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The Best Oolong Teas of 2024
A staple in many homes, oolong teas have been around for centuries. Recently, the health benefits and medicinal properties of oolong teas have gained traction. As a result, this type of tea has made its way into mainstream media. Oolong tea is neither a black tea nor a green tea, but instead, it’s somewhere in between the two. There are many different brands that sell oolong tea, and deciding which one to buy can be hard. To give you a helping hand, we made this list of the best oolong teas of 2024, starting out with our top choice, the Choice Organics Organic Oolong Tea.
Our Top Picks For Oolong Teas
View all ContentsThe Best Oolong Teas
Best Overall
Made by the company Choice Organics, this Organic Oolong Tea is a tea that is subtle in aroma with floral notes. The oolong tea has a significant amount of caffeine in it, with each bag containing around 40 mg of caffeine. This is not too much, but a good amount to wake yourself up. The ingredients are also certified in many ways, and are also vegan, gluten-free, and have no artificial flavors or sweeteners. In addition, the tea bags are packaged in an environmentally friendly way, made from paperboard that has been recycled.
However, the company has recently rebranded, and as a result the formula of the tea also seems to have changed. The taste of this new oolong tea is not for everyone, and is definitely less strong than other brands. The oolong tea does not really give off much of an aroma or flavor, which can be off-putting if you are looking for a more distinct taste.
Pros
- Has significant amount of caffeine in it
- USDA Certified, Kosher certified, and more
- No artificial flavoring or sweeteners
- Packaged from recycled paperboard
Cons
- Acquired taste
Runner-Up
Available in 4 different packaging options ranging from one pound to a pack of 100 tea bags, this product is a great option if you are looking for something more authentic. This oolong tea is golden in color and is mild in its flavoring. It is USDA Certified to be organic, with the tea leaves origination from the Anxi District in Fujian, China (also known as the Magical Village of Oolong Tea). The tea is oxidised in such a way that it has qualities of both green tea and black tea. This oolong tea contains about 30-40 mg of caffeine, which is much less than your standard cup of coffee, but still a substantial amount to wake you up.
One issue with this tea is that it doesn’t steep properly and floats to the top, which can result in less flavor being transferred to the water.
Pros
- Available in 4 different packaging options
- USDA Certified as organic
- Contains about 30-40 mg of caffeine
- Very affordable in terms of price
Cons
- Does not steep properly and floats to the top
Contender
The VAHDAM Himalayan Oolong Tea Bags are available in 4 different packaging options. Ranging from 15 tea bags to 100 tea bags. These tea bags are made of 100% unblended oolong tea. In addition, these tea bags are strong and sturdy, made in a pyramid shape for a better and more flavourful taste. The preparation method of this tea is also very easy and straighforward. All you have to do is put one tea bag in 200 ml hot water, and oolong tea will be ready in just 3-5 minutes. The company is also environmentally friendly, certified to be both Carbon-Neutral and Plastic-Neutral.
Pros
- Available in 4 different packaging options
- Made from 100% unblended oolong tea
- Pyramid shaped tea bags are more sturdy
- Preparation is simple and easy
Cons
- More expensive than other options on the market
Honorable Mention
The Prince of Peace Organic Oolong Tea stands out because of its smooth, refreshing flavour and subtle fragrance. Certified organic by ECOCERT SA, USA, this particular blend of oolong tea is perfect for those who prefer their tea to be on the milder side, though you can always use two tea bags instead of one for a stronger flabour. It is also much cheaper, priced at almost half the amount that other brands offering similar products charge. The packaging also does not disappoint, with each tea bag being wrapped in its own paper wrapper.
However, one thing to keep in mind before purchasing is that you may experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure after consuming this tea, which can cause disturbance during sleep.
Pros
- Pleasant taste
- Affordable price
- Certified organic by ECOCERT SA, USA
- Natural biodegradable packaging
Cons
- Weaker than other brands of Oolong Tea
- Low quantity of tea in each bag
Also Consider
The Organic Oolong Tea Bags by FGO offer convenient packaging and great value for money. The tea comes in round-shaped stringless tea bags that can perfectly fit into a typical one-cup coffee maker. The zip-lock package is also both eco-friendly and resealable, helping it to stay fresh for a long time. The tea itself is on the weaker side, with a subtle taste and aroma and light colour. The quantity provided is also quite a lot considering the price, so you can easily double the tea bags used for one cup if a stronger flavour is preferred.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Resealable ziplock bags
- Round-shaped packaging
- Large quantity gives good value for money
Cons
- Very weak flavour and aroma
- Stringless tea bags can make removing the tea bag a hassle
Best Tea Brand for Ethical Practices
(Best Tea Brand for Ethical Practices)-Looking for a tea that not only delivers on taste but also boosts your health? VAHDAM’s High Mountain Oolong Tea is the answer. Noted as one of the best oolong tea on the market, this product stands out with its light and floral flavor derived from high grown oolong tea leaves. Its unique taste is soothing, refreshing, and far from overpowering, making it a great choice for both seasoned tea drinkers and beginners. Moreover, this tea is Non-GMO and gluten-free, so you can enjoy your cup knowing you’re taking in nothing but pure, healthy goodness.
VAHDAM doesn’t just focus on great taste and health benefits. The brand is also a standout for its ethical practices. They pack their tea in whole loose-leaf tea bags and provide a resealable ziplock pouch for freshness and convenience. The 100 count offers long-term enjoyment without compromising the quality and potency of the tea leaves. Even better, VAHDAM adheres to fair trade practices, ensuring that every bag you buy supports the wellbeing of tea growers and their communities. In short, VAHDAM’s High Mountain Oolong Tea is not just a delicious, healthy beverage choice, it’s also a purchase you can feel good about.
