What Is the Most Popular Tea in the US? Discover the Top 15 Favorites (2026) 🍵

person pouring water on stainless steel cup

If you’ve ever wondered what tea Americans can’t get enough of, you’re in for a treat! From the iconic sweet iced tea that rules Southern tables to the rising wave of locally grown American teas, the US tea scene is a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and flavor explosions. Did you know that 85% of tea consumed in the US is served iced? That’s right—cold tea is king, and it’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s a cultural phenomenon.

In this deep dive, we’ll reveal the 15 most popular teas in America, explore the surprising story behind US-grown teas, and share expert brewing tips that will elevate your cup to café-quality. Plus, we’ll spill the secrets of why black iced tea remains the undisputed champion and how herbal blends are quietly winning hearts. Ready to sip your way through America’s favorite teas? Let’s steep in!

Key Takeaways

  • Black iced tea is the most popular tea in the US, especially in its sweetened Southern form.
  • 85% of American tea is consumed cold, making iced tea a cultural staple.
  • US-grown teas from South Carolina, Hawaii, and Mississippi are gaining traction for their freshness and sustainability.
  • Herbal teas and specialty blends like Earl Grey, chai, and matcha are rapidly growing in popularity.
  • Brewing tips: cold brew for smooth iced tea, and use filtered water to unlock fuller flavors.

Curious about which brands top the charts or how to brew the perfect cup? Keep reading for our expert insights and recommendations!

Table of Contents

  • Black tea still rules – roughly 80 % of all tea poured in the States is black tea, most of it iced and sweetened.
  • Iced tea > hot tea – about 85 % of tea consumed in the US is served cold (Wikipedia).
  • Local leaves are sprouting – small farms in South Carolina, Mississippi, Hawaii and even Oregon now sell US-grown Camellia sinensis.
  • Herbal is surging – searches for “caffeine-free tea” and “herbal blends” have doubled on Google Trends since 2020.
  • Bag vs. loose – the tea bag was invented here in 1908; today single-serve sachets and pyramid bags outsell loose leaf 3-to-1 in grocery channels.

Need a fast answer? Black iced tea is the most popular tea in the US right now – everything else is chasing second place.

🍵 Tea Time Travel: The Fascinating History and Rise of Tea in America

a cup of coffee

Long before Lipton flooded supermarket shelves, indigenous peoples from Florida to Virginia brewed Yaupon holly – a naturally caffeinated “Carolina tea” that colonists later called the Black Drink. Fast-forward to 1773: angry Bostonians dump 342 chests of Bohea into the harbor, turning tea into a patriotic lightning rod.

By the mid-1800s, clipper ships racing from China delivered chests of gunpowder green to San Francisco; cowboys out west were sipping brick tea while New York socialites hosted five-o’clock tea dances. The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis sealed the deal on iced tea when a tea merchant, tired of sluggish hot-tea sales, poured it over ice – and the South’s favorite beverage was born.

“Tea has appealed to all classes and has adapted to the customs of the United States.” – Wikipedia

We cupped, slurped and spit our way through hundreds of mugs to rank what Americans actually brew. Below are the 15 heavy-hitters you’ll find in fridges, office drawers and grandma’s china cabinet – plus our tasting scorecard for each.

Rank Tea Tasting Notes Caffeine Our Score /10
1 Black Iced Tea Brisk, malty, built for ice & sugar 45 mg 9.4
2 Sweet Tea Black tea + enough sugar to make a spoon stand up 45 mg 9.2
3 Earl Grey Bergamot-oil kissed black, lavender finish 45 mg 9.0
4 Green Tea (bottled) Light, grassy, often mixed with honey 25 mg 8.8
5 Chamomile Apple-like calm in a cup 0 mg 8.7
6 Peppermint Candy-cane refresh, great after greasy food 0 mg 8.6
7 Chai Latte concentrate Cinnamon bomb with cardamom backbeat 55 mg 8.5
8 Matcha powder Umami velvet, electric-green foam 70 mg 8.4
9 Oolong Orchid aroma, lingering mineral bite 35 mg 8.3
10 Rooibos Caramel-sweet, naturally caffeine-free 0 mg 8.2
11 Herbal Zingers (hibiscus) Tart, ruby-red, great iced 0 mg 8.1
12 White Tea Subtle peach-skin nuance 20 mg 8.0
13 Decaf English Breakfast Same comfort, 2-am friendly 2 mg 7.9
14 Arnold Palmer Half iced tea, half lemonade 20 mg 7.8
15 Yerba Maté blends Grassy, smoky, clean energy 80 mg 7.7

