Available Alternatives
✅ Authentic restaurant-quality taste
Tea Zone Thai Tea Leaves
✅ Strong, authentic cinnamon flavor
Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Black Tea
✅ Strong, authentic lychee aroma and flavor
Golden Sail Lychee Black Tea
✅ Non-bitter taste even with longer steeping
Red Rose Original Full Flavored Black Tea


We analyze real customer reviews to surface what matters: key strengths, ideal use cases, and honest considerations — so you can make an informed choice.
Numi Organic Aged Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea
A bold Earl Grey with perfectly balanced bergamot, earthy roasted depth, and a smooth nectar-sweet finish — approachable for beginners, rewarding for daily rituals.
🎯 Best for: Coffee replacement for daily energy, Afternoon and evening tea
🍃 Tastes like: bergamot, floral, roasted
What Stands Out
🍃 Flavor Profile
Strength: Bold
Notes: bergamot, floral, roasted
✅ What Customers Love
- High quality, consistent product (6 mentions)
- Perfectly balanced bergamot - not too floral, not too subtle (5 mentions)
- Strong, fresh aroma when opening package (4 mentions)
🎯 Best For
Coffee replacement for daily energy • Afternoon and evening tea • Daily routine tea • Afternoon tea service
Brand: Numi
Category: Black Tea
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
About This Black Tea
This loose leaf Earl Grey pairs bright bergamot florals with an earthy, roasted base and an oily-smooth finish that avoids bitterness entirely. The aroma is notably strong from first open, and reviewers find the quality consistent across batches. One caveat: the leaf grade runs small — expect fine particles rather than whole leaves. It brews forgivingly and rewards re-steeping; enthusiasts note the flavor opens up and deepens with extended storage. Best suited to daily drinkers wanting a reliable Earl Grey and those easing away from coffee into something smoother and aromatic.
Is Numi Organic Aged Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea Right for You?
What does Numi Aged Earl Grey taste like?
Reviewers describe it as bold but smooth, with a perfectly balanced bergamot that's aromatic without being perfumy. The flavor profile includes floral and nectar-sweet notes layered over a roasted, savory black tea base. The texture is notably smooth — one reviewer describes it as 'oily-smooth.' It's earthy and full-bodied enough to drink on its own, but bright and balanced enough that it doesn't feel heavy. When you first open the pouch, you'll notice a strong, fresh aroma — four reviewers specifically mention the smell as a highlight. The bergamot may seem subtle at first but builds as you drink.
What makes Numi's Aged Earl Grey different from regular Earl Grey?
Three things set this apart. First, the 'aged' aspect — Numi ages the Italian bergamot with the tea leaves, which creates a deeper, more integrated flavor rather than just spraying bergamot oil on top like many brands do. One reviewer specifically notes the tea improves even further after aging for a year at home. Second, the balance: five reviewers call out the bergamot as perfectly balanced — not too floral, not too subtle. Many Earl Greys lean too heavy on the bergamot and taste perfumy, but reviewers specifically praise this one for being smooth and natural. Third, it's organic and Fair Trade, which isn't common in the Earl Grey category at this quality level.
How does Numi tea compare to other brands?
Numi sits in the premium tier of widely available tea brands. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and consistency — six separate mentions call out the high, reliable quality. The bergamot balance is a standout: multiple reviewers say it's perfectly balanced, not too floral or subtle, and smooth rather than perfumy (which is a common complaint with other Earl Greys). The main trade-off is price — some reviewers note it's more expensive than alternatives like Davidson's. But for many, the organic certification, the smooth balanced flavor, and the fact that it works beautifully with cream (unlike some Earl Greys) make it worth the premium.
Does Numi Earl Grey work as a coffee replacement?
This is actually one of the most validated use cases for this tea. Reviewers specifically mention it as a successful coffee replacement, with one person saying it converted them from drinking 1-2 pots of coffee per day. The bold flavor profile gives you something substantial to drink in the morning — it's not a wimpy, watery tea. The caffeine is lower than coffee but still enough to provide alertness, and the smooth texture with bergamot creates a ritual that's satisfying enough to replace the coffee habit. If you add cream (which reviewers say works great with this specific Earl Grey), it becomes even more of a coffee-like experience.
What is the best way to brew Numi Aged Earl Grey?
For the best cup, use boiling water (212°F) and steep for 3-5 minutes. Reviewers note this tea responds well to proper technique — using truly boiling water and giving the leaves good exposure to the water makes a noticeable difference. Start at 3 minutes for a lighter, more bergamot-forward cup, or go the full 5 for a bolder, more robust brew. One of the nice things about this tea is that it's forgiving: even if you over-steep slightly, reviewers say it stays smooth and doesn't get overly bitter. And don't toss those leaves after one cup — multiple reviewers confirm you can re-steep 2-3 times and still get good flavor.
