Green tea is one of the most popular types of tea in the Philippines. It is usually enjoyed hot, iced, or in milk teas. It also has a distinct earthy and grassy taste that is refreshing and can be enjoyed any time of the day. But did you know that there are various kinds of green tea? Aside from that, it comes in different packaging, including loose-leaf, tea bags, and bottles.
But don’t be overwhelmed by the number of products you find online, as our buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, will help you choose the best one to purchase. Not only that, but we have also provided a list of the 8 best green teas that come in different flavors and infusions.
Quick List - Top Green Teas
Gold Leaf Oriental Blends
Pure and Mild Japanese-Style Green Tea for Daily Enjoyment
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Before delving into the other details and things to consider when buying green tea, it is important to know the different kinds first. In this section, we will differentiate the most common green teas variants in terms of their taste.
Sencha tea is the most common kind of green tea, especially in Japan. Its taste can be described as grassy and fresh with a mild sweetness and acidity. Compared to other green teas, sencha is light on the palate, making it a good choice if you want a refreshing drink.
Genmaicha is the Japanese term for brown rice tea. It is a combination of dried green tea leaves and roasted or popped brown rice. This gives the tea a toasted smoky flavor and a distinct aroma. Plus, it is more full-bodied and has a stronger flavor than other green teas.
Hojicha, a Japanese tea, translates to roasted tea. This is made by steaming and drying the tea leaves before slow roasting them at a high temperature, which reduces the bitterness and the caffeine content. The taste of hojicha is similar to genmaicha due to the roasting process but has the sweetness and hints of caramel in oolong.
Chunmee tea originates from the Jiangxi province in China. It translates to “precious eyebrows” in English because it resembles this body part. The taste is less sweet compared to other variants but has a nice, acidic kick to it. Because of its strong astringent quality, it is great to pair with sugar, honey, or milk.
Maojian, or Maofeng tea, comes from Henan, China, and is considered one of the finest green teas. The leaves are pan-fried, which gives them a fruity and grassy taste. As you sip this tea, you will first encounter a sweet flavor before the savory umami taste hits, making it a complex yet balanced beverage.
Green tea is versatile such that there are a lot of brands that sell different infusions. For that fruity sweetness, go for teas with lemon and berries. There are also jasmine and lavender infusions that add a floral hint to the grassy green tea.
If you want green tea that has simple flavors, a plain one is recommended so that you can appreciate the pure taste of tea. For a more refreshing drink, get green tea with mint. You can also consider buying a set that has different flavors for more variety.
Another thing that you should take note of is the packaging of green tea. In this section, we will be discussing the three types of packaging, namely loose-leaf, tea bags, and bottled teas, including their advantages and disadvantages.
Loose-leaf teas are for tea connoisseurs who already know their way around this beverage and would like to prepare them on their own. They come in resealable bags or jars that contain whole or slightly broken down tea leaves. The amount can vary from as little as 100 grams to as many as 1 kilogram.
Buying loose-leaf tea gives you the option to add infusions to your drink, which is a huge advantage if you like customizing it. However, you should have tea brewing equipment at home should you opt for this variant. If not, find a shop that sells both the tea that you like and tea sets with reusable tea bags.
Tea bags are easy to prepare as you can just leave them seeping according to the time and temperature indicated on the packaging. This type often contains dustings or fannings of tea. If you want to try loose-leaf tea but have not mastered the art of brewing yet, you may go for tea bags that contain loose tea leaves inside.
The number of tea bags inside a box or set varies, so you should get one based on your consumption. For unfamiliar flavors or brands, buy a box that has around 10 tea bags. On the other hand, you can purchase sets that have at least 25 or 50 bags for your favorite variants or if you drink tea regularly.
Aside from loose-leaf and tea bags, you can also have tea in bottles. They are usually enjoyed ice cold and are best paired with meals and snacks. The best thing about them is that they are readily available in convenience stores and groceries. This makes them ideal for those who are always on the go and do not have time to prepare tea.
The contents of the bottles can either be single servings ranging from 100ml to 300ml or 500ml to 1-liter ones, which are good for sharing. Though they might be labeled as tea, they usually have added sweeteners. If you find them too sweet for your liking, you can water them down or add more ice.
