Sips by

Sips by is a personalized tea discovery subscription that uses a taste profile quiz to match subscribers with teas they’re likely to love. Rather than sending random selections, their algorithm considers caffeine preferences, flavor profiles, and tea types to curate monthly boxes from independent tea brands worldwide.

Company History

Founded in 2016 by Lauren Slayton, Sips by emerged from a passion for specialty tea and frustration with the discovery process. Slayton noticed that finding new teas often meant buying full-size packages without knowing if you’d enjoy them. She created Sips by as a low-commitment way to explore global tea offerings.

The company has grown into the largest tea subscription service in the United States, partnering with over 150 tea brands from more than 50 countries. Based in Austin, Texas, Sips by has built a community of tea enthusiasts who use the platform to discover new favorites and expand beyond grocery store offerings.

Products & Services

• Monthly Tea Box: 4 premium teas (45+ cups worth) personalized to your taste profile
• Magic Tea Samplers: Themed sample packs for specific preferences (herbal, black, green, etc.)
• Tea Shop: Full-size purchases of teas featured in subscription boxes

What Sets Them Apart

Sips by’s personalization algorithm differentiates it from other tea subscriptions. The detailed taste quiz covers caffeine preferences (full, low, none), flavor profiles (fruity, spicy, earthy), tea types (black, green, herbal, oolong), and adventurousness level. This data drives curation rather than sending one-size-fits-all boxes.

The focus on independent and craft tea brands exposes subscribers to producers they wouldn’t find at typical retailers. Each box includes tasting notes and brewing instructions, turning tea drinking into an educational experience.