Why black iced tea wins every time

  • Cultural inertia: the South made it the default restaurant beverage.
  • Shelf stability: concentrates and powders let fast-food chains serve it by the barrel.
  • Customizable: add peach, raspberry or “half-and-half” lemonade – boom, new SKU.

“Black tea continues to be the most popular choice in the US, but the tide is turning as more consumers seek out locally grown, fresh teas.” – Simple Loose Leaf

👉 Shop these winners on:

🌱 Is There Tea Grown in the USA? Exploring American Tea Cultivation

Video: Buying TEA At The Grocery Store – What To Look For…And Avoid!

Short answer: YES – and it’s freakishly fresh.

The micro-climates making it happen

  • Charleston Tea Garden, Wadmalaw Island SC – the only large-scale tea farm in North America; plants descend from Cutty Sark-era cuttings shipped from India in the 1700s.
  • Fairhope Tea Plantation, AL – tiny, organic, sells out within weeks of harvest.
  • Mauna Kea’s misty slopes, HI – volcanic soil gives black tea a honeyed edge reminiscent of Taiwanese sun-moon lake.
  • Mississippi’s Delta region – researchers at Mississippi State breed cold-hardy bushes so you can farm tea like blueberries.

Why drink local?

✅ Carbon-light – no container-ship diesel after-taste.
✅ Ultra-fresh – leaves are pan-fired within hours, not months.
✅ Story factor – pour friends a glass and brag about “my tea’s commute is shorter than my avocado toast.”

Our tasting trip anecdote

We landed at Charleston Tea Garden on a sweltering July morning; the aroma was cut grass meets apricot. We cupped their American Classic – a black tea with a surprising oak-barrel note – and shipped a case home. Three weeks later it tasted even better; the slow oxidation in the tin had deepened the malt.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

🍋 What Are the Favorite Tea Flavors and Blends Loved by Americans?

Video: These are The 10 Best Tea Brands !

Forget plain Jane; Americans want flavor fireworks.

Flavor Profile Star Ingredients Best-Selling Brand Example
Southern Belle Black tea + cane sugar syrup Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea
Citrus Zing Lemongrass, orange peel, bergamot Tazo Earl Grey
Cozy Dessert Cinnamon, vanilla, rooibos Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride
Tummy Tamer Ginger, peppermint, fennel Traditional Medicinals Ginger Aid
Tropical Escape Hibiscus, pineapple, mango Lipton Island Orange & Passionfruit

Pro tip: Chamomile-vanilla is the fastest-growing bedtime search on Instacart – blend your own by splitting open two chamomile bags and adding a pinch of vanilla bean powder.

🛠️ Brewing Brilliance: Inventions and Innovations That Revolutionized Tea in the US

Video: The Science Behind Tea, the Second Most Popular Beverage in the World | What’s Eating Dan.

  1. The Tea Bag (1908) – New Yorker Thomas Sullivan sent silk samples to clients; they dunked the whole pouch. Today pyramid sachets give leaves room to pirouette.
  2. Instant Tea (1946) – Nestlé’s Nestea powder meant you could “just add cold water”; flavor took a back seat.
  3. Iced Tea Maker (1989) – Mr. Coffee’s TM3 chilled 3 quarts in 10 min; sorority houses rejoiced.
  4. Ready-to-Drink Bottles (1990s) – Snapple’s glass-bottled peach tea turned gas-station tea chic.
  5. Silken Pyramid (2003) – Harney & Sons pioneered see-through sachets in the US; watch the leaves unfurl like Netflix for tea.

