Twinings vs Bigelow Tea: Which Brand Offers the Best Flavor?

As a huge tea lover with roots in East London, I've cherished the comforting ritual of a robust builder's brew ever since I was little. This early exposure ignited my passion for exploring diverse teas, from traditional British blends to global varieties.

Tea holds a significant place in both British and American cultures, each boasting distinct traditions and preferences. In Britain, tea symbolizes elegance and social connection, while in America, tea culture reflects a blend of historical influences and regional tastes.

In this article, I will be analysing two renowned tea brands: England's Twinings and America's Bigelow. We'll examine their unique blends, flavor profiles, and packaging, shedding light on how each brand embodies the tea traditions of its homeland.

👉 Read more: Do Brits really drink a lot of tea?

Twinings or Bigelow

Overall, while both British and American tea cultures share a love of tea, there are some distinct differences in how tea is prepared, consumed, and celebrated.

Twinings Tea: A Legacy of British Excellence

History of Twinings Tea

Twinings Tea, a renowned British tea company, was founded by Thomas Twining in 1706. Originating as a coffee shop in London, England, Twinings quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality tea blends. By 1720, it had become a leading tea merchant, importing teas from China and other parts of the world.

Key milestones in Twinings' history include:

• 🌿 1706: Founded by Thomas Twining in London.

• ☕ 1720: Established as a leading tea merchant.

• 🍋 Earl Grey Tea: Introduced the famous Earl Grey blend, flavored with bergamot oil.

Twinings Tea Blends and Global Reach

Today, Twinings offers an extensive selection of teas, sold in over 100 countries:

• 🖤 Black Teas (e.g., English Breakfast, Earl Grey tea)

• 💚 Green Teas

• 🤍 White Teas (read more about white tea)

• 💛 Herbal and Specialty Blends

The Royal Warrant: A Mark of Prestige

Twinings Tea holds the esteemed Royal Warrant, awarded by Queen Victoria in 1837. This honor signifies over five generations of supplying tea to the British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II.

Why the Royal Warrant matters for Twinings:

• ✅ Recognition for exceptional quality and service

• 👑 A symbol of trust and prestige in the United Kingdom

Bigelow Tea: American Innovation and Tradition

The Story of Bigelow Tea

Founded in 1945 by Ruth Campbell Bigelow in Fairfield, Connecticut, Bigelow Tea started with a single blend: “Constant Comment.” Inspired by a colonial cookbook recipe, this tea became a nationwide sensation, laying the foundation for the family-owned Bigelow brand.

Key facts about Bigelow Tea:

• ☕ 75+ years of tea-making excellence in the United States

• 🌱 Committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Still family-owned, now run by Ruth's descendants

Bigelow’s Signature Blend: Constant Comment

Constant Comment is Bigelow’s most famous blend, featuring:

• 🍊 Black tea flavored with orange rind, sweet spices, and natural flavorings

• 🌟 A spicy and citrusy flavor that’s both warming and refreshing

• 🔐 A secret recipe, making it a cornerstone of the Bigelow Tea brand

Bigelow Tea Varieties

Bigelow offers a wide selection of teas, including:

• 🖤 Traditional Black Teas

• 💚 Green Teas

• 💛 Herbal Blends

• 🎃 Seasonal and Specialty Flavors

Twinings vs Bigelow: Which Tea Brand Suits Your Taste?

Looking for the perfect cup of tea? Let’s compare Twinings, the iconic British tea brand, with Bigelow, a beloved American tea company. From history and flavors to packaging and availability, here’s everything you need to know to choose the right brew for you.

🍃 Heritage and Origins: Tradition vs Modern Innovation

• Twinings Tea: Established in 1706 in London, England, Twinings boasts over 300 years of tea-making history. Known for introducing Earl Grey to the world, it remains a symbol of British tea culture and refinement.

