Handcrafted vs Machine Made Tea: What's Better

Let’s get real for a sec—when you sip that cup of green tea, do you ever wonder if it was shaped by human hands or churned out by a factory machine? As someone who’s spent years tasting, comparing, and geeking out over tea production (yes, it’s a thing), I’m here to break down the real differences between handcrafted and machine-made tea.

First off, both types can taste amazing—but they serve different needs. Handcrafted tea is like homemade sourdough: time-intensive, artisanal, and full of character. Machine-made? Think supermarket baguette—consistent, affordable, and widely available.

Let’s look at some key factors side by side:

Now, here’s what most sellers won’t tell you: handcrafted tea isn’t automatically better—it’s about intention. If you’re after complexity, seasonal nuance, and terroir expression (fancy term for “taste of place”), go artisan. But if you need a reliable morning brew without emptying your wallet, machine-made tea delivers.

I recently did a blind taste test with 12 tea lovers (and one very confused cat). The results? 8 out of 12 preferred the handcrafted Longjing for its buttery finish and floral notes. But when asked which they’d buy weekly, 9 chose the machine-made version—price and convenience won.

Another big factor: sustainability. Handcrafted teas often come from small farms using organic practices, but their carbon footprint per gram is higher due to labor and transport inefficiencies. Meanwhile, modern factories are optimizing energy use—some now run on solar power.

So, what’s the verdict? For special moments, celebrations, or impressing your tea-snob friend—absolutely splurge on handcrafted. But for daily hydration? A high-quality machine-made option is more than enough.

Pro tip: Look for hybrid models. Some premium brands use machines for rolling but finish by hand—best of both worlds.