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10 Best White Teas of 2024 (Tea Sommelier-Reviewed)

If you're looking for an addition to your tea collection, try white tea! Although it might not be in the spotlight like green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, white tea is actually on par with those popular brews in terms of health benefits. Since white tea is minimally processed, it contains a high level of antioxidants, can help support your immune system, and even reduce inflammation. White tea also boasts a light, delicate flavor that will definitely brighten your day.


After looking through various products on Amazon, VAHDAM's Himalayan Imperial White Tea earned the grand prize in our list of favorites. The product consisted of high-quality, whole white tea leaves that were grown on the Himalayan foothills. If you want to know more about other products in our 10 best list of favorites, keep reading! We've also included a buying guide reviewed by a certified tea sommelier to help you figure out which tea is best for you.


Last updated 02/26/2024
Kate Hesser
Expert
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

Kate Hesser is a certified tea sommelier, tea taster, blogger, and brand collaborator. She provides event and restaurant menu consulting, and personalized tasting experiences for in-home gatherings and office retreats. She believes every tea is made with pride and has something unique to show us!

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Table of Contents

Why Should I Drink White Tea?

In the world of teas, black tea and green tea are perhaps the most well-known. But have you ever heard of white tea? Let us tell you some of the wonderful health benefits of this amazing, delicious tea! 

What is White Tea?

What is White Tea?

Despite not being as prominent as its counterparts, white tea is actually one of the rarest and most delicate types of tea! Its leaves are picked as young buds when they're covered by white hair. This gives them their name: white tea.


Most white tea is grown in the Yunnan province of China, but smaller quantities are also being grown in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and the Darjeeling region of India. Both varieties of white tea are made from the Da Bai "Great White" cultivar.

White tea can be enjoyed in the quiet of the early morning through the evening. While it is the least processed tea and still has the majority of its caffeine within it, it can contain between six and 55 milligrams. If you aren't into teas with a bitter taste, then white tea is definitely the way to go! With a mild, gentle flavor, it's easy to drink and will leave you feeling completely calm and relaxed. 

The Benefits of White Tea

The Benefits of White Tea

Since white tea is not heavily processed, it still retains all of the precious vitamins and minerals found naturally in the plant. Particularly, white tea is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that can protect you from the damaging effects of free radicals


They help slow down aging, lessen chronic inflammation, and boost your immune system. They may even reduce the risk of heart disease!


Similar to green tea, white tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound with antioxidant capacity that may improve heart health and aid weight loss, although more research is needed. 

How to Choose White Tea - Buying Guide

When choosing a white tea, make sure to consider crucial factors such as the tea type and where it's sourced. In this buying guide, we've listed a few crucial points to help you choose the right product for yourself!

1

Take Into Consideration the Type of White Tea

White teas from China are separated into four grades, with the highest quality consisting only of buds and the lowest quality consisting of mostly leaves. This gives each grade of tea different characteristics.

Rare Silver Needle has a Mild Flavor

Rare Silver Needle has a Mild Flavor

Silver Needle is the cream of the crop! It's made only from the top buds of the camellia sinensis plant, a variety that was originally only grown in the Fuding district of Fujian province, China. So if you're looking for the highest-quality silver needle, find one that's grown in Fujian.


Since the buds are picked during the first harvest, silver needle flaunts a soft, slightly sweet flavor that stays the same even after multiple infusions. The aroma of this tea is woodsy and floral, while the color looks a bit ivory. Just take a sip and feel the delicate flavor lingering on your palate. It's definitely a must-try for tea addicts!


The price is often directly proportional to its quality, and Silver Needle is surely the most expensive variety out of all types of white tea. So expect to pay a bit more for it! 

Kate Hesser
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

Silver Needle is often added to fine Earl Grey blends as its distinct "sweet hay" flavor helps to round out any sharpness from the Bergamot.