Tea brands have different ways to indicate the strength of their tea, with most using a numbered scale from 1 to 5 or from low to high. It is important to know the strength or caffeine level of the tea so that you know which one to get based on your preference.
Green teas that have high caffeine content are best consumed in the morning to give you an energy boost. Hence, they're a great alternative to coffee. On the other hand, low to medium strength teas are good to drink in the afternoon or towards the end of the day.
Lastly, go for decaffeinated teas if you want the signature taste of green teas minus the caffeine. Decaf teas are also great to drink at night when you're trying to wind down after a long day.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Variant | Flavor | Strength | Packaging | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Lipton Fresh Green Tea | ![]() | Fresh and Light Green Tea for Everyday Refreshment | Fresh Green Tea | Light, fresh green tea | Mild | Box with 10 individually enveloped tea bags | 1.5 g | |
2 | Gold Leaf Oriental Blends Oriental Blends: Sencha Green Tea | ![]() | Pure and Mild Japanese-Style Green Tea for Daily Enjoyment | Sencha Green Tea | Fresh, mild, and lightly steamed green tea | Mild | Box with 25 individually wrapped tea bags | 2 g | |
3 | C2 Classic Green Tea | ![]() | Refreshing and Naturally Brewed Green Tea in Ready-to-Drink Bottle | Classic Green Tea | Sweet, smooth green tea flavor | Mild | PET bottle | 455 mL | |
4 | Twinings Green Tea and Lemon | ![]() | Light and Refreshing Green Tea with a Zesty Lemon Twist | Green Tea and Lemon | Citrus lemon with smooth green tea | Mild | Box with 25 individually wrapped tea bags | 1.8 g | |
5 | Ito En Oi Ocha and Roasted Rice Green Tea | ![]() | Nutty and Smooth Japanese Matcha Genmaicha Blend | Matcha with Green Tea and Roasted Rice (Genmaicha) | Nutty roasted rice with smooth matcha green tea | Mild to Medium | Box with 20 triangular nylon tea bags | 2.3 g | |
6 | McCoy Teas Ceylon Green Tea | ![]() | Pure Ceylon Sencha Green Tea with Refreshing, Light Flavor | Pure Ceylon Sencha Green Tea | Light, semi-sweet vegetal green tea | Mild to Medium | Box with 100 individually wrapped tea bags | 1.8 g | |
7 | Gold Leaf Green Tea Selections Peppermint Tea | ![]() | Refreshing Green Tea with a Cool Peppermint Twist | Peppermint Green Tea | Green tea with cool peppermint | Mild | "Box with 24 individually wrapped tea bags | 1.5 g | |
8 | Arizona Green Tea With Ginseng and Honey | ![]() | Sweet and Energizing Green Tea with Natural Honey and Ginseng | Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey | Sweet green tea with honey and ginseng | Mild to medium, sweetened | PET Bottle | 16 oz | |
9 | Steuarts Pure Ceylon Green Tea | ![]() | Refreshing Pure Ceylon Green Tea with Garden-Fresh Flavor | Pure Green Tea | Fresh, garden-like, mildly grassy green tea | Mild to Medium | Box with 25 individually wrapped tea bags | 1.8 g | |
10 | Stash Decaf Premium Green Tea | ![]() | Smooth and Mild Decaffeinated Green Tea with Natural Flavor | Decaf Premium Green Tea | Mild vegetal, nutty, grassy green tea | Mild | Box with 18 individually wrapped tea bags | 1.1 oz |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the fresh and smooth taste that is not bitter, making it easy to enjoy multiple cups daily. Many find the individually wrapped sachets helpful for maintaining flavor and convenience. Some wish for larger pack sizes for better value.
Variant | Fresh Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Light, fresh green tea |
Strength | Mild |
Packaging | Box with 10 individually enveloped tea bags |
Net Weight | 1.5 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers enjoy the smooth and fresh taste that is not bitter, making it suitable for regular drinking. Many appreciate the convenient individually wrapped sachets that preserve flavor and freshness. Some users suggest larger pack options for better value.