Pros
- Low in caffeine, high in antioxidants
- Can be re-steeped multiple times
- Quality packaging for freshness
Cons
- Packaging considered excessive
- Price may seem high initially
Key Features
- High Mountain Oolong tea from Himalayas
- Medium caffeine level
- Brewed in Darjeeling, India
- Comes in 100 pyramid-shaped tea bags
- Gluten Free and Non GMO ingredients
- Part of VAHDAM India’s range
- Carbon-neutral and plastic-neutral product
The Best Oolong Tea: Buying Guide
History of Oolong Tea
There are differing stories on the actual origins of oolong tea, with both Chinese and Taiwanese regions claiming that the tea originated from there. The earliest accounts of the consumption of oolong tea date back to the Tang Dynasty which was between the 7th and 9th centuries.
According to one story, oolong tea was first known as Beiyun Tea as it was found in the Beiyun region in the Fujian province. The name Wulong means ‘black dragon’ and was coined due to the dark color and shapes of the tea leaves. The tea leaves are long in length, twisted into different shapes resembling a dragon. Another story claims the tea is named after a farmer named Wu Liang who accidentally made this tea himself after leaving his leaves to oxidize for too long.
Wherever they originated, oolong teas are now grown in cool mountainous regions over terrain that is steep and rocky. With time the tea began gaining popularity all throughout the country, and it is now a staple in many Chinese and Taiwanese households.
Types of Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea doesn’t fall under the category of black tea or green tea, in fact, it lies somewhere between the two. It is mostly consumed by people in the East Asian regions of China and Taiwan. Depending on the region, you can find a lot of diversity in oolong teas, with some closer in quality to green tea, and others resembling black tea. This can be reflected in modern oolong tea products as well, where the type and taste may change according to where the tea has been originally produced.
In Taiwan, the most popular way of preparing oolong tea is where it is not as oxidized. The oxidation amount found in Taiwanese oolong teas is typically 10-40%, making them closer to green in color and light on the palette as well. The preparation style of oolong tea also differs according to the region, with some rolling leaves into tight balls, and others twisting long strands. Even the method of growing oolongs can vary, with some farmers harvesting in spring for a more herbal flavor, and others in winter for a wood-like touch.
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
There are many health benefits to consuming oolong tea, and it is one of the reasons why they are so popular in China and Taiwan.
Weight Loss
Green and black teas are well known for their fat-reducing properties, and this claim is even backed by medical experiments. One study in China conducted on overweight and obese adults studied the effect of consuming oolong tea and whether it resulted in any reduction in weight. The participants of this study were made to drink 300 mL of oolong tea four times in a day. The experiment lasted six weeks and showed that the majority of the subjects lost over 1 kilogram in weight.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is another health benefit of consuming oolong tea. With the recent food habits of modern adults, high cholesterol is more of a problem than ever, but oolong tea can help reduce the risk. Chinese researchers conducted a study on this and found that those individuals who took over 10 ounces of oolong tea every week had lower bad cholesterol than those who didn’t. General drinkers of oolong tea were overall healthier and had less of a risk of heart disease.
Diabetes
Continued consumption of oolong tea can be great at keeping your sugar levels at bay, This is backed by some studies showing that a frequent 2-3 cup per day consumption can reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Cancer
According to scientists, the antioxidants which are found in black and green teas can help combat cancel cell mutations in the body. There have been multiple studies experimenting on the effects of oolong tea on the prevention of cancer with varied results. Connections have been found between taking oolong tea and reduced risk fo lung, liver, neck, pancreatic, and other types of cancers.
Dental Health
One ingredient that is mostly used to help prevent dental cavities is fluoride, being added to common toothpaste and mouthwashes. Tea leaves naturally contain this ingredient, so the regular consumption of tea can help reduce the risk of cavities.
How Oolong Tea is Made
The process with which oolong tea is made is very detailed and tedious. All types of tea, whether they are black, green, or oolong, come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The difference between the three is how this plant is cultivated, harvested, oxidized, and later processed.
The first step in this process is bruising tea leaves when they are still fragile. This is done by tossing or shaking the leaves in their fresh state, and is necessary to start the important oxidation process. The leaves are then dried out in the sun for many hours, letting them wither and lose some moisture. This process will allow the leaves to become more flexible and easily rolled and shaped. After withering comes cooling, where the leaves are cooled. Then the leaves are lightly rolled and bruised, which releases essential oil into the leaves, giving them flavor.
The leaves are then oxidized, where their flavor is altered and the final appearance and taste is determined. The amount of time the leaves oxidize is what varies from farmer to farmer, with oxidation levels anywhere between 10% to 80%.. The final steps in this process are roasting, drying, and sorting, after which the oolong tea leaves are ready.
FAQ
Who should not drink oolong tea?
If you are someone with kidney disease, anxiety, or stomach ulcers, you should not consume oolong tea without asking your doctor first.
Will oolong tea stain my teeth?
Yes! Due to the high tannin content, oolong tea can stain teeth. Make sure you take care of your teeth if you are a regular oolong tea drinker.
Should I put milk in my cup of oolong tea?
Oolong tea is not typically served with milk or sugar. However, darker types of oolong tea might be good when paired with milk. You can always try milk in your tea and see if you like it for yourself.
