Tea subscription services have gained popularity among tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, offering convenience and access to a wide variety of teas. Whether you’re looking to explore exotic blends, stock up on your favorites, or learn more about the art of tea, these subscriptions can enhance your tea-drinking experience. But with so many options on the market, how do they stack up in terms of quality, variety, and value for money?
In this review, we’ll explore and compare several popular tea subscription services, breaking down their offerings, subscription plans, and overall value.
1. Sips by
Overview
Sips by is a personalized tea subscription service that tailors its monthly tea selection to individual preferences. After completing a tea quiz, subscribers receive a box featuring teas from around the world.
Offerings
- Custom Curation: Each box contains four different teas (loose-leaf or bagged), matched to your taste profile.
- Diverse Selection: Includes both well-known brands and smaller artisan tea makers.
- Extras: Comes with steeping instructions, reusable muslin tea bags, and tasting notes.
Pricing
- $16/month for 15+ cups of tea.
Pros
- Highly customizable based on taste preferences.
- Affordable price for a diverse selection.
- Offers an interactive experience with the tea quiz.
Cons
- Limited to four teas per box, which might not satisfy heavy tea drinkers.
- Smaller sample sizes compared to other services.
Best For
Those who want a personalized, curated tea experience and enjoy discovering new brands.
2. Tea Runners
Overview
Tea Runners is known for offering premium loose-leaf teas sourced from top-tier estates and blenders. Their selections frequently include award-winning teas.
Offerings
- Variety of Plans: Choose from an Original box, Pure Tea box, Herbal box, or an All Black Tea box.
- Premium Teas: Each box features four teas, with enough for 30-50 cups in total.
- Flexibility: Subscribers can skip or change their box type each month.
Pricing
- $25/month or $21/month for prepaid annual subscriptions.
Pros
- High-quality teas from renowned tea producers.
- Excellent variety within each box.
- Generous portions for each tea.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other services.
- Limited to loose-leaf teas, which may not suit casual tea drinkers.
Best For
Tea connoisseurs who prioritize premium quality and are willing to pay for it.
3. Adagio Teas
Overview
Adagio Teas offers a straightforward subscription service focused on providing high-quality teas with the option to choose from various themes, such as herbal, black, or green teas.
Offerings
- Themed Boxes: Subscribers can select specific categories or explore a mix.
- Portion Control: Each box contains three different teas, with enough for about 30 cups.
- Educational Notes: Comes with steeping instructions and information about the tea’s origin.
Pricing
- $19/month for a monthly subscription.
- Discounts for prepaid quarterly or annual plans.
Pros
- Excellent for exploring themed tea categories.
- Well-suited for beginner tea drinkers looking for guidance.
- Affordable pricing for the quality provided.
Cons
- Less variety in tea styles within a single box.
- Limited focus on unique or rare teas.
Best For
Beginners and casual tea drinkers looking for a reliable introduction to high-quality teas.
4. Simple Loose Leaf
Overview
Simple Loose Leaf offers a budget-friendly subscription with a strong focus on loose-leaf teas. Each box comes with a rotating selection, allowing subscribers to sample various styles.
Offerings
- Four Teas Per Box: Includes black, green, herbal, and seasonal blends.
- Sample Sizes: Each tea provides 4-6 cups, perfect for trying before committing to larger purchases.
- Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly tea pouches.
Pricing
- $10/month for the monthly plan.
- Discounts available for quarterly or annual plans.
Pros
- Affordable entry point for tea subscriptions.
- Rotating selection ensures variety.
- Small sample sizes reduce waste.
Cons
- Not customizable to individual preferences.
- Smaller portion sizes may not suit heavy tea drinkers.
Best For
Budget-conscious tea lovers who want to explore a variety of teas without committing to larger portions.
5. Plum Deluxe
Overview
Plum Deluxe offers handcrafted, organic teas with a strong emphasis on community and mindfulness. Subscribers receive exclusive blends not available for individual purchase.
Offerings
- Exclusive Blends: Two or three teas per month, with an emphasis on unique, seasonal flavors.
- Community Focus: Access to a private Facebook group for subscribers.
- Extras: Recipes and tea-pairing suggestions.
Pricing
- $16/month for one tea (20-30 cups).
- $28/month for two teas (40-60 cups).
Pros
- Exclusive blends tailored to the season.
- Strong sense of community and brand engagement.
- Focus on organic, high-quality ingredients.
Cons
- Limited selection per box.
- Slightly higher price point compared to sample-focused services.
Best For
Tea drinkers who value organic ingredients and enjoy engaging with a tea-loving community.
6. Art of Tea
Overview
Art of Tea provides a luxurious tea subscription experience, featuring handcrafted, organic teas in themed collections.
Offerings
- Themed Boxes: Choose from categories like Caffeine-Free, Classics, or Explore (a mix of all styles).
- Generous Portions: Each box contains three teas, with enough for 50+ cups in total.
- Premium Blends: Focused on artisanal and organic teas.
Pricing
- $25/month for monthly subscriptions.
- Discounts for prepaid annual plans.
Pros
- High-quality, artisanal teas with a focus on sustainability.
- Wide range of themed options.
- Large quantities for avid tea drinkers.
Cons
- Higher cost compared to more casual subscription services.
- Limited customization within the themes.
Best For
Tea enthusiasts looking for a luxurious subscription that prioritizes quality and sustainability.
Summary Table: Comparing Subscription Services
| Service | Price (Monthly) | Quantity (Cups) | Customization | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sips by | $16 | 15+ | High | Personalized variety |
| Tea Runners | $25 | 30-50 | Moderate | Premium, award-winning teas |
| Adagio Teas | $19 | 30 | Low | Themed tea exploration |
| Simple Loose Leaf | $10 | 16-24 | Low | Budget-friendly loose-leaf |
| Plum Deluxe | $16-28 | 20-60 | Low | Organic, exclusive blends |
| Art of Tea | $25 | 50+ | Low | Artisanal, organic blends |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tea Subscription for You
The best tea subscription service for you depends on your preferences, budget, and goals. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- For Personalization and Variety: Go with Sips by.
- For Premium Quality: Choose Tea Runners.
- For Beginners: Try Adagio Teas for their thematic approach.
- For Budget-Conscious Drinkers: Start with Simple Loose Leaf.
- For Exclusive and Organic Teas: Opt for Plum Deluxe or Art of Tea.
Whichever subscription you choose, you’re embarking on a flavorful journey into the diverse world of tea. Happy sipping!