Variant | Sencha Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Fresh, mild, and lightly steamed green tea |
Strength | Mild |
Packaging | Box with 25 individually wrapped tea bags |
Net Weight | 2 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users enjoy the refreshing and mildly sweet flavor that is not overpowering, making it a favorite daily drink. Customers appreciate the convenient bottle size for easy carrying and consumption anytime. Some note the sweetness level could be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
Variant | Classic Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Sweet, smooth green tea flavor |
Strength | Mild |
Packaging | PET bottle |
Net Weight | 455 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users enjoy the vibrant and refreshing lemon flavor that complements the smooth green tea well. Many appreciate the convenience of individually wrapped bags and the light, non-bitter taste. Some suggest the lemon flavor could be a bit stronger for a more pronounced zest.
Variant | Green Tea and Lemon |
---|---|
Flavor | Citrus lemon with smooth green tea |
Strength | Mild |
Packaging | Box with 25 individually wrapped tea bags |
Net Weight | 1.8 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers love the unique nutty flavor and smooth richness that make this tea a comforting daily drink. Many praise the convenience of the premium tea bags and the authentic taste reminiscent of traditional Japanese Genmaicha. Some note slight tea leaf sediment as a sign of natural quality but recommend careful steeping.
Variant | Matcha with Green Tea and Roasted Rice (Genmaicha) |
---|---|
Flavor | Nutty roasted rice with smooth matcha green tea |
Strength | Mild to Medium |
Packaging | Box with 20 triangular nylon tea bags |
Net Weight | 2.3 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users praise the fresh, smooth taste that is not bitter and appreciate its gentle vegetal notes. Many find it a perfect daily tea for relaxation and detox without overpowering flavors. Some customers desire more detailed brewing instructions on the packaging.
Variant | Pure Ceylon Sencha Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Light, semi-sweet vegetal green tea |
Strength | Mild to Medium |
Packaging | Box with 100 individually wrapped tea bags |
Net Weight | 1.8 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users enjoy the cool, refreshing flavor that balances the mild green tea taste well. Many appreciate the convenience of individually sealed bags and find it a great choice for stress relief and digestion. Some suggest the peppermint flavor could be a bit stronger for a more pronounced minty effect.
Variant | Peppermint Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Green tea with cool peppermint |
Strength | Mild |
Packaging | "Box with 24 individually wrapped tea bags |
Net Weight | 1.5 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users enjoy the sweet and refreshing taste, noting it’s a pleasant alternative to sodas. However, some express concern over the high sugar content, which may be too much for those watching their sugar intake. Others appreciate the energizing effect of ginseng but recommend consuming in moderation due to sweetness.
Variant | Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey |
---|---|
Flavor | Sweet green tea with honey and ginseng |
Strength | Mild to medium, sweetened |
Packaging | PET Bottle |
Net Weight | 16 oz |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers appreciate the authentic and refreshing Ceylon green tea flavor with a smooth, balanced taste that is not bitter. Many find it suitable for daily drinking and enjoy the pleasant aroma. Some mention the packaging is simple but effective in maintaining tea freshness.
Variant | Pure Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Fresh, garden-like, mildly grassy green tea |
Strength | Mild to Medium |
Packaging | Box with 25 individually wrapped tea bags |
Net Weight | 1.8 g |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users praise its smooth, light flavor that closely resembles regular green tea without the caffeine kick. Customers appreciate the lack of bitterness and find it relaxing for evening consumption. Some mention it could be slightly stronger in flavor but overall consider it a top decaf green tea option.
Variant | Decaf Premium Green Tea |
---|---|
Flavor | Mild vegetal, nutty, grassy green tea |
Strength | Mild |
Packaging | Box with 18 individually wrapped tea bags |
Net Weight | 1.1 oz |
Want some more choices for your everyday cup of tea? We got you! Browse the best earl grey, ginger, and fruit teas through the links below. From here on, you will not be worried about running out of variants to try out! It's also great to have different types of tea at home to suit whatever taste goes well with your mood.
Author: Patricia Catimpo
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Lipton|Fresh Green Tea
No. 2: Gold Leaf Oriental Blends|Oriental Blends: Sencha Green Tea
No. 3: C2|Classic Green Tea
No. 4: Twinings|Green Tea and Lemon
No. 5: Ito En|Oi Ocha and Roasted Rice Green Tea
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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