Twinings: The Heritage Brand
Twinings is a venerable British institution, with a history that began in 1706 on the Strand in London. This long heritage has cemented its status as a classic, reliable, and respected tea brand globally. For centuries, Twinings has been a purveyor of fine teas, holding a Royal Warrant from the British monarchy since 1837.
History and Sourcing
Twinings' legacy is built on a tradition of quality and blending expertise. The company's Master Blenders have centuries of experience, tasting hundreds of cups daily to ensure consistency. While a household name in the UK, Twinings sources its teas from all over the world. The company has its own ethical sourcing program, "Sourced with Care," though some critics note it is a self-regulated program rather than a third-party certification.
Flavor Profile
Twinings is known for its classic, balanced, and sometimes more subtle flavor profiles. Its black tea blends, like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, are quintessential examples of a traditional brew. For green tea, the brand is often praised for its lighter, non-bitter character. However, some consumers, particularly in the US, perceive a difference in flavor strength or quality between products sold in the UK versus those in other markets.
Bigelow: The American Innovator
Founded in 1945 by Ruth Campbell Bigelow in her New York kitchen, Bigelow is a story of American entrepreneurial spirit. She sought to create a better-flavored tea, leading to the creation of the famous "Constant Comment" blend. Bigelow has built its brand on robust flavors and innovative blends.
Innovation and Freshness
Bigelow is known for several key innovations, most notably inventing the foil pouch in the 1970s, which is now considered an industry standard for preserving freshness. The company is also a certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Bigelow actively promotes its use of high-quality ingredients, such as the pure bergamot oil from Italy used in its Earl Grey.
Flavor Profile
In contrast to Twinings, Bigelow's flavor profiles are often described as bolder and more robust. This is particularly true for its flavored teas, where ingredients like actual bergamot oil create a more pronounced taste experience. For green tea, Bigelow's is perceived as nuttier and stronger by some, while others find it slightly bitter. Bigelow's wide variety of unique blends, both traditional and herbal, cater to a broad American palate.
Head-to-Head: Comparing Specific Tea Types
When comparing these two brands, the best approach is to look at how they handle their most popular tea varieties.
Earl Grey: A Tale of Two Bergamots
The most significant and debated difference lies in their Earl Grey tea. The core of this debate centers on the source and strength of the bergamot flavor.
- Bigelow Earl Grey: Praised for a strong, authentic bergamot flavor derived from 100% first cold-pressed bergamot oil sourced from Italy. Many Reddit users prefer Bigelow's robust, citrusy profile over Twinings', finding it more satisfying.
- Twinings Earl Grey: Some consumers find its bergamot flavor more muted or less distinct compared to Bigelow's. Reddit users have noted a taste difference, with some suggesting a change in formulation and others finding the flavor reminiscent of "perfume". This perception can be a dealbreaker for fans of a powerful bergamot note.
For a deep dive into Bigelow's specific blend, check out their page on the Timeless Experience of Bigelow Tea Earl Grey.
Green Tea: Taste Preferences
The green tea offerings also highlight a difference in approach.
- Twinings Green Tea: A TODAY.com taste test ranked Twinings green tea highly, with testers noting it was a great, no-frills, light-bodied green tea that resisted becoming bitter with over-steeping. This makes it a dependable, easy-drinking option.
- Bigelow Green Tea: Ranked lower in the same TODAY.com test, noted for being more potent and forward but also slightly bitter and nutty. This profile appeals to those who want a stronger, more pronounced green tea flavor.
The All-Important Conclusion: Which One Is Better?
Ultimately, whether Twinings or Bigelow tea is better is a matter of personal preference, not a universal fact. Both are high-quality, reliable, mass-produced supermarket brands.
- Choose Twinings if you appreciate a classic, traditional, and consistently smooth flavor profile with a rich heritage. It's a fantastic choice for traditional blends like English Breakfast and for those who prefer a lighter, less assertive green tea.
- Choose Bigelow if you prefer bold, robust, and innovative flavors, especially for your Earl Grey. Its commitment to freshness via the foil pouch and its American-specific innovations make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing flavor intensity and variety.
For many, having a box of both brands in the pantry is the ideal solution, allowing for the best of both worlds depending on your mood.
| Feature | Twinings | Bigelow |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | British (Founded 1706) | American (Founded 1945) |
| Earl Grey Flavor | Traditionally classic, often milder bergamot | Bold, authentic citrus from real bergamot oil |
| Green Tea Profile | Typically lighter, less bitter | Stronger, sometimes nuttier/more potent |
| Market Position | Legacy brand, associated with British tea culture | Family-owned innovator, known for flavor variety |
| Key Innovation | Long history of blending expertise | Invented the flavor-protecting foil pouch |
Which brand is right for your cup?
- For the traditionalist: If you enjoy a smooth, consistent brew, especially for classic black teas like English Breakfast, Twinings is a dependable choice. Its long history and association with classic tea culture are a major draw.
- For the flavor-seeker: If you prioritize a strong, distinct flavor—especially for Earl Grey—and enjoy a wide variety of unique herbal and flavored teas, Bigelow's innovative approach and robust blends are a great fit.
- For freshness: Bigelow's individual foil-wrapped bags guarantee that the last bag in the box is as fresh as the first, a distinct advantage for some consumers.
- For variety: Twinings has an extensive international range, but both brands offer a substantial selection. Bigelow might have more innovative American-style blends, while Twinings offers a broader spectrum of global teas.
Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite is to conduct a personal taste test. Grab a box of each and brew them side-by-side. Your palate will provide the final, definitive answer.
