Twinings and Bigelow Lead Fall Tea Market With Spice Blends

The San Bernardino Sun released a product guide on November 2, 2026, identifying Twinings of London Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea and Stash Tea Decaf Pumpkin Spice Black Tea as top choices for the fall season. The publication, in partnership with BestReviews, evaluated various brands to determine which offerings best replicate the flavor profile of pumpkin pie. The guide notes that the warming combination of cinnamon, ginger, and clove is a primary driver of consumer interest in these beverages.

Twinings, a company that has produced tea since the 1700s, offers a chai blend that includes allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. This specific mix contains a hint of natural pumpkin flavor. The tea bags are individually sealed in foil to maintain freshness. If the staple is removed, the bags are biodegradable. The guide suggests that this option is particularly suitable for consumers who already enjoy chai but want a seasonal variation.

Bigelow, a Certified B Corporation, is featured in the guide for its environmental and social standards. The company’s spicy tea combines classic pumpkin spices with chai ingredients such as black pepper and cardamom. The guide notes that this blend can be too intense for some palates, recommending the addition of milk or sugar to soften the flavor. It is cited as a popular base for making chai tea lattes.

For those who prefer decaffeinated options, Stash Tea offers a black tea blend featuring clove, cinnamon, and ginger. The brand is also a Certified B Corporation. Its tea bags are manufactured without glue or plastic. The decaffeination process for the leaves avoids the use of harmful chemicals. Another decaf option highlighted in the guide is a rooibos-based tea. This caffeine-free blend includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and real pumpkin flavor. It is sold in packs of 50 sachets.

The guide also lists a loose-leaf tea containing cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and marigold flowers. A separate entry describes a tea made with Stevia for natural sweetness. This specific blend is strong enough to produce a full pot of tea or a second cup from a single bag. A 3.5-pound bag of chai tea latte powder, typically marketed to coffee shops and restaurants, is also included for home use. It can be prepared hot, iced, or blended.

Health considerations are addressed in the publication. Black tea contains less caffeine than coffee and provides antioxidants. Rooibos is noted as a source of copper and antioxidants. When teas use real spices rather than artificial flavorings, they offer additional nutritional benefits. Cinnamon adds antioxidants, while nutmeg provides B vitamins and fiber. Ginger contributes iron, potassium, and zinc.

Brewing instructions are provided for both standard tea and lattes. For a standard cup, one tea bag should be steeped in one cup of freshly boiled water for two to five minutes. Cream, milk, or sweetener can be added to taste. To make a latte, one and a half cups of milk should be heated until almost boiling. This milk is poured over one tea bag and steeped for five minutes. One tablespoon of brown sugar or another sweetener is stirred in, and the drink can be topped with whipped cream and fresh nutmeg.

The guide includes a section on accessories for tea preparation. A Hario Cha Kyusu Maru 700 ML glass teapot is recommended for brewing four to six cups. It features a mesh infuser and allows users to monitor the strength of the brew through the glass. Two additional loose-leaf tea infusers are also listed. These infusers have fine strainers to prevent small tea particles from entering the drink. They are sold in a pack of two and available in two different finishes.

Prices listed in the guide reflect the time of publication on November 2, 2026. The publication notes that these prices are subject to change. BestReviews, which collaborates with the San Bernardino Sun, conducts research and testing to recommend products. The publication may earn a commission if a reader purchases an item through a provided link.