For all you keen tea drinkers out there, you will be more than familiar with Earl Grey and English Breakfast Tea. These two teas are staples in any tea lover’s collection and are renowned for their delicious tastes and positive effects.
If you are new to tea drinking or you’d like to try a tea you haven’t tried before, you may be deciding between the two teas. Though both are delicious and beneficial to drink, they do have differences that you should be aware of.
At Leaf, we aren’t just passionate about supplying delicious tea; we also care about ensuring that all tea drinkers are educated about the teas that they drink and in this blog, we will venture deeper into Earl Grey vs English Breakfast Tea.
Keep reading to find out more.
What is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey is a popular black tea blend, famously flavoured with bergamot oil. Named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, this tea has become a British staple and is a popular choice for anyone looking to relax with a warm, comforting cup.
What does Earl Grey Taste Like?
Due to its bergamot infusion, Earl Grey blends typically have a distinctive citrusy, floral taste, making it incredibly popular. Its taste balances dark tea notes with rich citrus, making it perfect to drink as is or to mix with a splash of milk.
The Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey offers a number of health benefits, as well as being a tasty drink. Some of these benefits include:
Rich in Antioxidants
One of the biggest benefits of drinking Earl Grey tea is its rich antioxidant content. Earl Grey contains polyphenols and flavonoids derived from its black tea base and bergamot infusion.
Antioxidants are fantastic for fighting free radicals, reducing cell damage, and helping the body fight chronic conditions.
Heart Health
The black tea base and bergamot in Earl Grey have been proven to help lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol, helping lower blood pressure and, in turn, reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting better health.
Stress and Mood
Earl Grey tea is commonly associated with having calming effects, with many people turning to it in moments of stress. There’s actually a scientific reason why the tea is considered so calming: it contains L-theanine, which has been proven to promote a sense of calm and soothe anxiety.
Digestion Aid
Earl Grey has anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with flavonoids that help to soothe upset stomachs, reduce cramps and aid digestion. This tea is popular amongst those who suffer from IBS and other digestive issues.
What is English Breakfast Tea?
English Breakfast Tea is a popular tea in the UK, made from a blend of black teas, with Assam and Ceylon among the most popular varieties. This tea is incredibly strong and rich, and quickly became popular in Britain due to our trade with Asia and is a blend of different black teas from regions the British traded with, such as India, Africa and China.
What does English Breakfast Tea Taste Like?
English Breakfast Tea is a black tea blend known for its full-bodied, malty flavour. It is well-liked due to the fact that it is a strong, black tea with slight hints of citrus and honey. Its deep flavour makes it more preferable when mixed with milk, but many tea lovers will enjoy it without, and it has become a staple tea for Brits.
The Benefits of English Breakfast Tea
As well as being a delicious brew, English Breakfast Tea has a host of benefits that drinkers can enjoy, these include:
Energy and Focus
A big reason a lot of people start the day with English Breakfast Tea is its moderate caffeine level, which helps wake you up and make you more alert. It also contains L-theanine, which helps with focus while reducing the anxious buzz that caffeine can sometimes create.
Gut Health
English Breakfast Tea supports gut health with antioxidants that nourish good bacteria and inhibit harmful bacteria, fostering a healthy microbiome and reducing inflammation. This is why many people start their day with it, as it aids digestion and promotes regularity.
Heart Health
Much like Earl Grey, English Breakfast Tea is known for its positive impact on heart health. Its rich antioxidant and flavonoid content helps to lower bad cholesterol and improve blood vessel function, boosting blood flow.
Packed With Antioxidants
English Breakfast Tea is packed with flavonoids and catechins, which help to neutralise free radicals and protect your cells from damage and your body from oxidative stress. These antioxidants are not just perfect for supporting your inner health, but they also help with your appearance and anti-ageing by improving skin health.
Earl Grey vs English Breakfast Tea Caffeine
When comparing the two teas, English Breakfast Tea generally has more caffeine than Earl Grey because it contains more Assam leaf. Both teas have relatively high caffeine content, with English Breakfast Tea blends containing around 50-75mg per cup, and Earl Grey blends containing around 30-60mg per cup.
If you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake, Earl Grey tea is likely your best bet, but if you are looking for a bigger caffeine kick and a strong boost for your mornings, English Breakfast Tea is a fantastic option.
Which Tea is Better for an Afternoon Pick-me-up?
Because of its higher caffeine content, it might seem that English Breakfast Tea is the best option for an afternoon pick-me-up, but Earl Grey is actually considered the better choice.
In the afternoon, you are likely looking for more of a gentle lift to get you through the working day, rather than a more full-bodied kick.
If you want something in between, you can make your own blend of the two, adjust your brewing process, and experiment with amounts until you get the right level of caffeine for you.
Choose Your Perfect Brew With Leaf
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with more opinions on the debate of Earl Grey vs English Breakfast tea. Both are delicious teas with a lot to offer, but there are distinct differences that you should be aware of, such as taste and caffeine content.
At Leaf, we are proud to stock a range of delicious teas, all with their own unique flavours and properties. Want to learn more about Earl Grey and English Breakfast Tea, or just have tea-related questions? Get in touch today.
