Did you know that organic tea has roots that stretch back centuries? Before synthetic fertilizers and pesticides took over, all tea was essentially organic. Ancient tea growers relied on traditional farming techniques like composting, crop rotation, and natural pest management. It’s only in the last century that tea farming turned to synthetic chemicals for higher yields. But as we become more mindful of what we consume, there’s a growing “back to the roots” movement, with affordable organic tea brands leading the charge.
So, next time you’re pouring yourself a cup of organic black tea without additives, delicious organic matcha, or organic herbal tea for relaxation, think about where your tea comes from and who’s behind it.
For this guide, we researched, tested, and found the absolute best picks for Organic loose-leaf tea brands, Fairtrade organic tea brands, and some Top-rated organic green tea options.
P.S.Check out our other sustainable living guides:
What Is Organic Tea Anyway?
To put it simply, organic tea brands are about how the tea is grown, harvested, and processed without any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. In simple terms, organic tea is cultivated the natural way, just like Mother Nature intended.
Conventional tea, on the other hand, can contain traces of synthetic chemicals used during farming. While these chemicals help produce large quantities quickly, they can impact both the environment and the tea’s flavor profile. Organic tea, however, sticks to natural methods, preserving both the earth’s health and your taste buds’ delight.
What’s more, organic farming practices promote biodiversity, enrich the soil, and reduce pollution, making them a better choice for our planet.
- Better for Your Body: Organic tea is free from synthetic chemicals, meaning you’re sipping on a cleaner, purer beverage. It’s like a spa day in a cup – minus the price tag!
- Fuller Flavor: Organic teas often have a richer, more authentic flavor. Without chemical residues masking the taste, you get to enjoy the tea just as nature intended.
- Eco-Friendly: Organic farming helps maintain healthier soil, cleaner water, and a more balanced ecosystem. It’s a win-win for tea lovers and the planet alike.
What is Fairtrade Tea?
Have you ever wondered about the journey your tea takes before it reaches your cup? Fairtrade tea brands in 2024 focus on fairness – to the farmers, to the workers, and to the communities that make your daily brew possible.
When tea is labeled “fair trade,” it means that the people involved in its production have been paid fair wages and work under safe conditions. It also verifies that the tea is grown sustainably, protecting both the environment and the rights of workers.
How Can You Find Fairtrade Organic Tea Brands in the USA?
Finding fair-trade tea is easier than you think! Look for certifications like Fairtrade International, Fair Trade USA, and USDA Organic Certified on the packaging. These labels guarantee that the tea meets strict social, economic, and environmental standards.
And it’s not just about fair wages.
Fairtrade also supports community development by funding schools, healthcare, and other vital projects in tea-growing regions. So, every time you choose fair trade, you’re making a direct impact – from your teapot to their village.
What to Look for When Buying Organic Tea Online
Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just starting your tea journey, here are some key things to keep in mind when picking out your next box or bag of organic goodness.
- Certifications First things first – check for certifications. Look for labels like USDA Organic, EU Organic, or other reputable organic seals. These certifications mean the tea has met strict guidelines for being grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And if you’re going for extra brownie points, seek out teas with dual certifications – like Organic and Fair Trade. That way, you know your tea is not just good for you but also good for the people who grow it.
- Source Matters – Not all teas are created equal, and where your tea comes from can make a big difference in taste, quality, and impact. Different countries and regions offer unique flavor profiles based on their climate, soil, and traditional farming practices. For example, organic herbal tea for relaxation from India (like Assam and Darjeeling) has bold, robust flavors, while teas from Japan (like organic matcha and sencha) tend to be more grassy and fresh.
When buying healthy tea, look for brands that are transparent about their sourcing. If a tea brand proudly shares its origin story, it’s a good sign they’re passionate about its leaves and their impact! - Sustainable Packaging for Organic Tea – Opt for affordable organic tea brands that use eco-friendly packaging like biodegradable tea bags, recyclable tins, or compostable pouches. Skip the ones with plastic-heavy or overly fancy packaging that just ends up in the landfill.
