100 Types of Tea: A Comprehensive Guide to Tea Names & Popular Teas
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Time to read 18 min
Introduction
Tea is one of the most beloved beverages worldwide, cherished for its incredible variety of flavors, aromas, and health benefits. From the serene tea gardens of China and Japan to the lively tea culture of Britain and India, tea has played a significant role in history, tradition, and daily life for centuries. It is more than just a drink—it is a ritual, a moment of relaxation, and a way to connect with different cultures.
Whether you enjoy the simplicity of loose-leaf teas, the convenience of tea bags, or the artistry of hand-crafted blends, the world of tea is vast and diverse. Every cup tells a story, reflecting the climate, soil, and craftsmanship that go into producing each unique variety.
If you’re a tea enthusiast eager to expand your knowledge or someone just beginning to explore this fascinating beverage, this guide will introduce you to a wide range of teas.
We’ll explore the 10 major categories of tea, such as green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, which serve as broad categories of tea classification. Additionally, we’ll cover 100 specific tea varieties, including well-known examples like Shui Xian Oolong and Rou Gui Oolong, to give you a comprehensive understanding of the vast world of tea.
From classic and well-loved options to rare and exotic brews, this tea names list will help you discover new favorites and deepen your appreciation for the art of tea.
Whether you’re looking for popular teas that are enjoyed worldwide or want to learn about lesser-known varieties, this list of teas will serve as your ultimate reference, making it easier to navigate the world of tea with confidence and curiosity.
Top 10 Categories of Tea
When classifying tea based on processing methods and oxidation levels, there are 10 major categories rather than specific flavored or scented teas. Below are the correct classifications:
Black Tea – Fully oxidized tea with bold, malty, or fruity notes. Famous types include Keemun Black Tea and Darjeeling Black Tea.
Green Tea – Unoxidized and minimally processed, preserving a fresh, grassy flavor and high antioxidant content. Popular varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) and Biluochun.
Oolong Tea – Partially oxidized, offering a balance between green and black tea, with floral, roasted, or fruity undertones. Notable examples are Da Hong Pao and Tie Guan Yin.
White Tea – Lightly oxidized and minimally processed, resulting in a delicate and refreshing taste. Examples include Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) and Shou Mei.
Pu-erh Tea – A post-fermented tea that matures over time, developing deep, earthy, and complex flavors. It comes in Raw (Sheng) and Ripe (Shou) Pu-erh.
Yellow Tea – A rare, lightly oxidized tea that undergoes a unique “yellowing” process, resulting in a mellow and smooth taste. Examples include Junshan Yinzhen and Huoshan Huangya.
Dark Tea – A fermented and aged tea, often compressed into cakes or bricks, with a rich, mellow flavor. Popular types include Anhua Dark Tea and Liu Bao Tea.
Herbal Tea – Not technically tea, but infusions made from flowers, fruits, or herbs, such as chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, and rooibos tea.
Matcha – A finely ground powdered green tea, rich in antioxidants and traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.
Scented Tea – A base tea (green, oolong, or black) infused with flowers, creating aromatic blends like Jasmine Tea, Rose Black Tea, and Osmanthus Oolong.
These popular teas are a great starting point, but there are many more varieties to explore. Below, we present a tea names list featuring 100 types of tea categorized by their type.
100 Types of Tea – The Complete Tea Names List
Black Teas
Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a bold and robust flavor. These teas are known for their rich taste and deep aromas, making them favorites worldwide.
- Darjeeling Black Tea (India) – Often called the "Champagne of Teas," Darjeeling tea has a light, floral, and muscatel flavor, with different seasonal flushes offering varied taste profiles.
- Assam Black Tea (India) – Grown in the Assam region of India, this tea is known for its malty, bold, and brisk flavor. It is commonly used in strong breakfast teas like English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast blends.
- Keemun Black Tea (China) – A premium black tea from China’s Anhui Province, Keemun has a smooth, slightly smoky, and fruity taste with hints of cocoa and floral notes. It is often used in traditional English blends.
- Lapsang Souchong (China) – A unique black tea from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, famous for its smoky aroma due to being dried over pinewood fires. It has a bold, campfire-like taste.
- Ceylon Black Tea (Sri Lanka) – Sri Lanka produces various types of Ceylon tea, ranging from light and citrusy to dark and malty, depending on the region where it is grown. It is often used in iced teas and breakfast blends.
- Yunnan Dianhong Black Tea (China) – A high-quality Chinese black tea from Yunnan Province, known for its golden buds, sweet and malty flavor, and smooth, honey-like aftertaste.
