5 Organic Green Teas From Brands We Trust
Organic Green Tea We Love
Humans have been drinking green tea for thousands of yearsâand itâs easy to understand why: the well-documented benefits of green tea are unparalleled. But it can be good for us and good for the planet, when we opt for organic green tea. Weâve found 5 brands who are doing it right, with organic options and eco-friendly practices.
Before we get there, letâs back up and talk about green tea. Is it different than black tea? What are the health benefits? Are there any risks? For starters, green tea and black tea actually come from the same plantâthey are simply processed differently. Instead of fermenting tea leaves (for black tea) to raise the level of caffeine, green tea leaves are dried and slightly steamed to retain its natural benefits. What we are left with instead is: a lower level of caffeine, powerful antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins (like A, C, and E).
We can go on and on about the benefits of drinking green tea, but here are just a few: research shows that green tea can create a stimulating effect to help keep us energized and focused, without the jittery side effects of coffee or espresso. The catechins (also known as tanninsâlike in wine!) help to prevent bacteria and viruses in cells which boosts immunity, which is why green tea is often recommended by doctors as a natural remedy. With its metabolism-boosting effects, Itâs known to support weight loss, too, in addition to controlling diabetes, and reducing cholesterol levels. Lastly, green tea can detox our bodies from toxinsâeven alcoholâso opt for a cup of tea rather than coffee.
Now that youâve seen what a gamechanger green tea can be, look at our five top picks for organic green tea that will keep us cozy, focused, and healthy all year long.
1. Numi
Ethics | USDA-Certified Organic, non-GMO, Fair Trade Certified, B Corp Features | 6 flavors, hand-picked, fragrance-free, sugar-free Where to Buy | Online (Amazon), Numi, Target Price | $7.99 for 18 bags
Numi has been a longtime leader in the tea industry: they are a certified B Corp, with a triple bottom line to serve people, planet, and profit. And their organic tea, especially the Matcha Toasted Rice Sencha flavor, is a worldwide favorite. Like traditional Japanese tea, this green tea blends organic sencha and the flavors of toasted rice for a nutty and savory flavor like nothing youâve ever had before. You can enjoy the full flavor knowing these tea leaves were grown sustainably and handpicked by Fair Trade farmers. A win-win for everyone.
Numi Organic Tea Review | “From what I’ve read, Numi organic tea is one of the purest best brands on the market⌠I’ve read non-organic teas are the worst as they can be loaded with pesticides and that the biggest offenders are the most common ones we see at the grocery stores. I’ve also read how harmful ingredients are disguised as added “natural flavorings” and also that the tea bags themselves leach chemicals when heated. I trust this Numi organic tea in a biodegradable bag that’s supposed to be free of chemicals. Also, the tea has no additives and is purely from fair trade decaf organic green tea, organic ginger and organic lemongrass. I enjoy the taste, especially in the evening, and it’s great if my tummy is upset⌠Love it!â – Robin
2. Vahdam
Ethics | Organic, 100% natural, fair trade, gives back Features | Long leaf tea leaves, vacuum-sealed bag, resealable pouch included Where to Buy | Online (Amazon, Vadham Teas) Price | $14.99 for 50 bags
Vahdam began as an Indian tea brand by a 4th-generation tea entrepreneur and today, they are sold in over 80 countries around the world. Grown in the Himalayan region, these tea leaves are sourced from tea growers and Fair Trade laborers and shipped directly within 24-72 hours of production, keeping flavors fresh. Their organic long leaf green tea comes in a vacuum-sealed bag and can be used for more than 50 cups, a perfect option if youâre looking to do a cleanse or natural detox, especially with its many antioxidants and health benefits. 1% of the brandâs revenue support the education of their employeesâ childrenâso you are truly supporting the most sustainable model with each purchase.
