I Don't Like Tea. What Tea Should I Drink?

Whether you're the one or you know someone who doesn't like tea, there is always someone in the room who would rather pass when someone comes in the room and asks, "Who would like some tea?"

I still remember the first time I had tea as a child. We never drank it at home, and we were out at a restaurant and I started feeling under the weather. My grandmother suggested I order some tea, and she made it up for me with some honey, milk, and sugar. It was the best thing I had ever tasted, but had you asked me before, I would have declined. Tea, to me, was a foreign concept in our household. It was something fancy people or old people drank; not young kids like me.

Of course, fast-forward 25-odd years, and I can't go anywhere without having tea readily available. That being said, I still very much understand that there are people out there who don't like tea very much at all.

If you're one of these people, you might wondering if there's a tea for you, so you can join in on the tea party, or even start to develop a gradual taste for tea.

Looking for the best tea for people who don't like tea? Or, tea ideas for non-tea drinkers who are open to a cup every once in a while? We've got you covered!

Why Some People Don't Like Tea

Despite tea being one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world—only second to water and with 7.3 billion grams having been consumed globally in 2023—not everyone is a fan. When it comes to tea, it seems to be something you either love or hate; while some people turn their noses up at it, others have tried a sip or two and never looked back. But why?

For some, the issue comes down purely to taste. Traditional black teas (which, in some homes may be the only tea in the pantry—perhaps this is why I hated tea as a child) can be bitter, especially if brewed too long or without any sweetener. Green teas can have a grassy, astringent quality that isn't for everyone. And, herbal teas, while often more palatable, can still be hit or miss depending on personal preference. And, if you happen to like iced tea but not hot tea, it could be due to all that sugar!

Then there's the texture and temperature factor. Some people simply don’t enjoy drinking hot beverages, and iced tea doesn’t always win them over either. The slightly drying sensation can also be off-putting. And of course, past experiences play a role. Maybe someone was served an over-steeped, lukewarm cup that left a bad impression (or, a scalding one that burnt your hand). Or perhaps they grew up in a coffee-drinking household and never gave tea a real chance. Whatever the reason, not liking tea is completely valid—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a type of tea out there that could change their mind!

Whether you're a non-tea drinker looking for the occasional tea to try, or you're someone who doesn't like tea but wants to have it in certain situations, there's likely something out there for you!

Is Tea an Acquired Taste?

For many people, tea is something they have to warm up to—literally and figuratively. Just like coffee, wine, or dark chocolate, tea can have complex flavors that aren’t instantly appealing, especially if your first experience is with a strong, tannic black tea or a bitter green tea. It could also be that you didn't like tea as a child (like me!), but overtime, you were able to finally enjoy it (like coffee or certain types of cuisines).

However, tea is incredibly diverse, and finding the right tea can make all the difference. Some people start enjoying tea after experimenting with different blends, brewing methods, or sweeteners. Others develop a taste for it over time as their palate changes, much like how kids who once disliked vegetables eventually learn to enjoy them.

Why Drink Tea Even If You Don’t Like It?

Even if you’re not a fan of tea, there are some pretty compelling reasons to give it another shot. For instance, we all know that drinking a cup of tea with honey while sick can go a long way, or drinking some chamomile before bedtime can help ease nerves:

• Health and wellness benefits: Tea is packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health. Green tea, for example, is often linked to improved metabolism and heart health, while herbal teas like chamomile can help with relaxation and digestion. And, there are hundreds of more out there!

• A great coffee alternative: If you’re trying to cut back on coffee but still need a little caffeine boost, tea can be a gentler way to stay energized without the jitters. Black tea has a nice balance of caffeine, while matcha provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost, which can also be whipped into a latte for easier taste.

• Staying hydrated: Drinking plain water all day can get boring, and tea can be a tastier way to stay hydrated. Herbal teas, in particular, are a great caffeine-free option to mix things up while keeping your body refreshed, and the flavor can usually be as subtle/watered-down as you'd like.

