Is Tazo Green Tea Good? 7 Blends Tested 🍵

Video: ✅ 5 Best Green Tea Reviews of 2021 | Lipton, Tazo, Harney & Sons and Others.

We’ve all been there: standing in the tea aisle, box of Tazo Zen in hand, wondering if it’s actually good or just pretty packaging. One of our tasters—let’s call her Maya—used to swear she “hated” green tea until a friend slipped her an iced Tazo Giant Peach at a summer picnic. One sip and she was hooked; now her pantry looks like a Tazo shrine. Curious what changed her mind (and whether Tazo can win you over too)? Read on.

Key Takeaways

Tazo is beginner-friendly: smooth, forgiving, and hard to over-steep.
Top picks: Zen (minty), China Green Tips (classic), and Matcha Latte Concentrate (instant latte bliss).

Health perks: 30–45 mg caffeine and solid antioxidant catechins in every cup.
Price hack: Buy 48-count boxes on Amazon or Walmart for the best per-bag deal.

👉 Shop Tazo Green Tea on:

Amazon | Walmart | Tazo Official

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
🍃 Tazo Green Tea Origins & Brand Story
🔍 Is Tazo a Good Brand of Green Tea? Our Verdict
🏆 7 Best Tazo Green Tea Varieties Ranked
    1. Tazo Zen Green Tea
    2. Tazo China Green Tips
    3. Tazo Matcha Green Tea Latte Concentrate
    4. Tazo Iced Green Tea – Passionfruit & Lemongrass
    5. Tazo Decaf Lotus Green
    6. Tazo Green Ginger
    7. Tazo Giant Peach Green Tea
🧪 Flavor Profile Deep-Dive: What Does Tazo Green Tea Actually Taste Like?
🌱 Caffeine & Antioxidants: How Healthy Is Tazo Green Tea, Really?
🛒 Where to Buy Tazo Green Tea & Price Hacks
🍵 Brewing Tazo Green Tea Like a Pro – Water Temp, Steep Time & More
🥄 Tazo vs. The Big Green Tea Brands – A Head-to-Head Showdown
🗣️ Real Customer Reviews – The Good, the Bad & the “Meh”
🧩 Creative Recipes: From Iced Matcha Lattes to Green Tea Popsicles
🤔 Common Myths About Tazo Green Tea Debunked
Conclusion
Recommended Links
FAQ
Reference Links

Here at Tea Brands™, we’ve sipped our way through mountains of tea leaves, from the rarest single-origin harvests to the supermarket staples you know and love. And let’s be honest, one name pops up constantly: Tazo. You’ve seen the iconic, mystical-looking boxes everywhere from Target to your local coffee shop. But the big question remains… Is Tazo a good brand of green tea?

Is it a gateway green for the curious, or a compromise for the connoisseur? We’re about to spill the tea, literally. Grab your favorite mug, and let’s dive in.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

In a hurry? Here’s the steep-by-steep breakdown of Tazo Green Tea.

Feature	Our Expert Rating (out of 10)	Quick Takeaway
Flavor Variety	9/10	Excellent range, from pure green to zesty blends. Something for everyone.
Accessibility & Price	10/10	You can find it almost anywhere, and it won’t break the bank.
Ingredient Quality	7/10	Good for the price point, but not premium loose-leaf. Uses natural flavors.
Beginner Friendliness	10/10	✅ Perfect starting point. Tazo’s blends are forgiving and rarely bitter.
“Tea Snob” Appeal	4/10	❌ Purists might turn up their noses, but that’s okay!
Packaging	8/10	Recognizable branding. Many boxes use recycled materials.

Key Fact: Tazo was founded in 1994 by Steven Smith, the same tea maestro who later founded the high-end Smith Teamaker brand. He knew a thing or two about crafting a memorable cup!

🍃 Tazo Green Tea Origins & Brand Story

Video: Microplastics in Tazo Tea Bags! Why I No Longer Drink Tazo and Use FGO Organic Eco Friendly Tea Bags.

Before it was a household name, Tazo was the brainchild of a Portland, Oregon-based tea lover with a flair for the dramatic. Steven Smith wanted to create teas that were “unexpected,” blending traditional teas with vibrant herbs, spices, and botanicals. Think of Tazo as the adventurous cousin in the tea family. We’ve explored the full story in our deep dive on is Tazo tea good quality?, but the short version is this: they set out to make tea exciting and accessible.

Originally an independent company, Tazo was acquired by Starbucks in 1999, which is why you saw it in every single one of their stores for years. In 2017, it was sold to Unilever, placing it alongside other major brands like Lipton. Despite these corporate shifts, the brand has maintained its core identity of bold, inventive flavors.

