The Six Types of Tea: Understanding White, Green, Oolong, Black, Dark, and Herbal Teas
If you're new to the world of loose leaf tea, you might be surprised to learn that all true tea comes from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. What creates the incredible variety of flavors, colors, and aromas we enjoy comes down to how the leaves are processed after harvest. Let's explore the six main categories of tea and what makes each one unique.
1. White Tea: The Delicate Beginning
White tea is the least processed of all teas, made from young leaves and buds that are simply withered and dried. This minimal processing preserves the tea's natural sweetness and delicate flavor profile.
Flavor Profile: Light, subtle, slightly sweet with floral notes
Caffeine Level: Low
Best For: Those who prefer gentle, nuanced flavors and a calming experience
2. Green Tea: Fresh and Grassy
Green tea leaves are heated soon after picking to prevent oxidation, preserving their green color and fresh, vegetal character. The heating method varies by region—Chinese green teas are typically pan-fired, while Japanese varieties are steamed.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, grassy, vegetal, sometimes nutty or sweet
Caffeine Level: Low to moderate
Best For: Daily drinking, those seeking antioxidant benefits, and fans of crisp, refreshing flavors
3. Oolong Tea: The Perfect Middle Ground
Oolong is partially oxidized, falling somewhere between green and black tea. The oxidation level can range from 10% to 80%, creating an incredible spectrum of flavors. Lighter oolongs taste closer to green tea, while darker ones approach black tea territory.
Flavor Profile: Complex and varied—can be floral, fruity, creamy, or roasted
Caffeine Level: Moderate
Best For: Tea enthusiasts who enjoy complexity and multiple steeps from the same leaves
Speaking of multiple steeps, check out our guide on 8 clever ways to steep loose-leaf tea to get the most from your oolong leaves.
4. Black Tea: Bold and Robust
Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a dark color, robust flavor, and longer shelf life. It's the most popular tea in the Western world and forms the base of classic blends like English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
Flavor Profile: Bold, malty, sometimes fruity or spicy
Caffeine Level: Moderate to high
Best For: Morning energy, those who enjoy strong flavors, and anyone transitioning from coffee
Want to master your brewing technique? Read our step-by-step guide on how to brew the perfect cup, every time.
5. Dark Tea (Pu-erh): The Aged Wonder
Dark tea, including the famous pu-erh from China's Yunnan province, undergoes a unique fermentation process. Some varieties are aged for years or even decades, developing deep, earthy, complex flavors over time.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, smooth, sometimes woody or mushroom-like
Caffeine Level: Moderate
Best For: Adventurous tea drinkers and those interested in digestive benefits
6. Herbal Tea (Tisanes): Not Tea, But Delicious
Here's where we break the rules: herbal "teas" aren't technically tea at all since they don't come from Camellia sinensis. Instead, they're infusions of herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. This category includes chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, and fruit infusions.
Flavor Profile: Incredibly varied—fruity, floral, minty, spicy, or earthy
Caffeine Level: Naturally caffeine-free (unless blended with true tea)
Best For: Evening relaxation, those avoiding caffeine, and anyone seeking specific herbal benefits
Take our Blueberry Bliss, for example—a naturally sweet fruit infusion that's packed with flavor and wellness benefits. Learn more about the surprising benefits of fruit infusion tea and discover why fruit infusion tea matters for your daily wellness routine. Plus, you'll love that it's naturally sweet without any added sugar.
Finding Your Perfect Cup
The beauty of loose leaf tea is that there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the delicate whisper of white tea, the bold wake-up call of black tea, or the naturally sweet comfort of fruit infusions, each type offers its own unique experience.
We recommend starting with a variety sampler to discover which types resonate with your palate. Pay attention to how different teas make you feel at different times of day—you might find that a energizing black tea is perfect for mornings, while a soothing herbal blend becomes your evening ritual.
For more inspiration on making tea part of your daily life, explore our 3 rituals to elevate your tea experience.
Ready to explore? Browse our collection and start your journey through the wonderful world of tea.
