Bigelow Oolong Tea

For the best cup, use freshly boiled water that's cooled for about 30 seconds (around 190–200°F) and steep for 3–4 minutes. Reviewers note that this tea is pretty forgiving — even if your timing or temperature isn't perfect, you'll still get a good cup. That said, the standout tip from reviewers is to add honey. Multiple people describe the combination as "divine," and it really brings out the smoothness of this particular oolong.

Oolong is traditionally enjoyed without milk, and this Bigelow oolong is no exception — its smooth, clean flavor profile is best appreciated on its own or with honey. Adding milk would mask the subtle oolong character that reviewers love about it. If you want a milky tea experience, you'd be better off with a robust black tea. The overwhelming favorite pairing from reviewers of this specific tea is honey, which they say enhances the natural smoothness beautifully.

Almost — but not quite. The vast majority of cups are smooth and flavorful, which is why Bigelow's consistency is one of the most praised aspects. However, one reviewer notes that roughly 1 in 20 bags (about 5%) produces a less impressive cup. This is a minor inconsistency you might find with any tea bag product, and it doesn't seem to stop anyone from repurchasing. Overall, Bigelow's quality control is solid and the brand's reliability is a genuine selling point.

This can be tricky. A couple of reviewers mention that Bigelow Oolong isn't always available in their local grocery stores, unlike more common Bigelow flavors like English Breakfast or Green Tea. If your store doesn't carry it, online ordering is your most reliable option. The good news is that because it's shelf-stable tea, you can stock up without worrying about freshness for quite a while.

This tea hits a sweet spot for a few groups. It's ideal for oolong beginners who want an affordable, low-risk way to try the category. It's great for daily tea drinkers who want something smooth and reliable without spending a lot. Green tea drinkers looking to branch out find it an easy transition. And even experienced tea drinkers appreciate it as a convenient everyday option — saving their premium loose-leaf for special occasions. The one group it might not satisfy is purists who want complex, multi-layered oolong flavors from high-end single-origin teas.

Yes, it does. All true oolong tea contains caffeine since it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Oolong typically has 30–50 mg per cup, which is more than green tea but less than black tea or coffee. Reviewers specifically mention the caffeine boost as one of the reasons they reach for this tea, calling it a reliable pick-me-up that doesn't come with coffee's intensity.

Bigelow doesn't publish exact caffeine numbers for this blend, but oolong tea generally contains 30–50 mg of caffeine per cup — roughly half what you'd get from coffee. Reviewers specifically mention using Bigelow Oolong for a caffeine boost, and several note it gives them a nice pick-me-up without the jitters. It's enough to notice but won't keep you up all night if you have a cup in the afternoon.

It depends on what you're after. Green tea is lighter and more vegetal, while oolong has more body and complexity. With Bigelow Oolong specifically, reviewers note it's smooth enough to appeal to green tea drinkers while offering a richer flavor. Several people actually switched from green tea to this oolong and preferred it. If you like green tea but want something with a bit more character without jumping to full black tea, Bigelow Oolong is a natural next step.

No — coffee has significantly more caffeine than oolong tea. A cup of coffee typically has 95–200 mg of caffeine, while oolong runs about 30–50 mg per cup. Bigelow Oolong gives you a noticeable caffeine boost according to reviewers, but it's a gentler, more sustained energy compared to coffee's sharp hit. If you're looking to cut back on coffee without going caffeine-free, this is a solid middle ground.

Bigelow recommends about 3–4 minutes, which is the sweet spot for most oolong tea bags. One nice thing reviewers mention about this tea is that it's forgiving with brewing — if you accidentally leave the bag in an extra minute, it doesn't turn harshly bitter like some teas do. That smoothness holds up even when you're not being precise, which makes it great for busy mornings when you might forget about your cup for a minute.

In general, oolong tea sits between green and black tea in terms of oxidation and flavor. For this Bigelow version specifically, reviewers find it's best for daily drinking, getting a gentle caffeine boost, and pairing with honey. It's also a fantastic gateway into oolong if you've mostly been a green or black tea drinker — multiple reviewers say it's smooth enough to convert green tea drinkers who want something a little different.

Oolong sits in a unique sweet spot between green and black tea — it's partially oxidized, which gives it a complexity you don't get from either extreme. With Bigelow's version specifically, what makes it stand out is how approachable it is. Reviewers praise its smoothness and traditional oolong flavor without any harshness. It's one of those teas that can convert green tea drinkers looking for something with a bit more body, while still being mellow enough for everyday drinking.

Oolong tea contains caffeine, which is technically a stimulant, but the effect is much milder than coffee. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus — so you get alertness without the jitters. Reviewers of Bigelow Oolong mention the caffeine boost as a benefit, describing it as a pleasant pick-me-up rather than anything intense.

Most health guidelines suggest 3–4 cups of oolong tea per day is perfectly fine for most adults. With Bigelow Oolong's moderate caffeine content, that would put you at roughly the same caffeine level as 1–2 cups of coffee. Many reviewers drink it daily as their go-to tea, and at around 17 cents per bag, it's affordable enough that you won't feel guilty about multiple cups.

Oolong tea is generally considered gentler on the stomach than coffee and even some black teas, thanks to its moderate oxidation level. Bigelow Oolong's smooth character, which reviewers consistently praise, suggests it's not harsh or acidic. That said, drinking any tea on a completely empty stomach can cause mild discomfort for some people. If you have a sensitive stomach, try it with a small snack first.

Warm tea in general can be soothing when you're under the weather — it helps with hydration, can ease a sore throat, and the steam helps with congestion. Oolong's moderate caffeine gives a gentle lift when you're feeling drained. Bigelow Oolong with honey, which reviewers rave about, is actually a classic sick-day comfort combo. It won't cure anything, but it's a comforting and hydrating choice when you're not feeling your best.

Oolong tea is traditionally associated with supporting metabolism, providing antioxidants, and promoting alertness without coffee's intensity. For Bigelow Oolong specifically, reviewers find it's good for daily drinking, an afternoon caffeine boost, and relaxing with a cup and honey. It's also excellent as an affordable introduction to oolong if you're curious about the category but don't want to invest in expensive loose-leaf teas.

Among traditional teas, black tea and matcha tend to have the highest caffeine. Oolong falls in the middle — above green tea but below most black teas. Bigelow Oolong's moderate caffeine level is actually a selling point for reviewers who want energy without overdoing it. If maximum caffeine is your goal, you'd want a strong black tea or matcha instead, but if you want a balanced boost with great flavor, this oolong hits a nice sweet spot.

Premium loose-leaf oolongs from Taiwan (like Dong Ding or Ali Shan) and China's Fujian province (like Tie Guan Yin) are generally considered the gold standard. Bigelow Oolong isn't competing in that tier — it's a tea bag product at a fraction of the price. But for what it is, reviewers are genuinely surprised by the quality. Several describe it as having a surprisingly good flavor for the price, and some say it occasionally nails that authentic restaurant oolong taste. If you want convenient and affordable, it punches well above its weight class.