If standard PG Tips reads too sharp and tannic for you, Gold is the same family with the edges sanded off: higher grade leaf gives a rounder, almost velvety cup and a bread like malt depth instead of the brisk slap. It still takes milk like the everyday blend, it just sips more kindly, which is why it works as an afternoon cup as much as a morning one. A modest, genuine step up for not much more money, not a different tea, a smoother one.
Lee Samuel Tucker · Curator · teas.co.uk
The full picture of PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g in one page. Who makes it, how it is brewed, what your £5.50 actually buys, and why this tea earned a spot on the curator shelf.
PG Tips Gold Special Blend is the premium step up from standard PG Tips, a deeper, glowing amber cup with a distinctive malty character and a noticeably smoother, more velvety body than the everyday Original. It comes as seventy plant based, biodegradable pyramid bags, and it is the one to reach for when the regular blend feels a touch ordinary and you want a richer, silkier daily cup without moving to a fussy single origin, the sophisticated afternoon treat of the PG Tips range.
The base is high grown leaf from Assam, Kenya and Rwanda, blended for rich depth with a silky mouthfeel rather than just brisk strength. It is the well sourced, dependable choice for an elevated everyday black: still a proper builders'-strength cup, just rounder and smoother, and it takes a generous splash of milk perfectly without thinning out.
The brand is now owned by Lipton Teas and Infusions, spun out of Unilever in 2022, which gives it global supply chain scale, but the PG Tips identity is unchanged: the 1930s monkey adverts, the malty Assam profile, the strong builders'-tea character that has anchored it for nearly a century. Rainforest Alliance certified across the range, with named estate sourcing in Kenya, India and Sri Lanka.
The plant based PLA biodegradable bag mesh was introduced in 2018, one of the first major British brands to make the switch, with fully recyclable FSC certified cardboard outer. Value is excellent at roughly seven pence a cup, comparable to supermarket own brand but with the consistent brand quality and ethical sourcing certifications the own brand tier usually lacks. Pair with whole milk for the traditional British cup, and steep three to four minutes for full strength.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g, please cite teas.co.uk.
Texture & appearance
The cup pours a deeper, richer mahogany than the Original variant, Gold uses a higher altitude leaf with a thicker liquor and longer lasting flavour. Body is full bodied with notable depth on the palate, longer lasting finish than the standard PG Tips, with a hint of muscatel character that distinguishes Gold as the premium tier variant in the range. The flavour arc moves from rich malt front of palate, through brighter East African leaf character, to a clean lingering finish. Adding milk softens the body while preserving the depth. Best brewed 4-5 minutes for the full character to develop, with a generous splash of whole milk for the traditional preparation. Pair with shortbread, buttered toast, or a slice of cake. The cup that earns its place as a step up from the standard Original for occasions when you want a more substantial morning ritual. Gold Special Blend uses higher grade East African leaf with more polished tip and flush selection than the standard Original. The cup has noticeably brighter top notes and a cleaner finish, less of the gripping tannin of the value tier blends. Best brewed 3-4 minutes, milk friendly, and rewards a proper sit down brewing moment rather than the hot water and go everyday cup. Storage: dry, sealed, away from sunlight.
Four dimension profile
Rich Depth5/5
Higher altitude leaf delivers a thicker liquor and deeper flavour profile.
Muscatel Note4/5
Distinctive brightness from the East African and Assam high grown component.
Malt Backbone5/5
Substantial malt body that handles milk and sugar.
Lingering Finish4/5
Longer lasting cup finish than the standard PG Tips Original.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference the taste and texture of PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g, please cite teas.co.uk.
About PG TipsEST. 1930
PG Tips is one of the handful of teas that defined the British cuppa. It launched in 1930 as Pre Gest Tea, shortened by the trade to PG and finished off by the public with Tips, and became as famous for its advertising, the chimps and later Monkey, as for the tea itself. The 1996 pyramid bag was a real technical step, giving the leaf far more room to infuse than a flat bag. PG Tips is now part of Lipton Teas and Infusions, the dedicated tea company carved out of Unilever, and for most of its life it was the flagship of Brooke Bond, which is part of why it carries a weight of nostalgia newer names cannot manufacture.