• A calming device: Even just the ritual of making tea (hello, ASMR!) can be relaxing to a lot of people, especially at the end of a busy day. Pouring a mug and wrapping your hands around it can be a nice way to start off a bedtime routine, with a book or a conversation with your partner. Of course, there are so many teas that can help you get a good night's sleep as well, or help when you're having a lot of anxiety. This may be one reason to incorporate tea into your life, even if you're mostly a non-tea drinker.

• Social and cultural connection: Tea is deeply woven into many cultures, from British afternoon tea to Japanese tea ceremonies. Even if you don’t love the taste, tea brings people together, helping them to get off the screen and bringing them back to conversation.

  
  

All this considered, being able to enjoy these tea perks without having to suffer through the taste would be nice, no? Without further Ado, let's find out the best teas for people who don't like tea!

The Best Teas for People Who Don’t Like Tea

So, maybe tea isn't your...cup of tea. If you're looking for some of the best tea for people who don't normally like tea, surely there is something out there for you. After all, there are thousands of variations of tea that exist, whether they are coming from the Camellia sinensis plant (white, green, and black tea) or are coming from a mixture of herbs, flowers, and plants, otherwise known as herbal teas.

So, whether you are If you’re curious about how you can ease into the world of tea, the good news is that there are plenty of options that don’t taste like...well...traditional tea. There are also ways to customize your cup so your palate not only tolerates it, but that you enjoy it! Here are some great tea choices for beginners, or for those who are trying tea yet again (kind of like my relationship with olives!):

1. Fruity Herbal Teas

Herbal teas don’t contain actual tea leaves, which means no bitterness and no caffeine. Instead, they’re made from dried fruits, flowers, and herbs, giving them a naturally sweet, juice-like flavor where it's easy to find a combo that you like. If you’re not a fan of 'tea' taste, try:

• Hibiscus tea – Tart, refreshing, and similar to cranberry juice.

• Berry blends – Often packed with raspberries, blueberries, or elderberries for a naturally sweet and tangy kick.

• Peach or mango-infused teas – Smooth and tropical, great as an iced tea alternative.

Many tea shops make various herbal blends (some of which you can blend on your own!), so you can create a tea buffet of your favorite blends.

2. Vanilla or Dessert-Inspired Teas

If you’re looking for something warm and comforting, dessert-inspired teas can make tea-drinking more sweet than bitter. These teas below are some examples of pitons that work especially well with milk and just a little sweetener:

• Vanilla rooibos – Naturally caffeine-free with a creamy, sweet finish.

• Caramel chai – A spiced, slightly sweet tea that pairs beautifully with steamed milk.

• Chocolate mint tea – Think of it like a peppermint hot chocolate, but lighter!

  
  

Remember, you can also choose the milk and/or sweetener that you like the best (more on that in a bit)! You can also look at what types of snacks certain teas pair well with.

3. Mild Green Teas

Green tea can be an acquired taste, especially if brewed too strong. If you've had a bad experience with bitter green tea, consider these milder options:

• Japanese sencha – A fresh, grassy tea that’s much smoother when steeped correctly.

• Genmaicha – A mix of green tea and toasted rice, which gives it a nutty, popcorn-like flavor.

• Matcha latte – The creaminess of milk softens the earthy taste of matcha, making it a great tea option for beginners.

  
  

4. Milk Teas and Lattes

If strong, plain tea isn’t for you, adding milk and sweeteners can make it more enjoyable.

• Chai latte – A spiced black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, made creamy with milk.

• London Fog – A blend of Earl Grey, vanilla, and steamed milk for a floral, slightly citrusy flavor.

• Bubble tea (boba) – Often made with black or green tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.

