Our head of shopping Zoe sips her way through supermarket sleep teas to find the blends worth winding down with
Some nights, no matter how diligent I’ve been at putting my work laptop away by 8pm or how firmly I’ve promised myself a wind-down, sleep feels elusive. I’ve tried apps, meditation, stretching and even those lavender-scented sprays for the pillow, but, sometimes, my body often refuses to switch off after a long day. Lately, I’ve been curious about sleep teas and their herbal infusions marketed to calm, relax and, hopefully, whisk me off to dreamland. With so many options lining supermarket shelves, I decided to put four budget-friendly blends to the test to find out which ones really deliver.
Armed with a kettle (I have lots to say on this kettle actually, it’s amazing) and a notebook, I spent a week sipping my way through Aldi, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and M&S offerings. The goal was simple: find the teas that genuinely help meto unwind, without spending a fortune. Some surprised me, some were pleasant but underwhelming, and one, in particular, had me reaching for my duvet almost immediately….
Aldi Diplomat Sleep Herbal Tea Bags
Shop it in store for £1.59 for 20
This was an instant favourite. Aldi’s Diplomat blend balances a gentle apple sweetness with chamomile’s classic calming note, and the addition of B3 feels like a clever nod to its sleep-supporting credentials.
Zoe says: “I must have missed the initial buzz this caused a few years ago when it dropped on shelves, but I can see why it went viral: the chamomile and apple taste is delicious and the added B3 — known to regulate the sleep cycle — is a nice touch. One mug later and I was dozing off on the sofa.”
Sleep score: 5/5
Waitrose Camomile, Limeflower & Lavender Tea
Shop it for £1.25 for 20
This one promises to be soothing in a gentle, classic way. The lavender and limeflower create a delicate floral aroma, perfect if you’re looking to unwind with a light, fragrant cup. It doesn’t knock you out as quickly as Aldi’s, but it’s a pleasant companion to a quiet evening.
Zoe says: “I was surprised to find a box of these is cheaper than Aldi’s own-brand, but I have to say, while I prefer this tea’s subtle lavender flavour, I don’t think it gave quite the same snooze-inducing kick. A really lovely wind-down pick, though.”
Sleep score: 3/5
Sainsbury’s Night Time Berry Tea
Shop it for £2.45 for 20
This tea is a win for anyone who finds traditional herbal blends too bland. The subtle tartness of blackberry lifts the earthy notes of chamomile and echinacea, giving it a rounded, slightly fruity taste.
Zoe says: “I love Pukka’s berry sleep tea, and this was an excellent bargain alternative. It’s not quite as flavour-packed as the pricier brand, but I like how the blackberry gives the chamomile, echinacea and hibiscus a fruity edge. I do also think I drifted off faster than usual after drinking a mug of this.”
Sleep score: 4/5
M&S Dreamy Tea
Shop it for £2.50 for 20
The Dreamy Tea feels more like a spa experience than a supermarket buy. It’s fragrant, soothing, and rich without being overpowering, making it the perfect choice for winding down after a long, stressful day. A cup of this will have you ready to hit the pillow without a second thought.
Zoe says: “This was the most expensive but also my favourite to drink. With a soothing blend of chamomile, silver lime, elderflower and valerian root, and enriched with niacin to support relaxation, it really did its job of making me feel dozy. No notes from me.”
Sleep score: 5/5
After a week of taste-testing, one thing was clear: you don’t need to splash out to find a sleep tea that actually works. Aldi’s Diplomat was my standout bargain buy, while M&S offered a more luxurious sip for those happy to spend a little extra. However, if you want something a little stronger, I’ve been diving into other sleep solutions in a bid to uncover what really sends people to sleep well, and I’ve found top reccomendations including AI-driven mattresses and anti-snore pillows.