Is Numi Aged Earl Grey a healthy tea?
Yes, this is a solid choice if health is on your radar. It's USDA Organic, so you're avoiding synthetic pesticides and chemicals in your cup. Black tea in general provides antioxidants, and the bergamot in Earl Grey has been associated with supporting heart health and digestion. Since this is loose leaf rather than bagged tea, you also avoid any concerns about microplastics from tea bags. Several reviewers drink it daily as their go-to tea, and some have successfully used it to replace a coffee habit — getting a gentler caffeine boost without the jitters.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Can you re-steep Numi Aged Earl Grey?
Yes, and this is one of the quietly great things about this tea. Multiple reviewers confirm you can re-steep the same leaves 2-3 times and still get good flavor. The bergamot will be strongest on the first steep, with subsequent steeps bringing out more of the black tea base notes. Just add a minute or two to each additional steep. For a 16 oz pouch that already brews about 200 cups on first steeps, getting 2-3 uses per serving makes the cost per cup remarkably low — even at the premium price point.
Can you add milk or cream to Numi Earl Grey?
Yes, and this is actually a standout feature. Reviewers specifically note that this Earl Grey works beautifully with cream, which isn't always the case — many Earl Greys taste strange or clash with dairy. Almond milk and honey is another popular combination mentioned by reviewers. The smooth, non-perfumy bergamot and bold black tea base create a foundation that pairs naturally with milk without losing its character. If you're making a London Fog (Earl Grey latte), this would be an excellent choice because the bergamot flavor holds up through the milk rather than disappearing.
How to make black tea more tasty?
This particular Earl Grey is already pretty flavorful on its own — reviewers describe it as bold, balanced, and smooth with natural nectar sweetness. But if you want to enhance it, a splash of almond milk and honey is a popular combination that reviewers recommend. Cream also works exceptionally well with this tea, unlike some Earl Greys that clash with dairy. For iced versions, a squeeze of lemon brightens up the bergamot notes. And here's a unique tip: if you've had the pouch for a while, don't worry — multiple reviewers say the flavor actually improves with age, opening up after months of storage.
How to brew black tea for iced tea?
Numi's Aged Earl Grey makes a great iced tea base — reviewers specifically mention it works well for ice tea blends. The easiest method: brew it double-strength (2 teaspoons per 8 oz) with boiling water, steep 5 minutes, then pour over a full glass of ice. The bold bergamot flavor holds up nicely when diluted by ice. For a cold brew option, use 3-4 teaspoons per quart of cold water and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. The smooth, non-bitter character of this tea means the cold brew comes out clean and refreshing without any harsh edge.
How to brew black tea for milk tea?
This Numi Earl Grey actually makes an excellent milk tea — reviewers specifically mention it works beautifully with cream and almond milk, which isn't always the case with Earl Grey (some get weird with dairy). Brew it strong: use 1.5 teaspoons per cup with boiling water and steep a full 5 minutes. The bold, smooth base stands up well to milk without losing the bergamot character. Add honey or sugar to taste. The smooth, non-bitter profile means you get a creamy, balanced cup rather than a harsh or astringent one.
Is Numi Earl Grey organic?
Yes, it's USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified. Numi is known for being one of the more committed organic tea brands — they've built their reputation on it. For an Earl Grey, this matters because conventional bergamot citrus can be heavily sprayed with pesticides. With Numi's organic sourcing, both the black tea base and the bergamot flavoring meet organic standards. Three reviewers specifically mention the organic and sustainable sourcing as a reason they chose this tea over alternatives.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Does Numi Earl Grey improve with age?
Interestingly, yes. At least one reviewer specifically notes that this tea improves significantly after aging for about a year — the flavors open up and become more complex. This is unusual for tea (most teas lose freshness over time), but it aligns with Numi's 'Aged' branding. The pouch is well-sealed, and reviewers praise the packaging for keeping the tea fresh. So if you buy the 16 oz pouch and it takes you months to get through it, you might actually enjoy the last cups more than the first. That said, the strong, fresh aroma when you first open it is also a highlight, so it's excellent from day one.
How many cups does the 16 oz pouch make?
Numi says about 200 cups, which is based on roughly one teaspoon of loose leaf per serving. In practice, your mileage will vary based on how strong you like your tea. If you brew on the stronger side (heaping teaspoon), you might get closer to 150 cups. But here's the thing — reviewers confirm you can re-steep the same leaves 2-3 times with good results. So realistically, you could get anywhere from 200 to 500+ cups from a single 16 oz pouch, making this one of the more economical ways to drink quality organic Earl Grey daily.
Are there broken leaves in Numi Aged Earl Grey?