White Peony Boasts a Rich, Full-Bodied Flavor

White Peony Boasts a Rich, Full-Bodied Flavor

White Peony, or Bai Mu Dan, is the second grade of white tea. It consists of hand-picked young buds and one or two tea leaves at the top of each plant shoot. 


Compared to Silver Needle, White Peony tea doesn't cost as much, but the taste is still exquisite and unique. It has a strong flavor with a floral hint and a slightly nutty aftertaste. The color doesn't look pale like Silver Needle but is instead greener in color. If you prefer a full-bodied, rich taste, this type of white tea is a great option for you! 

Kate Hesser
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

While Silver Needle is made from the first plucking of the first buds of the Dai Ban team bushes, White Peony is made from the second plucking of buds and early leaves of the same bushes.

Lower Grade Tea has a Bold Flavor, Too

Lower Grade Tea has a Bold Flavor, Too

Tribute Eyebrow, or Gong Mei, scores the third rank. Its interesting name is derived from the long, crescent-shaped leaves that look quite similar to the eyebrow of the Chinese god of longevity. This type of tea is harvested after Silver Needle and White Peony and features a darker color and bold, fruity taste that resembles oolong tea.


Longevity Eyebrow, also known as Shou Mei, is the fourth grade, containing mostly leaves and very few buds. The taste of this tea is similar to Tribute Eyebrow and enjoyed by many people.

Try Other Types of White Tea

Try Other Types of White Tea

True white tea (Silver Needle and White Peony for example) is made from the camellia sinensis plant variety found in China. However, there are many other types of white tea that are grown in other parts of the world


Ceylon white, a variety in Sri Lanka, consists of tea buds that are at least 25 millimeters in length. It features a mild, fruity taste with a note of honey. On the other hand, Imperial Himalayan white tea is cultivated at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. Since it's grown at high altitudes, the flavor is often crisp and pretty bold. 

2

Decide Between Loose Leaf Teas and Tea Bags

Tea comes in two forms: loose leaf and tea bags. While tea bags are convenient and takes less time to brew, loose leaf tea produces a more full-bodied flavor. So before making your purchase, take into consideration the pros and cons of each type! 

For a Quick Cup of Tea, Go for Tea Bags

For a Quick Cup of Tea, Go for Tea Bags

When it comes to convenience, tea bags definitely beat loose leaf teas. There's no complicated equipment or long wait. You just need to put a tea bag into your favorite cup, pour some water, and wait for a few minutes until your tea is done! Plus, they tend to be quite affordable.


However, you should pay attention to the material of the bags. While most tea bags are safe, some are made from plastic and might release microplastic particles into your tea. Paper tea bags can also be troublesome as well! Some products are chlorine-bleached and contain health-damaging components such as dioxin.


If this is a concern for you, opt for tea bags crafted from 100 percent natural fibers. Make sure to choose tea bags with full leaves too. Some tea bags contain crumbles and stems that have lost most of the natural essential oils. So always go for high-quality tea bags that are infused with whole leaves to reap all of the health benefits. 

Kate Hesser
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

In addition, as white teas have some of the most delicate flavors in the tea spectrum, you will get the strongest and most enjoyable flavor from loose leaf tea.

Loose Leaf Tea Retains Vitamins and Minerals

Loose Leaf Tea Retains Vitamins and Minerals

Loose leaf teas are usually very high in quality and often consist of only whole leaves. As a result, they are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and essential oils that exist naturally in the leaves. Once steeped, the leaves will release a full-bodied, rich flavor that will keep on lingering for a while.


However, brewing loose leaf tea takes time. You'll need a tea infuser or teapot as well, and sometimes the price can be steep. But for tea addicts, loose leaf teas will definitely give you the experience you're looking for! 

Kate Hesser
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

Typically white teas are brewed at lower temperatures (158-176 degrees Fahrenheit) but for longer amounts of time, such as 4 to 7 minutes.

