‘Dull and musty’: the best (and worst) supermarket breakfast teabags, tasted and rated

A professional taste test of supermarket breakfast teabags has rated Birchall Great Rift the best overall brew, while Tesco Finest gold took the top spot for value [1]. The review, using industry-standard methods, scored teas on flavor, structure, and ethical credentials. Tea specialist Matt Writson conducted the assessment, which evaluated bags costing from 2p to 34p each [1]. The top-rated Birchall Great Rift, a 3g bag, scored four stars for its bright, malty flavor and tannic structure, and carries Rainforest Alliance certification [1]. The best bargain, three-star Tesco Finest gold, uses a 3.2g blend for a strong, golden cup with earthy sweetness [1]. Other high scorers included Good & Proper English breakfast and M&S luxury gold, both earning four stars [1]. The former, a 3g direct-sourced blend, was noted for balanced acidity and chocolatey notes, while the latter was described as very well-balanced and smooth [1]. Clipper everyday organic tea was highlighted for its sustainability credentials, holding B Corp, Fairtrade, and Soil Association certifications [1]. The testing process involved examining wet leaves and aerating the tea to maximize flavor assessment [1].