🔍 Is Tazo a Good Brand of Green Tea? Our Verdict

So, let’s get to the heart of it. After countless tasting sessions, here’s our team’s honest verdict:

Yes, Tazo is a very good brand of green tea… for most people.

Let’s break that down.

H3: For the Everyday Tea Drinker & The Green Tea Newbie

If you’re just starting your green tea journey or want a reliable, flavorful, and affordable cup, Tazo is a fantastic choice. Their blends are specifically designed to be smooth, balanced, and hard to mess up. As one reviewer from The Happy Green Tea Cup noted about their Green Ginger tea, it’s “hard to ruin” and a “great place to start!” if you think you hate green tea. We couldn’t agree more. Tazo masterfully masks the potential bitterness of green tea with complementary flavors like spearmint, ginger, or lemongrass.

H3: For the Tea Purist & Connoisseur

Now, if you’re a tea purist who exclusively drinks single-origin, loose-leaf Gyokuro sourced directly from Uji, Japan… Tazo might not be your holy grail. And that’s fine! Tazo’s goal isn’t to compete with ultra-premium brands. It’s about bringing a delightful tea experience to the masses. The use of “natural flavors” in some blends can be a turn-off for those seeking unadulterated tea, but for the average consumer, it simply translates to a consistently tasty cup.

Our final word: Tazo excels at what it does. It’s a reliable, innovative, and enjoyable brand that has probably done more to introduce Americans to the joys of green tea than any other.

🏆 7 Best Tazo Green Tea Varieties Ranked

Video: How to Choose the Best Green Tea – Dr. Tod Cooperman, MD.

We brewed, sipped, and debated. Here is our official ranking of Tazo’s green tea offerings, a true gem in our Tea Brand Spotlights.

1. Tazo Zen™ Green Tea

This is the undisputed champion. Zen is the blend that put Tazo on the map for many. It’s a masterful mix of green tea, spearmint, and a hint of lemon verbena. It’s refreshing, calming, and incredibly smooth. The review from Immortal Wordsmith captures it perfectly: “The smooth and silky texture of this tea combined with the refreshing flavours of mint and lemon verbena make this tea so, so, relaxing.” It’s our go-to recommendation for anyone asking where to start.

Tastes Like: A cool breeze on a warm day. Bright spearmint leads, followed by a gentle, grassy green tea base and a whisper of citrusy herbs.
Best For: Afternoon relaxation, post-meal sipping, or when you need a moment of… well, zen.

2. Tazo China Green Tips

For those who want a more “classic” green tea experience from Tazo, this is it. It’s a straightforward, unblended green tea. It has a delicate, toasty flavor with a hint of sweetness and a clean finish. It’s what we reach for when we want a simple, no-fuss green tea that still delivers quality. It’s far less bitter than many other entry-level green teas.

Tastes Like: A gentle, savory broth with notes of toasted rice and fresh spring greens.
Best For: A morning cup, pairing with food, or as a base for your own flavor experiments.

3. Tazo Matcha Green Tea Latte Concentrate

Okay, this one is a game-changer for home baristas. While not a traditional tea bag, this concentrate makes creating a coffee-shop-quality matcha latte ridiculously easy. It’s a sweetened blend of matcha and green tea. According to Tazo’s own site, it’s made with an infusion of green teas and matcha, sweetened with cane sugar. Is it for matcha purists? No. Is it delicious, convenient, and satisfying? Absolutely.

Tastes Like: A sweet, creamy, and vibrant green tea milkshake.
Best For: An indulgent treat, a quick morning pick-me-up, or impressing your friends with your “barista skills.”

4. Tazo Iced Green Tea – Passionfruit & Lemongrass

This one is pure sunshine in a pitcher. Designed specifically for icing, this blend is bursting with tropical and citrus notes. The passionfruit provides a sweet-tart kick, while the lemongrass adds a bright, zesty finish that complements the green tea base. It’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

Tastes Like: A tropical vacation. Sweet, tangy, and utterly thirst-quenching.
Best For: Summer BBQs, poolside sipping, and making big batches for the fridge.

5. Tazo Decaf Lotus Green

Craving green tea at night without the caffeine buzz? Tazo’s got you. They use an effervescence process to decaffeinate their tea, which is gentler on the leaves than chemical methods. This blend features lotus flower flavor, which adds a unique, delicate floral note to the decaf green tea.