3

Decide if You Prefer Natural or Blended Tea

Decide if You Prefer Natural or Blended Tea

A tea that is made only from white tea gives us the natural, clear taste of the leaves, so you'll get to know the characteristics of the tea right away. And since it's quite easy to determine the quality of a natural tea, it's often made up of high-quality ingredients only.


If you find a single tea too simple and want to experience different tastes, a blended tea might be a better choice. There are various blended tea options available on the market. Some are infused with fruits like mango and pear, while some are enriched with flowers such as rose. 


Some blended teas might be infused with artificial flavors and perfumes in order to further enhance the taste of the tea or hide low-quality tea leaves. To avoid this, check the label and opt for products that are free from artificial additives. 

Kate Hesser
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

Look for blends with flavors that are complementary to those found in white tea such as peach, apricot, mango, cherry, or lemongrass.

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10 Best White Teas

Here are the 10 best white teas based on important factors such as the source, type of tea, as well as reviewer satisfaction. Hopefully, you'll find the right tea for you here!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

VAHDAM

Himalayan Imperial White Tea

VAHDAM  Himalayan Imperial White Tea  1

$17.99

Mid

White Tea Grown in the Himalayan Foothills

2

Jocko White Tea

Pomegranate White Tea

Jocko White Tea Pomegranate White Tea  1

$14.90

Mid

Infused With Pomegranate and Hibiscus for Maximum Antioxidants

3

Twinings

100% Pure White Tea

Twinings  100% Pure White Tea 1

$5.37

Low

Tea Leaves Expertly Selected from Fujian Province

4

DAVIDSON'S

White Peony

DAVIDSON'S White Peony 1

$25.58

High Mid

Certified Organic Tea With a Delicate, Unique Flavor

5

adagio

Silver Needle

adagio  Silver Needle 1

$10.00

Low Mid

Silver Needle Tea Bags With High-Quality Whole Leaves

6

Numi

Organic White Tea & Fragrant Rosebuds

Numi  Organic White Tea & Fragrant Rosebuds  1

$5.89

Low Mid

Spring-Picked White Tea Leaves With Rosebuds to Brighten Your Day

7

Tea Forte

White Ginger Pear Organic White Loose Leaf Tea

Tea Forte White Ginger Pear Organic White Loose Leaf Tea 1

$15.00

Mid

A Citrus Blend With a Spicy Finish

8

Tealyra

Premium White Silver Needle Tea

Tealyra  Premium White Silver Needle Tea  1

$24.99

High Mid

Silver Needle Tea Grown in Fujian Province for the Finest Flavor

9

Teavana

Youthberry Flavored White Tea Blend 4 pack

Teavana Youthberry Flavored White Tea Blend  1

$19.96

High Mid

A Tropical Flavor to Ignite Your Senses

10

The Republic of Tea

Asian Jasmine White Tea

The Republic of Tea Asian Jasmine White Tea 1

$19.81

High Mid

The Natural Jasmine Flavor Adds Another Layer of Taste

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

VAHDAM Himalayan Imperial White Tea

Himalayan Imperial White Tea  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
Mid
Reference price
$17.99
Mid

White Tea Grown in the Himalayan Foothills

Made with carefully-selected tea leaves cultivated at the Himalayan foothills, this product boasts a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that will keep on lingering on your palate. On top of that, Vahdam Teas is a certified climate and plastic-neutral brand. So by purchasing the product, you're contributing to environmental sustainability! 


Some reviewers complained that this tea has a smoky flavor they didn't like. Still, many reviewers, including tea addicts, said that this tea is a must-try. They appreciated the vacuum packaging that kept the tea fresh and liked that the manufacturer included a separate aluminum re-sealable bag and a label for storage as well. 

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No.2

Jocko White TeaPomegranate White Tea

Pomegranate White Tea  1
Source:amazon.com
Pomegranate White Tea  2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.90
Mid
Reference price
$14.90
Mid

Infused With Pomegranate and Hibiscus for Maximum Antioxidants

This tea blend touts a proprietary combination of white tea, pomegranate, and hibiscus to provide you with tons of antioxidants and vitamins. It has 37 milligrams of natural caffeine to give you a little extra energy and focus to start off the day on a bright note! There are also no sugars or artificial sweeteners.


