I compared Twinings, Yorkshire, Tetley, PG Tips — cheapest tea was best

For most of us, a morning brew isn’t negotiable. A cup of tea is the first thing you reach for when you’re half-asleep, the comfort drink you rely on when the weather turns, and the one routine that can make the day feel instantly better.

But with supermarket shelves packed with big tea brands, all promising the perfect cuppa, I wanted a straight answer: which one actually tastes best? So I tested five popular tea options, including Yorkshire Tea, Tetley, Twinings and PG Tips, and ranked them from worst to best. The result surprised me, and one favourite didn’t come close to the top.

How I tested the teas

To keep it fair, I brewed every tea in three ways:

• A standard brew: I made this by adding a teabag and one teaspoon of sugar to a mug. I then poured boiling water, steeped the teabag for two to three minutes. To finish, I added a splash of milk and stirred before removing the tea bag.
• Black: no milk, no sugar
• Milk only: no sugar

I’ll be honest with you: this ranking is perhaps my most challenging taste assessment yet. I’ve previously tested different hot chocolate brands and cereal bars, but judging these teas proved exceptionally difficult.

Share a comment below and tell us which brew rules in your home.

5) Twinings — strong, but not satisfying

Twinings looks premium, and it brews quickly, turning dark fast and tasting strong even when drunk black. But the flavour didn’t work for me.

It tasted slightly earthy and bitter, with an unwelcome aftertaste that lingered too long. Considering Twinings positions itself as a top-tier breakfast tea, I expected a rounder, richer finish, but it’s missing the deep, malty quality I like.

One customer on Product Review even compared it to Earl Grey, renowned for its citrusy, floral and subtly spiced notes. However, according to the official Twinings website, this tea embodies “the heavenly combination of rich Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. [This is] what makes it the perfect morning brew. The ultimate cup of tea.”

4) Yorkshire Tea — a shock mid-table finish

This is where some people will disagree. Yorkshire Tea is a household favourite, and it’s absolutely drinkable. It’s smooth, balanced and consistent.

But side-by-side with the stronger contenders, it felt a little too safe. Not bad. Not brilliant. Just… fine.

The brand dubs it “a proper brew — pure and simple.” That’s exactly how it came across — basic, which is why it lands in the middle.

3) Tetley — proper punch

Tetley was one of the biggest surprises. It quickly brewed to a deep amber and had a rich, pronounced taste that really held up with milk.

Even without sugar, it still had enough flavour to feel satisfying. The brand explained: “We grow and buy tea from all across the world to get that lovely, full-bodied flavour that’s unique to Tetley.”

Tetley certainly packs a punch. Among the selection of teas, this blend stood out for its robust character.

2) Yorkshire Biscuit Brew — sweet, malty and nearly number one

This one is a curveball, but it works. Yorkshire Biscuit Brew keeps the familiar breakfast-tea base, but adds a sweet, malty note that really does hint at biscuits, especially with milk.

It’s smooth, comforting and feels like a treat. It’s not an everyday choice for everyone, but it’s easily the most distinctive tea I’ve tried — and it only just missed out on top spot.

1) PG Tips — clear winner

After tasting all five, there was no doubt about it: PG Tips took the top spot. It struck the best balance between richness and smoothness, with a flavour that came through whether I drank it black or with milk.

Crucially, it was the tea I most wanted to keep sipping, which is the real test of a great daily brew. This tea brand was launched in 1930 and remains among Britain’s most cherished names, competing directly with Yorkshire Tea and Tetley.

“Our expert Master Blenders craft PG Tips Original with the finest, freshest tea leaves, plucked from high-altitude gardens on the equator,” reads the product description. “The result? An uplifting, full-bodied, flavour-packed cuppa.”

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