Kenya tea is one of the best quality black teas in the world. It has won international acclamations for its aroma and taste. This tea is the most popular beverage served in cafes and restaurants in Kenya. Because of its quality and aroma, it has gained recognition across the world. Also, the fact that it is a black tea makes it beneficial to your health as well.
Before we review the best black teas brands from Kenya, let’s briefly discuss the benefits you can derive from black tea.
- It helps improve cardiovascular health
Black tea has antioxidants, including flavonoids, which have been proven to lower the risk of heart diseases. They do this by preventing oxidation of cholesterol, which, when it occurs, can damage artery walls. Studies have shown that drinking a few cups of black tea every day can help improve heart health.
- Oral health
Black tea reduces plaque formation and also restricts the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decays and formation of cavities. Polyphenols in black tea kill cavity-causing bacteria and also hinder the growth of bacteria that form sticky-like materials that form plaque on our teeth.
- Cancer prevention
Although more research needs to be done to prove this conclusively, some research suggests that antioxidants in black tea such as polyphenol and catechin can help prevent some types of cancer.
- Healthy bones
Regular tea drinkers have shown to have stronger bones and lower chances of developing arthritis, as black tea has high levels of phytochemicals.
- Stress relief
Black tea has a calming and relaxing effect thanks to the amino acid L-Theanine.
Other benefits include
- Boosting immune response
- Increased energy
- Lowers the risk of diabetes
With that in mind, let’s get back to our business of the day- reviewing the best Kenyan teas. If you are looking to buy Kenyan tea online, we have you covered. We have reviewed the top 7 best teas from Kenya in 2019.
KERICHO GOLD TEA BAGS
This is a traditional black tea grown in Kericho region in Kenya and is one of the tastiest types of black tea. It has a strong, astringent taste, and many people enjoy pairing it with a cup of milk to balance its flavor.
You can take this tea in the morning to slowly awaken you as it gives you energy to kickstart your day perfectly. This tea is naturally smooth and sweet and has a touch of earthiness.
Only the mature buds and high-quality leaves are selected and dried, before getting packaged in tea bags. Simply put the tea bag in your cup of hot water or milk. However, for a better flavor, allow them to boil with your milk or water. This tea is also forgiving since it doesn’t become bitter if you accidentally over-steep it.
Coming in 100 tea bags in its packaging, this tea from Kericho brand boasts of a unique aroma, texture, and taste.
Benefits of using this tea
- It has a distinct taste and aromatic flavor that makes it unique
- You get 100 tea bags in one packaging, which are sufficient to serve you for some time
- Comes in environmentally-friendly tea bags
- It doesn’t get bitter even if you over steep it
Downsides
- It is not strong enough for people who prefer intense taste
SAFARI PURE KENYA TEA
Tightly packaged in tea bags, Safari Pure Kenya tea is among the great-tasting black teas in the market. Prepared from freshly plucked leaves that are dried under the right condition, this tea has a wonderful aroma and a rich flavor.
The manufacturers only use tea leaves that meet the set standards. In addition, the leaves are hand-selected to ensure consumers enjoy the best black tea with every sip of Safari Pure tea.
The color of this tea is distinct; it has a golden, amber color that doesn’t look like that of a typical “black’ tea. You can take it with water thanks to its delicate flavor, or you can steep in milk.
This is a perfect beverage to drink on an early morning or in the evening when you want your mind to relax. A lively cup of tea prepared from this brand will energize your body and keep you happy all day. It creates a soothing feeling, and its fresh taste will leave you yearning for more.
This black tea comes in tea bags; all you need to do is to boil your water and steep a tea bag or two in it for about 5-10 minutes.
Benefits of using this tea
- It has a fresh flavor that is tasty and refreshing
- This tea is produced from freshly-plucked, and carefully-selected tea leaves to give you a unique taste with every sip
- It is highly affordable and comes in a significant number- 100 tea bags
- Has no artificial colors or added sugar
- Remains fresh for a longer period
Downsides
- It contains caffeine hence not ideal for people looking for decaffeinated tea options
- It has a mild flavor, and thus may not be an ideal choice for people looking for bolder flavors
FAHARI YA KENYA TEA
This is one of the greatest tea brands in Kenya and has been making tea for close to two decades. It has a smooth, rich, and sweet flavor since it is made from leaves that are freshly-plucked and undergone the right black tea making process.
After the leaves are plucked from plantations, they are oxidized and kept warm on heating pads to keep them supple. They are left to dry at the right temperature.
This enables it to produce a hearty, rich flavor. They are then packaged in an airtight paper to keep all elements within the tea.
It is a great tea to drink in the morning or before a workout session. Also, if you want to relax and calm your mind, this is the best tea to drink.
This black tea is made of high-quality leaves that are hand-picked. The natural process of processing makes it reserve all its natural ingredients to make it taste exactly like black tea.
Compared to some brands that are currently flooding the tea market, this brand stands out thanks to its clear taste and distinct color. It has no bitter taste even when you over-steep and comes from a trusted brand- Fahari Ya.
