The Tao of Tea

The Tao of Tea is a Portland, Oregon-based specialty tea company founded in 1997, dedicated to sourcing, promoting, and distributing authentic whole-leaf teas from around the world. The company was established with a mission to serve as a cultural conduit connecting tea enthusiasts and traditions across diverse regions and backgrounds. Its team is composed of passionate tea specialists from various countries who actively travel to discover teas distinguished by exceptional flavor, artistry, and provenance.

The company's product portfolio spans a wide range of tea categories, including green teas, chai blends, herbal infusions, and specialty formats such as Jasmine Pearls and matcha. All teas are offered in their original, unadulterated form — free from artificial flavors, additives, and preservatives. The Tao of Tea recently expanded its production capabilities by installing its own matcha mill in Portland, enabling in-house, freshly milled matcha production — a significant differentiator in the specialty tea market.

A cornerstone of the company's retail and wholesale offering is The Premier Collection, a quality line of biodegradable pyramid sachet tea bags designed to deliver the experience of whole-leaf tea in a convenient format. This collection is available in multiple packaging configurations, catering to both retail and wholesale customers. Notable offerings within this line include Oregon Mint & Tulsi, Jasmine Pearls, Bollywood, and 500 Mile Chai pyramid sachets, each crafted with distinct flavor profiles and sourced ingredients.

The company places strong emphasis on organic certification, with select products certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI). Its Oregon Peppermint and Tulsi blend, for example, is made from certified organic ingredients sourced from Oregon and India, reflecting a commitment to ingredient integrity and transparency. The company actively partners with generational tea makers and family-run artisan producers who share its values of craftsmanship and authenticity.

Beyond tea itself, The Tao of Tea curates a complementary teaware collection, including teapots, brewers, cups, and accessories sourced from artisan crafters — including handmade items from family-run workshops. This positions the brand as a full tea lifestyle destination rather than solely a product supplier.

With both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, including an active online shop and gift certificate program, the company serves a broad market of individual consumers, retailers, and foodservice buyers seeking premium, authentic tea experiences. Its geographic roots in the Pacific Northwest, combined with global sourcing relationships, give it a distinctive market position in the specialty and natural beverage segment.