Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong Tea (50 Sachets)

Yes, there's a noticeable difference. Harney & Sons uses pyramid-shaped mesh sachets rather than flat paper bags, and multiple reviewers specifically call out the sachet quality. The mesh material gives the tea leaves more room to unfurl and steep properly, which means better flavor extraction. It's a step up from standard tea bags without requiring the full loose-leaf setup.

It hits a sweet spot that works for a wide range of tea drinkers. Beginners appreciate the balanced, forgiving flavor and easy sachet format. Oolong enthusiasts value the full-bodied complexity and creamy mouthfeel at a reasonable price for daily drinking. And anyone looking for a reliable daily tea will appreciate the 50-count box and the kind of smooth, consistent flavor that doesn't get old cup after cup.

Yes — the packaging is designed with light protection, which matters for preserving oolong tea's delicate flavors and aroma. Light and air are the two biggest enemies of tea freshness, so the protective packaging helps maintain quality throughout the box, even as you work through all 50 sachets.

The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the quality, but there's one occasional report of a sachet splitting at the seam. It's not a widespread issue — just something to be aware of. If it happens, you'll notice loose tea leaves in your cup, but it doesn't affect the flavor. Overall, the sachet construction is well-regarded.

Yes, like all true teas, oolong contains caffeine. Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong has a moderate caffeine content — roughly 30 to 50mg per cup, depending on steep time. That's less than coffee but more than most herbal teas. The moderate level makes it a great choice for all-day sipping without the crash you might get from stronger caffeinated beverages.

Each pyramid sachet contains enough tea for a single standard cup (about 8oz). The mesh sachets are sized to give the oolong leaves room to expand during steeping, which is important for getting the full creamy, rich flavor this tea is known for. One sachet per cup is the standard, though you could use two if you prefer a stronger brew in a larger mug.

Good things, mostly. You'll get a steady supply of antioxidants, a moderate caffeine boost, and the general hydration benefits of tea. With Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong specifically, daily drinkers report it becomes a staple they keep restocking — the smooth, balanced flavor doesn't get tiring, and the 50-count box is clearly designed for the daily habit. Just watch your total caffeine intake if you're also drinking coffee.

For Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong sachets, 3 to 5 minutes is the sweet spot. Shorter steeping brings out the lighter, more floral notes, while a full 5 minutes gives you that rich, full-bodied cup that reviewers love. The pyramid mesh sachets give the tea leaves room to expand properly, so you get good extraction even in a quick steep.

Most oolong purists would say no — and with Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong, the creamy, smooth flavor really doesn't need it. The tea already has a naturally rich, almost creamy mouthfeel on its own. That said, tea is personal. If you enjoy a splash of milk in your oolong, you won't ruin it, but try it straight first to appreciate those natural creamy notes.

Oolong sits in a unique middle ground between green and black tea — it's partially oxidized, which gives it a complexity you don't get from either. With Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong specifically, that translates to a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with rich flavor that tea drinkers describe as full-bodied but not overwhelming. It's the kind of tea that works whether you're having your first cup of the day or your fourth.

Most sources suggest 3 to 4 cups of oolong tea per day is perfectly fine for most people. Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong has a moderate caffeine level — less than coffee but enough to give you a gentle lift — so it's well-suited for all-day drinking. Several reviewers mention this is their go-to daily tea, and the 50-sachet box is sized with regular drinkers in mind.

Oolong tea is traditionally one of the best teas for multiple steepings — each infusion can bring out different flavor notes. You can definitely re-steep these sachets at least once, though the second cup will be lighter. Try adding an extra minute of steep time for the second infusion. It's a nice way to get more value from each sachet and explore how the flavor evolves.

Formosa is the historical Portuguese name for Taiwan, and Formosa oolong refers to oolong teas grown in Taiwan — widely considered some of the finest oolongs in the world. Harney & Sons sources their Formosa Oolong for this particular blend, delivering a smooth, creamy cup that sits beautifully between green and black tea in terms of oxidation and flavor strength.

Oolong tea is associated with antioxidant support, gentle energy from moderate caffeine, and potential metabolism benefits. But beyond the health angle, Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong is simply good for enjoying — the creamy, smooth, full-bodied flavor makes it a pleasure to drink. Reviewers use it for daily tea routines, all-day sipping, and as a go-to comfort tea.

Oolong tea is generally considered easier on the stomach than coffee or heavily caffeinated drinks. Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong in particular has a smooth, mild character that shouldn't cause issues for most people. That said, drinking any tea on a completely empty stomach can be uncomfortable for some — if that's you, pair it with a light snack.

It depends on your taste preferences. Green tea tends to be lighter, more grassy or vegetal. Oolong — especially Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong — offers a richer, creamier, more full-bodied experience with moderate strength. If you find green tea too mild or grassy but black tea too strong, oolong is often the perfect middle ground. Health-wise, both offer antioxidants and polyphenols, so you're in good shape either way.

That depends on what you're looking for. For loose-leaf purists, high-mountain Taiwanese oolongs and Wuyi rock oolongs are often top picks. But if you want a high-quality oolong in a convenient sachet format, Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong is a strong contender — tea drinkers consistently praise its smooth, rich flavor and full-bodied complexity, and the 50-count box makes it practical for daily drinking without sacrificing quality.

No — oolong tea has significantly less caffeine than coffee. A cup of Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong typically has around 30–50mg of caffeine, compared to 95–200mg in a cup of coffee. The upside is that oolong gives you a smoother, more sustained energy without the spike-and-crash cycle, which is one reason people choose it as their all-day drink.

Oriental Beauty (also called Bai Hao or Dongfang Meiren) is often referred to as the 'queen of oolong tea' — it's a highly oxidized Taiwanese oolong with a naturally sweet, honey-like flavor. Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong is a different style — less oxidized, with a smoother, creamier profile — but it shares that Taiwanese oolong pedigree that makes these teas so prized.

Oolong tea is often called one of the healthiest teas because it combines benefits associated with both green and black tea — antioxidants, polyphenols, and a moderate caffeine level that provides gentle energy without the jitters. Whether it's 'the healthiest' depends on what you're optimizing for, but drinking Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong daily is a solid choice if you want something that's both enjoyable and good for you.

They're more similar than different, health-wise. Both contain antioxidants and polyphenols, just in slightly different ratios due to the oxidation process. Oolong may have a slight edge for metabolism support according to some studies, while green tea may have more catechins. Practically speaking, the healthiest tea is the one you'll actually drink every day — and Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong's smooth, approachable flavor makes daily drinking genuinely enjoyable.

Since oolong contains caffeine, you'll probably want to avoid it late in the evening if you're sensitive to caffeine. Drinking on a completely empty stomach can occasionally cause mild nausea for some people, though Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong has a smooth, mild character that tends to be gentler than more heavily oxidized teas. If you're pregnant or on certain medications, check with your doctor about caffeine limits.