20 Best Teas You Can Drink, According to Nutritionists

It may come as a surprise to many in the United States that tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (after water, of course). Take that, coffee drinkers! It can be enjoyed hot or cold any time of day, making it incredibly versatile. While the majority of tea drinkers in the U.S. prefer to drink it iced, there are many good varieties that taste great hot. According to the Tea Association of America, black, green, oolong, yellow, dark and white teas all come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. What makes them different is how they are processed and oxidized, which affects their color, taste and caffeine strength. Additionally, herbal teas, while not derived from a tea leaf, but from herbs and spices, are brewed in the same fashion.

"Tea is popular worldwide and for good reason," says registered dietitian Stefani Sassos, deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab. "Not only is it flavorful and soothing, but it also contains natural antioxidant substances called polyphenols that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases."

To find the best teas, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab tested multiple top-selling tea brands by analyzing not only ingredient lists but also taste, flavor profiles, texture, bitterness, sweetness, caffeine strength, popularity and more. We favored organic or non-GMO options, and we looked for minimal and sustainably sourced ingredients. This list — including green, white, black, herbal, caffeinated and decaffeinated — has some of our favorite teas to consider the next time you're looking to enjoy a nice hot cup.

Our top picks:

After our top picks, scroll down for more information on how the Nutrition Lab evaluates teas at the end of this guide, as well what to look for when shopping.