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The 10 Best & Healthiest Green Teas To Sip On In 2023
We all have our daily rituals—and one of my personal afternoon essentials is a lovely cup of earthy green tea.
While I'm still a staunch morning coffee drinker, years ago, I started swapping my afternoon java for tea. Why?
It's teeming with benefits (hello, antioxidants) and is much milder in the caffeine department.
Tack on its rich, complex flavor—and what's not to love about green tea?
The best green tea:
Benefits of green tea
Don't take my word for it, green tea is a go-to for so many health experts—from gastroenterologists to nutritionists.
"Look at all the cultures that live the longest. They're drinking a variety of tea throughout the day," functional nutritionist Deanna Minich, Ph.D., IFMCP, shared on the mindbodygreen podcast. And green tea is certainly part of that longevity-supporting lineup.
"Green tea is harvested later than white tea and does not go through the same oxidation process that oolong and black tea go through," says Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., a functional medicine practitioner, and mbg functional nutrition training instructor. "Like white tea, this allows for some of the highest levels of catechins1, specifically the ultra-beneficial compound epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG)."
Studies suggest EGCG2 may help provide anti-inflammatory benefits3, support brain function, promote healthy blood sugar levels, and reduce heart disease risks.
The anti-inflammatory properties translate to gut health, as well.
As a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology writes, catechins have been shown to effectively absorb into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract4 and may help mitigate GI challenges.
What's more, the polyphenols in green tea have been shown to improve the Bifidobacterium to Enterobacteriacea ratio5 in the gut, resulting in a significant improvement in colon health.
Integrative gastroenterologist and mbg Collective member Marvin Singh, M.D., previously shared that organic jasmine green tea, in particular, is one of his favorite gut-friendly beverages.
"It's a great anti-inflammatory, gut-microbiome-friendly thing to include in your regular routine," he says.
While there are a number of green tea sachets and loose-leaf options to choose from, these are the 10 we love the most at mbg. For each pick, we were mindful of ingredient quality, sourcing, sustainability, and, of course, flavor.
Our picks for the best green teas of 2023:
Price at time of publish
- $15
Form:
SachetSteep time:
3-5 minutesDietary:
VeganOrganicNon-GMOCertified KosherVegetarianCaffeine content:
N/AFor the green tea devotee, this matcha and green tea combo is a dream. It's made with 100% organic ingredients and three fairly traded green teas: Chinese Sencha, Indian Oothu, and Vietnamese Suoi Gang.
Price at time of publish
- $15
Form:
Loose-leafSteep time:
2-3 minutesDietary:
Non-GMOCaffeine content:
N/AIf you prefer loose-leaf, try this green tea, hand-picked in the Himalayan region of India. We love that the packaging is certified carbon- and plastic-neutral (meaning every time the company emits carbon or uses plastic, they remove the same amount from the environment).
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Price at time of publish
- $28
Form:
PowderSteep time:
N/ADietary:
Gluten-freeVeganNon-GMOCaffeine content:
72 gHow is matcha different from green tea, you ask? Well, matcha is essentially a green tea powder—but it's harvested differently than its counterpart, resulting in more concentrated flavor, antioxidant volume, and caffeine levels. As for an A+ matcha pick, you can't go wrong with this option from Golde, made with 100% pure, shade-grown green tea leaves from Uji, Japan.
Price at time of publish
- $29
Form:
Tea bagSteep time:
10-15 minutesDietary:
OrganicCaffeine content:
15 mgFor a straightforward green tea with the addition of anti-inflammatory and stomach-calming ginger, reach for these soothing sachets.
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Price at time of publish
- $16
Form:
Tea bagSteep time:
N/A2 minutesDietary:
N/ACaffeine content:
0 mgWant all the antioxidant perks but not all the caffeine? This green tea from Twinings will do the trick. A cozy combo of chamomile, cooling spearmint, and lemongrass—this decaf green tea blend is perfect for sipping right before slumber.
