Top 8 Best Lapsang Souchong Reviews in 2022

Tea is usually perceived as a refreshing beverage. What if I told you it could offer numerous supplement health benefits? Yes, you read it right!

The only condition is that you go with a healthier option like lapsang souchong. Globally, this tea has become a sensation because of its strong flavor and health benefits. That is why, when you search for it, you will come across hundreds of brands offering you the same.

This is where I can help you out. When I was looking for lapsang souchong, I compiled a list of the best brands that provide genuine and authentic lapsang souchong.

Below, I have shared my list of the top eight best lapsang souchong tea reviews to help you gain benefits from this tea. Before that, however, go through what benefits it offers.

What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Lapsang Souchong Tea?

Consumption of lapsang souchong tea regularly offers you a wide variety of health benefits like:

• This tea is rich in antioxidants. Consequently, it can help you fight the signs of aging and accelerate the rejuvenation of cells in the body.
• Lapsang souchong can help you avoid the growth of bad bacteria in the stomach, which ensures that the chances of suffering from diarrhea are reduced significantly. It also aids with metabolic activity, which increases your digestive power.
• The antioxidants present in lapsang souchong can help you reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They limit the bad cholesterol in the body and ensure that it does not clog the artery walls.

Apart from the above benefits, it also lowers the stress hormone, which ensures that you can lead a healthier and less stressful life.

These are just a handful of benefits of lapsang souchong. There are quite a few other benefits as well.

Our 8 Best Lapsang Souchong Tea

Now that you know the benefits of this tea, it is time to go through my curated list of the top eight lapsang souchong tea options.

1. Taylors of Harrogate 50 Teabags

This option is on top of the list because it is sourced from the mountains of China. That way, you get authentic lapsang souchong tea.

While most Lapsang Souchong variants are smoked using pinewood, this tea receives special treatment. While smoking, the leaves are kept on bamboo for drying which helps it retain flavor in a pronounced way.  

If you dig deeper into this method, you will realize that it is the traditional tea-making method. Using this method, you get the smoky flavor in your tea which certainly makes this lapsang souchong much better than many other options which you may come across.

Another advantage of this tea is that you can have it with or without milk. When many people prefer to avoid milk, such a tea option can serve you pretty well. The choice is yours.

Since you get fifty tea bags in the pack, it is easy to use them for a long time. Opening up a single serving will not impact the other bags, and therefore, their flavor will be retained appropriately.

The sourcing takes place in China. That is why you can be sure about the quality of the tea.

Thus, go with this option when you're looking for authentic lapsang souchong tea.

Highlighted Features:

• Sourced from China
• Set of fifty tea bags
• Can be had with milk
• Authentic smoky flavor
• Traditional tea making methods used
• Easy to consume in teabag form

2. Harney & Sons 16 oz Loose Leaf Tea

Many people do not prefer teabags. They need loose tea leaves. If you're one of them, this option can indeed work pretty well for you.

Apart from being in the form of loose leaves, these are also sourced from China. That is why; you won't have to worry about authenticity. You get that authentic smoky taste since the leaves are dried over smoky pine fires.

You get 1 lb of lapsang souchong tea leaves in a single pack. These consist of caffeine as well. That is why, if you want the best of both worlds, you can opt for this tea.

Since it is gluten-free, you won't have to worry about any allergic reactions if you're on a gluten-free diet.

While making your tea, you can reduce or increase the concentration of the loose tea leaves to get the right authentic taste. You might have to open an entire teabag to make the tea stronger when using a teabag. With the loose tea leaves, you do not have that problem.

Thus, if you prefer the loose tea leaves, go with this one.

Highlighted Features:

• Sourced from China
• Authentic drying method
• Caffeine flavor
• Gluten-free composition
• Easy to use

3. Twinings of London Lapsang Souchong Black Tea Bags

Arguably, the brand we are speaking about now is one of the oldest in the world. That is why, if you want to go with the legacy brand when it comes to lapsang souchong, you can go with this option.

I feel that this brand's curation method ensures that only the finest leaves make it to these teabags. With excellent blending expertise and curation process, while picking the leaves, you won't have to worry about flavorless leaves. The hand selection process they opt for ensures that there is no room for mistakes.

If you genuinely want to enjoy the flavor of lapsang souchong, you should opt for black tea. These tea bags are made for the same. Once you add them to hot water, they offer you a smoky taste which is much more authentic than other lapsang souchong options.

Now, its time to know more about its sourcing process, the tea is sourced from Fujian Province. The company ensures that only a select few estates are used to source tea. It helps them with quality control.

Of course, the drying happens over pinewood fires, providing that authentic smoky flavor.

Once the above step is completed, wicker baskets are used to help the tea leaves absorb that smoky flavor. The bamboo trays on which the wicker baskets are placed provide an even more authentic flavor to these tea leaves.

