Which Brand Makes the Best Chamomile Tea?

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Historically, chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. But with so many options available today, which brand makes the best chamomile tea? Finding the highest quality chamomile depends on factors like flower grade, flavor profile, and whether you prefer pure or blended varieties.

Quick Summary

This guide evaluates popular chamomile tea brands based on ingredient quality, flavor, and format to help you choose the best option for your needs, focusing on purity and overall experience.

Key Points

Whole Flowers are Best: Brands using whole chamomile flowers, like Teapigs and Harney & Sons, offer a richer and more nuanced flavor profile.
Consider Organic: If you want to avoid pesticides and other chemicals, opt for certified organic brands like Taylors of Harrogate for a purer tea.
Flavor is Subjective: Personal preference plays a huge role; some prefer pure chamomile while others enjoy blends with herbs like mint or lavender.
Convenience vs. Quality: Tea bags are convenient, but loose-leaf or pyramid bags generally provide a superior, more flavorful brew due to better ingredient quality and more room for infusion.
Understand Chamomile Types: German chamomile is sweeter and more floral, while Roman chamomile can be earthier, so check the product details if you have a preference.
Brew Properly for Best Results: Always use fresh, hot water and follow steeping instructions to extract the full flavor and benefits of your chosen brand.
Evaluate for Purpose: For potent calming effects, look for brands that focus on ingredient quality rather than just flavor enhancers.

Understanding Chamomile: German vs. Roman

Before diving into specific brands, it's helpful to understand the two primary types of chamomile flowers used in teas: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is the more common variety found in teas, prized for its classic apple-like, floral, and slightly sweet notes. Roman chamomile, while similar, can have an earthier, sometimes more bitter, taste profile. Many brands will specify which type they use, or you can determine it based on the flavor profile you prefer.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags

Another critical distinction is the format. Tea bags offer convenience, but they often contain "dust and fannings"—smaller tea fragments that can produce a weaker, less nuanced brew. High-quality, pyramid-shaped tea bags, or sachets, contain larger pieces or whole flowers and offer a better flavor. Loose-leaf tea, on the other hand, consists of whole flowers that have more room to unfurl and release their full aromatic and flavor potential. This provides a richer, more complex taste, though it requires more preparation.

Top Contenders for the Best Chamomile Tea

Several brands consistently earn high marks for their chamomile offerings. Here is a closer look at some of the best, from premium organic options to reliable, affordable choices.

Teapigs Chamomile: Widely praised for its superior flavor and use of whole chamomile flowers, Teapigs offers a sweet, honeyed taste and aroma. This premium option uses high-quality, whole flowers sealed in biodegradable pyramid bags.
Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile: A favorite for those seeking a pure, organic experience, this brand is known for its high-quality organic chamomile. It delivers a clean, delicate floral note without any additional flavors.
Harney & Sons Chamomile Herbal Tea: This brand is another high-quality contender, using whole chamomile flowers in its sachets for a smooth and calming brew. It provides a step up in quality from standard tea bags but maintains convenience.
Pukka Three Chamomile: For a more intense flavor experience, Pukka blends three different types of chamomile from African, Egyptian, and European sources. The result is a robust and concentrated flavor profile ideal for dedicated chamomile drinkers.
Bigelow Cozy Chamomile: An excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers, Bigelow offers a smooth, classic chamomile flavor at an affordable price. While not organic, it's a widely available and reliable option for a comforting cup.

A Comparison of Popular Chamomile Teas


Feature	Teapigs Chamomile	Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile	Harney & Sons Chamomile	Bigelow Cozy Chamomile
Best For	Premium flavor, whole flower experience	Purity and organic certification	Convenient high quality	Affordability and easy access
Format	Pyramid bags (biodegradable)	Tea bags	Sachets	Tea bags
Flavor Profile	Sweet, honeyed, aromatic	Clean, delicate, floral	Smooth, classic, calming	Mellow, mild, affordable
Organic	No, but uses whole flowers	Yes, certified organic	No	No

Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Quality of Ingredients: Look for brands that prioritize high-quality, whole chamomile flowers. Whole flowers retain more of their essential oils and flavonoids, resulting in a more potent and flavorful brew. Organic certification can also indicate a purer product, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.

2. Flavor and Purity: Your preference for pure chamomile or a blended variety will also guide your choice. Some brands combine chamomile with other soothing herbs like lavender or lemon balm, while others focus on the pure floral essence. If you want the unadulterated flavor of chamomile, a single-ingredient option is best.

3. Format and Convenience: Decide whether you prefer the superior taste of loose-leaf tea or the simplicity of a tea bag. For a balance of quality and convenience, consider brands that offer high-quality sachets, which allow more room for infusion.

4. Brewing Instructions: Even the best tea can be ruined by improper brewing. To get the most from your chamomile, always use fresh, boiled water and let it steep for the recommended time, usually around 5-10 minutes. This ensures maximum flavor and benefits.

Conclusion

While the "best" chamomile tea is subjective and depends on individual taste and preference, several brands stand out for their commitment to quality. For the most premium experience, Teapigs uses whole flowers for a rich, flavorful cup. If organic ingredients are your priority, Taylors of Harrogate is an excellent choice known for its purity. Harney & Sons offers a great balance of quality and convenience with their sachets, while Bigelow is a reliable, budget-friendly option. Ultimately, the ideal choice is the one that best fits your palate and lifestyle, providing a soothing and relaxing moment in your day.

Expert Tip: The Apigenin Factor

Research suggests that chamomile's calming effects are linked to an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to certain brain receptors to induce drowsiness. To maximize the benefits, regular consumption and a high-quality product are key. For more information on the compounds in chamomile, consult a reputable botanical reference like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, or NIH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes. Loose leaf chamomile consists of whole or larger flowers, which retain more essential oils and flavonoids, resulting in a more complex and flavorful cup of tea compared to the 'dust and fannings' often found in standard tea bags.

While the taste difference can be subtle, organic chamomile is often considered to have a cleaner, more authentic flavor. This is because organic farming practices, which avoid chemical pesticides, can result in higher-quality plants with more vibrant flavor.

For optimal flavor and benefits, you should steep chamomile tea for 5 to 10 minutes in hot, not boiling, water. Using a covered mug can also help retain the aromatics.

Both German (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) chamomile are known for their calming properties. German chamomile is the more common variety used for relaxation and sleep support.

For most people, it is safe to drink chamomile tea every night. However, if you are pregnant, on blood-thinning medications, or have a ragweed allergy, it is best to consult with a doctor first.

Look for products that list 'whole flowers' or 'organic' ingredients. Also, consider the packaging; premium brands often use sachets or tins to preserve freshness and ensure you're getting a higher grade of chamomile.

Blends that combine chamomile with other calming herbs like valerian root, lemon balm, or lavender are often marketed for sleep. These can be more potent for some, but pure chamomile is often sufficient and effective for promoting relaxation.