- Nilgiri Black Tea (India) – Grown in the Nilgiri Hills of South India, this tea has a bright, floral, and slightly fruity flavor, making it ideal for iced tea and blends.
- Golden Monkey Black Tea (China) – A luxurious Chinese black tea with golden tips, offering a naturally sweet, chocolaty, and malty flavor without bitterness.
- Rize Tea (Turkey) – A traditional Turkish black tea grown in the Rize region, known for its strong, bold, and slightly tangy flavor. It is commonly served in small tulip-shaped glasses.
- Kenyan Black Tea (Kenya) – Grown in the highlands of Kenya, this tea is bold, brisk, and strong, often used in tea blends like English Breakfast due to its robust character.
Green Teas
Green tea is lightly oxidized, retaining its fresh, grassy, and vegetal flavors. These teas are packed with antioxidants and celebrated for their health benefits.
Sencha (Japan) – Japan’s most popular green tea, featuring a grassy, umami flavor. It became famous for its role in Japanese daily tea culture.
Gyokuro (Japan) – A shade-grown tea with a sweet, umami-rich taste, Gyokuro is prized for its high chlorophyll content and smooth texture.
Matcha (Japan) – A powdered green tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It gained worldwide popularity for its intense umami flavor and health benefits.
Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea (China) – A famous pan-fired green tea from Hangzhou with a nutty, sweet taste and a smooth finish.
Biluochun (China) – A highly aromatic green tea from Jiangsu, featuring a fruity, floral aroma. Its name means “Green Snail Spring.”
Gunpowder Tea (China) – This tea gets its name from its rolled leaves resembling gunpowder pellets, producing a bold, smoky taste when brewed.
Hojicha (Japan) – A roasted green tea with a toasty, caramelized flavor, commonly enjoyed as a low-caffeine alternative in Japan.
Genmaicha (Japan) – A blend of green tea and roasted brown rice, offering a nutty, popcorn-like taste. It became popular as an affordable tea in Japan.
Kukicha (Japan) – Also known as "twig tea," it consists of stems and twigs of tea plants, providing a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Mao Feng (China) – A highly sought-after tea from Huangshan, with a light, floral taste and a silky texture.
Oolong Teas
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, offering a complex range of flavors between green and black teas.
Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) (China) – A floral oolong tea from Fujian, named after the Buddhist goddess of mercy.
Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) (China) – A Wuyi Rock Tea with a rich, mineral-heavy taste. It is one of the most expensive teas in the world.
Phoenix Dan Cong (China) – Known for its intensely fruity and floral notes, this oolong is cultivated in Guangdong Province.
Wuyi Rock Tea (China) – Grown in the rocky mountains of Wuyi, these teas have a distinct roasted, mineral taste.
Ali Shan Tea (Taiwan) – A high-mountain oolong with a creamy, floral aroma, famous for its growing conditions.
Bai Hao Oolong (Taiwan) – Also called Oriental Beauty, this tea has a honey-sweet taste and was loved by Queen Elizabeth II.
Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong) (Taiwan) – Known for its naturally creamy, buttery flavor, often mistaken for artificial flavoring.
Dong Ding Oolong (Taiwan) – A traditional Taiwanese tea with a deep, roasted taste and smooth body.
Rou Gui (China) – A Wuyi oolong known for its cinnamon-like aroma and complex taste.
Shui Xian (China) – Another Wuyi Rock Tea, offering a floral, roasted flavor with a thick mouthfeel.
White Teas
White tea is the least processed, preserving its delicate flavors and high antioxidants.
Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) (China) – A premium white tea from Fujian, made of only young buds, offering a sweet, floral taste with a silky texture. Famous for its purity and limited production.
Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) (China) – Made from buds and young leaves, it has a mellow, fruity flavor with slight floral undertones.
Shou Mei (China) – A lower-grade white tea with a stronger, earthy taste, often used for blends.
Gong Mei (China) – A cousin of Shou Mei, it has a fruitier, slightly woody flavor, enjoyed in China for its affordability.
Darjeeling White Tea (India) – Grown in the Himalayas, it has a light, floral taste, prized for its smooth finish.
Ceylon White Tea (Sri Lanka) – Rare and expensive, it has a honeyed, delicate taste, produced from carefully handpicked buds.
Moonlight White (China) – A Yunnan-origin tea with sweet, honey-like notes and a bright golden liquor.
Yunnan Silver Needle (China) – Similar to Fujian Silver Needle but with stronger honey undertones.
Fujian White Tea (China) – A broad category of high-quality white teas known for delicate, slightly fruity flavors.
Himalayan White Tea (Nepal) – A rare tea with light floral and fruity notes, growing in high-altitude conditions.