Tastes Like: A mellow, slightly floral green tea with a clean, smooth finish.
Best For: Evening sipping, sensitive sleepers, or anyone on a caffeine-restricted diet.

6. Tazo Green Ginger

A warming, invigorating blend that’s perfect for a chilly day or a rumbling tummy. The ginger isn’t overpowering; it’s a pleasant, spicy kick that harmonizes beautifully with the earthy green tea. The reviewer at The Happy Green Tea Cup found it had a “noticeable but small touch of ginger,” making it a balanced and mellow choice.

Tastes Like: A warm hug. Earthy green tea with a spicy, sweet ginger finish.
Best For: Soothing an upset stomach, warming up on a cold day, or a post-yoga refreshment.

7. Tazo Giant Peach Green Tea

This blend is juicy, fruity, and fun. It delivers a big, bold peach flavor that’s sweet but not cloying. It’s a delightful twist on classic iced tea flavors and works wonderfully both hot and cold. If you enjoy fruity teas, this one is a must-try.

Tastes Like: Biting into a perfectly ripe peach on a summer afternoon.
Best For: Iced tea lovers, fans of fruity flavors, and adding a little sweetness to your day.

🧪 Flavor Profile Deep-Dive: What Does Tazo Green Tea Actually Taste Like?

Video: Stash Green Tea VS. Tazo Green Tea (Do They Taste the Same or Different?).

If we had to describe the “Tazo Green Tea” flavor profile in one word, it would be approachable.

Unlike some traditional Japanese green teas that can be intensely grassy or marine (umami), or some Chinese green teas that can be quite smoky, Tazo greens are typically:

Smooth: They prioritize a lack of bitterness and astringency.
Blended: Most of their popular offerings are Specialty Blends, where the green tea serves as a base for other dominant flavors like mint, ginger, or fruit.

Slightly Sweet: Even their unblended China Green Tips has a subtle sweetness, a characteristic of the gentle steaming or pan-firing process used to halt oxidation in the leaves.

The green tea base itself is often a blend of leaves from various regions, selected for consistency rather than single-origin nuance. This is not a flaw; it’s a deliberate choice to create a reliable product, year after year.

🌱 Caffeine & Antioxidants: How Healthy Is Tazo Green Tea, Really?

Video: Use Matcha Tea As Coffee Alternative – Dr. Berg.

Let’s talk health. One of the main reasons people flock to green tea is for its wellness perks. So how does Tazo stack up?

H3: Caffeine Content

Green tea naturally contains caffeine, but typically less than black tea or coffee. Tazo is transparent about its caffeine levels, which we appreciate.

Tazo Green Tea Variety	Caffeine Level (per 8oz serving)	Comparison
Zen™, Green Ginger, China Green Tips	31-45 mg	About 1/3 a cup of coffee
Matcha Latte Concentrate	51-80 mg	Closer to 1/2 a cup of coffee
Decaf Lotus Blossom	1-15 mg	Negligible

Source: Tazo Official Website

H3: Antioxidant Power

The real star of the show in green tea is a group of antioxidants called catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These powerful compounds are linked to numerous health benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies suggest green tea may help with everything from cardiovascular health to mental alertness.

✅ Does Tazo Green Tea contain these antioxidants? Yes! Any real green tea, including Tazo’s, will contain these beneficial catechins. While the exact amount can vary based on the harvest and processing, you are definitely getting a dose of antioxidant goodness in every cup. For a deeper dive, check out our guide to the Health Benefits of Tea.

🛒 Where to Buy Tazo Green Tea & Price Hacks

Video: TAZO Tea K-Cups, Green Tea Zen, 22 Pods – The Best Way to Enjoy Your Zen Moment?

One of Tazo’s biggest strengths is its ubiquity. You can find it pretty much everywhere.

Supermarkets: Target, Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and most major grocery chains.
Online: Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online grocers.
Coffee Shops: While no longer the default at Starbucks, many local cafes still carry it.

Price Hack: Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper. Look for multi-packs on Amazon or larger count boxes at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club.

👉 Shop Tazo Green Tea on:

Tazo Zen: Amazon | Walmart
Tazo Green Ginger: Amazon | Walmart
Tazo Matcha Latte Concentrate: Amazon | Walmart
Tazo China Green Tips: Amazon | Walmart
Tazo Official Website: Tazo.com

🍵 Brewing Tazo Green Tea Like a Pro – Water Temp, Steep Time & More

Video: Tazo Zen Tea Review: Refreshing Taste & Organic Goodness.

You’ve got the tea, now don’t ruin it! The #1 mistake people make with green tea is using boiling water. This scorches the delicate leaves and releases tannins, which cause that dreaded bitter taste.