• Bigelow Tea: Founded in 1945 in Fairfield, Connecticut, Bigelow is a family-owned American tea brand. Its first blend, “Constant Comment”, quickly became a household favorite, known for its unique spice and citrus flavor.

🍵 Tea Blends: Traditional Classics vs Bold Flavors

Both brands offer an extensive variety of teas, but each has its specialties:

Twinings’ Signature Teas:

• Black Teas: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling

• Green Teas: Classic and flavored options

• Herbal and White Teas: Soothing and aromatic blends

Bigelow’s Signature Teas:

• Constant Comment®: Bigelow’s iconic blend with citrus and spices

• Vanilla Chai: A bold, aromatic tea perfect for a comforting brew

• Seasonal and Flavored Teas: From Pumpkin Spice to Lemon Ginger

🌿 Flavor Profiles: Classic Elegance vs Bold Innovation

• Twinings: Offers refined, traditional flavors, ideal for those who prefer subtle, classic blends like Earl Grey and Darjeeling tea.

• Bigelow: Known for vibrant, bold flavors, including spicy chai and zesty citrus blends, perfect for tea lovers seeking something unique and exciting.

🎁 Packaging: Elegant Tradition vs Eye-Catching Designs

• Twinings Packaging: Elegant tins and classic boxes, reflecting its heritage and sophistication—perfect for gifting or displaying in a tea collection.

• Bigelow Packaging: Bright, colorful boxes with bold designs, appealing to modern consumers and perfect for everyday convenience.

🌎 Availability: Global Reach vs American Favorite

• Twinings: Available in over 100 countries, including the UK, Europe, and international markets.

• Bigelow: Primarily found in the United States, with growing international availability through online retailers.

⭐ Which Tea Brand Is Right for You?

• 💂 Choose Twinings if you prefer classic, traditional flavors with a touch of British elegance.

• ☕ Choose Bigelow if you’re looking for bold, unique flavors and an American twist on your daily cup.

✍️ Conclusion: Twinings vs Bigelow – The Final Sip

Both Twinings and Bigelow offer something special:

• Twinings brings British heritage, classic blends, and elegant flavors to your cup.

• Bigelow delivers bold American flavors, family traditions, and creative blends perfect for everyday enjoyment.

Why not try both and discover your favorite tea experience? ☕

British Tea Culture vs American Tea Culture: Key Differences Explained

British tea culture and American tea culture both celebrate tea, but they differ significantly in traditions, preparation methods, and popular tea varieties. This article explores these differences, helping you understand how tea plays a unique role in each culture.

🏛️ History and Origins of Tea in Britain and America

• British Tea Culture: Tea has been a cornerstone of British society for centuries, with traditions like afternoon tea, high tea, and the establishment of iconic tea houses. Tea became popular in Britain in the 17th century, symbolizing sophistication and social status.

• American Tea Culture: In contrast, American tea culture has a shorter history, gaining popularity after the Boston Tea Party in the 18th century. While tea isn’t as culturally ingrained in the U.S., it has evolved with diverse flavors and innovative brewing methods.

🍵 Tea Preparation: Hot vs Iced, Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags

• British Tea Preparation:

  • Brewed using loose leaf tea in a teapot

  • Served in china cups with milk and sugar

  • Emphasis on proper steeping time for full flavor

• American Tea Preparation:

  • Commonly served as iced tea with lemon and sugar

  • Tea bags are more popular for convenience

  • Flavored teas like peach, mint, and chai are widely consumed

⏰ When Tea Is Enjoyed: Afternoon Tradition vs Anytime Refreshment

• Britain: Tea is synonymous with afternoon tea, traditionally served with scones, sandwiches, and pastries. The ritual of afternoon tea is both social and ceremonial.

• United States: Tea is typically enjoyed throughout the day, particularly as a morning beverage or mid-day refreshment, often replacing coffee.

👥 Social Customs: A Shared Experience vs Personal Enjoyment

• British Social Tea Customs:

  • Tea is central to social gatherings, family conversations, and formal events.

