Extra Strong vs 50 Count Earl Grey: Which Tin to Buy

Quick answer

Choose Twinings' Earl Grey Extra Strong Tea when you want a punchier bergamot hit and a small, low-commitment pack. Choose Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey Tea Bags, 50 count, when you drink Earl Grey regularly and want a classic, aromatic blend in a larger box at a lower price per bag.

Bergamot intensity is the real dividing line

Both teas start from the same idea: black tea scented with oil of bergamot. The difference is how far each one pushes the citrus. Twinings describes its Extra Strong version as a modern twist that adds more bergamot to the classic blend, producing a rich, vibrant cup. Taylors positions its Earl Grey as a very aromatic tea built on fine black China teas and natural bergamot oil, best served black or with a slice of lemon.

That matters more than brand loyalty. If you usually take milk or drink your tea fast between tasks, the extra bergamot in the Twinings version stays noticeable. If you drink Earl Grey slowly and want the tea base to lead, the Taylors blend is the gentler, more traditional route.

Pack size changes how you should buy

The Twinings box holds 20 bags, while the Taylors box holds 50. That is not a small footnote: it decides whether you are trialing a tea or restocking a habit. A 20 count box is easy to finish before the bags lose their aroma, which suits a household where only one person drinks Earl Grey. A 50 count box rewards steady daily drinkers but asks you to store it well.

Whichever you pick, keep the bags sealed in an airtight container away from light and strong-smelling spices. Bergamot aroma fades, and a large box left open on the counter will taste flatter by the last few bags.

Where the price comparison actually lands

The catalog lists the Twinings 20 count at USD 3.95 against a comparison price of USD 5.99, and the Taylors 50 count at USD 7.80 against USD 10.99. Read those as two separate deals rather than a straight per-bag contest, because the pack sizes differ so much. The honest way to judge value is to ask how many cups you will actually drink before the tea goes stale.

Neither listing supplies brewing temperature, steep time or caffeine details, so treat those as gaps to check on the packaging rather than assume them. What you can rely on is the flavor direction and the bag count.

Trade-offs to weigh before you buy

• Flavor punch vs tea-base subtlety: Extra bergamot gives Twinings a bolder, more vibrant cup, but it can mask the black tea underneath. Taylors keeps the bergamot aromatic rather than dominant, so the China tea base stays part of the experience. If you add milk or lemon, the bolder option usually holds up better.
• Small trial vs long supply: The 20 count box limits waste if you are unsure about a stronger Earl Grey. The 50 count box lowers the fuss of reordering but only pays off if you drink Earl Grey most days. Count your usual weekly cups before choosing the bigger box.
• Serving style: Taylors is described as best served black or with a slice of lemon, which points to a lighter, aromatic cup. Twinings' richer profile gives you more room to drink it plain or with a splash of milk. Match the box to how you already take your tea, not how you think you should.

Product facts at a glance

• Twinings' Earl Grey Extra Strong Tea - 20 count: A 20 count box of Twinings' Earl Grey with extra bergamot added to the classic blend. A small pack lets you test whether the stronger citrus suits you before committing to a larger box.

  

• Taylors of Harrogate - Earl Grey Tea Bags - 50 count: A 50 count box of Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey, a blend of fine black China teas and natural bergamot oil. The larger count suits regular drinkers who want a classic, aromatic cup without restocking often.

  

Which one fits your routine?

Best for

• Drinkers who want a strong, citrus-forward Earl Grey and a small first pack
• Mornings when you want a bold cup that stands up to milk
• Households where only one person drinks Earl Grey

Not for

• Daily Earl Grey drinkers who would rather buy a larger box less often
• Purists who want the black tea base to lead over the bergamot