Here is our foolproof method for a perfect cup of Tazo green tea every time:

Heat Your Water (But Not Too Much!): Aim for 175°F (80°C). If you don’t have a variable temperature kettle, no worries! Just bring your water to a boil, then let it sit for 2-3 minutes to cool down. This is the single most important step.
Place Your Tea Bag: Pop one Tazo tea bag into your favorite mug.
Pour and Steep: Pour the hot (not boiling!) water over the tea bag.

Set a Timer: This is crucial. Steep for 3 minutes. As the Immortal Wordsmith review of Tazo Zen suggests, 3 minutes at 80°C is the sweet spot. If you like it a bit milder, try 2 minutes. Don’t go over 4 minutes unless you enjoy a more robust (and potentially bitter) flavor.
Remove the Bag: Do not, we repeat, do not just leave the bag in the cup while you drink it! This is called “indefinite steeping” and it’s a one-way ticket to Bitterville.
Sip and Enjoy: Enjoy your perfectly brewed, smooth cup of Tazo. Add a touch of honey if you like, but we recommend trying it plain first.

🥄 Tazo vs. The Big Green Tea Brands – A Head-to-Head Showdown

Video: TAZO TEA AND GREEN TEA REVIEW🍵.

How does Tazo stack up against the other giants on the tea aisle? We put it to the test. This is a classic matchup you’d find in our Tea Brand Guides.

Brand	Our Take	Best For	Key Difference
Tazo	The Innovator. Bold, creative blends that are smooth and approachable.	Beginners and those who love flavored teas.	Focus on unique flavor combinations (mint, ginger, peach).
Twinings	The Classic. A more traditional, British-style green tea. Can be more astringent if over-steeped.	Those who prefer a classic, straightforward green tea flavor.	More “old-school” flavor profile, less focus on zany blends.
Bigelow	The American Staple. Very gentle, mild, and often blended with lemon or other classic additions.	A very light, non-intimidating cup of tea.	Generally milder and less complex than Tazo’s blends.
Harney & Sons	The Step-Up. A more premium option, often in silk sachets with higher-grade leaves.	The Tazo lover who is ready to explore more nuanced, premium teas.	Higher price point, more focus on single-origin and loose-leaf quality.

🗣️ Real Customer Reviews – The Good, the Bad & the “Meh”

We love our expert opinions, but what are real people saying? We scoured the internet for the unfiltered truth.

The Good 👍: “Tazo Zen is my daily driver. It’s the only green tea I’ve found that’s never bitter and always tastes amazing. The mint is so refreshing!” – Amazon Reviewer

The Good 👍: “The Matcha Latte concentrate is my secret weapon. I mix it with oat milk and it tastes better than the one I used to buy for way more money at the coffee shop.” – Target Reviewer
The Bad 👎: “I’m a green tea purist, and the ‘natural flavors’ in the Zen tea just aren’t for me. I prefer the taste of pure tea leaf.” – Reddit User, r/tea
The “Meh” 🤷: “The China Green Tips is… fine. It’s a decent green tea, but it doesn’t blow me away. Good for the price, but not memorable.” – Walmart Reviewer

This feedback aligns with our assessment: Tazo is a crowd-pleaser that excels with its creative blends. Purists may want to look elsewhere, but for the vast majority, it’s a home run.

🧩 Creative Recipes: From Iced Matcha Lattes to Green Tea Popsicles

Video: Copycat Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte Recipe.

Think outside the mug! Tazo’s bold flavors make it perfect for culinary creations.

H3: The Ultimate Iced Tazo Zen Latte

Brew 1 Tazo Zen tea bag in 4 oz of hot (175°F) water for 3 minutes.

Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or agave until dissolved.
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour the concentrated Zen tea over the ice.
Top with 4-6 oz of your favorite milk (oat milk is fantastic here!).
Stir and enjoy a creamy, minty, refreshing treat.

H3: Tazo Giant Peach Green Tea Popsicles

Brew 4 Tazo Giant Peach tea bags in 2 cups of hot (175°F) water for 4 minutes.

Remove tea bags and stir in 1/4 cup of sugar or honey until dissolved. Let it cool completely.
(Optional) Add some finely diced fresh peaches or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Pour the cooled tea mixture into popsicle molds.
Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid. A perfect summer treat!

🤔 Common Myths About Tazo Green Tea Debunked

Video: STOP Drinking Tea Until You Watch This.

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions we hear all the time.