Pu-erh Teas (Fermented Teas)
Pu-erh is a post-fermented tea that improves with age, much like fine wine.
Raw (Sheng) Pu-erh (China) – A light, floral, and slightly astringent tea that develops complexity as it ages.
Ripe (Shou) Pu-erh (China) – A dark, earthy, and smooth tea, processed with a special fermentation technique.
Lao Cha Tou (Pu-erh Nuggets) (China) – A compacted form of pu-erh with a rich, caramelized taste.
Pu-erh Brick Tea (China) – Pressed into bricks for aging, offering a strong, bold, and slightly woody flavor.
Pu-erh Cake Tea (China) – A round, compressed form, famous for its deep, complex aged notes.
Yiwu Pu-erh (China) – From the Yiwu mountains, it has a sweet, soft taste with floral notes.
Lincang Pu-erh (China) – Known for its fresh, crisp, and slightly fruity flavor.
Bulang Pu-erh (China) – A bitter, bold pu-erh that mellows with age into a smooth, earthy cup.
Menghai Pu-erh (China) – A famous tea from Yunnan with strong, malty, and slightly sweet notes.
Jingmai Pu-erh (China) – Grown in an ancient tea forest, known for delicate, honey-like sweetness.
Herbal Teas (Tisanes)
Herbal teas are caffeine-free infusions made from herbs, flowers, and spices.
Chamomile Tea (Worldwide) – A floral tea known for its relaxing, apple-like aroma, often used as a sleep aid.
Peppermint Tea (Worldwide) – A cooling herbal infusion with a strong minty, refreshing taste.
Rooibos Tea (South Africa) – A sweet, nutty, and earthy tea from the rooibos plant, famous for its antioxidants.
Hibiscus Tea (Africa, Latin America) – A tart, cranberry-like tea rich in vitamin C, enjoyed as a cooling beverage.
Ginger Tea (Asia) – A spicy, warming infusion known for its digestion and immune-boosting benefits.
Lemon Balm Tea (Europe) – A calming tea with a light citrusy flavor, often used for stress relief.
Lavender Tea (France, UK) – A floral herbal tea with a soothing, aromatic taste, famous for relaxation.
Dandelion Root Tea (Worldwide) – An earthy tea known for its detoxifying and liver-supporting properties.
Nettle Tea (Europe, Asia) – A mineral-rich tea with a grassy, slightly bitter taste, used for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Rosehip Tea (Europe, Middle East) – A fruity tea packed with vitamin C and a tangy flavor.
Flavored & Blended Teas
Flavored teas are made by blending tea leaves with fruits, flowers, spices, or essential oils.
Earl Grey (UK) – A black tea flavored with bergamot oil, offering a citrusy, aromatic taste.
Jasmine Tea (China) – Green tea scented with fresh jasmine blossoms, creating a floral, sweet aroma.
Chai Tea (India) – A spiced black tea blend with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom, popular in India.
Vanilla Black Tea (Blend) – A sweet, creamy black tea flavored with natural vanilla essence.
Lemon Green Tea (Blend) – A refreshing green tea blended with dried lemon peels and citrus flavors.
Mint Green Tea (Blend) – A cooling and refreshing tea blend with peppermint or spearmint leaves.
Coconut Oolong (Blend) – A tropical-flavored oolong with a creamy, coconut undertone.
Rose Black Tea (China, Blend) – A floral black tea infused with rose petals for a sweet, romantic aroma.
Blueberry White Tea (Blend) – A delicate white tea infused with blueberries, adding a fruity sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon Tea (Blend) – A warm blend of black tea, apple pieces, and cinnamon spice, perfect for fall.
Rare & Specialty Teas
These teas are unique due to their growing regions, production methods, or special processing techniques.
Yellow Tea (China) – A rare tea similar to green tea but with an extra oxidation step, offering a mellow, nutty taste.
Gushu Tea (China) – Made from ancient tea trees over 300 years old, with a deep, complex flavor.
Golden Monkey Tea (China) – A Fujian black tea with sweet, chocolatey notes.
Snow Sprout Tea (China) – A rare green tea with highly delicate, floral notes.
Purple Tea (Kenya, China) – A special tea variety rich in anthocyanins, with a grape-like sweetness.
More Rare & Specialty Teas
These teas are unique due to their cultivation, processing, or historical significance.
Tai Ping Hou Kui (China) – A rare green tea from Anhui province, featuring long, flat leaves and an orchid-like fragrance . It became famous after winning multiple international tea competitions.