Vahdam Organic Tea Review | “I have been drinking green tea for years – Twinning, Lipton, Wissotsky, Bromley and others that are readily available mail order and at your local supermarket. What I like about the Vahdam Green Tea is that the date it is harvested is listed on the box. The tea is vacuum packed and a separate resealable pouch is attached to place the loose tea leaves in once the pack is opened. It is also organic which can’t be said of all the other teas. Believe me when I say you can taste and savor the tea’s flavor and subtleness. I recommend this product without reservation and will reorder it.â – W, an Amazon customer
3. Jade Leaf Matcha
Ethics | USDA-Certified Organic, 100% natural Features | Matcha powder, caffeinated, tested for pesticides, radiation, etc. Where to Buy | Online (Amazon, Jade Leaf Matcha) Price | $9.95 for 30g (1 oz.)
Like matcha? Youâll love Jade Leaf Matcha powder for your green tea needs. This USDA-certified organic powder is sourced directly from farms in Uji in Japan, so itâs natural and authentic. Matcha leaves are shade grown for 3-4 weeks, selectively handpicked, stone-ground into a powder, and then packaged into Jade Leafâs airtight packaging to prevent any oxidation or exposure. Rich in antioxidants, a good source of natural caffeine, and metabolism-boosting, this matcha powder is the way to go, whether youâre making organic teas and lattes, cooking up healthy muffins, or making a filling and energizing smoothie.
Jade Leaf Matcha Review | “There’s a decent amount of powder in the bag. I really like the taste and quality though. I’m not an expert, so I can’t tell you the difference between ceremonial grade or kitchen grade, but I do know this one tastes good as a latte. I mix a teaspoon of the powder with 1 tablespoon of hot water (not boiling water) to help it dissolve and then add 1 cup of hot milk⌠I’m trying to cut back on coffee so this is a great alternative and it’s healthy. The bag is also resealable, which is great. I keep it in the refrigerator after opening to keep it fresh. You can also transfer it to an airtight tin for max freshness.â – Jheneya
4. Prince Of Peace
Ethics | USDA-Certified Organic, gives back Features | Individually wrapped, unbleached tea bags Where to Buy | Online (Amazon) Price | $7.26 for 100 bags
Prince of Peaceâs Organic Green Tea is exactly what weâre looking to stock up with this winter: their certified organic green tea comes individually wrapped in 100 unbleached tea bags, so weâll be set for months to come. Their tea leaves are tended to naturally by rainwater, without any pesticide use, so youâre left with full flavor and no aftertaste. And Prince of Peace has built giving back into their business model. Profits support an orphanage home for children with special needs in Tianjin, China. For under $10, this organic green tea is as healthy and impactful as it is affordable.
Prince of Peace Organic Tea Review |Â “Excellent green tea. I have tried several brands of green tea in the past and this is just as good as any of them. Price is extremely reasonable and while I am not a person who necessarily needs or requires organic products to buy something, they do have the USDA Organic symbol on their packaging. Each tea bag is individually wrapped in it’s own paper bag and has no metal staples like other other brands. I have used about half of the 100 bag package so far and have not had any issues with leaves leaking out of any of the bags or having any of the bags splitting when squeezed. Will definitely buy again.â – BMS, an Amazon customer
5. Choice Organic Teas
Ethics | USDA-Certified Organic, fair trade, packed in the USA, eco-friendly Features | Unbleached natural fiber tea bags, biodegradable packaging Where to Buy | Online (Amazon) Price | $4.16 for 16 bags
Choice Organicâs Jasmine Green Tea is steeped in good: this certified organic tea is grown in China with Fair Trade and eco-friendly practices, and then scented with organic Jasmine blossoms for a light, floral, and intoxicating smell. When the tea leaves are packaged, they use unbleached natural fiber tea bags and paper envelopes in a biodegradable box, so everything about is it eco-friendly and sustainable. (Plus, they buy wind energy to offset their electricity use.) Youâll have a clear mind (and conscience) when you opt for Choice Organic Tea, we know youâll love it.
Choice Organic Tea Review | “Oh, I quite like this tea. It has a good strong, crisp green tea flavor with a hint of jasmine. Just right, not too much jasmine. It smells heavenly, too. If you love the smell of a jasmine flower and the taste of green tea, you might want to try this one. It’s different but I quite like the uniqueness in the flavor compared to other teas that I drink. I appreciate the fact that it is organic, too. Also, if interested, Choice Teas use unbleached natural fiber tea bags, no staples, paper envelopes, and their box is made from 100% recycled paperboard.â – Skylamor, an Amazon customer