Some reviewers found that the tea bags aren't properly sealed and open up when used. On the other hand, many reviewers were completely smitten with the product and said the tea became an integral part of their daily routine. It helped them stay focused on the task at hand and left them feeling much more energized. 

No.3

Twinings 100% Pure White Tea

100% Pure White Tea 1
Source:amazon.com
100% Pure White Tea 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.37
Low
Reference price
$5.37
Low

Tea Leaves Expertly Selected from Fujian Province

Need a light cup of tea to refresh your mind and body? Twinings' white tea can surely help you! This product is made up of high-quality tea leaves selected carefully from Fujian province in China to deliver a delicate, exquisite taste


Some reviewers were not a fan of this product since the flavor was too weak for them. But according to a few others, adding other types of tea, like green tea, or honey helped to enhance the taste of this white tea. 


Still, many reviewers claimed this tea to be their all-time favorite. They enjoyed the mild, subtle flavor as well as the purported health benefits. They said it's delicious both hot and iced and can make you feel calm and relaxed or refreshed, depending on how you drink it. 

No.4

DAVIDSON'SWhite Peony

White Peony 1
Source:amazon.com
White Peony 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.58
High Mid
Reference price
$25.58
High Mid

Certified Organic Tea With a Delicate, Unique Flavor

Sourced from ZhengHe County in Fujian, this White Peony tea boasts a delicate, chocolatey flavor with a floral note. The product is also meticulously packed in a paper pouch with an aluminum foil lining to keep the tea leaves fresh. Not to mention, this tea is certified organic by the USDA, so you can rest assured about its quality! 


Some reviewers were disappointed to see that the product was full of dust and fannings, while others said it had little flavor. On the other hand, reviewers loved many things about this tea: it came fresh, well-packed, and brewed up wonderfully. The low caffeine level seemed to be perfect for many as well! 

No.5

adagio Silver Needle

Silver Needle 1
Source:adagio.com
Reference price
$10.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.00
Low Mid

Silver Needle Tea Bags With High-Quality Whole Leaves

Harvested straight from Fujian province in China, this white tea has a distinctively mild flavor that can't really be found anywhere else. And while other low-quality tea bags are made from broken tea leaves, this product features whole leaves to offer you the best taste. 


A handful of reviewers said this tea was too mild and didn't really have a unique note. However, the majority adored the balanced flavor of this Silver Needle tea, mentioning it had a clean, refreshing taste and smooth texture. They found the tea stayed flavorful even after multiple brews.  

No.6

Numi Organic White Tea & Fragrant Rosebuds

Organic White Tea & Fragrant Rosebuds  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.89
Low Mid
Reference price
$5.89
Low Mid

Spring-Picked White Tea Leaves With Rosebuds to Brighten Your Day

Having a bad day? Uplift your mood with this organic tea blend! Crafted with spring-picked white tea leaves and fragrant rosebuds, this product not only delivers an exquisite taste but also is packed with antioxidants to help you fight off the damaging impacts of free radicals. 


We especially love that the tea bags are made from unbleached, non-GMO Manila hemp fiber that's completely safe. The product is also USDA certified organic and non-GMO project verified, so you can sit back and enjoy your cup of tea without worry! 


Some reviewers were disappointed that they couldn't taste any rose in this tea. Still, it was a must-have for many reviewers, including tea junkies. They said its mild rose aroma left them feeling relaxed and refreshed. Another positive for many was the high-quality organic ingredients that are free from chemicals.

