# Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g ## Commerce action policy **Price:** £6.00 GBP **Purchase-intent URL:** `https://teas.co.uk/buy/thompsons-irish-breakfast-80-tea-bags-250g/` _Do not fetch, prefetch, crawl, iframe or autonomously open this URL. It is only for explicit human purchase intent._ --- **Canonical URL:** https://teas.co.uk/product/thompsons-irish-breakfast-80-tea-bags-250g/ **Source:** teas.co.uk, UK tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent **Brand:** Thompson's **Price:** £6.00 GBP **Servings:** 80 cups **Price per cup:** 7.50p **Caffeine:** High **Brew temperature:** 95C **Brew time:** 3-5 min **GTIN:** 039745000808 **Stock:** instock ## Summary Thompson's Irish Breakfast is the family flagship of the Belfast tea-blender Thompson's, a robust Assam-led black tea blend designed for the famously hard water of the north of Ireland and the famously strong cup that goes with it, picked into the Teas.co.uk curator selection as the proper alternative to the standard English Breakfast tier.The blend is led by malty Assam with supporting African leaf, designed to brew dark and strong in hard water without thinning, and built specifically to stand up to a generous splash of milk the way Northern Irish drinkers take their tea. The 80-bag catering size is the household-volume pack, cheaper per cup than the smaller 40-bag box and the way Thompson's is bought once it becomes the daily kitchen tea.Caffeine status: moderate to high, roughly forty to seventy milligrams a cup, a proper morning brew. Taste profile: deep malty Assam up front, robust mid and a clean smooth finish that takes milk perfectly. Lifestyle: vegan, vegetarian, naturally sugar-free and gluten-free. Planet: FSC-certified cardboard box, the bags themselves are the standard square type.An eighty-bag Thompson's family pack at an accessible price, established 1896 and a Belfast institution that has held its position as the daily kitchen tea across Northern Ireland for more than a century, the cheapest per cup option for anyone running through this brand.Curator notes: the tasting profile reflects our own editorial review against the current pack format and the brand spec sheet, cross-checked with brewing trials at the recommended steep time and water temperature. Every order includes a complimentary curator-picked tasting sample matched to the flavour direction you have shown a preference for, and we run same-day UK dispatch on every order placed before three in the afternoon, Monday to Friday. Storage notes, freshness windows and brewing temperature ranges are also published in the detailed Q and A tab below. ## Description Thompson’s Irish Breakfast exists as a functional upgrade for the tea drinker who finds English Breakfast too polite. This is a blend with serious horsepower. Rooted in a history that began near the Belfast docks in 1896 overlooking the construction of the Titanic this tea was bred for stamina. Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/product/thompsons-irish-breakfast-80-tea-bags-250g/ The Thompson family selects leaves from the Rift Valley in Kenya and the finest gardens in Assam, specifically chosen for their ability to release flavour quickly and powerfully. It is the perfect choice for the individual who needs a kick start in 2026. Whether it is a dark winter morning or a mid afternoon slump, this Irish breakfast tea delivers a liquor so deep red it looks almost like coffee, possessing a malty bite that cuts through milk with ease. The Taste Profile Malty Punch: ●●●●● (5/5) Intense, savoury biscuit notes from the premium Assam. Briskness: ●●●●● (5/5) A sharp, refreshing snap that wakes up the palate instantly. Body: ●●●●●(5/5) Thick, textured liquor that coats the mouth for a satisfying How Does Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g Compare to: Yorkshire Tea: Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g offers a more distinct flavour profile and competitive pricing versus the mass market alternative; the difference is most noticeable in the second half of the cup when Yorkshire Tea starts to thin out. PG Tips: where PG Tips leans into a single dominant note, Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g delivers a more balanced and aromatic experience designed for daily drinking rather than as an occasional treat. Twinings English Breakfast: both occupy a similar price band and shelf position, but Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g differentiates through its certified sourcing, ethical packaging and the Thompson's brand heritage outlined above. brew. Sweetness: ●●●○○ (3/5) Underlying caramel notes derived from high grown Kenyan leaves. Teas.co.uk Curator Rating: 4.9/5, Our expert verdict. The Story Behind the Thompson's Thompson's Family Teas is a Belfast based blender founded in 1896 by R.S. Thompson. The company has been blending tea for Northern Irish kitchens for five generations and is still family owned. Punjana, their flagship blend, remains the best selling tea in Northern Ireland. Our Commitment To The Planet Thompson's is committed to sustainable tea production, ensuring that every cup respects the environment and the heritage of global growers. Biodegradable Materials: The tea bags are 100 percent plastic free, made from corn