Quick Answer

Choose Earl Grey green tea if you prefer a lighter, more floral cup with less caffeine; stick with traditional Earl Grey for a bold, malty black tea base.

Flavor Profile: Earthy vs Malty

Traditional Earl Grey uses a black tea base, which delivers a robust, malty flavor that stands up well to milk and sweeteners. Earl Grey green tea swaps that base for green tea leaves, producing a lighter, earthier, and more floral cup that lets the bergamot citrus shine through.

If you enjoy the brisk, full-bodied character of black tea, traditional Earl Grey will feel familiar. If you want a more delicate, refreshing tea that still carries that signature bergamot aroma, the green version is a worthwhile switch.

Caffeine and Brewing Considerations

Green tea generally contains less caffeine than black tea, so Earl Grey green tea is a gentler option for those who are caffeine-sensitive or prefer a lighter afternoon pick-me-up. Traditional Earl Grey, being black tea, offers a more noticeable caffeine boost.

Brewing temperatures also differ: green tea should be steeped at around 175°F (80°C) to avoid bitterness, while black tea can handle boiling water at 212°F (100°C). If you're switching from traditional to green Earl Grey, adjust your water temperature and steeping time accordingly.

How to Decide: Earl Grey Green vs Traditional

  • Flavor Preference: If you enjoy a robust, malty cup that pairs well with milk, choose traditional Earl Grey. If you prefer a lighter, floral tea that highlights bergamot, go with Earl Grey green tea.
  • Caffeine Sensitivity: For a lower-caffeine option, Earl Grey green tea is a good middle ground. For a caffeine-free choice, consider a rooibos blend like Apricot Peach, Rooibos. If you're sensitive to caffeine, note that green tea still contains some; for zero caffeine, switch to rooibos.
  • Brewing Adjustment: When brewing Earl Grey green tea, use cooler water (about 175°F) and a shorter steep time (2-3 minutes) to avoid bitterness. Traditional Earl Grey can handle boiling water and a 3-5 minute steep. Adjust your kettle temperature and timer when switching between the two.

Product Facts

  • Earl Grey, Green: Earl Grey, Green is a classic Earl Grey tea but with a green tea base, offering a refined Earl Grey flavor combined with the earthy and floral notes of green tea. This gives you the familiar bergamot taste in a lighter, more delicate cup that's ideal for those who find black tea too heavy.

    Earl Grey, Green

    Earl Grey, Green

  • Apricot Peach, Rooibos, Organic: Apricot Peach, Rooibos is a caffeine-free blend that combines the earthiness of rooibos with the sweetness of apricots and peaches. If you're looking to cut caffeine entirely, this rooibos blend offers a fruity, caffeine-free alternative to Earl Grey green tea.

    Apricot Peach, Rooibos, Organic

    Apricot Peach, Rooibos, Organic

Which One Fits You?

Best for

  • Those who want a lighter, more floral tea with less caffeine
  • Afternoon or evening sipping when you want a gentler pick-me-up

Not for

  • Those who crave a bold, malty black tea that stands up to milk
  • Anyone needing a completely caffeine-free option