BellaOnline Forums Food and Wine Tea Where's the Lapsang Souchong?

I have noticed over the last couple of years that I cannot find Lapsang Souchong on the shelves of major retailers.

Over the weekend, I was at a "high tea" and also at a restaurant that featured perhaps two dozen teas on their menu. No Lapsang Souchong at either.

What has happened to this tea?

(Yes, I know I can get it on the 'net, but that's not really a good substitute for something that used to be available at any local market and at at least two sort of local tea houses)

Frank, I did a search of local stores where I live and NONE of them sell Lapsang Souchong. The only places to buy it seems to be online or at local tea houses.

Do you have any tea houses in your area?

It seems like a tea I would like. I can order it from Amazon and that may be my only option to get this tea.

I can think of at least one more tea house fairly local - guess I'll look there.

It's not like Twinings no longer produces this tea.

Dear Frank, I was not aware that anything was "going-on" regarding the tea- I will check into this and try to get some type of answer for you!

Thanks for the great question and interest in tea!

Mary Caliendo
Tea Editor

Lapsang souchong is readily available in most of the supermarkets in the UK. Never had a problem buying it here.

I know Twinings still makes the tea. It is just difficult to find out where to purchase it except online.

I hope Mary finds out something for us.

Dear Frank and Phyllis,

I have looked & done research at some of my trusted sources and it doesn't look like there is anything "odd" going on in regard to the Lapsang Souchong. It is still widely available all over the internet at some large recognizable tea sellers.

Perhaps the grocer that you go to may have discountinued its ordering of it as it may not have been as popular/ or less popular item. This is a down economy and even grocers may be cutting back on what they have on hand in their store. While it is a widely known and oft loved tea it does require a specialized pallet to enjoy that tea. Please ask your local grocer-perhaps if he knows you are out there- he will order it in just for you!

Let me know what takes place.
Thank you!
Mary Caliendo
Tea Editor

Thank you, Mary. I will speak with my grocer next time I am at my local store. I never thought of doing that. Thank you.

"it doesn't look like there is anything "odd" going on in regard to the Lapsang Souchong. It is still widely available all over the internet at some large recognizable tea sellers."

That is precisely what is "odd" - if not for internet commerce, a relatively new development, this tea would now be unavailable, when up to a few years ago, I could buy it without a credit card or an internet connection. I could buy it for home, I could buy it at a local tea room (since closed).

Maybe it is my age, but it does seem odd to me that I would have to mail-order a "staple", that in essence, I have to register with a seller in order to obtain a couple of ounces of tea.

Nice of you to take the time to look into this.

Dear FrankJBN, The internet is its own entity I guess. Sometimes it may set a standard or even lessen the popularity of something. One thing we know for sure is that the internet is here to stay and it is a viable option for those who cannot shop, or perhaps want to buy something indigenous to a specific area or grower for example.

Good luck and keep the love of tea~I feel its soul-enriching-check in from time to time! We'd all love to hear from you!

Mary Caliendo
Tea Editor