Some reviewers do note fine particles and broken leaves in this blend — three mentions specifically. It's not a full-leaf, whole-leaf presentation like you'd get from a high-end single-estate tea. That said, this is fairly common with 16 oz bulk pouches of flavored black tea, and it doesn't seem to hurt the taste — reviewers consistently praise the flavor as bold, smooth, and well-balanced despite the leaf appearance. If whole leaf aesthetics matter to you, this might not be your ideal tea. If you care most about taste, aroma, and consistent quality, reviewers overwhelmingly say this delivers.
What are common black tea mistakes?
The biggest mistakes with a tea like Numi's Aged Earl Grey are using water that isn't hot enough (you want a full boil for black tea), steeping too short (under 3 minutes won't extract the full bergamot and malt flavors), or using too little leaf. With loose leaf tea like this, about one teaspoon per 8 oz cup is a good starting point. Another mistake: judging it on the first steep alone. Some reviewers note the bergamot can seem subtle at first but opens up beautifully, especially if you let the bag age a bit after opening. One reviewer even says it improves significantly after aging for a year.
Is Numi Aged Earl Grey good for beginners?
Very much so. This is one of those rare teas that works for both newcomers and experienced tea drinkers. For beginners, it's forgiving — reviewers say it tastes good even if your brewing technique isn't perfect. The smooth, balanced flavor is approachable and not bitter, and it works well with additions like almond milk and honey if you're transitioning from sweetened coffee drinks. At the same time, tea enthusiasts appreciate the complex flavor profile with high florals and nectar sweetness, and the fact that it rewards proper technique. It's a tea you can grow into rather than out of.
Is Numi Earl Grey good for afternoon tea?
It's practically made for it. Reviewers list afternoon tea as one of the primary use cases, and the flavor profile supports this — bold enough to be satisfying mid-day but smooth and balanced enough that it won't overwhelm. The bergamot gives it an elegant quality that works well for a more intentional tea moment. If you're hosting, the strong fresh aroma when brewing makes an impression. And the moderate caffeine level won't keep you up at night if you're having it at 3 or 4 PM — reviewers specifically mention it as appropriate for afternoon and evening drinking.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What happens if you drink black tea daily?
Many reviewers of this Numi Earl Grey drink it every single day — it's described as a 'daily go-to tea' and a 'daily routine tea' by multiple people. Regular black tea consumption has been associated with improved heart health, better gut health, and antioxidant benefits. The bergamot in Earl Grey may add additional cardiovascular benefits. Since this is organic, you're also avoiding daily pesticide exposure that could come with conventional teas. One reviewer replaced their heavy coffee habit with this tea and stuck with it, suggesting it satisfies daily without the downsides of coffee dependence.
Is black tea good for you in the morning?
Absolutely, and this Numi Aged Earl Grey is particularly well-suited for mornings. Reviewers describe it as a successful coffee replacement — one person ditched their 1-2 pot a day coffee habit for this tea. The bold flavor and moderate caffeine provide enough of a morning kick to wake you up, but with a smoother, more sustained energy than coffee. The bergamot aroma when you open the pouch is strong and fresh (four reviewers mention this), which is a lovely way to start the day. It also pairs well with breakfast, especially with a splash of cream or almond milk.
What are 5 benefits of drinking black tea?
For this Numi Aged Earl Grey specifically: (1) Antioxidants from the organic black tea base support overall health. (2) The bergamot oil has been linked to improved cholesterol levels and heart health. (3) It provides a smoother, more moderate caffeine boost than coffee — one reviewer replaced a heavy coffee habit entirely. (4) L-theanine in the tea promotes calm focus without jitters. (5) It's organic and sustainably sourced, so you avoid the pesticide residues found in conventional teas. Bonus: reviewers drink it daily with no reported negative effects, and it re-steeps 2-3 times, so you can space out your caffeine throughout the day.
Is black tea more caffeine than coffee?
No — black tea has less caffeine than coffee, which is actually one of the reasons reviewers love this Numi Earl Grey. A cup of black tea typically has about 40-70 mg of caffeine, compared to 95-200 mg in coffee. One reviewer specifically mentions this tea successfully replaced their 1-2 pot a day coffee habit. You still get an energy boost, but it's smoother and more sustained without the jitters or crash. The L-theanine naturally present in tea also promotes a calm alertness rather than the wired feeling coffee can give.
Is there enough caffeine in black tea to keep you awake?
Black tea like this Numi Earl Grey has a moderate caffeine content — enough to provide alertness but not so much that it'll keep you up all night if you drink it in the afternoon. Reviewers actually list this as both a daily energy tea and an afternoon/evening tea, suggesting the caffeine level hits a nice sweet spot. That said, sensitivity varies person to person. If you're caffeine-sensitive, you might want to keep it to morning and early afternoon. The good news is you can do lighter steeps later in the day for less caffeine while still enjoying the bergamot flavor.