And here’s a pro tip: Organic loose-leaf tea brands are, in most cases, a more sustainable choice than individually wrapped tea bags. Plus, it lets your tea leaves dance freely in hot water, releasing even more flavor!
Quick Checklist for Your Next Tea Hunt:
- Look for Organic and Fair Trade certifications.
- Check the country of origin and sourcing transparency.
Choose eco-friendly packaging. - Stick to pure, simple ingredients without artificial additives.
- Investigate the brand’s values and sustainability efforts.
- Balance price with quality – don’t go too cheap, but don’t overpay either.
8 Best Fairtrade Organic Tea Brands in 2024
1. Clipper Tea
Clipper Tea was basically love at first sip for me. This Fair Trade tea brand offers a huge range of USDA Certified organic tea options. Each tea bag is made unbleached, plant-based, plastic-free, and fully biodegradable. After all, we don’t expect anything less from a certified B-Corp. You can do something for every possible taste, including Hibiscus, Licorice Root, Nettle, and Aloe Vera tea flavors, English Breakfast options, and so many more Caffeine-free organic tea boxes.
Types: Ice tea, black tea, green tea, organic herbal tea
2. Art of Tea
Art of Tea is an award-winning, fair-trade tea brand steeped in the heart of Los Angeles, California, where it takes tea-making to the next level. As importers, wholesalers, and master blenders, they handcraft the finest organic teas and botanicals, each with its own unique story sourced straight from growers around the globe. Their lineup includes everything from premium loose-leaf teas to microplastic-free pyramid sachets and biodegradable iced tea pouches, perfect for a truly clean brew. What’s more, the company negotiates based on quality, market demand, and more directly with small producers, farmers, and family estates all of which are s treated fairly and with great respect.
Types: Caffeine-free organic tea options, black and green tea, loose-leaf tea, organic matcha
3. BLK&BOLD
While BLK&BOLD is predominantly a sustainable coffee company, they also offer some amazing Fairtrade tea options. Take your pick from the many Loose Leaf Tea options with different flavors. To top it all off, the black-owned Certified B-Corp gives 5% of its gross profits (revenue) to nonprofit organizations across America.
Types: Lemon ginger herbal tea and organic black tea without additives
4. Equal Exchange
As the name suggests, Equal Exchange is one of the best organic tea brands in 2024 that cares deeply about the farmers. These organic tea sets come with three boxes, each containing 20 individually sealed tea bags, for a total of 60 cups of deliciousness. We love that they are packed sustainably in a 100% recycled paperboard with fully sealed envelopes that your tea fresh and flavorful. The ingredients are 100% fairly traded and USDA Certified Organic, so you can feel good about every cup. Plus, it’s naturally caffeine-free and certified kosher, making it a perfect choice for everyone.
Types: USDA Certified Organic tea bags
5. Guayakí
With over 3.000 reviews praising their flavor and ethics, it’s safe to say that Guayakí is one of the most trusted organic tea brands for health and relaxation out there. Guayakí’s Unsweetened Single Serve Tea Bags deliver a rich and robust flavor with a complex, earthy body and a smooth, mellow finish, boasting 40mg of natural caffeine for a perfectly uplifting brew. Unlike your usual cup of joe, the certified B corp provides a unique boost of energy and focus through a blend of caffeine, theobromine from chocolate, and polyphenols from green tea. Sourced sustainably from South American forests, their yerba mate supports regenerative, organic, and fair trade practices, preserving both ecosystems and traditional cultures.
Types: Fair Trade Organic loose-leaf tea
6. Sacred Blossom Farm
Sacred Blossom Farm is a small-scale Affordable organic tea brand located about 300 miles away in Wisconsin, They’re all about sustainability, using low-input, innovative farming practices that mimic natural systems to keep their fields fertile and their plants healthy. Their farming approach includes minimal tillage, creative polyculture systems, inter-seeding, intensive cover-cropping, and hand-harvesting. This year, they’re taking transparency to the next level by tracking all farm inputs, from fuel for the tractor to the miles driven for business. And to top it all off, Sacred Blossom Farm is launching plastic-free, biodegradable packaging too!
