Portuguese Tea Brands: a guide to discovering tea and infusions in Portugal
Portugal has a special relationship with tea.
From the Azores, where a centuries-old tradition transformed the landscape of São Miguel, to new brands that are exploring plants, flowers, and fruit in unexpected ways, there is now an increasingly interesting universe to discover.
If you're looking for Portuguese tea brands, this is a good starting point.
In this guide, we've gathered some Portuguese projects worth knowing, from tea producers to brands specializing in infusions and herbal teas, and some international references that help contextualize this universe.
But before we begin, there's an important distinction.
Tea or infusion: what's the difference?
Although we often use the word "tea" to refer to all these drinks, technically there's a difference.
True tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Varieties such as green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong, and pu-erh come from this plant.
On the other hand, infusions and herbal teas are prepared from other plants, flowers, fruits, herbs, or spices.
That's why a drink made with lemon verbena, peppermint, hibiscus, or chamomile is, technically, an infusion and not a tea.
In everyday language, however, "tea" continues to be used as an umbrella term.
And it is precisely on this boundary between tea, infusion, plants, and culture that we find some of the most interesting Portuguese projects.
1. Criatura — Portuguese infusions with a new way of looking at nature
We start with Criatura because we believe there is a new way to look at infusions in Portugal.
Criatura is a Portuguese brand dedicated to 100% organic herbal and fruit infusions, working with small farmers and seeking to add value to local raw materials.
Their approach begins long before the cup: in the relationship with those who cultivate, in the choice of ingredients, and in the desire to use products that might otherwise be left out of traditional circuits.
The brand explains that it seeks to incorporate, whenever possible, "ugly" fruit and agricultural surpluses into its blends, transforming them into new products. It also works directly with small local farmers, including blueberry and aromatic herb producers.
The result is combinations that explore flavors such as:
- rosemary, lemon verbena and tangerine;
- peppermint, elderflower and lemon;
- hibiscus, horsetail, blueberry and rose petals;
- lemon verbena and linden;
- lemon balm, rosehip, raspberry and calendula.
More than following a traditional formula, Criatura seeks to create a connection between plants, fruit, territory, small farmers and sustainability.
And you can even get to know some of the farmers who collaborate with the brand and the plants, fruit, and flowers that some of them supply.
It's a particularly interesting perspective for those looking to discover the more contemporary side of Portuguese infusions.
Ideal for: those looking for organic infusions, ingredients of Portuguese origin, and combinations different from traditional ones.
→ Discover Criatura's 100% Organic Infusions
2. Gorreana — the tea tradition of the Azores
When we talk about Portuguese tea, it's impossible not to mention Gorreana.
On the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, Gorreana maintains a tea production tradition that dates back to 1883. The company itself presents its factory as the oldest tea factory still in operation in Europe.
Here we find what makes tea especially fascinating: a product deeply linked to the place where it is grown.
The conditions of the Azores — the humid climate, the characteristics of the volcanic soil, and the island's landscape — are part of Gorreana tea's identity.
Production includes green tea and black tea from Camellia sinensis, maintaining a family tradition that spans several generations.
For those who want to taste tea produced in Portugal, Gorreana is an unmissable reference.
Ideal for: those who want to experience true Portuguese tea and discover the tradition of the Azores.
3. Mùi Concept — tea as an experience
In Porto, Mùi Concept presents a contemporary approach to the world of tea.
The brand describes tea as a cultural and sensory experience and draws inspiration from traditions in Vietnam, Japan, and other tea cultures. Its offering includes green tea, black tea, white tea, pu-erh, oolong, Earl Grey, mate, and herbal teas.
It is an approach that goes beyond the drink.
Tea also becomes a ritual: choosing, preparing, observing, smelling, and finally tasting.
Ideal for: those who want to discover different tea cultures and explore a more contemporary approach.
4. Rota do Chá — a reference in Porto
Some projects do not necessarily produce the tea they sell, but they play an important role in creating a tea culture in Portugal.
This is the case of Rota do Chá, in Porto.
The project was born in 2002 with the desire to create a space dedicated exclusively to tea. According to Rota do Chá itself, it offered more than 300 varieties of orthodox teas, produced using traditional methods.