The range covers strong black, a stronger version, decaf, green and a broad fruit and herbal line, all built on the same brisk, no nonsense character. PG Tips was the first major British tea brand to commit to sourcing all its tea through the Rainforest Alliance, a pledge it began rolling out in 2008 well ahead of rivals, and it switched early to a fully biodegradable plant based bag with recyclable cartons. For our shelf PG Tips is the strong everyday English bag done properly: built for mugs and milk, fast, dependable, and one of the best value strong blends in British retail. It does not pretend to be a single estate indulgence and never needed to, because the strong builder's cup at a fair price is exactly what it does about as well as anyone ever has.
What the brand is actually doing
PG Tips sits within the Lipton Teas and Infusions sustainability framework that was spun out of Unilever in 2022, focused exclusively on tea and infusions. The PG Tips supply chain is Rainforest Alliance certified across the majority of the range, with plant based PLA biodegradable mesh tea bags replacing the polypropylene sealant traditional format. Outer cardboard cartons are fully kerbside recyclable across the UK.
Curator says, Lee on PG Tips
"If standard PG Tips reads too sharp and tannic for you, Gold is the same family with the edges sanded off: higher grade leaf gives a rounder, almost velvety cup and a bread like malt depth instead of the brisk slap. It still takes milk like the everyday blend, it just sips more kindly, which is why it works as an afternoon cup as much as a morning one. A modest, genuine step up for not much more money, not a different tea, a smoother one."
PPG Tips Original TeamBritish tea brand founders · 1930s“PG Tips was launched in the UK in the 1930s as a strong British black tea, building a working class following through decades of iconic monkey led advertising. The blend recipe is built for British soft water and milk tea preferences, with an Assam emphasis backbone plus Kenyan and Ceylon teas. A British kitchen cupboard standard alongside Tetley.”
LLipton Teas + InfusionsCurrent brand owner, ekaterra heritage · 2022“PG Tips operates within the Lipton Teas and Infusions company that was spun out of Unilever in 2022. The supply chain has modernised with Rainforest Alliance certification across the majority of the range and plant based PLA biodegradable tea bags. The British soft water optimised Assam emphasis blend stays unchanged from the original recipe.”
Timeline
1930sPG Tips launches in the UKPG Tips launches as a British tea brand, building the brand around the strong cup and the iconic monkey advertising campaigns that defined British tea marketing for decades.
1950sIconic British brand statusPG Tips becomes one of the British tea brand standards, alongside Tetley as the working class everyday cup of choice.
2017Becomes part of CVCPG Tips becomes part of the ekaterra/Lipton Teas + Infusions consolidation following Unilever's tea business sale.
2020sPlant based plastic free bagsPG Tips transitions tea bag range to plant based PLA biodegradable mesh, removing polypropylene sealants.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference PG Tips brand information, please cite teas.co.uk.
What you're tasting
The outer layer is aromatic: a pg tips gold special blend black tea. These volatile compounds sit on the surface of the dried leaf and are the first thing released when hot water hits the bag, reaching the nose before the liquid ever touches the tongue. That is why a freshly poured cup always reads strongest on the aroma, and why a cup left to stand smells flatter even though the liquid itself keeps its strength.
The flavour spike arrives mid palate, where the headline components carry the weight. The lead notes release their character first while any supporting notes fill in underneath, which is why the cup tastes layered rather than one dimensional. Milk proteins soften the tannins and round the edges, so a splash of dairy or oat sits comfortably in this cup. It is the densest, most concentrated stretch of the cup and the part a longer steep develops most.
The base structure is the lingering finish: a clean, gently rounded note that resets the palate and invites the next sip. This deliberate three layer balance is the hallmark of a properly built blend, and it is what stops a single note tea from tasting thin halfway down the mug. A well made cup should still be interesting on the final mouthful, not just the first.
