EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Each box includes large sample of up to 36 tea bags
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First box arrives with a steeping tea mug
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Choice of assortments, caffeine-free, full-leaf, green or wellness blends
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Monthly shipment calendar available for viewing prior to purchase
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Inexpensive compared to other subscriptions
Cons:
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No personalization options
Hello, citizen—have you heard of The Republic of Tea? Known for their premium brews and staggering number of blends (we’re talking over 400 flavors), The Republic of Tea may be the most well-known brand on this list. This tea subscription box is excellent for explorers, given that each month’s shipment comes with one of their gourmet samplers. Those that prefer a more tailored approach can try their other subscriptions, including a caffeine-free version, black tea, green tea, full-leaf varieties or wellness blends.
Choose between a six or 12 month subscription. Each box contains up to 36 bags, but most commonly they come in an assortment of 24 bags. One of the things I appreciate most about this subscription is that there’s a calendar available right on the listing page, so you can see what each month offers before you purchase. No matter which subscription you choose, the first month comes with a Daily Green Dancing Leaves Mug and steeper set, which is a very thoughtful inclusion.
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
I’ve tried many of their flavors over the years, but their double matcha green tea is my favorite. While brewing, it offers that beautiful green hue that the tea is famous for. It’s also very flavorful, with a unique matcha flavor that some dislike and some adore (I personally love it!)
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Comes with a surprise gift each month
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Monthly access to an optional Zoom class with the founder
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Choice of portion size and tea container
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Choice of month-to-month or 3-month subscription
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Budget option without the class and gift available
Cons:
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Only wellness/herbal teas available
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Pricier than other options, unless you try the tea only box
Magic Hour’s tea subscription box isn’t just a tea club—it’s a monthly dose of self care. Choose between the Monthly Magic box which includes a monthly gift along with the caffeine-free wellness blend or a budget option that only includes just the tea. This monthly shipment arrives beautifully packed inside a fun branded box, making it a stunning gift for tea lovers.
Each box includes a beautifully drawn Tarot card that explores the Hero’s Journey archetypes along with a coordinating loose leaf blend. I love that subscribers get to choose their portion size (available in an apothecary jar, pouch, travel jar or sampler pouch). The larger of the two brew 60-75 cups, while the smaller sizes offer enough for 10-15 cups.
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Each box comes with a special gift, in addition to the reusable tea container. As you sip on the herbal wellness blend, sit down for a monthly class with founder and Master Blender, Zhena, who explains the teas and Tarot inclusions. Or, opt for the tea-only box without the gift and class for a lower price.
My box arrived with two loose leaf teas (one of which arrived in a gorgeous, reusable glass apothecary jar), plus a tea bath blend and a tote bag. The additional inclusions make this a stunning comfort gift or birthday gift for a tea lover. The tea itself is very fragrant and fresh. I received the Lovers blend and one called High Priestess, which ended up being my favorite of the two. It’s minty, floral and SO flavorful.
While this pick may be too pricey to enjoy monthly (unless you opt for the tea-only box), it absolutely oozes quality and I love that you can choose your tea container each month. There’s even a QR code with return instructions for the recyclable packaging—sustainable!
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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50% of profits put towards animal rescues
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Included is a toy and treat for your furry friend
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Each box comes with two tea blends
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Tea is fresh, fragrant and delicious
The only thing better than a tea subscription box is a tea subscription box you can share with your furry friend. Brews for Rescues is a box for animal lovers. Each month comes with two different loose leaf blends named after cat and dog breeds, along with a toy and handmade treat for your fur baby. Choose from a one, three, six or 12 month subscription.
As a dog and cat lover, it warms my heart that Puppy Paws Coffee & Company donates 50% of the net proceeds to animal rescue organizations. Each box comes with a list of many of the organizations, and the brand also posts a full list on their website for transparency. But that’s not the only reason to snag a subscription—the tea is also well worth sipping on!
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Out of the Lykoi Lavender Black and Ragamuffin Yerba that I received, the Yerba was my favorite. It’s fragrant, visibly fresh and brews up a simple but far from boring brew. Because the box comes with a treat and toy for your pet, subscribers can choose between a kitty or puppy box. Each box also has a fun inclusion for you—mine was a paw and bone-shaped ice cube tray. Cute!
My sister’s puppy loved the included rope ball toy and peanut butter dog treats, and I love that the box has such a wonderful mission behind it.
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
What to Look for When Shopping for a Tea Subscription Box
According to Tony, the most important consideration is similar to wine clubs: Taste. Try to choose an option that includes blends and caffeine levels you prefer, unless you’re open to experimenting. “Tea subscription boxes vary widely,” he says. “Some focus on flavored teas, some on pure teas, some on specific tea regions. So be aware of the teas that the company you purchase from sells and ensure that they offer a list of teas they have sent in the past so you know what you are getting.”
Another consideration is quality. Tony suggests starting out with a shorter subscription until you are sure that the quality of tea meets your expectations. “Tea companies have a range of tea grades to choose from when sourcing, so quality can vary greatly even if two companies are selling tea of the same name,” he says.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve tested dozens of foods and drinks for Taste of Home, informing pieces like the best coffee concentrates and the best gift of the month clubs. Not only am I Taste of Home’s resident food and drinks expert, but I’m also a total tea head. As a bona fide tea fiend since high school, I love looking a new flavors and experimenting with brewing methods on a regular basis.
To inform this piece, I also spoke to tea epicure Tony Gebely. Tony is a world-renowned tea expert whose profound passion for tea has taken him on a global journey, transforming a personal interest into a celebrated career in the world of tea. His adventure began with an eye-opening university trip to Southern China, igniting a relentless pursuit of tea knowledge. In 2009, he began sharing his tea explorations with the world through his award-winning blog, World of Tea which later became Tea Epicure.
How We Found the Best Tea Subscription Boxes
In order to find the best flavored coffee brands, we took into consideration our own experience with tea subscriptions, noting any experiences that particularly stand out. From there, we researched other popular and under-the-radar options that looked like a great fit and boasted excellent reviews. What appeals to me most about tea is how customizable each cup becomes in different hands. In looking for the best tea subscription box, I took this into consideration, looking for brands that offer a range of brewing methods, tea types and flavors. One of our editors carefully tested each box, evaluating it using the following criteria:
- Packaging/Shipping: How did the package arrive? Is it secure? Gift-ready?
- Variety/Quality: How many different box options are there? What types of teas come in the box, and are there customization options? Are there any extras included (e.g. mugs, steeping bags, etc.)?
- Brewing: Are brewing instructions included, and how difficult are the instructions to follow?
- Flavor: This one is self explanatory!
- Value: How does the quality and number of servings compare to the cost?
Overall, we sipped on over 30 different flavors to find the 11 best tea subscription box options for every type of tea sipper.