Have we found the perfect everyday English Breakfast tea that balances convenience, ethics and a reliably good cup?
Product overview
We tested the English Tea Shop, 20 English Breakfast Tea Sachets, Fairtrade & Organic Tea, 3 Boxes x 20 Bags to see whether it lives up to the claims on the pack. The product arrives as three individual boxes, each containing 20 compostable sachets of 100% organic Ceylon black tea, and we were keen to judge aroma, strength, sustainability credentials and everyday value.
What’s in the box?
We received three identical boxes, each neatly packaged and protected from damage during shipping. Inside each box are 20 individually wrapped sachets, giving a total of 60 servings — ideal for daily use or for sharing with family and friends.
Key features at a glance
We summarise the main selling points so you can see what this product offers before we go into detail. The highlights are organic Ceylon black tea, Fairtrade sourcing, compostable sachets and plastic-free inner packaging for the English Breakfast version.
English Tea Shop, 20 English Breakfast Tea Sachets, Fairtrade & Organic Tea, 3 Boxes x 20 Bags
Taste and aroma
We always start with the sensory experience, because taste is ultimately the deciding factor for most tea drinkers. This English Breakfast blend gives a robust, malty aroma when the sachet first meets boiling water, and the brewed cup carries a classic black tea scent that feels familiar and comforting.
Tasting notes
We found the flavour profile to be straightforward and honest: bright, slightly fruity top notes typical of Ceylon, supported by a malty backbone that carries through to the finish. The tea is not overly tannic when brewed correctly, and it accepts milk without becoming muddled, which is important for many English Breakfast drinkers.
Strength and body
When brewed for the recommended time the body is full but not oppressive, giving a cup that holds up to milk and sugar while remaining pleasant when drunk black. We preferred a slightly shorter steep for a lighter cup and the full recommended steep for a stronger breakfast boost.
Ingredients and sourcing
We place great importance on what goes into our cup and where it comes from, so the combination of 100% organic black Ceylon tea and Fairtrade sourcing is a strong point for us. Knowing the tea is grown by certified farmers and blended by ethical partners adds confidence to our daily ritual.
Organic credentials
The leaves are certified organic, which means the farmers avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilisers; we can taste the clarity that often accompanies properly grown organic teas. Organic production also aligns with our desire for a cleaner product and more responsible agriculture.
Fairtrade and community
We appreciate the Fairtrade accreditation because it suggests fairer pay and better conditions for farmers, and the product blurb mentions a Sri Lankan tea story infused with British tradition. That combination resonates with us and gives a pleasing sense of provenance to every cup.
Packaging and sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just a bonus; it’s a shop-floor expectation for many of us. The English Tea Shop has made the sachets and inner packaging fully compostable, and notably the English Breakfast packaging is free from plastic and overwrapping — which we think is a meaningful step in the right direction.
Compostable sachets
The sachets are designed to break down in a compost environment, which means we can dispose of them with garden waste or home compost rather than sending more plastics to landfill. This small change reduces our kitchen waste and supports a circular approach.
Plastic-free box
We like that the box and packaging avoid unnecessary plastic and overwrap; it feels premium and responsible. The absence of plastic also gives a cleaner unboxing experience and reduces single-use waste.
Brewing guide
Getting the best from this tea is simple and forgiving, which suits busy mornings as well as more leisurely afternoons. We outline our recommended method and some variations so we consistently enjoy a great cup.
Basic method
We recommend boiling fresh water, adding a sachet to a cup or pot, and pouring freshly boiled water over the sachet. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on how strong you like it, then remove the sachet and drink as desired. This gives a reliable cup that highlights the Ceylon character and malty backbone.
Variations and tips
If we want a lighter cup we steep for around 2.5 to 3 minutes; for a hearty breakfast brew we go for 4 to 5 minutes and add a splash of milk. If brewing in a teapot for several people, we use one sachet per person and allow the pot to sit for 4 minutes before serving. We also advise avoiding metal spoons when tasting early because metal can slightly alter delicate flavours.
Brewing equipment and temperature
We find the tea is tolerant of standard brewing tools and doesn’t demand special equipment to shine. Boiling water straight from the kettle is appropriate for black Ceylon tea, and infusers or mugs with built-in strainers work well with the sachet design.
For teapots and cups
When using a teapot, warm the pot first with hot water, then add the sachets or used leaves; this helps maintain brewing temperature for an even extraction. For single cups, the sachet format keeps things tidy and reduces the need for extra equipment.
