Produced on the island nation of Sri Lanka, Ceylon tea with its rich, bold flavors and strong aroma is a favorite of tea connoisseurs around the world. Where can you get your cup of fragrant goodness? Here is a list of the best Ceylon Tea Brands in the World.
Brisk and bright with undertones of chocolate, spices, and citrus, Ceylon tea is also used in different tea blends like English Breakfast Tea and Earl Grey. Ceylon tea is rich in antioxidant properties, helps control cholesterol and blood pressure, and boosts immunity, making it the preferred brew for health and fitness enthusiasts.
What makes Ceylon Tea different?
The geography and climate of the island country of Sri Lanka lends itself well to imbibe special and distinctive properties to Ceylon Tea. The combination of ocean air, cool temperatures, humidity, and rainfall in the central highlands of Sri Lanka makes it brisk, bold, and strong with a smooth finish. The low elevation districts of Matara, Galle, and Ratnapura have high rainfall and warmer temperatures produces more full-bodied teas with warm wood after-notes.
What are the different varieties of Ceylon Tea?
- Ceylon Black Tea
Ceylon Black Tea is synonymous with tea in Sri Lanka, and its biggest export. Crisp, clean, bold with subtle hints of citrus, Ceylon black tea is produced in most of the tea estates across the country, each with its unique taste and aroma which is distinctive of the altitude and climatic conditions of the region. It is also used in a variety of tea blends including breakfast tea blends.
- Ceylon Green Tea
Ceylon Green teas tend to be darker, richer, and more full-bodied than other varieties of green teas produced in different parts of the world. They are stronger in flavor and fragrance with nutty, malty undertones that distinguishes it as a green tea from Sri Lanka. Ceylon green teas are grown in the Uva Province of the country.
- Ceylon White Tea
Ceylon White Tea, also known as ‘Silver Needle’ is one of the most sought-after and highly prized teas in the world. With its delicate golden copper hue, subtle notes of honey and pine, Ceylon white teas have a distinguished place in the hearts of tea connoisseurs. First grown in the hilly Nuwara Eliya region, some varieties of Ceylon white teas are also grown in Galle which is near the southern tip of the island.
The Mark of Authenticity for Ceylon Teas
Ceylon Teas has a reputation across the world for their fine quality and purity, owing in large part to the formidable authentication process that the Sri Lanka Tea Board follows to guarantee quality and ethical sourcing. The Lion Logo of Ceylon Tea ensures the tea brand’s strict adherence to quality standards of taste, aroma, ethical sourcing, and 100% growth and processing in Sri Lanka.
Ceylon Tea Brands with the lion logo are authentic, ethically sourced, and guaranteed to provide the highest and finest quality of tea. Tea brands that source from Sri Lanka and use Ceylon tea in different blends do not have this logo as they aren’t a) processed in Sri Lanka and b) 100% unblended.
Health Benefits of Ceylon Tea
- Cardiovascular Health
Ceylon teas contain potassium, flavonoids, and antioxidants that boost blood circulation, regulates blood pressure, and cardiovascular health. 2–3 cups of Ceylon tea a day can help prevent heart diseases.
2. Immunity
The antioxidants found in Ceylon teas boost white blood cell production and improve immunity. The catechins in Ceylon teas have antibacterial and antiviral properties that provide immunity against various infections.
3. Weight Loss
The catechins in Ceylon tea activate enzymes that help break down and burn unwanted abdominal fat.
4. Cancer Prevention
The catechins and antioxidants in Ceylon green teas prevent the growth of cancerous cells and tumors. The antioxidants combat free radicals and prevent cell damage due to cancer and minimizing the growth of cancer cells.
5. Diabetes Treatment
Ceylon green teas control blood sugar and insulin levels. It also increases overall insulin sensitivity and helps prevent and treat diabetes.
6. Gastrointestinal Health
The antioxidants in Ceylon teas boost and regulate digestion, and accelerates gut flow and gut function. It also helps prevent the formation of kidney stones in the urinary and intestinal tracts.
