A-Z List of Types of Teas

Chai or oolong? Herbal or caffeinated? With so many teas out there, sorting through the options can feel like a challenge. Let's make it easy with a complete A-Z breakdown of teas, from classic blends to unique herbal infusions.

Alfalfa Tea

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a versatile herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Its leaves and seeds are dried and steeped to make tea.

• Flavour: Mild and earthy with light vegetable notes
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), part of the nightshade family, is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic practices to support stress, energy, and focus.

• Flavour: Very earthy; commonly mixed with honey or fruit extract
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Assam Tea

Made from Camellia sinensis var. Assamica, Assam tea is a bold black tea often blended into English breakfast mixtures.

• Flavour: Rich and malty; great with milk
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Black

Burdock Root Tea

Native to Europe and northern Asia, burdock root has long been used in traditional medicine. It’s known for antioxidant compounds and detoxifying potential.

• Flavour: Sweet and earthy
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Chai Tea

Also known as masala chai, this blend combines black tea with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, often used in Ayurvedic traditions.

• Flavour: Spiced, slightly sweet, and warming
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Black

Chamomile Tea

Made from the dried flowers of the Asteraceae family, chamomile has long been associated with calming effects and digestive support.

• Flavour: Lightly floral with earthy undertones
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Ceylon Tea

Sourced from Sri Lanka, this tea comes in several forms—black, green, white, and oolong—and is packed with antioxidants.

• Flavour: Full-bodied with citrus highlights
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Black, White, Oolong & Green

Dandelion Tea

Made from leaves or roasted roots, dandelion tea is a popular herbal infusion thought to support liver function and reduce water retention.

• Flavour: Roasted root gives a smoky note; leaves are milder and slightly sweet
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Darjeeling Tea

This Indian-origin tea is known for its complex bouquet and is often labeled the "champagne of teas." It’s made from Camellia sinensis leaves.

• Flavour: Sweet with fruity, musky, and mossy notes
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Black

Earl Grey

A blend of black tea with bergamot orange extract, Earl Grey is both fragrant and flavorful, offering potential antioxidant benefits.

• Flavour: Citrus-heavy with floral and slightly smoky notes
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Black

Fennel Tea

Made from fennel seeds, this Mediterranean herb-based tea has been used historically for its antimicrobial and soothing properties.

• Flavour: Mildly sweet with a hint of anise
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Fenugreek Tea

This clover-like herb has been used in various traditional contexts. The seeds can also be steeped into tea.

• Flavour: Nutty and syrup-like, reminiscent of maple
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Ginger Tea

Fresh ginger root steeped in hot water makes a quick, spicy brew said to support digestion and help with nausea.

• Flavour: Spicy, warming, and aromatic
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Green Tea

Originally from East Asia, green tea is rich in polyphenols and other nutrients. It can now be found in diverse formats worldwide.

Hibiscus Tea

Made from steeped dried hibiscus petals, this crimson-red drink offers antioxidant and antibacterial qualities.

• Flavour: Tart and cranberry-like
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Jasmine Tea

This floral tea is traditionally made with a green tea base and scented with jasmine blossoms.

• Flavour: Light, sweet, and floral with mild bitterness
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Green (sometimes black or white)

Kombucha Tea

A fermented tea made by combining tea, sugar, and culture. It’s rich in probiotics and antioxidants.

• Flavour: Tangy, fizzy, with a subtle sweetness
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Green or Black

Lemon Balm Tea

Melissa officinalis is a calming herb used for sleep, stress, and digestion. Its lemony-mint scent makes it perfect for a refreshing brew.

• Flavour: Citrus-forward with minty notes
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Matcha Tea

A finely ground green tea powder known for its vibrant color and nutritional value, due to its unique shaded growing method.

• Flavour: Grassy, smooth, and slightly nutty
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Green

Nettle Tea

Made from dried nettle leaves and linked to urinary health, nettle tea offers earthy, broth-like flavors.

• Flavour: Similar to vegetable broth
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Oolong Tea

This semi-oxidised tea falls between green and black varieties, with a rich, layered flavor profile.

• Flavour: Fruity, floral, and full-bodied
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Oolong

Passionflower Tea

Derived from the leaves and flowers of the passionflower plant, this tea is often used to promote calm and support sleep.

• Flavour: Mild, grassy, and great with honey
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a classic digestive tea with a cooling, clean profile, historically used in both European and Asian traditions.

• Flavour: Lightly spicy, fresh, and slightly sweet
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Often called the 'woman’s herb', this tea is made from the dried leaves of the raspberry plant and is a source of essential nutrients.

• Flavour: Earthy, floral, and robust—somewhat like black tea
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

Rooibos Tea

Also known as redbush tea, rooibos comes from a South African shrub and lacks caffeine completely. It’s also low in tannins.

• Flavour: Naturally sweet, light, and earthy
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Red

Turkish Tea

Traditionally consumed black and sweetened, Turkish tea is rich and robust with a reputation for strong flavor.

• Flavour: Bitter or astringent unless sweetened
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: Black

Valerian Root Tea

Valerian root tea is a herbal nightcap often associated with better sleep. It’s made from the dried roots of the valerian plant native to Europe.

• Flavour: Woody and earthy, with a strong herbal aroma
• Caffeinated: No
• Tea type: Herbal

White Tea

Known for minimal processing, white tea is made from young tea buds. It’s antioxidant-rich and delicate in flavor.

• Flavour: Light, refreshing, with honey-like undertones
• Caffeinated: Yes
• Tea type: White

The Final Say

And that wraps up the A-Z of teas—from alfalfa to white tea. Whether you're seeking relaxation or an energy boost, there's a brew out there to match your needs and taste buds.

Sources

1. livestrong.com
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