Earl Grey Tea Benefits & What Research Says

By Ricardo R. Matos, Founder of Tea The World
Updated October 2026 · Reviewed against published research

More people are reaching for tea as an alternative to extra coffee, energy drinks, or an evening drink. One of our favorites for that swap is Earl Grey Bravo from Tea The World. Here is what makes it special and what research says about its ingredients.

What Is Earl Grey Bravo?

Earl Grey Bravo is a black tea flavored with bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. It has a bold, citrusy aroma and a smooth finish, and it is delicious plain, with a splash of milk, or as a London Fog latte.

What Research Says

Research looks at black tea and bergamot in general rather than any specific blend. These are research observations, not promises about any one cup.

• Black tea and heart health: Large observational studies have linked regular tea drinking with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and lower all-cause mortality. In the UK Biobank study, people who drank 2 or more cups of tea a day had a 9–13% lower risk of death. These studies show associations, not cause and effect.
• Bergamot: Some small studies of concentrated bergamot extract supplements have reported improvements in cholesterol levels. The amount of bergamot flavoring in a cup of Earl Grey is far smaller, so these results do not apply directly to tea.
• Caffeine and L-theanine: Black tea naturally contains both. Studies of the combination have reported effects on alertness and focus, often at measured doses.
• Aroma: Many people find the citrus scent of bergamot uplifting, and the ritual of brewing tea is a welcome pause in the day.

If you have a heart condition or high cholesterol, Earl Grey is a pleasant drink, not a treatment. Keep following your doctor’s advice and medications.

Tea as an Alternative to Extra Coffee or Alcohol

A cup of black tea generally has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, and unsweetened tea has almost no calories. That makes Earl Grey an easy swap for a second coffee, a sugary energy drink, or an evening drink when you want something flavorful and comforting.

Things to Know

• Caffeine: Earl Grey contains caffeine. People sensitive to caffeine or who are pregnant may want to limit it, and it’s best earlier in the day if caffeine affects your sleep.
• Iron: Tannins in black tea can reduce iron absorption from plant foods, so enjoy it between meals if you are watching your iron.
• Bergamot: Drinking very large amounts of Earl Grey daily has rarely been linked to muscle cramps from a bergamot compound. Normal amounts are not a concern for most people.

How to Brew Earl Grey Bravo

1. Use about 1 teaspoon of loose tea per 8 oz cup.
2. Heat water to 200–212°F (93–100°C).
3. Steep 3 to 5 minutes. Shorter for a lighter cup, longer for a bolder one.
4. Enjoy plain, with milk, or with a little honey and lemon.

London Fog: Brew double strength, then add steamed milk and a touch of vanilla.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medication, talk with your doctor before using herbal teas for health reasons.