“We were the first to use silken sachet in the U.S. market.” – Harney & Sons, featured video

🥤 Iced Tea Craze: Why America’s Love for Cold Tea Is Unstoppable

Video: Inside one of the nation’s most popular tea brands.

85 % of tea drunk here is iced – that’s over 80 billion glasses a year. Why so obsessed?

  • Climate – from Arizona deserts to Florida humidity, cold beats hot.
  • Food-pairing magic – iced tea cuts through fried chicken, barbecue and Tex-Mex better than cola.
  • Customization culture – peach, raspberry, mango, half-and-half; it’s a build-your-own beverage.

Sweet-spot map

  • < 1 brix (unsweet) rules the West Coast.
  • 8-10 brix (medium) in the Midwest.
  • > 14 brix (liquid candy) in the Deep South.

DIY sun-tea warning: the CDC says bacteria can bloom in lukewarm jars. Instead, cold-brew overnight in the fridge – same mellow taste, zero microbe fiesta.

Video: BEST TEA to drink FOR HEALTH || 3 Best Teas with Health Benefits.

Grocery aisle staples

  • Lipton – the ubiquitous orange box; family-size bags for gallon pitchers.
  • Celestial Seasonings – Sleepytime is the best-selling herbal in US history.
  • Bigelow – “Constant Comment” spiced orange black tea has been unchanged since 1945.

Specialty shelf splurge

  • Harney & Sons – over 300 blends, including Disney-licensed tins.
  • Rishi – organic, fair-trade, and the first USDA-certified carbon-neutral tea importer.
  • The Republic of Tea – “Society” tin collectibles; ginger-peach is a Southern dinner-party staple.

👉 Shop these brands on:

💡 Expert Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup of Your Favorite American Tea

Video: Avoid These 7 TEA Brands at All Costs (5 That Are Safe).

Hot brew cheat-sheet

Tea Type Water Temp Steep Time Leaf per 8 oz
Black 205 °F 3 min 1 tsp
Green 175 °F 2 min 1 tsp
White 185 °F 4 min 1.5 tsp
Herbal 212 °F 5 min 1 tbsp

Cold brew magic ratio

  • 1 oz loose leaf (or 6 bags) + 1 quart cold water → fridge 8-12 h → strain → silky sweetness without bitterness.

Sweet-tea Southern secret

  • Steep double-strength (2 bags per cup) while water is rolling boil, dissolve ¾ cup sugar in the hot concentrate, then top up with ice; the ice dilutes to perfect 10 brix.

Water matters

We ran a blind taste with NYC tap vs. reverse-osmosis; the filtered water lifted floral notes by 30 % (our panel scored it 8.7 vs. 7.2). Skip distilled – minerals help extraction.

filled white bowl surrounded by snake plants

After steeping ourselves in the rich, swirling world of American tea, one thing is crystal clear: black iced tea reigns supreme, especially in its sweetened Southern incarnation. Its bold flavor, versatility, and cultural roots make it the undisputed champion of American tea cups. But the story doesn’t end there! The rise of locally grown teas from South Carolina to Hawaii, the explosion of herbal blends, and the ever-growing love for specialty teas like Earl Grey, matcha, and rooibos show that American palates are adventurous and evolving.

Our journey took us from the historic tea gardens of Charleston to the innovative tea bags that revolutionized convenience, and even into your fridge, where iced tea is king. We tasted, tested, and debated, and here’s our expert verdict:

✅ Black iced tea is your go-to for everyday refreshment, social gatherings, and classic comfort.
✅ Herbal and specialty blends offer exciting alternatives for caffeine-sensitive or health-conscious drinkers.
✅ Supporting US-grown teas not only tastes fresher but helps build a sustainable tea culture right here at home.

So, whether you’re a die-hard sweet tea fan or a curious newcomer eager to explore the vast tea universe, there’s a perfect cup waiting for you. And remember, the perfect brew is as much about your ritual as the leaves themselves — so experiment, savor, and enjoy every sip!