7. Anti Aging Properties
The polyphenols found in Ceylon teas provide protection against harmful UV rays. The antioxidants control skin damage and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
8. Bone Strength
Consuming Ceylon teas on a regular basis improves bone density and prevents bones from becoming fragile and brittle. The antioxidant properties of Ceylon teas also prevent inflammation and joint pains.
Exclusive Ceylon Tea Brands
1. Teakruthi
Teakruthi teas, sourced from different estates in Sri Lanka arouse and satisfy all the senses with their robust flavor and fragrance. Whether it is the malty, smokey after-notes of their Green Valley green tea sourced from the Dimbulla region or their Ceylon Silver, handpicked and hand rolled from the finest and freshest leaves with its subtle hint of jasmine.
Ethically sourced and produced, Teakruthi sources its teas within a week from harvest to ensure that you get the freshest brew with no added preservatives or GMOs. Its Scottish Legacy, won the Silver medal winner for Ceylon Black tea at the Australian Tea Masters Gold Leaf Awards in 2020 for its unique flavor profile of bold strength and sweet overtones along with subtle hints of vanilla and strawberry.
Price Range- $$
Where to Buy- Visit Teakruthi’s website to find some of the best Ceylon teas have to offer, whether it is black tea, white tea, green tea, tisanes and infusions. Garden fresh pure Ceylon tea delivered to your doorstep within two weeks of plucking, you can also find Teakruthi’s sustainably and ethically produced teas on Amazon.
Ceylon Tea Recipes
- Heat water to 90–95 degrees of temperature.
- Add the tea leaves to the water (one teaspoon of tea leaves for each cup of tea).
- Put a lid on the pot and let it brew for a couple of minutes.
- Strain the tea into cups and enjoy your steaming cup of tea.
2. Anverally & Sons
With a 125-years-old history of fine tea-making and distribution of Ceylon tea across the world, Anverally & Sons are well-known to connoisseurs of the fragrant brew from Sri Lanka. Distributing to over 85 countries worldwide, they are one of the largest exporters of Ceylon tea in the world. Over the years, the humble estate has flourished into the modern era with world class tea blending and manufacturing conglomerates while concentrating on sustainable growth.
Their Nuwara Eliya tea with its light golden hue is delicately fragrant and sweet and smooth in flavors. Anverally & Sons also offer breakfast blends like English Breakfast blending bold Ceylon blacks for a robust morning brew.
Price Range- $
Where to Buy- You can find the different tea blends, cold brews, and iced teas offered by Anverally & Sons on their website. Shipping charges apply and may vary depending on the country.
3. Dilmah Ceylon Tea
Pioneers of the Single Origin Tea concept, Dilmah Teas are one of the foremost and finest tea makers and distributors of Ceylon teas across the globe. Known for their garden fresh, unblended, single origin teas, Dilmah is a family-owned and operated company that is passionate about natural and sustainable growth, manufacturing, and packaging practices.
Their Ceylon Supreme, with its robust, full-bodied flavor profile is well known for its bold and intense fragrance and taste. Their Caramel Flavoured Tea is a uniquely aromatic concoction of indulgent toffee with a smooth, medium-bodied flavor and fragrance.
Price Range- $$
Where to Buy- Find Dilmah Teas on their website to order the different teas and tea wares they have to offer. You can also find them on Amazon.
4. George Steuart Teas
Dating back to the early 19th Century, George Steuart & Co., have been fine tea makers and exporters since the British occupied the island country of Sri Lanka. For many years, synonymous with Sri Lanka’s tea industry and history, George Steuart Teas has been a major exporter of Ceylon tea across the globe. In the modern era, their extensive ‘Steuart Tea’ range includes Ceylon Black Teas, Ceylon Green Teas, Herbal Teas, and Flavored Teas, is distributed around the world.
Their range of herbal teas include Cinnamon, Chamomile, and Rooibos, while their flavored teas include fruity flavors like Apple, Peach, and Grapes, making them perfect for a chilled ice tea.
Price Range- $$
Where to Buy- You can find Ceylon teas and other tea blends from George Steuart and its subsidiary companies at Ceylonstore.com and their website. Shipping charges apply and are subject to change.