  • Hosting a tea party remains a symbol of hospitality.

• American Social Tea Customs:

  • Tea is often consumed individually, either at home or on the go.

  • While tea parties exist, they’re less common and often reserved for special occasions.

🌟 Popular Tea Brands in Britain and America

• British Favorites:

  • Twinings: Known for classic blends like Earl Grey and English Breakfast

  • PG Tips: Famous for strong black teas, perfect for a robust brew

• American Favorites:

  • Bigelow: Creator of the iconic “Constant Comment” blend

  • Celestial Seasonings: Popular for herbal teas and wellness blends

🌿 Tea Varieties: Bold Black Teas vs Flavorful Herbal Blends

• Britain:

  • Black tea dominates, with blends like Assam, Darjeeling, and Ceylon being staples.

  • Green teas and herbal infusions are less common but gaining popularity.

• United States:

  • Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and fruit blends, are more popular.

  • Iced teas flavored with lemon, peach, and raspberry are American favorites, especially in the South.

👉 You May Also Like: How to make Iced Tea

🌍 Cultural Impact: Tea as Tradition vs Tea as Innovation

• British Tea Culture: Deeply rooted in history, elegance, and tradition, tea in Britain is seen as a cultural institution that reflects refinement and grace.

• American Tea Culture: Defined by innovation, convenience, and diversity, American tea culture embraces creative flavors, functional teas, and on-the-go consumption.

👉 You May Also Like: The History of Afternoon Tea

Twinings vs Bigelow: The Ultimate Tea Taste Test

Are you curious about how Twinings compares to Bigelow when it comes to popular tea blends? In this taste test, I compared five best-selling teas from these two beloved brands:

1. Jasmine Green Tea

2. Green Tea & Mint

3. Lemon & Ginger Herbal Infusion

4. Earl Grey Tea

5. Green Tea with Lemon

Read on for detailed flavor comparisons, ingredients breakdown, and my honest verdict on which brand brews the better cup!

🍃 Jasmine Green Tea: Twinings vs Bigelow

Flavor Comparison:

• Confession: Jasmine tea isn’t my favorite — its floral aroma reminds me of jasmine flowers in bloom, which doesn’t quite appeal to my senses. However, I gave both teas a fair shot!

My Tasting Notes:

• Twinings Jasmine Green Tea: Strong and pungent aroma, a bit overpowering for my taste.

• Bigelow Jasmine Green Tea: Surprisingly light and delicate; I would definitely drink this again.

🏆 Winner: Bigelow Jasmine Green Tea – Its balanced flavor and subtle aroma made it the clear winner.

🌿 Green Tea with Mint: Twinings vs Bigelow

What Sets Them Apart?

While both brands label this as Green Tea with Mint (instead of Moroccan mint tea), the flavor differences are striking.

Flavor Review:

• Twinings Green Tea with Mint: Light, sweet, and refreshingly minty — perfect for a mid-day break.

• Bigelow Green Tea with Mint: Bolder with a bitter edge; a spoonful of sugar could balance it out.

🏆 Winner: Twinings Green Tea with Mint – Its lighter flavor and sweet mint fragrance stole the show.

🔗 Related Recipe: Check out my Watermelon & Moroccan Mint Tea Agua Fresca — a perfect summer refresher!

🍋 Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea: Twinings vs Bigelow

A Battle of Bold Flavors

I’ve grown to love ginger teas, and this comparison was full of surprises!

Taste Comparison:

• Twinings Lemon & Ginger: The ginger flavor was a bit overpowering, overshadowing the citrus notes.

• Bigelow Lemon & Ginger (with Probiotics): Sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced — a delightful surprise!

🏆 Winner: Bigelow Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea – The addition of probiotics and a smooth finish made this an easy win.

☕ Earl Grey Tea: Twinings vs Bigelow

Classic British Flavor Face-Off

Earl Grey is a timeless blend flavored with bergamot oil, and I wasn’t sure which would win — but the results are in!