Jun Shan Yin Zhen (China) – A famous yellow tea from Hunan, known for its sweet, mellow taste and golden buds. It was an imperial tribute tea during the Qing Dynasty.
Kuding Tea (China) – A bitter herbal tea often mistaken for traditional tea, made from the leaves of the Ilex plant and known for its detoxifying properties.
Meng Ding Gan Lu (China) – A Sichuan green tea with a light, sweet taste, historically offered as tribute to Chinese emperors.
Anji Bai Cha (China) – A unique green tea from Zhejiang, despite its name meaning “white tea,” it has a sweet, umami-rich flavor.
Sencha Fukamushi (Japan) – A deep-steamed version of Sencha, producing a bolder, richer green tea with sweet, full-bodied notes.
Shincha (Japan) – The first harvest of Japanese green tea, known for its fresh, vibrant flavor and high nutrient content.
Sun Moon Lake Black Tea (Taiwan) – A Taiwanese black tea with honey and cinnamon-like undertones, grown near the famous Sun Moon Lake.
Liu An Gua Pian (China) – A premium green tea from Anhui with large, carefully shaped leaves and a nutty, vegetal taste.
Burmese Lahpet (Myanmar) – A fermented tea traditionally eaten as a salad in Myanmar, with a tangy, umami-rich taste.
Medicinal & Functional Teas
These teas are consumed for their potential health benefits.
Turmeric Tea (India, Global) – Made from turmeric root, this tea has a warming, earthy taste and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ashwagandha Tea (India) – A herbal tea made from the ashwagandha root, known for its ability to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Moringa Tea (Africa, India) – Made from the moringa plant’s leaves, this tea has a mild, grassy taste and is packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Ginseng Tea (Korea, China) – A slightly bitter, earthy tea made from ginseng root, known for boosting energy and immunity.
Goji Berry Tea (China) – A mildly sweet, fruity tea made from dried goji berries, often blended with other herbal ingredients for eye health benefits.
More Unique Blended & Flavored Teas
Some of the most exciting teas come from unique blends of flavors.
Lemon Ginger Tea (Blend, Global) – A refreshing, zesty infusion of lemon and ginger, known for its immune-boosting and digestive benefits.
Chocolate Mint Tea (Blend, Global) – A dessert-like tea made with black tea, cacao nibs, and mint leaves, offering a rich, cooling flavor.
Berry Hibiscus Tea (Blend, Global) – A tangy, antioxidant-rich tea made with hibiscus flowers, elderberries, and blackcurrants.
Peach Oolong Tea (Blend, Taiwan, China) – A fruity and floral tea blending high-quality oolong with peach essence for a naturally sweet flavor.
Spiced Apple Cider Tea (Blend, Global) – A warm and cozy black tea blend with apple, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Coconut Chai Tea (Blend, Global) – A tropical twist on traditional chai, featuring black tea, coconut flakes, and warming spices.
Caramel Rooibos Tea (Blend, South Africa) – A naturally sweet, caffeine-free rooibos tea infused with creamy caramel notes.
Mango Black Tea (Blend, Global) – A tropical-flavored black tea with juicy mango essence, creating a bold, sweet aroma.
Rose Lavender White Tea (Blend, Global) – A floral and delicate white tea infused with rose petals and lavender buds for a soothing experience.
Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea (Blend, Global) – A refreshing blend of green tea, ginseng root, honey, and lemon, offering a light, energizing taste.
How to Choose the Right Tea?
With such an extensive list of teas, it can feel overwhelming to pick the perfect one for your needs. Each type of tea has its own unique flavor profile, health benefits, and ideal drinking occasions. Whether you're looking for an energy boost, relaxation, digestive support, or just something new to try, here are some helpful tips to guide you in choosing the right tea:
1. For an Energy Boost 🔥
If you need a natural pick-me-up to stay focused and alert , opt for teas that contain higher amounts of caffeine and L-theanine , which provide sustained energy without the jitters of coffee.
Black Tea (Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon) – A strong, robust tea with high caffeine content, perfect for starting your day.
Matcha (Japan) – A powdered green tea rich in antioxidants that provides a long-lasting, calm energy boost.
Yerba Mate (South America) – A herbal tea with naturally high caffeine, known for enhancing focus and mental clarity.
Oolong Tea (Tieguanyin, Dong Ding, Da Hong Pao) – Offers a moderate caffeine boost with a smooth, lingering energy effect.
2. For Relaxation & Stress Relief 🌿
Need a break from a stressful day? Some teas contain natural calming properties that help soothe the mind and body.
Chamomile Tea – A classic herbal tea with mild sedative effects, great for promoting restful sleep.