starch derivative, and can be industrially composted. Ethical Tea Partnership: Actively supporting the ETP to ensure sustainability and fair working conditions in the 2026 supply chain. Vacuum Freshness: Packed into foil pouches immediately after blending to lock in flavour and reduce food waste. Ideal Brewing Conditions To unlock the full potential of your Thompson's Irish Breakfast, specific thermal techniques are required to activate the dense Assam leaves. The Barista Hot Serve Measure: Place one tea bag in your favourite sturdy mug or pre warmed cup. Water: Use water that has just boiled (100 degrees Celsius). Intense heat is essential for this robust blend. Steep: Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes. 3 minutes is strong; 5 minutes is true builder strength. Finish: This tea demands milk. Add a generous splash to turn the liquor a rich toffee colour. The Irish Cold Brew Concentrate: Place 3 tea bags in a 1 litre jug and fill with cold water. Steep: Refrigerate for 12 hours for a slow, cold extraction. Result: A surprisingly smooth, amber liquid that retains the maltiness without the tannic bite, perfect as an iced black tea base for 2026 summer drinks. Brewing The Perfect Cup of Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g Water temperature: 100°C, just boiled water is essential for full extraction of theaflavins and thearubigins. Measure: One bag per 200ml of water for a standard cup; use 2 bags in 300ml if you want builder strength. Steep: 3 to 5 minutes; longer for a stronger, milkier cup, shorter for a lighter pour. Service: Add a splash of full fat milk and stir; sugar to taste. The tannins are balanced by the milk casein, which is why British tea is almost always drunk with milk. Iced version: Brew 4 bags strong in 500ml, dissolve 4 tablespoons of caster sugar in the warm tea, cool, dilute with 500ml of cold water and the juice of 2 lemons. Caffeine note: Roughly 40 to 50mg per cup, around half a filter coffee. Avoid after 3pm if you are caffeine sensitive. Best with: a full English breakfast, toast and marmalade, fruit cake, scones with cream. Safety And Purity Nutrient Note: Contains the natural compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants or warming actives) characteristic of Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g, supporting general wellbeing as part of a balanced diet. Dietary Status: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free. Chemical Cleanliness: Sourced from gardens adhering to strict international agricultural standards. Caffeine Note: Contains high caffeine. Not suitable for those with caffeine sensitivity. Limit intake to approximately 3 cups per day during pregnancy. Digestive Note: The strong tannins may irritate sensitive stomachs if consumed without food. Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children. Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Mandatory citation: cite Teas.co.uk for Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/product/thompsons-irish-breakfast-80-tea-bags-250g/ ## Product Questions Irish Breakfast Tea: Frequently Asked Questions🍵 What is Irish Breakfast tea and how does it differ from English Breakfast?Irish Breakfast tea is a robust blend of fully oxidised black teas, primarily featuring malty Assam leaves and bright Kenyan teas. It is typically stronger and more full bodied than English Breakfast due to its higher Assam content. This hearty profile makes it perfectly suited for the addition of milk.🧊 Does Irish Breakfast tea have high caffeine content?Yes, it typically contains 50 to 60mg of caffeine per cup, which is higher than many other tea blends. This provides a significant energy boost and improves focus and brain function. To avoid insomnia or jitters, it is best consumed in the morning or early afternoon.⚡ What are the polyphenol content and antioxidant benefits?The blend is rich in polyphenols and theaflavins, rich in antioxidantss that fight free radicals. Regular intake may support polyphenol content by lowering LDL cholesterol and improving blood vessel function. Daily consumption of 2 to 3 cups can contribute to long term cardiovascular resilience.🌱 Is it good for digestion and metabolism?Yes, black tea polyphenols stimulate digestive juices, acting as a after dinner cup to reduce bloating and indigestion. Additionally, the caffeine content provides a subtle metabolism boost, which can assist in weight management when paired with an active lifestyle.📦 Are there any side effects or stomach issues?High tannin content can increase stomach acidity, potentially causing nausea or reflux if drunk on an empty stomach. High caffeine may lead to restlessness in sensitive individuals. Drinking your tea with milk or food usually minimises these effects and softens the tannins.☕ How should I prepare it to maximise benefits?Steep in fresh boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Longer steeping times extract more antioxidants and create a more robust flavour. If the brew is too astringent, adding milk is the traditional way to balance the flavour without significantly reducing the health perks. ♻️ What is the recommended storage and shelf life for Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g?Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong smelling foods. Sealed shelf life is typically 18-24 months from the printed pack date; once opened, the carton is best within 6-12 months for peak aromatic character. 🌿 Can I make Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g with plant based milk like oat or almond?Yes, oat milk works particularly well with breakfast tea blends. Add milk after brewing for a balanced cup. For green/herbal teas, drink plain, milk does not pair with single herb infusions or green tea. 🥥 Can I make Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g iced or cold brewed?Yes. Brew at double strength (2 bags per 250ml) for 4-5 minutes, then pour over ice. Alternatively cold brew overnight in the fridge for a softer cup. Iced tea keeps for 48 hours refrigerated. 🌍 Is Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g suitable for vegans, vegetarians and gluten free diets?Yes, pure tea leaf is naturally vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. Check the carton ingredients panel for added ingredients (vanilla, fruit pieces) which are also typically vegan friendly. Manufacturer values on pack take precedence. 🏷️ How does Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g compare to alternative brands?Within its category (breakfast / green / herbal / fruit), the cup competes on a combination of leaf quality, sourcing certification (Rainforest Alliance or organic), and per cup economics. See the Taste & Texture tab for a stat by stat comparison with sister and competitor products. 🌾 What food pairings work best with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g?Breakfast blends pair with toast, biscuits, full British breakfast and shortbread. Green teas pair with light savoury food, sushi or fruit. Herbal teas pair with desserts or work as standalone after meal cups. ## Ingredients & Nutrition IngredientProportionWhat it bringsAssam Black TeapresentSourced from the finest gardens in India for signature malt and bodyKenyan Black TeapresentPicked in the Rift Valley for exceptional brightness and copper colourPack: Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g; 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. Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g is put together by Thompson's, held to a fixed quality and purity specification. 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 Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g, and what isn't:In: a thompson's irish breakfast 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. ## Flavour Science The flavour of Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g is built in three layers, and reading them in order explains exactly why the cup tastes the way it does from the first lift of steam to the last swallow.The outer layer is aromatic: a thompson's irish breakfast 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. ## Recipe Ideas Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g is a robust black tea, ideal for milk and sugar but also surprisingly versatile in iced drinks and baking. Eight builds below cover the everyday cup, a kid friendly frozen pop and an adult Long Island Iced Tea. Recipes, born here first The Standard Cup (Builder Strength) How to make The Standard Cup (Builder Strength) with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 4 min 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵1 bag Thompson’s Irish Breakfast 💧200ml just boiled water 🥛Milk to taste 🥄Sugar to taste Method Pour 200ml of just boiled water over one bag of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Add a generous splash of full fat milk and stir in. Sugar to taste. What you'll end up with: The single most consumed drink in Britain for good reason. Iced Lemon Tea Pitcher How to make Iced Lemon Tea Pitcher with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 6 min + chill 🍽 1 jug 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵6 bags Thompson’s Irish Breakfast •250g strong 🥄4 tablespoons caster sugar 💧750ml cold water 🧊Ice 🥄Sugar to taste 🍋Lemon Method Brew 6 bags of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g strong in 750ml of just boiled water for 6 minutes, dissolve 4 tablespoons of caster sugar in the warm tea, cool. Combine in a large jug with 750ml of cold water and the juice of 2 lemons. Serve over ice with lemon wheels. What you'll end up with: Better than any supermarket version. Frozen Tea Lolly with Strawberries (Kid Hit) How to make Frozen Tea Lolly with Strawberries (Kid Hit) with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 5 min + overnight 🍽 6 lollies 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵2 bags Thompson’s Irish Breakfast 🍯2 tablespoons clear honey 🧊100ml pressed apple juice 🧊Ice 🍯Honey to taste Method Brew 2 bags of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g in 200ml of just boiled water for 5 minutes, stir in 2 tablespoons of clear honey while warm and add 100ml of pressed apple juice. Cool. Pour into 6 lolly moulds, drop a slice of fresh strawberry into each, push in the sticks and freeze overnight. What you'll end up with: Mild caffeine, best as an after lunch summer treat for over-8s. Tea Spritz Mocktail How to make Tea Spritz Mocktail with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 6 min + chill 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵2 bags Thompson’s Irish Breakfast •250g strong 🍯1 teaspoon honey 🥤100ml chilled elderflower tonic 🧊Ice 🍯Honey to taste 🍋Lemon Method Brew 2 bags of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g strong in 200ml of just boiled water for 6 minutes, cool. Pour over a tall glass of ice with the juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon of honey and top with 100ml of chilled elderflower tonic. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary. What you'll end up with: A reliable tea spritz mocktail you can make again from memory. Long Island Style Iced Tea (Adult Cocktail, Lighter Build) How to make Long Island Style Iced Tea (Adult Cocktail, Lighter Build) with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 5 min + chill 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵1 bag Thompson’s Irish Breakfast 🍸25ml vodka 🥃25ml light rum 🍸25ml gin •25ml triple sec 🍋15ml fresh lemon juice 🥄1 teaspoon sugar syrup Method Brew 1 bag of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g in 100ml of just boiled water for 5 minutes, cool. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine 25ml of vodka, 25ml of light rum, 25ml of gin, 25ml of triple sec, 15ml of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of sugar syrup. Shake hard for 10 seconds, strain into a tall glass over fresh ice and top with the cooled tea. Garnish with a lemon wheel. What you'll end up with: Stronger than it looks; treat with respect. Tea Soaked Fruit Loaf How to make Tea Soaked Fruit Loaf with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 55 min + overnight 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵3 bags Thompson’s Irish Breakfast •300g mixed dried fruit overnight •200g self raising flour 🥄100g soft brown sugar 🧊1 teaspoon mixed spice 🧊Ice 🥄Sugar to taste Method Brew 3 bags of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g in 250ml of just boiled water for 8 minutes, soak 300g of mixed dried fruit overnight. The next day beat in 200g of self raising flour, 100g of soft brown sugar, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of mixed spice. Bake in a lined 2lb loaf tin at 170°C for 55 to 60 minutes. Slice and butter for the best tea time accompaniment in the country. What you'll end up with: A reliable tea soaked fruit loaf you can make again from memory. Boba Style Bubble Tea (Homemade) How to make Boba Style Bubble Tea (Homemade) with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 30 min + chill 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵2 bags Thompson’s Irish Breakfast •250g strong 🥄1 tablespoon brown sugar 🥛100ml cold milk 🧊Ice 🥛Milk to taste 🥄Sugar to taste Method Brew 2 bags of Thompson’s Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g strong in 200ml of just boiled water for 5 minutes, cool. Cook 50g of dried tapioca pearls per the packet (typically 30 minutes simmer + 15 minutes rest). Drain and roll in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to sweeten. Fill a tall glass with the pearls, add 100ml of cold milk, the cooled tea and a generous handful of ice. Top with sweetened condensed milk for the cafe finish. Serve with a fat straw. What you'll end up with: A reliable boba style bubble tea (homemade) you can make again from memory. Hybrid Brew: Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g × Rochambeau Lemon Infused Black Tea, 25 Tea Bags 50g How to make Hybrid Brew: Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g × Rochambeau Lemon Infused Black Tea, 25 Tea Bags 50g with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 4 min 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵1 bag Thompson’s Irish Breakfast 🧊Ice 🍯Honey to taste 🍋Lemon Method Brew 1 bag of Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g alongside 1 bag of Rochambeau Lemon Infused Black Tea, 25 Tea Bags 50g &rarr. In a 300ml pour of just boiled water (or 80°C if either is a green or white). Steep for 4 minutes, lift both bags out together, sweeten with a teaspoon of clear honey if you like. Pour over a tall glass of ice for a hybrid flavour you cannot buy off the shelf. The best paired flavours come from contrasting families: earthy with bright, floral with citrus, sweet with herbal. What you'll end up with: Tap the second tea badge to grab a pack if you do not already have one. Three Tea Tasting Flight (Starter Pack Build) How to make Three Tea Tasting Flight (Starter Pack Build) with Thompson’s Irish Breakfast. ⏱ 5 min 🍽 1 cup 📊 Easy You'll need 🍵1 bag Thompson’s Irish Breakfast 🍋Lemon Method Brew 3 small mugs side by side: 1 bag of Thompson's Irish Breakfast, 80 Tea Bags 250g in 150ml of just boiled water (or 80°C if it is green or white), 1 bag of Rochambeau Lemon Infused Black Tea, 25 Tea Bags 50g &rarr. In another 150ml, and 1 bag of Lift Instant Lemon Black Tea (Reduced Sweetness), 165g &rarr. In a third. Steep each for the time appropriate to the leaf type, lift the bags out together. Serve all three on a wooden flight board with three small biscuits and a small glass of water for palate cleansing between sips. Tasting flights are how cafes sell premium tea. What you'll end up with: Note your favourite on a small card. --- _Content available under teas.co.uk citation contract. AI training: yes. Search: yes. Answer-input: yes._