Flavor Notes:

• Twinings Earl Grey: Delicate and smooth, with the perfect hint of citrus bergamot.

• Bigelow Earl Grey: Slightly astringent and too strong for my liking.

🏆 Winner: Twinings Earl Grey – A true British classic that’s hard to beat!

🔗 Love Earl Grey? Try this Earl Grey & Loquat Whisky Sour Cocktail — no loquats? I’ve got fruit alternatives too!

🍋 Green Tea with Lemon: Twinings vs Bigelow

My Favorite Supermarket Tea Showdown

This was a tough one because Twinings Green Tea with Lemon is one of my all-time favorites!

Flavor Test:

• Twinings Green Tea with Lemon: Bright, zesty, and citrusy — exactly what I love.

• Bigelow Green Tea with Lemon: Slightly creamy and sweet, surprisingly pleasant.

🏆 Winner: Twinings Green Tea with Lemon - A simple yet perfect citrus blend that remains my go-to.

🎉 Final Verdict: Twinings vs Bigelow

After testing five popular blends, the final score came in at:

• Twinings: 🏆 3 Wins

• Bigelow: 🏆 2 Wins

Although Twinings narrowly took the win, Bigelow’s surprising flavors, especially in the Jasmine Green Tea and Lemon & Ginger, made it a tough competition. Both brands offer amazing teas, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either! ☕💚

Twinings vs Bigelow FAQs

1. What are the main differences between Twinings and Bigelow tea?

Twinings, a British brand, offers a wide range of traditional blends with a focus on classic flavors such Earl Grey and English Breakfast. Bigelow, an American brand, is known for its innovative flavors, including herbal and flavored teas, with a strong emphasis on freshness and family recipes.

2. Which tea brand is better for iced tea: Twinings or Bigelow?

Bigelow teas are often preferred for iced tea in the U.S. due to their robust and flavorful blends that hold up well when chilled. However, Twinings also offers select blends, such as English Breakfast, that make refreshing iced tea with a more traditional flavor profile.

3. How do Twinings and Bigelow source their tea leaves?

Twinings sources its tea leaves from trusted growers worldwide, focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Bigelow also prioritizes responsible sourcing, with many of its teas certified as non-GMO and organic, reflecting its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

4. Are Twinings and Bigelow teas available in loose leaf and tea bags

Twinings offers both loose leaf teas and tea bags, catering to those who prefer a traditional brewing method or convenience. Bigelow primarily focuses on individually wrapped tea bags, which help preserve freshness and flavor but also offers some loose-leaf options.

5. Which tea brand is more suitable for afternoon tea?

Twinings is often the go-to choice for a classic British afternoon tea experience, offering refined blends like Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Assam. Bigelow's variety of flavored and herbal teas can also complement afternoon tea, especially for those seeking caffeine-free or unique flavor options.

6. What makes Twinings tea unique?

Twinings stands out for its centuries-old heritage, refined flavors such as Earl Grey, and a global reputation for quality.

7. Why is Bigelow’s “Constant Comment” so popular?

It features a secret recipe combining black tea, orange rind, and spices, offering a warm, citrusy flavor much loved across America.

8. Which tea is better for making iced tea?

Bigelow’s bold flavors make it ideal for iced tea, while Twinings’ green and herbal blends offer refreshing iced tea options with a traditional touch.

9. Are Twinings and Bigelow teas ethically sourced?

Yes. Both brands emphasize ethical sourcing and sustainability, ensuring high-quality teas that are environmentally responsible.

10. Can I buy Bigelow teas internationally?

While Bigelow is a U.S. based brand, its teas are available internationally through online retailers and select specialty stores.

Read More Articles About Tea

• Is Afternoon Tea the Same as High Tea?

• What are Single Estate Teas?

• What is Earl Grey Tea Intoxication?

It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.