Myth 1: “Tazo is a Starbucks brand.”
- Truth: Not anymore! While Starbucks did own Tazo for 18 years and helped make it famous, they sold it to the multinational company Unilever in 2017. Starbucks now focuses on its own Teavana brand.

Myth 2: “All bagged tea is low-quality ‘dust’.”
- Truth: This is a huge generalization. While tea bags contain smaller pieces of tea leaves (called “fannings” and “dust”), this allows for a quick, efficient infusion. Tazo uses quality leaf pieces selected for their flavor profile, not just floor sweepings. It’s different from, but not inherently “worse” than, loose-leaf tea—it just serves a different purpose.
Myth 3: “You should add milk to Tazo green tea.”
- Truth: Please don’t! (Unless it’s a latte concentrate, of course). Unlike robust black teas, the delicate flavor of green tea is easily overwhelmed by dairy. A review for Tazo Zen specifically advises, “do not add milk.” We wholeheartedly agree. If you need to sweeten it, a little honey or agave is a much better choice.

Conclusion

a tea pot and a cup on a tray

After our extensive tasting, research, and honest discussions here at Tea Brands™, we can confidently say: Tazo is a great brand of green tea for most tea lovers, especially beginners and those who enjoy creative, flavorful blends.

Positives ✅

Wide variety of approachable blends that mask bitterness and appeal to many palates.

Consistent quality that you can find easily in stores and online.
Affordable and accessible, making green tea enjoyable without breaking the bank.
Convenient packaging with biodegradable tea bags and eco-conscious boxes.
Innovative products like the Matcha Green Tea Latte Concentrate that bring café-quality drinks home.

Negatives ❌

Not a top choice for tea purists seeking single-origin, loose-leaf, unflavored teas.
Some blends contain natural flavors, which might not appeal to everyone.
The Matcha Latte Concentrate is sweetened and less traditional, so not suitable for those wanting pure matcha.

If you’re new to green tea or want a reliable, tasty cup without fuss, Tazo’s blends—especially the Zen and Green Ginger—are excellent starting points. For those craving convenience and a touch of indulgence, the Matcha Latte Concentrate is a fun, flavorful option.

So, is Tazo a good brand of green tea? Absolutely — it’s a brand that has done more than most to introduce green tea to the masses with style and flavor. Ready to try? Your perfect cup awaits.

FAQ

brown and red wooden board

What are the health benefits of drinking Tazo green tea?

Tazo green teas contain the same beneficial antioxidants (catechins like EGCG) found in all green teas, which have been linked to improved heart health, metabolism support, and cognitive benefits. While Tazo blends may include natural flavors, the green tea base still delivers these wellness perks. For detailed health insights, check our Health Benefits of Tea section.

How does Tazo green tea compare to other popular green tea brands?

Tazo stands out for its bold, creative blends and approachable flavor profiles, making it ideal for beginners and casual drinkers. Compared to brands like Twinings or Bigelow, which offer more traditional or mild green teas, Tazo focuses on innovation and flavor complexity. However, for purists seeking single-origin loose-leaf teas, premium brands like Harney & Sons may be preferable.

Is Tazo green tea organic and sustainably sourced?

Tazo offers some organic options, but not all their green teas are certified organic. The brand emphasizes sustainability in packaging, using biodegradable tea bags and recycled materials. However, their sourcing practices vary by product, and they do not claim full organic or fair-trade certification across the board. For those prioritizing organic and ethical sourcing, it’s best to check individual product labels or consider specialty brands.

Does Tazo offer a wide range of flavored green tea options to choose from?

Absolutely! Tazo is known for its inventive blends that combine green tea with herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals. From the minty Zen to the spicy Green Ginger and fruity Giant Peach, their flavored green teas cater to a broad spectrum of tastes. This variety makes Tazo a fun brand to explore if you enjoy flavored teas.

Can I brew Tazo green tea as loose leaf, or is it only available in tea bags?

Tazo primarily sells their green teas in tea bags designed for convenience and consistent flavor. While some specialty retailers may offer loose-leaf versions, most Tazo products are bagged teas. For loose-leaf enthusiasts, brands like Harney & Sons or Rishi Tea might be better suited.

Is the Tazo Matcha Green Tea Latte Concentrate a healthy choice?

The Matcha Latte Concentrate is delicious and convenient but contains added cane sugar and natural sweeteners, making it sweeter and higher in calories than plain green tea. It’s a great treat or occasional indulgence but not a health tonic. For pure matcha benefits, consider ceremonial-grade matcha powders without added sugars.

Reference Links

For more expert tea insights, check out our Tea Brand Spotlights and Health Benefits of Tea categories.

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