8 Tea Brands Making Mighty Leaf Look Like Yesterday's News
Published on: November 18, 2024
:fill(fefefe):watermark(overlays/overlay-black.webp,repeat,repeat,98)/www.drinkdona.com%2Fproducts%2Fdona-masala-chai-set%2F1717105682%2FDona_MasalaChaiConcentrate_Original_076.png)
/www.firebellytea.com%2Fproducts%2Fafter-dinner-mint%2F1721071226%2FAfterDinnerMint_bagwithtea-icons.jpg){kind=icon}
/www.bighearttea.com%2Fproducts%2Fchai%2F1609944856%2FBHTWhiteBoxShopChaiBags.png)
/www.mashatea.com%2Fproducts%2Fmatcha-wisk-chasen%2F1665160931%2Fimage_c7d336ce-3f99-4a63-9f88-ec28b513d430.jpg)
/www.smithtea.com%2Fproducts%2Fflask-glass-iced-tea-jug%2F1691778880%2FIced-Tea-Pitcher-Pouring.jpg)
/www.trueteapdx.com%2Fproducts%2Fmatcha-starter-set%2F1635109138%2FTrueTeaMay2021web-9.jpg)
/www.flowerheadtea.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-originals-bundle%2F1663649082%2FOriginals.jpg)
1 / 0
The landscape of premium tea has shifted dramatically since Mighty Leaf first introduced their silky mesh pouches. A new generation of tea makers has emerged, each bringing fresh perspectives on sourcing, sustainability, and sophistication. From physician-founded ventures to design-focused startups, these brands are rewriting the rules of what exceptional tea can be. Here are eight noteworthy alternatives we've discovered that offer compelling alternatives to the familiar purple packages.
: Where Silicon Valley Meets Steep Time
/www.firebellytea.com%2Fproducts%2Fafter-dinner-mint%2F1721071226%2FAfterDinnerMint_bagwithtea-icons.jpg){kind=icon}
/original_images%2Fbatch_logo_20230611www.firebellytea.com){kind=logo}
David Segal, who built DavidsTea into a retail powerhouse, has joined forces with Shopify president Harley Finkelstein to create something entirely different. Their After Dinner Mint blend reflects a philosophy that less is more - organic herbs, real chocolate, mint, and valerian root, with zero artificial anything.
We're intrigued by how Firebelly approaches the entire tea ecosystem. Their packaging isn't just compostable; it's genuinely beautiful. Their accessories aren't mere utilities but conversation pieces that celebrate the ritual of tea preparation. By controlling their supply chain through direct-to-consumer sales, they maintain precise quality standards while building genuine connections with their community.
Why we like Firebelly
- 1
Sustainable Innovation
Combines eco-friendly packaging with beautiful design
- 2
Quality Control
Direct-to-consumer model ensures consistent premium quality
- 3
Clean Ingredients
Zero artificial additives in all blends
: Brooklyn's Slow Food Answer to Tea
:fill(fefefe):watermark(overlays/overlay-black.webp,repeat,repeat,98)/www.drinkdona.com%2Fproducts%2Fdona-masala-chai-set%2F1717105682%2FDona_MasalaChaiConcentrate_Original_076.png)
/original_images%2Fbatch_logo_20230611www.drinkdona.com){kind=logo}
In an industrial corner of Brooklyn, Dona is quietly revolutionizing tea concentrates. Their Masala Chai Concentrate emerges from a painstaking process involving freshly ground spices and a slow-steep method that coaxes out complex flavors naturally.
Amy Rothstein's operation turns the concept of waste into opportunity - they compost tens of thousands of gallons annually and find creative uses for spent spices in their test kitchen. Their growth from shared kitchen to dedicated facility shows how artisanal principles can scale successfully. We're particularly impressed by their commitment to building lasting relationships with suppliers, ensuring both quality and ethical sourcing practices.
Why we like Dona
- 1
Zero Waste Focus
Innovative composting and spice reuse programs
- 2
Artisanal Scale
Successfully scaled craft production without compromising quality
- 3
Ethical Sourcing
Strong relationships with suppliers ensure sustainable practices
: Portland's Tea Laboratory
/www.smithtea.com%2Fproducts%2Fflask-glass-iced-tea-jug%2F1691778880%2FIced-Tea-Pitcher-Pouring.jpg)
/original_images%2Fbatch_logo_20230611www.smithtea.com){kind=logo}
The late Steven Smith's legacy lives on in this Portland institution. Their FORLIFE Flask Glass Iced Tea Jug reflects their knack for making traditional tea preparation more accessible to modern drinkers without sacrificing authenticity.
Their Portland facility serves as both production space and experimental laboratory, where new blends emerge from rigorous testing and tasting. We appreciate how they've maintained Smith's uncompromising standards while pushing into new flavor territories. Their direct relationships with growers worldwide translate into teas with remarkable depth and complexity.
