What’s Really the Difference Between Black, Green, Oolong, and White Tea?

Jaclyn Li
Sep 17
2 min read

Tea is one of the most widely enjoyed beverages in the world, yet not all teas are the same. The four classic types: black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea, each have their own unique flavour, caffeine level, and method of processing. By understanding these differences, you can discover which tea best suits your taste, lifestyle, and even your health goals.

Black Tea: Bold and Energising

Processing: Fully oxidised, giving the leaves their deep colour and rich aroma.
Flavour: Robust, malty, and sometimes smoky depending on the region. Famous varieties include English Breakfast and Assam.
Caffeine: The highest of the four, making it perfect for a morning energy boost.Best for: A strong start to the day or pairing with milk and biscuits.

Close-up of loose, dark tea leaves with a textured surface and rich brown tones. No visible text or background elements.

Green Tea: Fresh and Revitalising

Processing: Minimally oxidised, which preserves its bright green colour and antioxidant properties.
Flavour: Light, grassy, and sometimes sweet. Popular varieties include Sencha and Dragon Well.
Caffeine: Lower than black tea, offering focus without overstimulation.Best for: A refreshing mid-day drink or a light pick-me-up.

Steaming black cup on a textured table, surrounded by scattered dry green tea leaves. Warm, earthy tones create a cozy, calm atmosphere.

Oolong Tea: Balanced and Complex

Processing: Partially oxidised, sitting between black and green teas.
Flavour: A spectrum of taste profiles, from floral and creamy to roasted and nutty. Notable examples are Tie Guan Yin and Da Hong Pao.
Caffeine: Moderate, offering a balance between stimulation and relaxation.Best for: Afternoon sipping or when you want something nuanced and layered.

Wooden spoon with oolong tea leaves rests on a ceramic jar. Another open jar nearby. A textured cloth in the background. Warm, rustic mood.

White Tea: Delicate and Soothing

Processing: The least processed, crafted from young tea buds and leaves.
Flavour: Gentle, floral, and naturally sweet with a soft aroma. Silver Needle is a well-known variety.
Caffeine: The lowest, making it a calming choice for any time of day.Best for: Evening relaxation or mindful tea sessions.

Dry brown and beige leaves scattered in a close-up view, creating a textured, earthy pattern. The mood is calm and natural.

Tea Comparison: Black, Green, White & Oolong

Tea Type	Processing	Leaf Appearance	Flavour Profile	Caffeine Level	Typical Brewing
Black Tea	Fully oxidised	Dark brown to black, wiry or broken leaves	Bold, malty, sometimes smoky or fruity	High	90–95°C (194–203°F), 3–5 min
Green Tea	Heated to stop oxidation early (steamed or pan-fired), then dried	Green, flat or twisted leaves	Fresh, grassy, vegetal, sometimes nutty	Medium	75–85°C (167–185°F), 2–3 min
White Tea	Minimally processed (just withered & dried)	Pale, silvery, fluffy buds and young leaves	Delicate, sweet, floral, light	Low	75–85°C (167–185°F), 4–5 min
Oolong Tea	Partially oxidised (15–70%), often rolled or twisted	Dark green-brown, curled or semi-balled leaves	Complex, floral, fruity, sometimes creamy	Medium-High	85–95°C (185–203°F), 3–5 min (multiple steeps)

How to Choose the Right Tea

Each type of tea has a personality of its own. If you need a strong caffeine boost, black tea is your ally. For a fresher, more revitalising option, green tea may be your best choice. When balance and complexity appeal to you, oolong tea strikes the perfect middle ground. And if you’re looking for a soothing, light brew, white tea is your go-to. Understanding these differences ensures you always have the right cup for the right moment.

The DE1 TEA range already includes black teas, green teas, and an oolong tea. In the future, we look forward to expanding our collection even further.