With such detailing, you can be sure that the flavor you get once you add these leaves to hot water is above average.

Highlighted Features:

• Authentic traditional drying method
• Perfect for hot tea
• Sourced from China
• Hand-selected leaves

4. Davidson's Tea Bag

The next option is Davidson's Tea Bag, Lapsang Souchong tea; this offering provides you with loose leaves. A 16 ounces pack ensures that it is perfect for multiple servings.

Additionally, the package is small enough to carry around with you wherever you go. That is why, if you want to have your authentic tea wherever you go, this one is a good choice.

Organic certification ensures that you can be sure about the increased quality of this tea. It is also certified as kosher.

Since it consists of caffeine, it provides a shot of energy along with the distinct flavor of tea.

The brand prides itself in following the authentic traditional drying method, ensuring that you can get the smoky flavor you have always desired. Premium quality leaves ensure you get authentic tea.

So, it becomes easier to get that authentic taste when going with this lapsang souchong. If you're looking for kosher-certified lapsang souchong tea, this one won't disappoint you.

Highlighted Features:

• Organic composition
• Certified kosher
• Precise drying process
• Consists of caffeine

5. Stash Tea Lapsang Souchong

While buying lapsang souchong, it is good to go with the loose tea. This one offers you just that. Apart from the loose leaves composition, the packaging is 16 ounces. That is why; it is more than enough for multiple servings and taking it around with you wherever you go.

Sourcing from the Fujian province of China ensures that you get authentic tea leaves. When you add these leaves to hot water, you will get a beautiful reddish-orange color unique to lapsang souchong tea. You won't miss out on the distinctive smoky flavor either.

The certified and non-GMO feature ensures that you are getting everything natural. Apart from that, it is kosher certified as well. The 16 ounces are divided into different tea bags. That is why, if you want to take a single serving, that is easily possible.

Another advantage of going with this tea is that it comes with a compostable teabag.

That's not all!

The energy used in the sourcing and picking of the leaves is 50% renewable; the same is true for drying the leaves as well. That is why; you are buying tea with little to no carbon footprint.

Apart from the above certifications, it is also certified organic. That is why; you won't have to worry about any other ingredients in the tea.

You certainly cannot go wrong with this lapsang souchong tea and its ample features.

Highlighted Features:

• Sourced from Fujian province of China
• Non-GMO organic composition
• Little to no carbon footprint
• Distinctive smoky flavor

6. Organic Positively Tea Company

A handful of distinctive features of this lapsang souchong tea make it a good option. For example, the leaves are dried over pinewood fires. That is why; there is a smoky flavor.

Organic certification ensures that you won't have to worry about any chemicals used in sourcing or growing these tea leaves. You can easily add them to hot water to get that organic black tea taste.

You will also notice the caffeine taste without a mistake with a high caffeine level as well as a smoky flavor. If you have had lapsang souchong tea before, you will know that both these attributes are excellent to taste.

In total, there is 1 lb of the leaves in the pack. That can translate into 200 cups of tea. That is why, once you get a single packet, there is no need to refill it anytime soon.

The natural sourcing process ensures that all the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are retained. That is why; you can gain all the benefits of drinking lapsang souchong tea when going with this one.

This lapsang souchong tea hardly misses out on any features, which is why it is worth buying.

Highlighted Features:

• High caffeine levels
• Organic certification level
• Excellent smoky flavor
• Natural sourcing process

7. Lapsang Souchong by Solstice Tea Traders

If you prefer a smaller packaging of lapsang souchong tea, this is another great option. Packaging is 12 ounces. That is why you can get around 130 servings quite easily. A smaller packet also means that you will be able to carry it in your backpack wherever you go.

As for the quality of the tea, it consists of pine smoked black tea leaves. That is why; you get the smoky flavor.

It comes with a zipper pouch to make it easy for you to use the packet. That is why; the freshness of the tea leaves is retained. Even if you consume these tea leaves slowly, you will not have to worry about reduced flavor. The zipper also makes it easy to store the packet.

Caffeinated composition ensures that you get the taste of the tea and caffeine that you have been craving. Besides that, the antioxidants are high in tea leaves, and gaining all the antioxidant benefits is undoubtedly easy.

I like this tea because if you do not want to drink it, there are various other purposes for which you can use it. For example, you can use it in the dry rub form or make soup or syrup. The applications are endless.

It is vegetarian, vegan, as well as, paleo-friendly. That means even if you're on a diet, you will be able to consume this tea without any worry.

The versatility of this tea is what makes it a good choice.

Highlighted Features:

• Smaller packaging
• Vegan, vegetarian and paleo-friendly
• Highly versatile
• Caffeinated flavor

8. Tealyra - Tarry Lapsang Souchong

The general perception among consumers is that lapsang souchong tea is only sourced from China. The truth, however, is that you can find equally good tea leaves in Taiwan as well. That is why, while compiling this list, I made sure to include a premium quality option from Taiwan as well.