You can either enjoy it as an individual drink or steep with some milk and sugar. Its strong, pleasant flavor and taste will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
Benefits of using this tea
- It is prepared from 100% natural leaves and has no additives
- It can be served with or without milk
- It has a soothing, relaxing effect
- This tea has a distinct aroma and flavor
Downsides
- Its storage option is not the best. Once you open it, you have to store it in another container with a seal to preserve its flavor
- It doesn’t taste as good with water as it does with cream or milk
PURE KENYA BLACK TEA
If you are looking for an organic black tea option, then you will love this tea from Kericho Gold. It tastes great and is an ideal addition to your daily routine. This tea will not only help you feel relax but also calm your mind and help you focus
It goes well with cream or milk, giving it the smoothness that every tea lover wants. It has a powerful taste making it ideal for mornings and early afternoons. This delicious tea has a unique flavor and is affordable.
With this tea brand, you will not only enjoy a delicious cup of tea, but also the antioxidant properties in it will help you relax and keep you healthy.
The tea is well-blended after careful selection of the best black tea varieties grown in Kenya. Its manufacturer ensures only leaves that meet the expected standards are used in its production.
In fact, the leaves used to make this tea is hand-selected to ensure the end product has the best taste and invigorating flavor.
Made by a brand that is quickly gaining popularity in Kenya and globally, this tea is richly blended and will give any tea lover the satisfaction that they desire. It is a blend of Kenyan best black tea varieties.
Benefits of using this tea
- Pure Kenya Black tea has a rich, intense color and refreshing aroma
- It is prepared from carefully-selected, and freshly-plucked tea leaves to make it taste as natural tea
- Comes in a secure box for easy storage
- Has therapeutic touch to help relieve stress
- Its intense flavor helps to meet the needs of regular tea lovers
- Can be served with sugar or milk and retain its strong, unique flavor profile
Downsides
- Doesn’t come in tea bags and thus hard to measure
ROBERT ROBERTS KENYAN FAIRTRADE TEA
With this delightful package of black tea, any tea lover will enjoy drinking this tea whenever they desire. Its rich aroma and flavor will make your taste buds salivate for more while improving your overall health and helping you to relax.
It comes with a well-sealed storage bag to prevent air and moisture from interfering and weakening the taste and flavor of the tea inside. The packaging helps it retain the aroma and taste of the drink.
This tea is potent and delivers delicious and rich tea that everyone can appreciate. It is best brewed hot, but you can steep it and take it cold as well.
Roberts Roberts Kenyan Fairtrade Tea is sourced directly from different plantations in Kenya where tea leaves are hand-picked to ensure they have met the set standards for black tea in terms of freshness and flavor.
It has a strong taste and thus ideal for tea lovers who like it intense and bold.
Benefits of using this tea
- This tea has a fresh flavor that makes it refreshing
- Made from different varieties of black teas grown in Kenya, this tea has a unique taste that tea lovers will love
- It is very affordable compared to other brands in its category
- Has a strong taste and thus suitable for regular tea lovers who like drinking tea with an intense taste
Downsides
- The loose-leaf makes it difficult to measure and make tea
KETEPA KENYA TEA
This is another black tea made by one of the biggest tea brands in Kenya- Ketepa. It is prepared from tea cultivated in high-mountains plantations in different regions in Kenya. Its delicate flavor profile will leave a tantalizing taste on your tongue and make you yearn for another cup.
Boasting of a crunchy finish and an earthy flavor, Ketepa Kenya Tea can be added to milk or cream or taken with sugar. It has a mild taste since it is sourced from tea leaves that grow in tropical climates where there is a high amount of rainfall. This makes it ideal for many tea lovers who can’t withstand stronger flavors and tastes.
Benefits of using this tea
- It comes in the form of tea bags for easy steeping
- Has a dark, golden appearance with flavorful experience
- Has an extended shelf life and thus can serve you for a long time
- It is rich in antioxidants thus good for your health
- This black tea can act as a stress reducer thanks to its relaxing effect
Downsides
- For some tea lovers, its taste and flavor is too weak
HIGHLAND BLEND BLACK TEA
Made by a renowned brand, this black tea is gaining popularity among tea lovers. It is sourced from tea leaves from in highland areas and thus has a floral taste and aroma. It is refreshing and has a balanced scent and flavor.
It has a golden color and a delicate flavor that will appeal to many tea lovers. Its deep taste coats the throat leaving it with a great aftertaste.
Smooth and flavorful, this tea might not appeal to new drinkers but will provide a new experience to veteran tea lovers who like it strong and bold.
Benefits of using this tea
- This tea is extremely flavorful and has a strong aroma
- Has a long shelf life
- It comes in tea bags and thus easier to use
- It can be added in milk or sweetened with sugar without ruining the flavor
Downsides
- Has an intense strain hence may not appeal to beginners
- Has caffeine thus not ideal for people looking for decaffeinated tea
Bottom line
Black tea from Kenya is a great option if you are looking for a low-calorie beverage that has less caffeine than coffee. With a strong, unique flavor and aroma, you will definitely enjoy every cup of tea you take.
Best of all, they are freshly prepared and offer numerous health benefits. All the brands we have reviewed here are all the same in terms of content, with the only major difference being taste and aroma. We hope that you have found a brand that appeals to you.
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