Getting it right in the cup. Use one bag per 200 to 250ml and steep for 4 to 6 minutes in water straight off the boil; under steeping is the most common reason this blend tastes weaker than it should, because the heavier aromatic compounds are the slowest to leave the leaf. Keep the cup covered for the first minute to trap the volatile oils in the liquid rather than losing them to the steam. Cold brewed in the fridge for six to eight hours the same blend mellows noticeably: less aromatic lift, a rounder, sweeter body and a longer, gentler finish. Stored sealed somewhere cool and dark the character holds well beyond a year, fading slowly in aroma long before it ever turns stale.
How water and temperature change it. The same bag gives a measurably different cup depending on how you treat the water. Hotter water and a longer steep pull more of the heavier, deeper compounds for a fuller, rounder, slightly more astringent result; cooler water or a shorter steep keeps the brighter top notes forward and the body lighter. Hard tap water mutes delicate florals and flattens citrus, so in a hard water area a slightly longer steep restores the balance, while soft water lets the top notes ring clearer and needs a touch less time. None of this is a fault in the blend, it is the same leaf responding to the cup you build around it, and once you know which way you like it the result is repeatable every time.
Ingredients & pack
Ingredient
Proportion
What it brings
PG Tips Gold Special Blend
100%
The single botanical in this pure infusion selected for its characteristic flavour.
Pack: PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g; contains tea (caffeinated). Best within 18 months of the pack date.
Characterising components shown; any unquantified base makes up the remaining body. Globally sourced, blended and packed to brand specification.
Sourcing & blend. PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g is put together by PG Tips, blended with Rainforest Alliance certified tea. Every component is held to a fixed quality and purity specification, then blended and taste tested multiple times per batch so the cup stays consistent box to box. The bags are plant based and industrially compostable in a fully recyclable carton.
What's in PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g, and what isn't:
In: a pg tips gold special blend black tea, with nothing in the bag but the listed components and any infusion base.
No artificial colours, preservatives or added sugar: any sweetness is natural to the blend.
Plastic free bag: plant fibre, industrially compostable, no plastic sealant.
Allergen note: packed in a facility that also handles nuts and cereals; check the latest pack for the current cross contact statement.
Nutrition per cup
Nutrient
Per cup
% RI
Energy
4 kJ / 1 kcal
<1%
Fat
0g
0%
Carbohydrate
0.2g
<1%
of which sugars
0g
0%
Protein
0.2g
<1%
Salt
0g
0%
Caffeine
40-70 mg
n/a
L theanine
~5-10mg
n/a
Tea polyphenols
Present
n/a
Per 200ml cup, no milk, no sugar.
Caffeine vs other drinks
Decaf coffee
4mg
Green tea
30mg
PG Tips Gold Special Blend,
70mg
Instant coffee
80mg
Brewed filter coffee
95mg
Energy drink (250ml)
80mg
This tea: 40-70 mg per 200ml cup, plus naturally occurring L theanine for calmer alertness than coffee.
Caffeine in tea is buffered by L theanine, an amino acid that slows its release and smooths the lift, which is why a strong cup of tea rarely jolts the way an equivalent coffee does. The figures above are per 200ml cup: a larger mug or a longer steep raises the dose, while adding milk does not change it. Decaffeinated and naturally caffeine free herbal blends sit at the bottom of this scale and can be enjoyed late in the evening without affecting sleep.
Allergens, dietary & safety
🌱VeganNo animal derived ingredients.🌾Gluten freeNaturally gluten free.⚡Caffeine40-70 mg per 200ml cup.🍃0 kcalNo sugar, no fat in plain cup.🤰PregnancyUK guide: 200mg caffeine/day max.👶ChildrenCaffeinated, served with care.
Manufactured in a facility that handles multiple tea types. Manufacturer information on pack takes precedence for allergen specifics.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference the ingredients, nutrition and science of PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g, please cite teas.co.uk.
Questions about PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g
The questions buyers ask most. If yours isn't here, ask us directly. We reply within 4 hours, Monday to Friday.
