If you’ve had a not-so-pleasant experience with English Breakfast tea in the past, you might be wondering whether its taste has changed over time or if different brands offer variations.
Well, let’s clear the air on the OG taste of this breakfast tea.
So, what does English Breakfast black tea taste like?
English Breakfast black tea has a robust and full-bodied character, similar to coffee with roasted notes. It’s known for its bold and malty flavors, often accompanied by a slight astringency.
However, the precise taste can indeed vary between different brands and even among different blends from the same brand.
So, if you’ve found it unpalatable before, don’t give up on it entirely.
You might want to explore the taste of other brands or blends (I’ll talk about these below) to find one that suits your taste buds better.
Why Does English Breakfast Black Tea Taste So?
English Breakfast black tea has its unique taste because of the blend of black teas used.
This blend includes teas from different regions, such as Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas.
Each of these brings its own unique flavors.
Assam tea adds a strong, malty flavor, while Ceylon tea contributes some brightness and briskness.
It’s this combination that gives English Breakfast its distinctive taste—a bold and full-bodied experience.
Moreover, you might notice a slight astringency in English Breakfast tea.
This characteristic provides a refreshing and awakening sensation, making it a great choice for your morning pick-me-up.
What Does Royal English Breakfast Tea Taste Like?
Royal English Breakfast tea offers a distinct flavor profile.
It’s notably malty and earthy, giving it a certain depth.
At the same time, it maintains a smooth and semi-sweet quality.
What sets it apart is that it’s not as heavy as your typical English Breakfast tea.
Instead, it strikes a balance with a lighter feel.
In every sip, you can also detect subtle floral undertones, adding an extra layer to its hearty flavors.
Who Is This Tea Best For?
This tea is a hit with those who crave bold yet smooth flavors.
It’s your cup of joy if you enjoy a tea that’s malty and earthy but not overly heavy.
Milk tea lovers, especially, will find it a treat when blended – it turns into a honey-kissed delight with a side of toasty aroma.
So, if you’re into adventurous sips that dance between sweet and robust, Royal English Breakfast tea is ready to be your new tea-time buddy!
Here’s a video on different English Breakfast Tea taste test!
What Does Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte Taste Like?
Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte, crafted from a blend of rich black teas, is creamy and sweet, resembling Royal Breakfast Blend but with milk.
It offers a honey-like sweetness, a scent reminiscent of toasted bread, and subtle floral undertones.
This makes it a refreshing and satisfying choice for a creamy and sweet iced tea.
Who Is This Tea Best For?
This tea is a delight for sweet-toothed tea lovers!
If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, creaminess, and a unique brisk flavor, Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte is best for you!.
What Does Twinings English Breakfast Tea Taste Like?
Twinings English Breakfast tea taste boasts bold notes of malt that bring in a rich, hearty quality, and a hint of sweetness to make it even more appealing.
What sets it apart is the slightly bitter tannins, which give off a clean and refreshing aroma.
If you’re British, you’ll instantly recognize it as a true English Breakfast tea.
This unique taste comes from a combination of maltiness from Assam, adding robustness, brisk tannins from Ceylon, providing a touch of bitterness, and a rich body from Africa that deepens the overall flavor.
Who Is This Tea Best For?
Twinings English Breakfast tea is a winner for those who savor a bold and robust start to their day.
If you’re someone who enjoys a cup of tea that’s hearty and energizing, Twinings English Breakfast is your go-to brew.
It’s a taste sensation that will tickle the fancy of folks who appreciate the richness of malt, the subtle sweetness, and a touch of refreshing bitterness.
If you want a tea that screams “classic English Breakfast” with every sip, you’re in for a treat!
Does English Breakfast Tea Taste like Coffee?
English Breakfast Tea doesn’t taste like coffee. They’re two different drinks with distinct flavors.
English Breakfast Tea has a bold, robust taste with a slight astringency.
It’s often described as brisk and hearty, with notes of malt and sometimes a hint of honey or citrus.
On the other hand, coffee has a strong, bitter, and sometimes nutty or chocolatey flavor, depending on the roast.
It’s quite different from the smoother and more subtle taste of tea.
So, if you’re expecting the taste of coffee from English Breakfast Tea, you might be in for a surprise.
They’re both delightful in their own way, but definitely not the same (at least for me.)
Other Teas That Taste like English Breakfast Tea
| Tea Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Irish Breakfast | Robust and strong |
| Scottish Breakfast | Bold and full-bodied |
| Assam Tea | Malty and bold |
| Ceylon Tea | Brisk and lively |
| Darjeeling Tea | Delicate and fruity |
| Keemun Tea | Smoky and rich |
If you enjoy English Breakfast tea and are looking for similar options, you might want to try Irish Breakfast tea.
It’s robust and has a strong flavor like English Breakfast.
Another choice could be Scottish Breakfast tea, which is quite similar as well, with a bold and full-bodied taste.
If you prefer something with a twist but still reminiscent of English Breakfast, you can explore Assam tea.
It’s known for its boldness and malty notes.
Ceylon tea is another option, offering a brisk and lively flavor profile, somewhat akin to English Breakfast.
For those seeking a milder alternative, Darjeeling tea might be appealing.
It has a delicate and fruity taste, different from English Breakfast but equally delightful.
Lastly, don’t forget Keemun tea, which has a smoky and rich character, similar in strength to English Breakfast.
6 Tips for the Best Tasting English Breakfast Tea
When it comes to picking the best tasting English Breakfast Tea, here are some tips to help you find your perfect cup:
1. Know Your Preferences
Start by understanding your taste preferences.
Do you like a strong, robust flavor or something milder?
Knowing your preference will guide your selection.
2. Tea Grade Matters
English Breakfast Tea comes in different grades.
Generally, the higher the grade, the better the taste.
Look for terms like “TGFOP” (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) for top-quality tea.
3. Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags
Loose leaf tea often offers better flavor than tea bags.
It allows the leaves to expand fully, releasing more aroma and taste.
However, tea bags are more convenient.
4. Origin and Blend
Consider where the tea is sourced from and its blend.
English Breakfast Tea is often a blend of different black teas, so explore different blends to find your favorite.
5. Check the Aroma
Smell the tea before buying it.
A good English Breakfast Tea should have a rich, malty aroma that you find appealing.
6. Brewing Time and Temperature
Pay attention to brewing instructions for black tea.
Over-brewing or using water that’s too hot can result in a bitter taste.
Follow the recommended time and temperature guidelines.
7. Freshness Matters
Make sure the tea you buy is fresh.
Older tea can lose its flavor and aroma.
Look for packaging that seals in freshness.
8. Pair with Milk and Sugar
English Breakfast Tea is often enjoyed with milk and sugar.
Experiment with the ratio to find the balance that suits you best.