Price at time of publish
- $12
Form:
Tea bagSteep time:
3 minutesDietary:
VeganOrganicNon-GMOCaffeine content:
21 mgOf course, all green tea is rife with antioxidants, but this blend takes it up one more notch with the addition of grapeseed extract (which contributes the antioxidants procyanidins and resveratrol).
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Price at time of publish
- $25
Form:
Loose-leafSteep time:
2-3 minutesDietary:
Certified KosherCaffeine content:
1-19 mgDavid's Tea crafts a wide array of fun and flavorful loose-leaf teas, but this butterfly jasmine is particularly dreamy. The handpicked green tea leaves from the Fujian region in China are paired with fresh jasmine petals for a lovely floral flavor—oh, and when you steep the leaves, they unfurl into sweet butterfly shapes.
Price at time of publish
- $18
Form:
Loose-leafSteep time:
2-3 minutesDietary:
OrganicCaffeine content:
21-30 mgInspired by the traditional cherry blossom festival in Japan, this artful, organic blend features tart cherries and rose petals. It's available in loose-leaf or Tea Forte's signature pyramid infusers.
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Price at time of publish
- $21
Form:
PowderSteep time:
N/ADietary:
Gluten-freeVeganOrganicNon-GMOCaffeine content:
34-50 mgA favorite of Cole, Pique tea crystals blend seamlessly into cold or hot water, for a simple yet potent cup of green tea. We also appreciate that the brand completes a triple screening for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Price at time of publish
- $52
Form:
BottleDietary:
OrganicNon-GMOCertified KosherCaffeine content:
89.4 mgAnother one Cole swears by, this iced green tea is great for on-the-go sipping. Unlike other ready-to-drink green teas on the market, this one features roasted leaves (Hojicha means "roasted" in Japanese), creating a pleasant, nutty flavor.
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What to look for
- Antioxidant content: The most abundant catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Look for a brand that contains the highest amount of EGCG to get the most antioxidant activity6 for your buck. Other major phytonutrients found in green tea are L-theanine, which is known for giving green tea its delicious flavor and producing relaxing effects in humans, and caffeine, which, in healthy doses, can support focus and mental clarity.
- Added sugars: Bottled iced teas are known for containing added sugars, which can lead to extra [and often unwanted] calories. Opt for green teas that don’t contain extra sugar and are made with clean ingredients. Teas made with organic herbs are a plus! Tip: If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your tea, try adding a teaspoon of natural honey.
- Packaging: If possible, avoid green teas in traditional plastic tea bags. Although they are quick and convenient, studies show7 they can contain loads of micro- and nano-sized plastics which can be harmful to the environment and affect the quality of your brew. Try loose leaf tea, which is fresher and easier to adjust the strength of your tea to your liking. Sachets are also a great alternative to plastic tea bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make green tea?
Studies show that the hotter you steep your green tea, the more antioxidant-rich it will be. Since recommended temperatures vary, we recommend steeping your tea with water around 167 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes based on your taste preferences. Once it’s steeped, let it cool for 2-3 minutes, and enjoy!
How much green tea should you drink a day?
There are numerous science-backed benefits of drinking green tea daily. While research differs on just how much green tea is recommended to drink daily, and even one cup is healthful, most studies find targeted health benefits with anywhere from three to six cups a day. It really depends on what exactly you want to get out of your cup of tea. We rounded up more information on daily green tea consumption, here.
What are the side effects of drinking green tea?
While green tea is generally safe to consume, drinking too much green tea can be harmful to your health. One study found that consuming more than five liters a day can potentially contribute to upset stomach, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. That same study also found that consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day can cause nausea and vomiting in some people. While the amount of caffeine in green tea varies from brand to brand, the average amount of caffeine in a cup of green tea ranges anywhere from 14 to 61 mg per serving depending on the brand.
The takeaway
Making green tea a regular part of your well-being routine may bring a wide range of benefits—from gut health to brain support.
The curated selection of high-quality green teas above is a great place to start—and they're sure to satisfy any particular need or palate.
Meet The Experts
7 Sources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/catechin
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679539/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27634207/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15464031/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835862/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412948/
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540
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