No.7

Tea ForteWhite Ginger Pear Organic White Loose Leaf Tea

White Ginger Pear Organic White Loose Leaf Tea 1
Source:amazon.com
White Ginger Pear Organic White Loose Leaf Tea 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.00
Mid
Reference price
$15.00
Mid

A Citrus Blend With a Spicy Finish

If you want to experience different flavors, give this tea blend a try! The combination of white tea, ginger, and pear offers a fruity flavor that has a slightly tangy and spicy aftertaste. Moreover, the addition of lemon balm, also known as "bringer of gladness," can help keep your stress at bay.


Some reviewers warned that this tea contains licorice, which gives it a slightly sweet anise flavor that some found overwhelming. On the other hand, many reviewers couldn't get enough of this tea and loved the blend of flavors. If you like a little bit of natural sweetness, this tea is a great choice.

No.8

Tealyra Premium White Silver Needle Tea

Premium White Silver Needle Tea  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.99
High Mid

Silver Needle Tea Grown in Fujian Province for the Finest Flavor

Silver Needle has been long revered as the most premium variety of white tea. So if you're keen to know how it tastes like, try this product! This Silver Needle tea is organically cultivated in the Taimu Mountains in Fujian province, China. Only early spring buds are harvested, so the flavor is particularly delicate with a subtle floral note


Some reviewers were not that impressed with the tea, as the taste was too light for their preferences. They also said the quality was inconsistent. When brewing, pay attention to the time! A few people noted that the product got bitter if steeped for too long.


Nonetheless, many reviewers were hooked on this delicate tea, enjoying the balance between the slightly sweet taste and buttery, grassy fragrance. Others mixed this product with floral or fruity teas, or infused it with real fruit, and found the results very pleasant as well. 

No.9

TeavanaYouthberry Flavored White Tea Blend 4 pack

Youthberry Flavored White Tea Blend  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.96
High Mid
Reference price
$19.96
High Mid

A Tropical Flavor to Ignite Your Senses

If the regular, mildly-flavored white tea doesn't do the trick for you, give this tea blend a go! This white tea is flavored with hibiscus, orange, rose petals, and mango to deliver a tropical, vibrant taste that will surely wake up your senses. 


A few reviewers found the tea a little weak and stale-tasting. However, this tea got an absolute yes from reviewers who love the Teavana drinks from Starbucks. They commented that the taste was refreshing with a zesty note. Hot or cold, with or without sugar - this tea seemed to do it all for the majority of reviewers. 

No.10

The Republic of TeaAsian Jasmine White Tea

Asian Jasmine White Tea 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.81
High Mid
Reference price
$19.81
High Mid

The Natural Jasmine Flavor Adds Another Layer of Taste

Made of high-quality, hand-picked leaves from Fujian province, this tea is minimally processed and packed with antioxidants. It's infused with natural jasmine flavor to deliver a subtle, refreshing taste that will linger! And don't worry too much about caffeine. The content is actually quite low at 20 milligrams per six-ounce cup.


Some reviewers weren't able to discern the jasmine note, while others said it tasted like soap or perfume. Despite some negative feedback, most reviewers found the flavor pleasant and delicate. Plus, it didn't become bitter when brewed for a longer time.

Kate's Recommended White Tea

Kate Hesser
Tea Sommelier
Kate Hesser

My favorite white tea is the 6 Years Masters White by Grass People Tree. It is a white peony variety with a peach and sweet grass flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Kate also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about white tea.

Does white tea have caffeine?

Kate says, "White tea is said to have the highest amount of caffeine because it is the least processed, but because it is brewed gently and slowly, less of the tea's caffeine is released into the cup."

Is white tea good for you?

"Yes," Kate says. "White tea is hydrating and cleansing, rich in antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties."

Let's Explore the Endless World of Tea!

For those who want to try out more varieties of tea, we've got your back! Check out our articles for more tea recommendations. 

Top 5 White Teas

No. 1: VAHDAM Himalayan Imperial White Tea

No. 2: Jocko White TeaPomegranate White Tea

No. 3: Twinings 100% Pure White Tea

No. 4: DAVIDSON'SWhite Peony

No. 5: adagio Silver Needle

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