In a taste test of five popular tea brands, PG Tips came out on top, while Twinings ranked last. The test, conducted by Shania King-Soyza, compared PG Tips, Tetley, Yorkshire Tea, Yorkshire Biscuit Brew, and Twinings.
How the test was conducted
Each tea was brewed in three ways: a standard brew with milk and sugar, black with no additives, and with milk only. The standard brew involved steeping the teabag for two to three minutes in boiling water, then adding a splash of milk and stirring.
King-Soyza noted that this was her most challenging taste test yet, comparing it to previous tests of hot chocolate brands and cereal bars.
Rankings from worst to best
5. Twinings – Despite its premium image and quick brewing, the tea tasted earthy and bitter with an unpleasant aftertaste. It lacked the malty quality expected from a top-tier breakfast tea.
4. Yorkshire Tea – This household favourite was smooth and balanced but felt too safe compared to others. The brand describes it as "a proper brew — pure and simple," which accurately reflects its basic character.
3. Tetley – A surprise contender, Tetley brewed to a deep amber with a rich, pronounced flavour that held up well with milk. Even without sugar, it remained satisfying.
2. Yorkshire Biscuit Brew – This flavoured tea offered a sweet, malty note reminiscent of biscuits, especially with milk. It was smooth and comforting, narrowly missing the top spot.
1. PG Tips – The clear winner, PG Tips struck the best balance between richness and smoothness, tasting great both black and with milk. It was the tea that made the tester want to keep sipping.
Price comparison
The test also compared prices per bag: PG Tips cost 4.25p, Tetley 4.50p, Yorkshire Tea 5.50p, Yorkshire Biscuit Brew 6.25p, and Twinings 7.48p. PG Tips was the cheapest, making it the best value for money.