Today, it continues to be a space dedicated to tea and the experience of discovering it in Porto.
Ideal for: those who want to try different varieties and deepen their knowledge about tea.
And international brands?
Portugal has very interesting projects, but the world of tea is naturally international.
Some foreign brands have become global references and help to explain the diversity we find today in Portuguese stores.
Twinings
One of the most internationally known historic brands, especially associated with varieties like Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
It's an interesting reference for anyone starting to explore the world of tea.
Ahmad Tea
An international brand with a diverse offering of teas and blends, present in several markets.
It's an option for those looking for variety and classic tea styles.
Tea Shop
Tea Shop offers a wide range of teas, infusions, blends, and accessories, being a reference for those who like to experiment with different combinations and formats.
Which is the best Portuguese tea brand?
There isn't a universal answer.
And perhaps that's precisely the most interesting part.
It depends on what you're looking for.
Do you want tea produced in Portugal?
Start with the Azores and discover Gorreana's tradition.
Do you want to get to know different tea cultures?
Mùi Concept presents an approach focused on experience and discovery.
Are you looking for organic Portuguese infusions?
This is where Criatura finds its territory.
Instead of focusing solely on tea tradition, Criatura explores the universe of plants, flowers, and fruits, working with small farmers and seeking to give new life to raw materials that could be wasted.
And it has already won several national and international awards for its mission.
What to look for in a good tea or infusion brand?
With so many options available, how do you choose?
There is no single formula, but there are some aspects worth considering.
1. Origin of ingredients
Knowing where the plants, fruits, and flowers come from can completely transform the experience.
The origin tells a story about the product and the people who cultivate it.
2. Quality and transparency
Look for brands that clearly explain what is in each blend and how the ingredients are produced.
The more transparent the origin, the easier it is to make a conscious choice.
3. Organic production
For those who value more careful agricultural practices, organic production can be an important criterion.
In the case of Criatura infusions, the raw materials used in their herbal teas are 100% organic.
4. Connection to the territory
Portugal has a huge diversity of aromatic plants, fruits, and other ingredients.
Choosing a brand that values these resources is also a way to discover flavors associated with the territory.
5. Sustainability
It's worth looking beyond the packaging.
How does the brand work with farmers?
What happens to surpluses?
Is there concern for waste?
Is there a long-term relationship with producers?
These questions can reveal a lot about a brand.
The future of Portuguese infusions
Perhaps the most interesting question isn't:
"Which is the best Portuguese tea brand?"
Perhaps it's:
"How many different ways do we still have to discover the plants and flavors of Portugal?"
Between the centuries-old tradition of Azorean tea, specialized shops, and a new generation of infusion brands, there is a Portuguese universe that is only just beginning to be discovered.
At Criatura, we believe that every plant, every fruit, and every flower can tell a story.
And that some of those stories are even better when they reach the cup.
Discover Criatura infusions
Explore our 100% organic infusions, created from plants, flowers, and fruit, and with a close connection to small farmers.
Frequently asked questions about Portuguese tea brands
What are the main Portuguese tea brands?
Among the Portuguese projects linked to the world of tea and infusions are Gorreana, Companhia Portugueza do Chá, Mùi Concept, Rota do Chá, and Criatura. Each project has a different approach, from tea production in the Azores to the creation of blends and organic infusions.
What tea is produced in Portugal?
Gorreana produces tea from Camellia sinensis on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores. Production dates back to 1883 and includes green tea and black tea.
What is the difference between tea and infusion?
Tea is produced from the Camellia sinensis plant. Infusions and herbal teas are prepared with other plants, flowers, fruits, or spices.
Are there Portuguese organic infusions?
Yes. Criatura produces 100% organic herbal and fruit infusions, working with small farmers and using selected raw materials, mostly from national producers.
Where can I buy Portuguese tea?
It is possible to find Portuguese tea and infusions through the stores and online shops of different producers and brands.
What is the best Portuguese infusion?
The best infusion depends on each person's flavor profile and preferences. To explore Portuguese flavors, it's worth experimenting with different combinations of plants, flowers, and fruits and discovering which ones best suit your taste.