Cold brew and iced options
If we want to make iced tea, we brew double-strength using the sachet for each serving and let it cool, then pour over ice or chill before serving. The bright Ceylon notes translate nicely into a refreshing iced version that’s especially good with a wedge of lemon.
Value and quantity
With three boxes of 20 bags, we get 60 sachets in total, which makes this a practical choice for households or for gifting. We assess value not just by count but by ethical credentials, convenience and taste; taken together, this offering represents good value in our view.
Price per cup and comparison
If we divide the total cost by 60 we can estimate price per cup, which helps compare with supermarket own-brands. While exact prices vary by retailer, the added organic and Fairtrade certifications justify a small premium for many of us who prioritise responsible sourcing.
Bulk and storage benefits
Having three boxes is handy — one for the pantry, one for the work kitchen and one to keep as a spare or to give as a gift. The compact boxes stack neatly and the sachets are individually sealed, making them easy to store without losing aroma.
Specification table
We created a table to present the essential facts at a glance and to make comparison straightforward. This helps when making quick purchasing decisions or when comparing features against competing products.
| Attribute | Details | Our notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product name | English Tea Shop, 20 English Breakfast Tea Sachets, Fairtrade & Organic Tea, 3 Boxes x 20 Bags | Full pack contains 60 sachets |
| Tea type | 100% organic Ceylon black tea | Classic English Breakfast profile |
| Certifications | Organic, Fairtrade | Adds ethical and environmental value |
| Sachet type | Compostable sachets | Home/garden compost compatible |
| Packaging | Plastic-free English Breakfast box | No overwrapping |
| Serving size | 20 sachets per box | 60 servings in total |
| Brewing time | 3–5 minutes recommended | Shorter for lighter cup |
| Best served | With or without milk; sugar optional | Versatile for many preferences |
| Ideal for | Daily breakfast, gifting | Family use or workplace kitchens |
| Price range | Mid-range (varies by retailer) | Good balance of quality and cost |
We find that the table helps capture the practical points quickly while our notes give a short personal impression.
Pros and cons
We laid out clear positives and a few limitations so we can provide a balanced appraisal based on our experience. Every product has trade-offs and we like to point them out frankly.
Pros
We think the main advantages are strong: organic and Fairtrade sourcing, compostable sachets, pleasing Ceylon flavour, and a convenient three-box format. These factors combine to make a tea that is ethically mindful and reliably enjoyable.
Cons
The blend is classic rather than adventurous, so if you prefer very distinctive or highly complex blends you might find it straightforward. Also, while the sachets are compostable, they may not break down quickly in standard municipal collections, so home composting is ideal.
Who is this tea for?
We consider who will get the best value and enjoyment from this product and communicate it clearly. This tea suits people who want an everyday staple that aligns with ethical and environmental values.
Ideal purchasers
We recommend it for families, office kitchens, and anyone who drinks tea daily and prefers a dependable English Breakfast profile. It is also a thoughtful gift for tea lovers who value organic and Fairtrade credentials.
Less suitable for
If you only drink delicate white or green teas, or if you prefer very bold, smoky black teas like Lapsang Souchong, this Ceylon-based breakfast tea may not satisfy those specific preferences. Likewise, inflexible composting facilities can limit the environmental benefits for some households.
Comparing with other English Breakfast teas
We compared this product to several common competitors to give context for its flavour, price and sustainability. Our aim is to show where it stands among familiar alternatives.
How it compares to supermarket brands
Compared to mass-market supermarket English Breakfast blends, this product often has a cleaner flavour thanks to organic leaves and avoids some of the metallic or astringent notes we occasionally encounter in cheaper blends. Price-wise it sits slightly above most own-brands but below many premium label alternatives.
How it compares to established tea brands
When placed alongside established tea brands like Twinings or Yorkshire Tea, the English Tea Shop’s offering holds its own for taste and ethical credentials, though connoisseurs of specific brand signatures may notice subtle differences in blend composition. The compostable sachets and plastic-free packaging give it an edge on sustainability.
Presentation and gift potential
The three-box pack was presented neatly and feels giftable without additional wrapping — which is handy if we’re taking it to someone’s home or offering it as a small thank-you. We found the box design tasteful and simple, making it suitable as a present for a variety of occasions.
