Fans of a really full-bodied cup
You want the flavour of your black tea to come through when you have a snack, perhaps with a splash of milk. An English Breakfast tea, or a recommendation to brew it more strongly where given, can help you choose.
Who is this tea for?
Those keeping an eye on caffeine in the afternoon
You enjoy black tea in the afternoon, but the time you have it and your other sources of caffeine matter too. The Anses notes that caffeine occurs naturally in tea and that its effects vary from person to person.
People who regularly buy tea bags
You want to compare boxes that are easy to use every day. Net weight, the number of tea bags and the ingredients list can help you compare formats and blends.
What matters when choosing a tea for afternoon tea
First, choose the black tea profile that appeals to you. Then check how it should be brewed and whether its caffeine content fits your needs for the afternoon.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour in the cup | The exact blend and tasting notes for the tea; “full-bodied” isn’t a standard measure shared by all black teas. | When I have a snack, I want the tea’s flavour to come through, even if I add a little milk; around 50% of consumers put the character of the tea first when choosing. |
| Adjusting the brew | The brewing time and temperature given for your chosen tea: Twinings recommends 4 minutes at 95 °C for a stronger brew of its Original English Breakfast, while Auchan recommends 2 to 3 minutes for its breakfast black tea. | I’d rather adjust my cup than follow instructions for a different tea; getting the brew just right comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
| Caffeine in the afternoon | Whether it contains black tea, and what other caffeinated drinks you’ve had that day; the Anses points out that sensitivity to caffeine varies from person to person. | If caffeine affects my sleep, the time I have my afternoon tea matters as much as the flavour I’m after; for around 20% of consumers, it’s their main concern. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “full-bodied” means a specific caffeine content
Tasting notes and brewing instructions alone don’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup. The Anses notes that the effects of caffeine vary from person to person.
Choose a flavour and brewing method you enjoy, but don’t use the word “strong” on its own to estimate your caffeine intake. If it matters to you, factor in your other drinks too.
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Always brewing your tea for longer
Instructions vary between teas: Twinings recommends 4 minutes for a stronger brew of its Original English Breakfast, while Auchan suggests 2 to 3 minutes for its breakfast black tea.
Start with the instructions on the box you’ve bought, then adjust the brew to suit your taste rather than using the timing for a different tea.
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Assuming all black teas are plain
An flavoured black tea offers a different taste to a blend made entirely from black tea. Check the ingredients list to see which you’re buying.
If you’re looking for a plain tea, check the ingredients list. If you prefer Earl Grey, look for the declared flavourings and other ingredients.
Brands to consider
The details below apply to the specific products mentioned, not every tea from each brand.
Lipton
The bagged English Breakfast described by Auchan is made from black tea, with a stated blend of 80% Kenya, 15% Assam and 5% Ceylon.
- Auchan recommends brewing this tea for 2 to 3 minutes at 100 °C.
- The description “full-bodied and aromatic” comes from the product listing; it isn’t a measure of its strength compared with other teas.
Twinings
The Original English Breakfast blend described by Twinings includes teas from Kenya, Assam, Indonesia and China.
- Twinings recommends brewing for 4 minutes at 95 °C for a cup described as having a strong character.
- These instructions are specific to Original English Breakfast and don’t automatically apply to other Twinings teas.
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour’s English Breakfast tea is made from 100% black tea and comes in a box of 50 tea bags, weighing 100 g.
- The number of tea bags and net weight make it easy to compare this format with other boxes.
- The claim “100% black tea” describes the ingredients, not the flavour intensity of the brew.
Auchan
Auchan’s bagged breakfast black tea is made from 100% black tea sourced from Africa and Asia. The box contains 25 tea bags and weighs 50 g.
- The product listing recommends brewing for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- These brewing times don’t mean it will have the same intensity as another English Breakfast tea.
Black teas available on Joybuy
These products let you compare bagged English Breakfast teas with other black teas for afternoon tea, including a flavoured Earl Grey and a box for everyday use. Check the instructions on each pack before brewing a stronger cup.
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Twinings English Breakfast, 25 tea bags
For afternoon tea when you fancy an English Breakfast in individual portions. The box contains 25 tea bags; follow its instructions to get the brew just right.
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PUKKA English Breakfast, 20 tea bags
For a tea-bag English Breakfast-style cup at afternoon tea. This pack contains 20 tea bags; check the box for the brewing instructions for this tea.
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DAMMANN Breakfast, 24 tea bags, 48 g
For trying a bagged Breakfast black tea at afternoon tea. The box contains 24 tea bags and weighs 48 g; the name Breakfast doesn’t dictate when to drink it or how long to brew it.
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TWININGS Russian Earl Grey, 150 g
For afternoon tea when you’d prefer a flavoured Earl Grey to plain black tea. The box contains 150 g; check the ingredients and brewing instructions on the pack.
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PG Tips, 240 tea bags, 696 g
For making tea with bags regularly at afternoon tea. The box contains 240 tea bags and weighs 696 g; if you’re specifically looking for a full-bodied cup, check the product description and brewing instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make a fuller-bodied cup without changing tea?
Start by following the instructions for the tea you’re making, then adjust to taste. Twinings recommends 4 minutes at 95 °C for a stronger brew of its Original English Breakfast; Auchan recommends 2 to 3 minutes for its breakfast black tea, depending on how strong you like it. These timings aren’t interchangeable.
What should I consider if I’m sensitive to caffeine at afternoon tea?
Think about what time you drink your black tea and how much caffeine you get from other sources. The Anses says caffeine can affect sleep and that its effects vary from person to person; the word “full-bodied” doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup.
How can I tell plain black tea from a flavoured blend?
Read the ingredients list on the box to spot any flavourings and other ingredients added to the black tea. The DGCCRF lists the product name, ingredients and net quantity among the labelling information required for prepacked food.