured into wellness teas, offering blends infused with ingredients like tulsi (holy basil) and ginger. This diversification has further cemented Tata Tea’s position as one of the best brands in India, catering to both classic and modern tea drinkers. With its widespread availability and consistent quality, Tata Tea is a go-to option for many Indian households.
3. Girnar Tea
Girnar Tea is synonymous with traditional Indian flavors, offering a range of teas that emphasize the country’s rich spice heritage. Known for its signature chai blends, Girnar uses high-quality tea leaves mixed with spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to create a truly authentic masala chai experience.
Their tea leaves are carefully sourced from the finest plantations in Assam and Darjeeling, ensuring a robust base that pairs well with their spice mixes. In addition to masala chai, Girnar also offers green teas, herbal infusions, and black tea variants. The brand’s emphasis on blending tea with aromatic Indian spices sets it apart, making it a favorite among those who love the traditional Indian chai experience.
4. Organic India
As the wellness trend gains traction, Organic India has become a popular brand among health-conscious consumers. Known for its range of organic teas, the brand sources tea leaves from sustainably managed farms, ensuring that no pesticides or chemicals are used in the cultivation process.
Organic India offers a variety of herbal and wellness teas, including their well-known Tulsi (holy basil) tea range, which is believed to have numerous health benefits such as boosting immunity and reducing stress. Their green tea and black tea offerings are also crafted with health in mind, making Organic India a standout choice for those who prioritize organic and eco-friendly products without compromising on taste.
5. Wagh Bakri Tea
Wagh Bakri is another iconic Indian tea brand with a legacy of over a century. Known for its strong and flavorful teas, Wagh Bakri specializes in CTC teas, which are ideal for making the perfect Indian chai. The brand’s tea leaves are sourced from the best gardens in Assam, ensuring a consistently rich and malty flavor that Indian tea drinkers love.
Wagh Bakri also offers premium leaf teas for those who prefer a more refined cup of tea. Their blends are known for their strength and full-bodied flavor, which pairs well with milk and sugar, making them a staple in millions of Indian households. The brand’s affordable pricing and widespread availability further enhance its appeal.
6. Twinings
Twinings, a British tea company, is globally recognized for its premium tea offerings, and its presence in India has been well-received by tea aficionados. Known for its elegant packaging and a wide variety of blends, Twinings sources tea leaves from top plantations around the world, including India.
In India, Twinings offers a range of teas, from classic black teas to more exotic options like Earl Grey and Darjeeling. Their Darjeeling tea, in particular, stands out for its delicate floral aroma and musky sweetness, making it a favorite for those who prefer lighter teas. Twinings’ commitment to quality and variety has made it a preferred choice for those seeking a premium tea experience.
7. Brooke Bond Red Label
Brooke Bond Red Label, another well-established brand in India, is synonymous with strong, energizing tea. Known for its iconic red packaging, Brooke Bond Red Label has been a part of Indian tea culture for decades, offering a robust, malty brew that is perfect for chai.
The brand’s unique blend of tea leaves from Assam ensures a bold flavor profile, ideal for those who enjoy a cup of strong, milky tea. Red Label has also expanded its range to include specialty teas that focus on health benefits, such as Red Label Natural Care, which is infused with Ayurvedic herbs. Its widespread availability and affordable pricing make it a popular choice for Indian tea drinkers.
8. TGL Co.
TGL Co. is a relatively new entrant in the Indian tea market but has quickly made a name for itself with its gourmet tea offerings. Known for its luxury blends, TGL Co. sources the finest tea leaves from around the world and combines them with exotic ingredients to create unique and sophisticated blends.
From delicate white teas to bold black teas and innovative herbal infusions, TGL Co. caters to tea enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and premium ingredients. The brand’s packaging and presentation also add a touch of elegance, making it a popular choice for gifting and special occasions. For those looking to explore high-end, artisanal teas, TGL Co. is a brand worth exploring.
9. Vahdam Teas
Vahdam Teas has revolutionized the Indian tea industry with its direct-from-source approach, ensuring that the freshest tea leaves reach consumers. The brand partners with tea estates across India to source the highest quality leaves, which are then vacuum-packed at the source to preserve freshness.
Vahdam offers a wide range of premium teas, including Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas, as well as an array of herbal and wellness blends. The brand’s focus on transparency and sustainability has made it popular globally, with many appreciating the freshness and quality of their tea leaves. Vahdam’s commitment to ethical sourcing and fair trade practices further adds to its appeal.
10. Society Tea
Society Tea is a beloved brand in western India, particularly in Maharashtra, where it enjoys a loyal following. Known for its rich, full-bodied teas, Society Tea specializes in CTC tea, which is ideal for making strong, flavorful chai.
The brand’s tea leaves are sourced from Assam, and offer a robust flavor that pairs well with milk and sugar. Society Tea’s consistent quality and reasonable pricing make it a household favorite, especially for those who enjoy traditional Indian chai. The brand also offers premium leaf teas for those looking for a more refined tea experience.
Conclusion
India’s diverse tea market offers something for every palate, from strong and malty Assam teas to delicate and floral Darjeeling blends. The brands listed here are among the best in the country, known for their quality, consistency, and unique flavor profiles. Whether you prefer a robust cup of chai or a more subtle brew, these tea brands cater to every kind of tea lover. Each brand brings its own legacy, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality, making them stand out in India’s rich tea culture.