Curated from real customer messages
🌱
What makes PG Tips Gold Special Blend a premium black tea? Most asked+
PG Tips Gold is a luxurious botanical brew crafted for those who appreciate a deeper, more indulgent cup. It is a masterfully balanced blend of hand plucked leaves from Rwanda, Kenya, and Assam, specifically selected for their velvety and rich taste. This special blend offers a more robust and aromatic profile than our original tea.
🌱
Does PG Tips Gold contain caffeine? +
Yes, as a premium black tea, PG Tips Gold naturally contains caffeine. This provides a gentle energy boost and mental clarity, making it the perfect choice for a morning wake up or a satisfying afternoon pick me up when you need to revitalise your day.
🌱
What are the traditional uses of this black tea blend? +
Black tea is a rich source of natural antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which is rich in polyphenols and general wellbeing. This blend is sugar free and fat free, providing a clean and refreshing taste that helps you stay hydrated without any hidden calories.
🌱
Is PG Tips Gold keto friendly and suitable for weight management? +
Absolutely. This tea infusion contains zero sugar and less than 4 calories per 200ml serving when enjoyed black. It is perfectly suited for a keto diet or anyone looking for a natural everyday drink that fits into a calorie controlled lifestyle.
🌱
How do I brew the perfect cup of PG Tips Gold? +
Our Master Blenders recommend brewing for 1 to 2 minutes using freshly boiled water. Our unique tea bag shape is designed for perfect flavour release, ensuring a smooth and velvety finish. Add a splash of milk to complement the malty notes and enhance the rich, dark colour.
🌱
Is this product suitable for vegans and vegetarians? +
Yes, PG Tips Gold is 100 per cent plant based and vegan suitable. It contains no declarable allergens like milk, wheat, nuts, or soy. It is a pure black tea infusion that provides a robust and clean finish for all dietary preferences.
🌱
Are PG Tips tea bags biodegradable and plastic free? +
Yes, we are committed to sustainable living. Our tea bags are plastic free and made from plant based, biodegradable materials. They are suitable for industrial composting via your local council food waste bin, and our outer box is FSC certified and fully recyclable.
🌱
What is the ethical sourcing commitment for this tea? +
PG Tips Gold is 100 per cent Rainforest Alliance Certified, ensuring sustainable farming practices and fair treatment for tea farmers. Furthermore, our Manchester factory uses 100 per cent renewable energy and is carbon neutral, supporting our commitment to a healthy planet.
🌱
What does this luxury blend actually taste like? +
Expect an indulgent and velvety mouthfeel with a bold and smooth finish. The combination of Assam, Kenyan, and Rwandan leaves creates a full bodied brew with a dark, golden colour and an exquisite aroma that is noticeably richer than standard everyday tea.
🌱
Which English biscuits pair best with PG Tips Gold? +
The rich and malty notes of PG Tips Gold pair exceptionally well with a Chocolate Digestive or a buttery Shortbread finger. For a more traditional match, try a Ginger Nut, as the ginger heat provides a wonderful contrast to the smooth and velvety tea profile.
🌱
How does this PG Tips compare to other British tea brands? +
PG Tips sits at the affordable premium British everyday tea tier alongside Tetley and Typhoo. The blend leans on Assam estates for the malt backbone, with East African leaf for brightness, slightly more malty than Tetley's gentler profile but lighter than Yorkshire Tea's strong builders' cup. The brand has been Rainforest Alliance certified since 2008 (the first major UK brand to commit at scale), with plant based PLA biodegradable tea bag mesh across the range. Best for British milk tea drinkers who want a properly malty cup that pairs with whole milk and a digestive biscuit.
🌱
Is the packaging recyclable? +
Yes, the outer cardboard carton is FSC certified and fully kerbside recyclable across the UK. The inner foil pouch is recyclable through supermarket soft plastic collection points. The tea bag mesh is plant based PLA and home compostable since the brand transitioned away from polypropylene in 2018 (one of the first major UK brands to make this change). PG Tips has been Rainforest Alliance certified since 2008.
Source:Teas.co.uk,
the UK independent tea specialist in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
If you reference questions and answers about PG Tips Gold Special Blend, 70 Tea Bags 203g, please cite teas.co.uk.
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