What’s in a London Fog? Ingredients, Caffeine, and How to Make It

What’s in a London Fog?

A London Fog latte is a comforting and elegant beverage made from a soothing blend of Earl Grey tea (a black tea infused with bergamot oil), steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla syrup. This warming drink combines the richness of black tea with the citrusy brightness of bergamot and the sweet smoothness of vanilla to create a sophisticated, well-balanced flavour experience.

At its core, a London Fog contains:

• Earl Grey tea (black tea + bergamot)
• Steamed milk (or milk alternative)
• Vanilla syrup or extract

At Old Growth Beverages, we take this classic and elevate it using premium ingredients, finely stone-ground to create our London Fog microground tea mix. Rather than steeping and discarding the tea leaves, our microground blend allows you to drink the entire tea leaf, maximizing health benefits and flavour.

What is London Fog Tea?

Despite the name, London Fog isn’t a traditional British recipe. It’s a North American invention! Sometimes referred to as an Earl Grey latte, this beverage bridges the gap between tea and coffee culture, offering a café-style drink for tea lovers who still crave the body and ritual of a latte.

Is There Caffeine in a London Fog?

Yes, but less than in a traditional coffee. Earl Grey tea is made with black tea, which naturally contains caffeine, typically about 30–60 mg per cup, compared to 95–120 mg in a standard coffee.

Thanks to the L-theanine in black tea, the caffeine release is smoother and more sustained, reducing the jitters often associated with coffee. This makes London Fog a great choice for an afternoon energy boost without the crash.

Is London Fog Tea or Coffee?

A London Fog is a tea-based latte, not coffee. Its base is Earl Grey tea rather than espresso, though its frothy texture and café-style presentation may remind you of a traditional latte. If you’re looking for a coffee alternative with less caffeine and more subtle flavour, the London Fog is a perfect fit.

London Fog Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of traditional and microground London Fog ingredients:

Traditional:

• Earl Grey tea bag
• Steamed milk or milk alternative
• Vanilla syrup or extract

OGB Microground Blend:

• Organic stone-ground black tea (with bergamot)
• Real vanilla
• Optional: steamed milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.

What Does a London Fog Taste Like?

London Fog offers a gentle yet indulgent flavour profile. The floral-citrus brightness of bergamot cuts through the boldness of black tea, while vanilla adds a rich, sweet finish. Combined with steamed milk, it creates a creamy, aromatic drink that feels both luxurious and comforting.

The flavour can be customized based on your milk choice:

• Oat milk: creamier, nuttier taste
• Almond milk: slightly sweet, lighter feel
• Soy milk: thicker texture, mellow taste
• Lactose-free or dairy milk: classic café feel

You can also enjoy it hot or iced, making it a versatile drink for all seasons.

Is London Fog Healthy?

London Fog can absolutely be part of a health-conscious lifestyle, especially in its microground form. Here’s why:

• Black tea contains antioxidants like theaflavins and flavonoids, which support heart health and may lower cholesterol.
• Bergamot oil has anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
• L-theanine, an amino acid found in black tea, promotes calm alertness and may help reduce anxiety.
• OGB’s microground tea includes the whole leaf, meaning you get more nutrients and antioxidants than in a steeped tea.
• Our blend uses organic, all-natural ingredients! No artificial flavours or additives.

With fewer calories than a coffee-based latte and more nutritional benefits, a London Fog is both a satisfying and sensible choice.

Does London Fog Have Dairy?

Traditionally, London Fog is made with steamed milk, but it’s just as delicious with plant-based alternatives. Whether you prefer oat, almond, soy, or lactose-free milk, you can easily make your London Fog dairy-free without compromising flavour.

Our microground blend also gives you full control over sweetness and creaminess, so you can tailor it to suit your dietary preferences.

How to Make a London Fog (with Microground Tea)

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp OGB London Fog microground tea
• 200 ml hot water or steamed milk (or a mix of both)
• Optional: dash of maple syrup or vanilla extract for extra sweetness

Instructions:

1. Add the microground tea to your cup.
2. Pour in hot water or milk.
3. Whisk or stir until smooth and frothy.
4. Sip and enjoy!

Conclusion: A Cozy Classic, Reinvented

Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or looking to reduce your coffee intake, the London Fog is a satisfying, sophisticated option that blends flavour, comfort, and wellness. With its soothing vanilla-citrus notes, gentle caffeine kick, and creamy texture, it’s no wonder the Earl Grey latte has become a favourite in cafés and kitchens alike. Thanks to OGB’s microground tea innovation, you can now enjoy all the benefits and beauty of a barista-style London Fog in seconds—no tea bag, no fuss, just full-bodied flavour. Try it your way, hot or iced, dairy or non-dairy, and discover your new daily ritual.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While our microground teas are crafted with quality and care, individual responses may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding dietary changes, especially if you have specific health concerns or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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