The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company Ltd

The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company: loose leaf teas sourced from growers

The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company Ltd is an online tea merchant based at Unit 23 Ffrwdgrech Industrial Estate in Brecon, Powys. It sells loose leaf tea and infusions sourced, according to the company, directly from tea growers and approved quality suppliers, with most of the supply coming from Ethical Tea Partnerships growers. Many of the teas carry organic certification within their growing region, and the shop keeps a dedicated Organic Tea collection.

Stock is held in the UK to keep delivery times short. Because some growers are small estates, the company notes that certain products may be seasonal and limited in availability.

The range of teas and infusions

The catalogue is organised by type and origin, and covers a broad spread of styles:

• Black teas, including Assam, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), China, Darjeeling, Chai and flavoured black teas
• Green, white, yellow, oolong and Pu-Erh teas
• Rooibos and Matcha teas
• Decaffeinated teas
• Flavoured fruit infusions, described as suitable served hot or over ice
• Detox, wellness, Ayurveda and herbal teas

Seasonal selections are also grouped as spring, summer, autumn and winter teas. The company states that it offers one of the largest selections of decaffeinated loose-leaf teas in the UK, and that it has worked with experts to build a researched range of Ayurveda, herbal, detox and wellness teas. The herbal section extends beyond tea leaves to single ingredients such as ashwagandha powder, beetroot powder, burdock root and blue butterfly pea flower tea.

Coffee, matcha equipment and accessories

Alongside tea, the shop sells a range of roasted coffee beans with a buying guide. For matcha drinkers it stocks the starter kit — whisks, spoons, bowls and holders — in coordinated colours. The accessories section includes DIY tea bags, strainers and infusers, sugar, tea caddies, cups, tea sets and teapots, and there is a gifts category.

Sampling, guidance and subscriptions

Most products are available as a 25-gram sample pack, which the company says is enough for around eight cups, so customers can try before buying larger volumes. The site also publishes introductory guides to the different tea varieties, covering flavours and properties. A subscription service delivers a chosen tea or coffee on a recurring basis, and electronic gift cards are sent by email with instructions for redemption at checkout and no additional processing fees.

Packaging and delivery

The company states that 98% of orders are sent plastic free as standard, including 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg products, although teas such as Lapsang and Earl Grey and herbs such as valerian root still ship in plastic. Customers selecting the plastic-free option are reminded that the paper bags are for transport only and not for long-term storage, so a suitable container is needed on arrival. Coffee beans and strongly aromatic teas cannot be sent plastic free because their natural oils and aromas risk cross-contamination in transit. UK delivery is listed from £2.90.

Trade and wholesale customers

Wholesale arrangements are offered to hotels, restaurants, cafés and bistros, as well as to zero waste shops, organic delis and refill shops, and to herbal businesses, beauty salons and therapy businesses. These customers are invited to email the company for a discount code. The site also lists a 10% discount code for a first order placed at checkout.