Newby Earl Grey
A celebrated black tea with a comforting citrus twist, Earl Grey tea is undoubtedly the nation’s favourite.
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Oolong Tea vs Black Tea
Find out more about the differences between the Oolong Tea & Black Tea.
View Our Tea ProductsFor rich, flavourful teas with depth and variety, oolong and black tea are two of the most popular choices worldwide. Both come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), but their differences lie in how they’re processed, their flavour profiles, and even their health benefits.
At Café du Monde, we’re passionate about helping you explore the world of tea with confidence. Whether you're sipping to unwind or seeking a bold morning brew, this guide will walk you through the key differences between oolong and black tea, so you can discover the perfect cup for your taste.
Understanding the basics
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a partially oxidised tea, meaning it falls somewhere between green and black tea in terms of both flavour and processing. Its origins trace back to China’s Fujian province and Taiwan, where traditional methods still thrive. The leaves are carefully withered, rolled, and oxidised to varying degrees, resulting in a wide spectrum of flavours from light and floral to dark and toasty.
What is Black Tea?
Black tea is fully oxidised, giving it its deep colour and bold flavour. It’s the most widely consumed tea in the Western world and plays a starring role in favourites like English Breakfast and Earl Grey. Originating from China, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, black tea leaves are allowed to oxidise completely after harvesting, creating rich, robust notes that pair well with milk or stand strong on their own.
The Oxidation Process Explained
One of the biggest differences between oolong and black tea lies in oxidation: the natural process where enzymes in the tea leaves react with oxygen, changing the tea’s colour, aroma, and flavour.
Black tea undergoes full oxidation, giving it its signature dark hue, malty aroma, and bold, rich taste. In contrast, oolong tea is only partially oxidised, placing it somewhere between green tea (unoxidised) and black tea (fully oxidised). Depending on how long it's oxidised, oolong can range from light and floral to dark and roasted, offering a remarkable spectrum of flavours within a single category. This unique level of oxidation is what makes oolong tea so versatile and complex, delicate enough to be refreshing, yet robust enough to be comforting.
Taste and Aroma Comparison
Both oolong and black tea offer distinct and memorable flavour profiles, shaped by their oxidation levels and how they’re brewed. Oolong tea is known for its floral, fruity, and often slightly creamy notes, with a complexity that reveals itself in layers. Depending on the style and oxidation level, it can range from light and aromatic to rich and roasted. It’s a favourite among those who enjoy nuance and a tea that evolves over multiple infusions.
Black tea, on the other hand, is bold, malty, and robust, often with notes of dried fruit, spice, or even chocolate. Its intensity makes it a popular morning choice and a great companion to milk or lemon.
Brewing time and temperature can bring out the best (or worst) of both. Oolong typically benefits from water between 85-95°C, with steeping times of 3-5 minutes, depending on the style. Black tea, being hardier, is best brewed with boiling water (95-100°C) for 3-5 minutes. Oversteeping either tea can lead to bitterness, while a lower temperature or shorter brew time may mute its flavour.
Caffeine Content: Oolong vs Black Tea
Both oolong and black tea contain moderate amounts of caffeine, but black tea generally has more. This is largely due to its full oxidation and longer steeping time, which allows more caffeine to be extracted into your cup. On average:
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Black tea contains around 40-70 mg of caffeine per cup
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Oolong tea typically contains 30-50 mg of caffeine
That said, exact caffeine content can vary depending on the specific tea variety, leaf size, and how it's brewed.
If you’re looking for a morning boost, black tea is a great choice to help you start your day with focus and energy. For a gentler lift in the afternoon, oolong tea provides a smooth, balanced option that keeps you alert without the jitters.
Health Benefits
Both oolong and black tea are rich in antioxidants, offering a variety of health benefits with every cup. These antioxidants, such as theaflavins in black tea and catechins in oolonghelp support heart health, fight inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress.
Black tea is often praised for its potential to improve focus and alertness, support cardiovascular health, and even assist with cholesterol management when consumed regularly.
Oolong tea, sitting between green and black tea in oxidation, delivers a balance of benefits. It may help boost metabolism, aid digestion, and promote relaxation, thanks to compounds that support both mental clarity and gut health. It’s also commonly enjoyed as a post-meal tea in many cultures.
If you're seeking a tea that offers a well-rounded approach to wellness, oolong is a wonderful middle ground, providing both the depth of black tea and the lightness of green.
Which Tea Should You Choose?
Choosing between oolong and black tea comes down to your personal taste preferences, caffeine sensitivity, and the kind of experience you’re after. If you enjoy bold, malty flavours with a more noticeable caffeine kick, black tea is your perfect match. It’s ideal for mornings, busy afternoons, or when you need a strong base for milk and sweeteners like a classic builder’s brew.
On the other hand, if you prefer something smoother and more layered, oolong tea offers a wonderfully complex flavour that changes with each sip. Its gentler caffeine content makes it ideal for late mornings, afternoon breaks, or even a calming post-meal sip.
Still can’t decide? You can always try both.
Discover Premium Teas at Café Du Monde
At Café du Monde, we’re proud to offer a carefully curated collection of premium teas, including our partnership with the award-winning Newby Teas of London. Whether you’re drawn to the bold richness of black tea, the smooth complexity of oolong, or want to explore herbal infusions and green teas, we have something to suit every palate.
Browse our full range of loose-leaf teas, silken pyramids, and traditional tea bags and take your tea moments to new heights with exceptional quality, flavour, and aroma.
Our Range Of Tea Bags
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