Suitable occasions
We’d happily give this as a birthday token, as part of a housewarming hamper, or as a corporate gift when a green credential is desired. The three-box format feels substantial enough to make an impression.
Personalisation ideas
If we want to make it more personal, pairing a box with a ceramic mug, a small jar of honey, or a handwritten note enhances the presentation. Because the packaging is already tidy, only minimal extra wrapping is necessary.
Storage and shelf life
We keep tea in a cool, dry place away from strong odours to preserve the delicate terpene and polyphenol compounds that give black tea its aroma and flavour. The individually sealed sachets help maintain freshness over time.
Best practice for storage
Store the boxes in a pantry or cupboard, ideally in an airtight tin if you open multiple boxes and want to preserve aroma over months. Avoid placing them next to strong-smelling foods like spices or coffee.
Shelf life expectations
Properly stored, the tea retains good flavour for many months; while there isn’t usually a strict expiry date on dried tea, we recommend consuming within 12–24 months for best aromatic quality. The tea does not spoil in the sense of going harmful, but it does lose volatile aromatics over time.
Serving suggestions and pairings
We like to suggest simple pairings that complement the tea without overpowering it. This straight-forward English Breakfast goes well with morning foods and lighter afternoon snacks.
Breakfast pairings
We enjoy it with a classic English breakfast, porridge, or buttered toast; the tea’s malty body stands up well to savoury morning dishes. It’s also a good match for egg-based dishes because the tannins balance the richness.
Sweet and pastry pairings
For sweeter moments, pair a cup with scones and jam, fruit-topped traybakes or plain shortbread. The tea highlights fruity notes in baked goods without clashing.
Our brewing tips and habit refinements
We share practical tips we learned while testing that improve each brew and help tailor the cup to individual taste. Small changes in technique can make a consistent difference.
Time and temperature control
Keep brewing time consistent; we prefer 3 minutes for a lighter cup, 4–5 minutes for full strength. Use freshly boiled water for the best extraction from Ceylon leaves.
Milk and sugar handling
If adding milk, we suggest adding it after removing the sachet so we can gauge the cup strength. A splash of milk is often enough; we avoid overpowering the tea with heavy cream or excessive sugar so the Ceylon notes remain perceptible.
Environmental considerations and disposal
We appreciate that environmental impact matters to many of us, so we examined the sustainability claims and practical disposal advice. The compostable sachets and plastic-free box are positive steps, but understanding local composting options is important.
Practical composting advice
Wherever possible we recommend placing used sachets in a home compost heap or brown bin if your local authority accepts compostable packaging. If home composting isn’t possible, check local facilities because not all municipal collections accept compostable sachets.
Wider environmental footprint
We like that the brand works with Fairtrade producers, which supports social and environmental policies at farm level. Still, transporting tea from Sri Lanka to the UK has an environmental cost, so buying larger quantities and reducing packaging waste are good habits.
Frequently asked questions
We address common queries we encountered while using the product so that future buyers can make informed choices quickly. These are based on practical experience and typical customer concerns.
Is this tea suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes — the tea is purely plant-based with organic black tea leaves and no animal-derived ingredients. We consider it fully suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Are the sachets plastic-free?
The sachets are fully compostable; the packaging for the English Breakfast variety is plastic-free and without overwrapping. However, check local disposal rules to ensure correct composting.
Can I drink this tea without milk?
Absolutely — the black Ceylon tea has enough body and flavour to be enjoyable black. We often take it black mid-morning and add milk for a heartier breakfast cup.
How many cups are in the pack?
There are 60 individual sachets across the three boxes, so you get 60 convenient servings. This is handy for households, offices, or for gifting multiples.
Is the tea certified organic and Fairtrade?
Yes, the tea is certified organic and Fairtrade, reflecting both sustainable farming practices and fair terms for producers. These certifications were a major reason we tried the product.
Final verdict
We found the English Tea Shop, 20 English Breakfast Tea Sachets, Fairtrade & Organic Tea, 3 Boxes x 20 Bags to be a dependable and ethically minded choice for everyday tea drinkers. With 100% organic Ceylon black tea, compostable sachets and Fairtrade sourcing, it combines good taste with responsible production in a format that suits busy lives.
Would we buy it again?
Yes — we would buy it again for our kitchen and as a gift option for family or colleagues who appreciate sustainability. It offers consistent flavour, practical packaging and the reassurance of certified ethical sourcing, which together make it a solid choice for daily tea rituals.
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