'Ceremonial grade' is the big one. It's not a regulated term—anyone can slap it on a tin. Same with 'hand-picked.' These words sound exclusive, but they don't tell you much. A better bet: check the harvest time on the packet. If it's not listed, that's a red flag.

Another marketing trick? Packaging. Fancy tins and lacquered boxes are nice, but they don't affect the tea. You're paying for the ritual, not the box. So if you're on a budget, skip the fancy packaging and look for a simple bag with good specs inside.