Types: Organic loose-leaf herbal tea
7. Pukka
Next up is my absolute favorite Organic and Fair Trade tea brand – Pukka! When I was looking for the Best organic matcha for beginners, I came across their supreme green whole lear pack and I instantly got obsessed. It’s also important to note that each package of organic tea comes in plastic-free tea bags and a recyclable envelope. Additionally, the company obtained its certification from the Soil Association –aka the UK’s first and leading organic certifier.
Types: Organic herbal tea, Black Tea, Fruit Tea
8. Choice Organics
Choice Organics is one of the most affordable organic tea brands in 2024! This B-certified corporation is a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) and, if that wasn’t enough, all teas are expertly blended in their LEED-certified tea facility. In their catalog, you can find dozens of options including organic genmaicha tea, lush organic Japanese green tea, and floral tea blends including organic jasmine green tea and organic white elderflower tea. I also looked into their The Porridge Project. Their donation already provided 200 children of the tea plantation workers with a serving of fortified porridge each day for a year. Plus, all tea boxes are made of 100% recycled paperboard.
Types: Organic herbal tea for relaxation, black tea, caffeine-free organic tea
3 Tea Recipe Ideas for Relaxation and Health
Who says tea is just for sipping? Organic tea can add a burst of flavor to more than just your morning cup. Let’s think outside the teapot and explore some fun and delicious ways to use organic tea in your everyday recipes. Whether you’re looking to cool off with a refreshing iced tea, add a twist to your dinner, or whip up a sweet treat, I’ve got you covered with these three tea-rrific ideas!
Zesty Iced Green Tea with Citrus and Mint
Perfect for a hot day, this recipe will have you sipping in style with a refreshing twist!
Ingredients:
- 4 organic green tea bags (or 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf organic green tea)
- 1 liter of water
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Brew the green tea by boiling the water and steeping the tea bags or loose-leaf tea for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge to chill.
- Once the tea is cold, add the sliced orange, lemon, and fresh mint leaves. Stir well to mix.
- Sweeten with honey or agave syrup, if desired.
- Serve over ice and enjoy the zesty, minty goodness!
Matcha Green Tea Smoothie Bowl
Blend your way to bliss with this vibrant, antioxidant-packed smoothie bowl featuring organic matcha powder – perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of organic matcha powder
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup of spinach
- ½ cup of frozen mango or pineapple
- 1 cup of almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- Toppings: fresh berries, granola, chia seeds, shredded coconut, etc.
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the matcha powder, frozen banana, spinach, frozen mango or pineapple, and almond milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Pour the smoothie into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. Get creative – the more colorful, the better!
- Grab a spoon and enjoy your matcha masterpiece!
Earl Grey Tea-Infused Rice
Turn your everyday rice into a flavor sensation by infusing it with the aromatic notes of organic Earl Grey tea. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled veggies, fish, or tofu.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 organic Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the water and steep the Earl Grey tea bags for about 5 minutes to create a strong brew.
- Remove the tea bags and add the rice to the tea-infused water.
- Add olive oil or butter and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve it as a fragrant, citrusy side dish that’s sure to impress!
Final Thoughts On 2024’s Best Fairtrade Organic Tea Brands
If you are a serial tea drinker like me, you’ll love these top-rated organic tea brands in 2024 and beyond. While conventional tea might come with synthetic pesticides and questionable labor practices, natural fair trade tea is not only is it grown without harmful chemicals, which means cleaner soil and water for future generations, but it also ensures that farmers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. The fair trade label guarantees that the workers are supported and that the tea is grown using sustainable practices, helping to protect ecosystems and preserve traditional farming methods. From Caffeine-free organic tea and loose-leaf tea to Organic matcha – the options are positively endless.