The smoky flavor of this Taiwanese lapsang souchong is quite distinct. Some might say that it is stronger than the Chinese variants as well. That is why, if you like the smoky flavor, do not miss out on this one.

Despite the smoky flavor, it is pretty smooth to drink.

This tea undergoes full oxidation. However, you can still steep it twice, ensuring that you get stronger composition.

Caffeinated composition boosts your energy levels.

Since you can buy it in small packing, storing it is easy. Packaging is 4 ounces. In total, the weight of the tea leaves is 110 g.

The packet which you get with it comes with a zip lock mechanism. Once you close it, it is air-tight. That is why; storing the black tea leaves is easy. They will not lose their flavor even if you store them for a long time.

Thus, if you're looking for something stronger than the Chinese variant of lapsang souchong, consider this option.

Highlighted Features:

• Fully oxidized tea
• Strong smoky flavor
• Caffeinated composition
• Easy to use packet

Comparison Table of Tea

Lapsang Souchong Buying Guide

Even with the variants above, it is not that easy to choose the right one. Hence, I will share a few parameters to compare these tea variants with you.

Sourcing

Lapsang souchong tea is popular among its regular drinkers. That is why, if there is any variation from the authentic taste, most consumers won't prefer it.

The question is, how to choose one which is authentic in taste?

The best way to do so is to check its sourcing details. If it is sourced from China, you can ensure that it will provide you with that authentic taste.

Need an even stronger flavor? In that case, choose one which is sourced from Taiwan. Once you stick to the same source, it is easy for you to get that authentic taste.

Form Factor

While buying this tea, you can buy it in the loose leaves form or tea bags. If you like to precisely customize the flavor while drinking tea, go with the loose leaves.

The teabags are easy to store. If you do not want to measure the tea leaves precisely while adding to your cup, go with the teabag one. Moreover, since not all the tea leaves will be exposed to air at once, the aroma retention is better when going with the tea bag variant.

Caffeine Content

Caffeine is not a necessity in lapsang souchong tea. However, many consumers prefer caffeinated lapsang souchong. Before choosing one, check out the caffeine content in the tea leaves or the tea bags and make a call after that.

Certifications

Check out its certifications before buying when looking for a specific type of lapsang souchong. It is easy to find non-GMO lapsang souchong tea. Apart from that, if you're looking for organic, there are quite a few options as well. There are even Kosher certified variants available.

When you compare the options above, consider the certifications and, after that, buy one.

Smoky Flavor

Lapsang souchong is famous for its smoky flavor. However, the smoky flavor can vary from one tea to another. If you need that authentic smoky flavor, make sure to buy a tea whose leaves have been dried over pine wood. That way, you will notice that original flavor.

Applications

The general opinion among consumers is that you can add the lapsang souchong to hot water to make black tea. However, there are a few variants of lapsang souchong, which you can add to milk. That is why, while buying this tea, you have to first look at the likely applications.

Many of them are versatile - the more versatile the tea you buy, the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lapsang Souchong good for you?

Yes, lapsang souchong is good for you since it consists of plenty of antioxidants that fight the signs of aging and reduce the cholesterol in your blood vessels.

Do you put milk in Lapsang?

Yes, you can put milk in lapsang souchong. A lot, however, depends on the tea that you buy. Some taste good with water, whereas others allow you to make milk-based tea.

What is the perfect way to drink Lapsang Souchong?

The best way to drink Lapsang souchong is by brewing it in boiling water. If you genuinely want to enhance lapsang souchong's flavor, make sure that you use distilled water.

Is Lapsang Souchong high in caffeine?

Some of the variants of lapsang souchong are high in caffeine. Some others do not consist of caffeine at all. It all depends on the tea variant.

Can you use Lapsang Souchong for kombucha?

You can undoubtedly use lapsang souchong for kombucha. However, some lapsang souchong has a very strong flavor; you have to use it in limited quantity.

Where is Lapsang Souchong tea from?

Lapsang souchong is originally from China. That is why, if you're buying this variant of tea, make sure that the leaves are sourced from China for authentic flavor.

Final Word

No need to risk buying a substandard variant of lapsang souchong because you didn't know better. Choose from my list of top 8 best lapsang souchong tea reviews above to buy the best variety of tea you can find. There is no going back once you relish any of these tea variants.

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About the Author

Tamara J. Sims
EXECUTE CHEF

As a seasoned kitchen and food writer, Tamara has a remarkable ability to weave words together, transporting readers to the heart of the culinary world. Tamara’s articles are written with an engaging blend of insightful commentary, honesty, and real-world examples based on personal experiences. She has the ability to captivate seasoned food enthusiasts and novice cooks alike.