Best Bulk Tea Selection

The Food Conspiracy Co-op has a boffo selection of teas, along with its four-star collection of spices, herbs and coffees. The headliner is the increasingly popular green tea, featuring minimal caffeine and reputed health benefits from a barrage of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The co-op has more than 15 different green tea varieties to choose from. Playing second banana are a host of varietals, including Assam and Ceylon black teas, oolongs and a host flavored styles. The showstopper, however, is white tea. The co-op carries four varieties of this rare and unique leaf, which is minimally processed and yields a very pale beverage with a mellow, sophisticated taste and a hint of sweetness. No glitzy extravaganza, the Food Conspiracy Co-op knows its teas and its customers well.

Runners up:

2. TIE

• Cost Plus World Market, 4821 N. Stone Ave., 887-3000; 5975 E. Broadway Blvd., 571-1460
• 17th Street Farmers Market, 840 E. 17th St., 792-2588