Is loose leaf Earl Grey tea good for you?
Loose leaf Earl Grey is one of the better ways to enjoy black tea. You get more whole leaves (and with them, more antioxidants and flavor compounds) compared to the crushed fannings in most tea bags. The bergamot oil in Earl Grey specifically contains compounds that may support cardiovascular health. With Numi's version, you're also getting organic tea, which means fewer chemical residues. Reviewers regularly mention this as their daily tea — one even noted it successfully replaced a 1-2 pot a day coffee habit, which suggests it delivers satisfying caffeine without overdoing it.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How long do you boil black tea for?
With Numi's Aged Earl Grey, you'll want to steep (not boil) the leaves for 3-5 minutes in water that's already been brought to a full boil. A common mistake is boiling the tea leaves themselves — that'll make any black tea bitter and harsh. Instead, bring your water to a rolling boil, pour it over the loose leaves, and let them steep. This particular Earl Grey is pretty forgiving on timing, so you don't need to hover over it with a timer. Reviewers note the flavor stays smooth even if you go a bit long.
How to brew loose leaf black tea?
For this Numi Earl Grey, use about one teaspoon of loose leaves per 8 oz of water. Bring your water to a full boil — black tea needs that high heat to release its full flavor. Pour the boiling water over the leaves in an infuser, teapot, or French press, and steep for 3-5 minutes. The 16 oz pouch brews about 200 cups, so a little goes a long way. Pro tip from reviewers: this tea re-steeps well, so you can get 2-3 cups from the same leaves. Just add a minute to each subsequent steep.
Does Numi tea have heavy metals?
Numi is one of the more transparent tea brands when it comes to quality testing. They're USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified, and they've publicly shared third-party testing results. While trace amounts of heavy metals can be found in virtually all teas (they absorb minerals from soil), Numi's organic certification means their teas are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which reduces contamination risk. That said, no specific heavy metal test results for this particular Aged Earl Grey are included in available product data, so if this is a serious concern for you, reaching out to Numi directly for their latest lab reports would be the best move.
Which is healthier, black tea or green tea?
Both have significant health benefits, and it's less about which is 'better' and more about which you'll actually enjoy drinking regularly. Green tea has more catechins (a type of antioxidant), while black tea like this Numi Earl Grey has more theaflavins, which support heart health. The bergamot in Earl Grey adds its own beneficial compounds. The honest answer: the healthiest tea is the one you'll consistently drink. If you love the smooth, balanced bergamot flavor of this Aged Earl Grey and it becomes your daily cup, you'll get far more benefit than a green tea that sits untouched in your cabinet.
Is black tea good for weight loss?
Black tea can support weight management as part of a healthy routine. It's essentially zero calories on its own, the caffeine provides a mild metabolic boost, and polyphenols in black tea may help reduce calorie absorption. This Numi Earl Grey works well for that purpose because it's naturally smooth and not bitter — reviewers say it tastes great without sweetener, which means you can enjoy multiple cups a day without adding calories. If you're using it to replace sugary coffee drinks or sodas, the calorie savings alone can make a real difference.
Customer-Validated Strengths
based on 26-review analysis • Our methodology
- High quality, consistent product (6 mentions)
- Perfectly balanced bergamot - not too floral, not too subtle (5 mentions)
- Strong, fresh aroma when opening package (4 mentions)
- Organic and sustainably sourced (3 mentions)
- Smooth taste, not perfumy (3 mentions)
- Well-packaged and sealed tight (2 mentions)
- Improves with age - opens up after a year (1 mentions)
Taste Profile
- smooth
- earthy
- bold
- flavorful
- balanced
- bright
- oily-smooth texture
- floral
- nectar sweet
- not bitter
Best Use Cases
🎯 Best For
- Coffee replacement for daily energy
- Afternoon and evening tea
- Daily routine tea
- Afternoon tea service
- Tea parties
- Ice tea blending
What to Consider
- Full of fine particles/broken leaves, not full leaf (3 mentions)
- Bland, tasteless (possible bad batch) (1 mentions)
- Price keeps increasing, expensive (3 mentions)
- Bergamot flavor initially hidden/subtle (1 mentions)
based on 26-review sample.
About This Analysis
This analysis is based on 26 customer reviews. We're showing you everything we found, but with our analysis, there's always more to discover.
✅ What we're confident about: What customers love and best use cases
⚠️ What may be incomplete: Potential issues and considerations
For more perspectives, check customer reviews on Amazon.
Product Selection
In short: We only feature high-rated products.
Products on TeaDelight.net are selected based on strong Amazon customer ratings, sufficient review volume, and market presence. We focus on well-regarded products that tea enthusiasts are actively considering and purchasing.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
