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Best Tea Bags Editors

Best Oolong Tea (2026)

Oolong sits between green and black tea — partially oxidized (10-80%, depending on style), giving it a flavor range wider than any other tea category. Light oolongs (Tieguanyin, jade oolong) taste floral and creamy. Dark oolongs (Da Hong Pao, Wuyi cliff teas) are roasted, minerally, and slightly smoky.

17 found

#1Save 21%
Numi Organic Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong, 16 Bags

Numi

Numi Organic Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong, 16 Bags

4.7(1,244)
$8.70$10.99

at 2 retailers

#2Editor's Pick
David's Tea Mother of Dragons, 50g Loose Leaf

David's Tea

David's Tea Mother of Dragons, 50g Loose Leaf

4.7(2,911)
$14.95
#3Save 17%
High Mountain Taiwan Oolong Loose Leaf

Taiwan Tea King

High Mountain Taiwan Oolong Loose Leaf

4.9(421)
$26.71$32.00

at 3 retailers

#4Save 12%
Tealyra Da Hong Pao Oolong, 100g

Tealyra

Tealyra Da Hong Pao Oolong, 100g

4.9(188)
$31.74$36.00

at 3 retailers

#5
Adagio Ti Kuan Yin Loose Leaf

Adagio Teas

Adagio Ti Kuan Yin Loose Leaf

4.8(522)
$17.70

at 3 retailers

#6Save 17%
Art of Tea Ginseng Oolong Loose Leaf

Art of Tea

Art of Tea Ginseng Oolong Loose Leaf

4.8(244)
$23.34$28.00

at 3 retailers

#7
Adagio Wuyi Ensemble Loose Leaf

Adagio Teas

Adagio Wuyi Ensemble Loose Leaf

4.8(322)
$18.59

at 3 retailers

#8Save 12%
Tealyra Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong, 4 oz

Tealyra

Tealyra Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong, 4 oz

4.8(322)
$21.96$25.00

at 3 retailers

#9Save 15%
Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong Loose Leaf

Harney & Sons

Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong Loose Leaf

4.8(388)
$19.00$22.42
#10
David's Tea Quangzhou Milk Oolong Loose, 50g

David's Tea

David's Tea Quangzhou Milk Oolong Loose, 50g

4.7(411)
$11.12

at 3 retailers

Adagio Milk Oolong Tea Loose Leaf

Adagio Teas

Adagio Milk Oolong Tea Loose Leaf

4.7(612)
$15.20

at 3 retailers

The Republic of Tea Jasmine Jazz Oolong, 50 Bags

The Republic of Tea

The Republic of Tea Jasmine Jazz Oolong, 50 Bags

4.7(411)
$13.13

at 2 retailers

Rishi Ginger Lily Oolong Loose Leaf

Rishi

Rishi Ginger Lily Oolong Loose Leaf

4.7(244)
$16.69

at 2 retailers

David's Tea Pomegranate Oolong, 50g Loose Leaf

David's Tea

David's Tea Pomegranate Oolong, 50g Loose Leaf

4.6(1,822)
$34.70
Save 12%
Numi Toasted Rice Oolong, 16 Bags

Numi

Numi Toasted Rice Oolong, 16 Bags

4.6(411)
$8.77$9.99

at 3 retailers

Harney & Sons Decaf Oolong Loose Leaf

Harney & Sons

Harney & Sons Decaf Oolong Loose Leaf

4.6(188)
$13.71

at 3 retailers

Save 14%
Twinings Pure Oolong, 25 Sachets

Twinings

Twinings Pure Oolong, 25 Sachets

4.5(1,844)
$5.14$5.99

at 3 retailers

FAQ

What's the best oolong tea for beginners?
Adagio Milk Oolong or Numi Iron Goddess — both light-style, naturally creamy, and forgiving. Or grab Harney Formosa Oolong for a peachy mid-oxidation introduction.
Can you re-steep oolong tea bags?
Yes — premium oolong sachets re-steep 1-2 times. Loose leaf is where you get 4-8 re-infusions and the real economics of oolong drinking.
How is oolong different from green tea?
Oolong is partially oxidized; green tea is essentially unoxidized. Oolong has more flavor complexity, less astringency, and is more forgiving to brew (boiling water is fine for darker oolongs).
Is oolong tea good for weight loss?
Some studies suggest oolong's polyphenols modestly increase fat oxidation. Effect size is small — drinking oolong won't replace diet and exercise but can support a healthy routine.

Varieties

Oolong Tea styles, explained

The 1 sub-styles of oolong tea — each with its own brewing parameters, flavor, and best-of brands.

Most oolong is grown in Taiwan and Fujian Province, China. The best Taiwanese oolong (high-mountain Lishan, Alishan, Shan Lin Xi) is honey-sweet and orchid-floral, often re-infusable 6-8 times. Premium Wuyi cliff oolongs (Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian) develop deep mineral notes from the rocky cliffs they grow on.

Oolong is the connoisseur category — most people who get into specialty tea end up here. Expect to spend $20-40+ per 100g for top-tier loose leaf, but the leaves are re-steepable many times, lowering cost-per-cup compared to single-use teabags. Our rankings split by style (green-style oolong vs. roasted oolong) and by entry level vs. ceremonial grade.

Oolong Tea buyer's guide

Light vs. dark oolong

Light oolong (10-30% oxidation): floral, buttery, vegetal. Tieguanyin, jade oolong, milk oolong. Dark oolong (60-80% oxidation): roasted, complex, minerally. Da Hong Pao, Shui Xian, Bai Hao. If you like green tea, start light. If you like black tea, start dark.

Multiple steeps — the oolong superpower

Unlike teabags, premium oolong leaves can be re-infused 4-8 times, with the flavor evolving each steep. First steep: bright and floral. Second-third: peak flavor and depth. Fourth+: mellower, sweeter. This is why oolong is cost-effective despite high per-gram prices.

Gongfu brewing — small pot, lots of leaves

The traditional way to brew oolong: 5-7g leaves in a 100ml gaiwan or yixing pot, water at 200°F, 30-second first steep, 45-second second, etc. Each steep is a tiny cup. Time-intensive but extracts maximum flavor.

Western brewing — easier, still good

1 teaspoon of leaves in 8oz water at 200°F, 3-4 minute steep. Re-steep up to 3 times by adding 1 minute per additional steep. Much less ritual than gongfu but still showcases the leaf well.

Caffeine in oolong

Roughly 30-50mg per cup — between green and black. Multiple infusions extract more total caffeine, so drink early in the day if you're sensitive.

Storage

Oolong stores better than green tea (more oxidation = more stability) but worse than fully fermented pu-erh. 6-12 months in an airtight tin. Roasted oolongs can re-roast and improve over years; light oolongs are best fresh.