Do Tea Bags Expire or Go Bad? Let’s Find Out!

When rummaging through my old tea bags in the pantry, I got curious and wondered whether I could still use the expired tea bags.

And I’m sure, most of you would have the same question as me.

So I did a little research and here’s what I found.

Expired tea bags is generally safe for several years, thanks to their dry nature. However, they may lose some of their flavors and aroma over the years. You also need to check for any signs of spoilage before using. Read on to learn more.

What Expired Tea Bags Mean?

Since expired tea bags are generally safe, what does the “Best Before,” “Best By,” or “Best if Used By” date on the package mean then?

Well, this generally pertains to its quality.

You see.

Unlike food, tea can last a long time.

However, expired tea bags would have reduced taste, aroma, and color.

Interestingly, some people find that a 22-year-old bag still safe to drink

Well, what’s your thought on this?

Interesting, right?

How Long Can You Store Tea?

According to Diane McKay, assistant professor at the Friedman School who studies antioxidant foods, responds, the expired tea quality can be dependant on the types.

Black tea, for example, can last the longest since it’s more fermented, compared to oolong tea.

Green and White Tea, on the other hand, are more delicate, so they usually don’t last as long.

Furthermore, according to wikiHow, here are the shelf-lives of different teas.

1. Green and White Tea: 1 year
2. Matcha: 3-6 months
3. Black Tea: Approximately 2 years
4. Oolong Tea: Some can last up to 2 years
5. Herbal Teas: Up to 2 years
6. Pu’erh Tea: Can last for decades if stored correctly

Honestly, I would not take their advice as absolute truth, considering how people manage to drink a 22-year old tea.

However, you do need to keep in mind that the shelf-lives of the tea bags are highly dependent on storage.

So the key to keeping your tea fresh for as long as possible is storage.

Keep your tea in the right way so that it lasts long.

You can store your tea according to the tips provided below.

How to Store Your Tea Bags? 7 Tips

Tea that has been exposed to air, light, moisture, and heat may degrade more quickly and taste stale.

According to wikiHow, here’s how you should store your tea bags to make sure your tea bags last long.

1. Use an Airtight Container
   • Reduces exposure to oxygen, moisture, and odors.
2. Choose the Right Material
   • Opt for tin, glass, ceramic, or metal containers with strong lids.
   • Avoid plastic containers that can absorb odors.
3. Keep Away from Light and Heat
   • Store in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation of flavor.
4. Separate by Variety
   • Use dedicated containers for different types of tea to maintain distinct flavors.
5. Avoid Strong Odors
   • Store tea bags away from items with strong scents to prevent flavor absorption.
6. Store in a Cool, Dry Area
   • Keep tea bags in a pantry or cabinet, avoiding warm areas like the stove.
7. Check for Signs of Spoilage
   • Regularly inspect tea bags for mold or off-putting smells.

Moreover, some users believe that the tea packaging has something to do with the tea bags’ longevity.

3 Quick Checks To Identify Spoiled Tea Bags

Okay, now that you know how to store your tea bags, how would you know if your tea bags are still safe to drink?

Well, my friend. I’ve got you.

Here are some of the ways to check your tea bags’s quality and safety.

First, you can do a quick visualization check.

You can do this by checking for the existence of mold on it and a possible color change.

For instance, matcha tea that are supposed to look green should not become brown and so on.

You can also see if the tea bags are free from bugs and insects.

Secondly, you can run a quick smell check.

This is done by sniffing your tea bag real quick.

If the tea has no scent or smells moldy, consider discarding it.

The last check would be the taste test.

If the brewed tea tastes stale, it’s better not to drink it and throw it out.

Some users say that their tea still tastes great after several years.

Store them well and you might be surprise of how long they’ll last.

So the key here is to store you tea bags properly.

Tea bags can generally last you a few years depending to the tea type and how well you store them.

So yeah, don’t stress too much about those dates on tea boxes.

They’re more of a suggestion for the best flavor.

As long as they don’t look moldy, you’re probably good to go!

Just might need to steep it a little longer to get that flavor you’re looking for.

I hope you find this article helpful. Do share it with your friends and family.

Talk soon!