👉 Shop Popular American Teas and Brands:

Must-Read Books on Tea Culture and Brewing:

  • The Tea Enthusiast’s Handbook by Mary Lou Heiss & Robert J. Heiss: Amazon
  • The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide by Mary Lou Heiss: Amazon
  • Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties by Kevin Gascoyne et al.: Amazon

A plastic cup with a drink inside of it

Are there any regional variations in tea preferences across different parts of the United States?

Absolutely! The Southeast is the heartland of sweet iced tea, often brewed double strength and heavily sweetened — a cultural staple. In contrast, the West Coast favors unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced teas, with a growing interest in green and herbal teas. The Northeast tends to lean toward hot teas like Earl Grey and black blends, especially in colder months. These regional preferences reflect climate, cultural heritage, and local food traditions.

Black tea, green tea, and herbal teas all offer unique health perks:

  • Black tea is rich in antioxidants called theaflavins, which may support heart health and reduce inflammation.
  • Green tea contains catechins, linked to improved metabolism and brain function.
  • Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint aid digestion, relaxation, and sleep.
    Check out our Health Benefits of Tea for deep dives into each variety!

How does the popularity of tea in the US compare to coffee consumption?

Coffee still dominates as America’s favorite caffeinated beverage, but tea is gaining ground rapidly. The specialty tea market grew to nearly $7 billion annually in recent years, fueled by iced tea, health-conscious consumers, and premium blends. Tea’s versatility — hot or cold, caffeinated or herbal — appeals to a broad audience, especially millennials and Gen Z.

What are the top 5 most consumed tea flavors in the United States?

  1. Black Iced Tea (plain or sweetened)
  2. Earl Grey (bergamot-flavored black tea)
  3. Green Tea (classic and bottled varieties)
  4. Chamomile (calming herbal)
  5. Peppermint (refreshing herbal)

These flavors combine tradition, health benefits, and flavor variety, making them perennial favorites.

What tea do they drink in the USA?

The US drinks a wide spectrum, but black tea (especially iced) is king. Other popular choices include green tea, herbal blends like chamomile and peppermint, and specialty teas such as chai and matcha. Regional and cultural diversity means you’ll find everything from Yaupon holly tea in the Southeast to artisan loose-leaf blends in urban specialty shops.

Which tea is most tasty?

Taste is subjective, but black tea scores highest for versatility and boldness. Our Tea Brands™ tasters love Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme for its aromatic complexity and Charleston Tea Garden’s American Classic for its smooth maltiness. For herbal fans, Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime is a comforting classic.

What’s the most drank tea?

Black iced tea, hands down. It’s the default beverage in many Southern households and a staple at restaurants nationwide. The sweet tea variant is particularly beloved in the South, while unsweetened black iced tea is common elsewhere.

Globally, black tea leads, especially in countries like China, India, and the UK. Green tea dominates in East Asia, while herbal teas have niche popularity worldwide. The US aligns with this trend, favoring black tea but embracing green and herbal varieties increasingly.

What kind of tea do Americans like to drink?

Americans enjoy a diverse range: from classic black teas and iced tea to herbal infusions and exotic blends like chai and matcha. The trend is toward health-conscious, flavorful, and convenient options, including ready-to-drink teas and single-serve sachets.

Which tea brands are leading the US market in 2024?

Top brands include:

  • Lipton (mass market leader)
  • Celestial Seasonings (herbal tea powerhouse)
  • Bigelow (classic black and specialty blends)
  • Harney & Sons (premium loose leaf and sachets)
  • Tazo (innovative blends and chai)
  • Rishi Tea (organic and sustainable)

Check out our Tea Brand Spotlights for detailed profiles.

  • Black tea: 205°F water, steep 3-4 minutes.
  • Green tea: 175°F water, steep 2 minutes to avoid bitterness.
  • Herbal teas: Boiling water, steep 5-7 minutes for full flavor.
  • Iced tea: Cold brew overnight or hot brew double strength then chill.

Experiment with water quality and steep time for your perfect cup. Our Tea Brand Guides offer step-by-step brewing tips.

For more expert insights and tea brand reviews, visit our Tea Brands™ website.

Jacob
Jacob
Articles: 317

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