5. Empire Teas
One of the three top exporters of Ceylon tea, Empire Teas has since its inception been a major maker and distributor of tea across the globe. With above 20 offices in more than 50 different countries, Empire Teas has long since had a deep and nuanced understanding of the tastes and habits of devout tea drinkers around the world. From fruit-flavored teas to specialty and herbal blends, it is the tea connoisseurs dream brand.
Their Ceylon Rise, a sencha green tea with subtle notes of raspberry and lemon with delicate rose petals is known for its soothing flavor and luxuriant aroma. Their Vithanakanda Estate, is a particular favorite of Ceylon black tea lovers for its full-bodied bold flavor and fragrance.
Price Range- $
Where to Buy- You can find their products on Empire Teas’ website. Shipping on orders above $50 is free.
Tea Brands that source from Sri Lanka
1. Allegro
Founded in 1977, Allegro has produced and distributed coffee for four decades. Over the years, it expanded to tea sourcing and production, seeking out sustainable tea estates across the globe. They source their teas from across the world to create unique blends crafted to suit every mood of every tea drinker. They are as well known for their herbal blends that combine the soothing natural ingredients as they are for their high-caffeine, bold, and strong teas that are the perfect wake-up call for a long day ahead.
Their full bodied Organic Estate Ceylon, offers the robust flavors of Ceylon black teas sourced from the highlands of Sri Lanka with a distinctively mellow aroma.
Price Range- $
Where to Buy- You can order Allegro’s Ceylon Tea and other tea blends from their website, where free shipping applies for orders above $50. You can also find Allegro teas at Walmart and Amazon.
2. Harney & Sons
Fine tea makers for decades, Harney & Sons are one of the premium tea brands in the world. Since its inception 38 years ago in Connecticut, Harney & Sons has gone from a small family-run business to a world leader in tea manufacturing and distribution. Still a family-run operation, it sources it teas from far and wide driven by a passion towards crafting fine teas.
Well known for their handcrafted signature (and secret) blends like the Dragon Pearl Jasmine, their distinctive Victorian London Fog and Paris, Harney & Sons are synonymous with unique tea blends in the minds of tea lovers across the globe. Their single origin Amba Ceylon is hand picked and hand rolled in Sri Lanka. This light bodied Ceylon black contains sweet after-notes of honey, citrus, and liquorice. Both the flavor and aroma contain subtle floral notes. Lover’s Leap, a light-bodied tea sourced from the Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka, is a mild brew with subtle notes of lemon.
Price Range- $$
Where to Buy- You can find Harney & Sons teas on their website and at the English Tea Store. You can also order the different teas that Harney & Sons offers from Amazon and Target.
3. Twinings
The British tea brand, Twinings, has had a long, prolific, and formidable reputation amongst tea lovers and connoisseurs around the world. One of the foremost importers, manufacturers, and exporters of tea around the globe, Twinings has been a byword for fine, exquisitely crafted teas for over 300 years. A holder of Royal Warrant of Appointment, the historic tea brand has been a supplier for the British royal family for almost two centuries. Rumor has it that their Earl Grey, is Queen Elizabeth’s personal favorite.
Their Ceylon Orange Pekoe blend is carefully sourced and created with tea leaves from the Dimbula region of Sri Lanka. It is light, bright, and crisp, the way only bold Ceylon black tea blends can be, robust and yet smooth.
Price Range- $$
Where to Buy- The British tea brand has offices in the USA and delivers across the world. You can find their Ceylon black teas and other tea blends at their website. No shipping charges apply on order above $50. You can also find Twining teas at Amazon and Walmart.
4. Frontier Co-op Teas
Dedicated to strong standards of sustainability and quality, Frontier Co-op since its inception in 1976 has been one of the finest producers and distributors of herbs, spices, teas, and other botanical products. A member-owned co-operative, it upholds tradition and ethical production and sourcing as benchmarks for quality control.
Their Ceylon Black Tea, is a classic high-grown ceylon tea with its bright floral and tannic notes. Medium-bodied with a coppery hue and bold aroma, it is best served with a slice of orange.
Price Range- $$
Where to Buy- You can buy the different teas and herbs from the Frontier Co-op from their website. You can also find Frontier Co-op products at Amazon and Walmart.