  
  

5. Refreshing Iced Teas

Not everyone loves a steaming cup of tea. If you prefer cold drinks, try these iced tea variations:

• Cold-brewed fruit tea – Less astringent than hot-brewed tea, with a naturally smooth flavor.

• Sweetened black tea with lemon – Classic and refreshing, with a balance of tart and sweet.

• Iced peach or mango green tea – A light, tropical twist that’s perfect for summer.

Of course, there's also bubble tea/boba which may be a tea variation you'll like if you're not generally a tea-drinker.

5. Travel Teas

Maybe you're not to keen on the tea options or the way tea is served in your home country. If you travel to another country, consider trying some of the teas there, and maybe you'll find that you like the flavors better! For instance, in East Asia, you can find delicious green tea (and treats!), and in India, you can find delicious chai tea.

Tea for Beginners: How to Make Tea More Enjoyable

If you're a beginner when it comes to tea, know that finding a tea that you like is kind of like dating. Sometimes, you may not feel like dating at all. Other times, you have to put yourself out there and try different options.

Choose the Right Tea

Not all teas taste the same! If you find black or green tea too strong, start with milder options. Head to your local teahouse or grocery store to see what flavors catch your eye, and keep track of your favorite ones so you know what to go back to. Even as a tea-lover, there are some teas I always have in my pantry, and others I try once in a while.

Adjust the Brew Time & Temperature

Over-steeping tea or using boiling water for delicate teas can make them taste bitter. Follow these general guidelines:

• Black tea: 3–5 minutes in near-boiling water

• Green tea: 1–3 minutes in water that’s not boiling (~175°F / 80°C)

• Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes in boiling water

Also, knowing whether or not to add the tea or water first can make a difference in flavor.

Add a Unique Sweetener

If your tea tastes too plain or bitter, a little customization can help. Sure, there's sugar, but there's also:

• Honey or maple syrup – Natural sweeteners that enhance flavor.

• Vanilla or almond extract – A few drops add depth.

• Coconut milk or oat milk – Creamy additions that soften bold flavors.

• Cinnamon or nutmeg – Perfect for warm, spiced teas.

I Love Tea. What If Someone Close to Me Doesn’t Like Tea?

As a tea lover, it can be a little disappointing when someone close to you doesn’t share your enthusiasm for a perfectly brewed cup, especially if tea-drinking is a ritual for you. But just because they don’t like tea (yet) doesn’t mean all hope is lost! Here’s how you can bridge the gap without turning your tea time into a battle:

1. Respect Their Tastes

Not everyone enjoys the same flavors, and that’s okay. Just like some people prefer coffee over tea, or one type of book genre over another. Instead of convincing them they should like tea, try to understand what they do like and switch it up from time to time.

2. Offer a Gentle Introduction

If they’re open to experimenting, start with teas that don’t taste too much like traditional tea. Sweet, fruity herbal blends, dessert-inspired rooibos, or creamy chai lattes might be a better entry point than straight green or black tea.

3. Find Common Ground in Other Drinks

Maybe they don’t like tea, but they love flavored water, juice, or even coffee. Try introducing tea in a way that mimics those flavors—like cold-brewed fruit teas for juice lovers or bold, malty black teas for coffee drinkers.

4. Make Tea Time About More Than Just Tea

As you probably already know, tea is often about the ritual as much as the drink itself. If they enjoy spending time with you, consider making tea time a shared experience by adding snacks, a cozy setting, or even a different drink they enjoy while you sip your tea.

5. Accept That They May Never Love Tea (And That’s Okay!)

At the end of the day, it’s totally fine if they never develop a taste for tea. Everyone has their own preferences, and as long as they respect your love for it, you can still enjoy your perfect cup while they sip on something else.

Find a Tea for You!

If you're trying to find tea as a person who doesn't like tea, we hope that the options in this article will give you some to finally store in your pantry. We're confident you'll find something that you like.

Are there teas on this list that have helped you or someone you know find an appreciation for tea? Let us know in the comments below!