Why we like Smith Teamaker
- 1
Innovation Heritage
Continues Steven Smith's legacy of tea innovation
- 2
Testing Rigor
Extensive laboratory testing ensures consistent quality
- 3
Global Relationships
Direct grower partnerships yield unique flavor profiles
: The Doctor's Prescription for Better Tea
/www.mashatea.com%2Fproducts%2Fmatcha-wisk-chasen%2F1665160931%2Fimage_c7d336ce-3f99-4a63-9f88-ec28b513d430.jpg)
/original_images%2Fbatch_logo_20230611www.mashatea.com){kind=logo}
Board-certified naturopathic physician Maria Geyman brings clinical insight to the art of tea blending. Their Matcha Whisk (Chasen) honors centuries-old preparation methods while acknowledging tea's role in contemporary wellness practices.
Geyman's dual background in medicine and fashion journalism (she contributes to Vogue) infuses Masha Tea with unique perspective. We're drawn to how they balance evidence-based wellness with aesthetic pleasure. Their presence in high-end wellness spaces and specialty shops suggests a growing appreciation for tea as both medicine and luxury.
Why we like Masha Tea
- 1
Medical Expertise
Founded by a naturopathic physician
- 2
Wellness Focus
Blends traditional practices with modern health science
- 3
Luxury Wellness
Combines medical credibility with high-end aesthetics
/environments/prod/users/Connie/Connie.jpeg)
Connie L.
02/09/24
Just a necessity for anyone who loves matcha!
: Direct From Farm to Teapot
/www.trueteapdx.com%2Fproducts%2Fmatcha-starter-set%2F1635109138%2FTrueTeaMay2021web-9.jpg)
/original_images%2Fbatch_logo_20230611www.trueteapdx.com){kind=logo}
Katherine Harris built True Tea around transparency in sourcing. Their Matcha Set embodies this philosophy, providing tools for authentic preparation while supporting sustainable farming practices.
True Tea's producer relationships run deep - Harris knows farmers by name and regularly visits their operations. We appreciate their educational initiatives, which include private tastings and detailed origin stories. Their approach helps tea drinkers understand the journey from field to cup in unprecedented detail.
Why we like True Tea
- 1
Source Transparency
Direct relationships with named farmers
- 2
Educational Focus
Detailed origin stories and tasting experiences
- 3
Authentic Tools
Traditional preparation equipment supports proper technique
: Oakland's Botanical Artists
/www.flowerheadtea.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-originals-bundle%2F1663649082%2FOriginals.jpg)
/original_images%2Fwww_flowerheadtea_com_logo.png){kind=logo}
Karina and Kendall's Oakland-born venture approaches tea as both culinary art and visual medium. Their Originals Bundle showcases their talent for unexpected combinations that create memorable experiences beyond mere refreshment.
Their expansion to Los Angeles hasn't diluted their commitment to small-batch production. We're fascinated by how they balance quality with presentation - their packaging could hang in galleries, but the contents more than match the external beauty. Their seasonal variations keep their collection fresh and engaging.
Why we like Flowerhead Tea
- 1
Artistic Vision
Treats tea as both culinary and visual art
- 2
Small Batch Quality
Maintains artisanal standards despite expansion
- 3
Seasonal Innovation
Regular rotation of creative new blends
/environments/prod/users/ross5225/avatars/Xi6fEdMC)
Shannon Ross
02/02/24
i love the two women behind this brand- and the tea is amazing!
: From Vintage Camper to National Name
/www.bighearttea.com%2Fproducts%2Fchai%2F1609944856%2FBHTWhiteBoxShopChaiBags.png)
/original_images%2Fbatch_logo_20230611www.bighearttea.com){kind=logo}
Lisa Govro started serving tea from a restored camper before building Big Heart into a respected brand. Their Chai blend demonstrates their talent for making traditional recipes approachable without compromising authenticity.
Their sourcing process considers farmer welfare and environmental impact alongside quality standards. We admire how they've collaborated with top culinary professionals to elevate tea service while keeping it accessible. Their transparent approach to education helps demystify traditional practices while preserving their integrity.
Why we like Big Heart Tea Co.
- 1
Grassroots Growth
Authentic evolution from local to national brand
- 2
Culinary Partnerships
Collaborations with top food professionals
- 3
Accessible Education
Makes traditional tea practices approachable
The Future of Premium Tea
These eight brands represent distinct visions of what premium tea can be, each contributing unique perspectives to an ancient tradition. From wellness-focused blends to design-forward presentations, they're creating experiences that honor tea's heritage while embracing modern sensibilities. Whether you're drawn to innovative brewing methods or traditional preparation rituals, these artisanal producers offer compelling alternatives to conventional options.