Lavender Tea – Known for its floral aroma and stress-relieving benefits, it helps reduce anxiety and tension.
White Tea (Silver Needle, Bai Mu Dan) – The most delicate of all teas, with low caffeine and high antioxidants, perfect for a gentle relaxation session.
Lemon Balm Tea – A mild, citrusy tea that eases stress and promotes a sense of calm.
3. For Digestion & Gut Health 🩺
If you're experiencing bloating, indigestion, or discomfort after meals, these teas can aid digestion and soothe the stomach.
Pu-erh Tea (Sheng & Shou) – A fermented tea that breaks down fats and improves digestion, often enjoyed after meals.
Ginger Tea – A spicy, warming tea that helps relieve nausea, bloating, and digestive issues.
Peppermint Tea – Known for its cooling, soothing properties, it helps relieve gas, cramping, and bloating.
Fennel Tea – A slightly sweet, licorice-like tea that aids in digestion and reduces stomach discomfort.
4. For Weight Loss & Metabolism Boost ⚖️
Certain teas are known to enhance metabolism, burn fat, and support weight management when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Green Tea (Sencha, Longjing, Gyokuro) – Contains catechins and caffeine, which help boost metabolism and fat oxidation.
Oolong Tea (Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dan Cong, Shui Xian) – A semi-oxidized tea that aids fat burning and digestion.
Pu-erh Tea – Helps regulate blood sugar and break down fat, making it popular for weight loss.
Rooibos Tea – While caffeine-free, it contains polyphenols that help reduce stress hormones related to weight gain.
5. For Immune Support & Wellness 💪
To strengthen your immune system and fight off colds, consider teas packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Hibiscus Tea – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, great for supporting the immune system.
Elderberry Tea – A deeply purple, fruity tea that helps combat colds and flu symptoms.
Turmeric Tea – A warming, golden tea with powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Goji Berry Tea – A slightly sweet, nutrient-dense tea packed with vitamins that help keep your body strong.
6. For Unique & Exotic Flavors 🎭
If you're looking for something different, these rare and exotic teas offer complex, bold flavors and rich aromas.
Wuyi Rock Tea (China) – Famous for its mineral-rich, roasted flavor, grown in rocky mountain regions.
Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe, China) – A legendary oolong with a deep, smoky, and caramel-like taste, known as the "Emperor of Teas."
Phoenix Dan Cong (China) – A unique oolong with fruity, floral, and honey-like notes, each batch having a distinct profile.
Milk Oolong (Jin Xuan, Taiwan) – Naturally creamy and smooth, with buttery, floral undertones.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (Thailand) – A bright blue herbal tea that changes color with lemon juice, known for its fun visual effect and earthy taste.
Final Thoughts
This 100 types of tea guide offers a comprehensive look at the incredible variety of teas available, each with its own unique flavor profile, history, and cultural significance. Whether you enjoy the delicate sweetness of white tea, the bold richness of black tea, the smooth complexity of oolong, or the aromatic allure of herbal infusions, this tea names list provides endless possibilities for tea enthusiasts of all levels.
Tea is more than just a beverage—it is a window into centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and culture. Every tea-growing region in the world has its own special way of cultivating, processing, and preparing tea, resulting in a diverse range of flavors and aromas that can transport you to different parts of the globe with every sip. From the misty mountains of China’s Fujian province to the rolling hills of India’s Darjeeling, from the sun-kissed fields of Sri Lanka to the serene tea gardens of Japan, each cup of tea carries the essence of its origins.
Beyond its cultural significance, tea also offers numerous health benefits. Many teas are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for boosting immunity, improving digestion, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for a morning energy boost, an afternoon refreshment, or an evening wind-down, there is a perfect tea to complement every moment of your day.
As you explore these popular teas, don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and try new flavors, blends, and brewing methods. Experimenting with different teas can be an exciting journey—one that allows you to refine your palate, deepen your appreciation for tea, and uncover hidden gems that become personal favorites.
Tea is more than just a drink; it is an art, a ritual, and a lifestyle. It brings people together, fosters mindfulness, and provides a moment of peace in the midst of a hectic world. Whether you’re sipping alone in quiet reflection or sharing a pot of tea with friends and family, every cup has the power to create memories, connections, and a sense of well-being.
So go ahead— brew, sip, and explore. The world of tea is vast, and there is always another cup waiting to be discovered. 🍵✨
Author: Camille Liu
Camille comes from an extended tea-making family, which has passed on their knowledge from generation to generation. At Red Rock Tea House, our story continues through Camille. She has been cultivating tea at her family farm for over 100 years! This heritage continues today at our company!
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