Does Tea Expire? How long does tea last? The answer is Tea lasts for 6 – 12 months in the pantry and 1 -2 years in the freezer. Many tea makers say that their tea will last for months after the use-by date too.
But let’s dig a little deeper in our explanation.
You would think that asking the question “Does tea expire?” is reasonable, as most foods tend to spoil, stale, go rancid or moldy after their use-by dates.
Like dried herbs and spices, tea usually comes in packaging that advises a best-before date, which denotes how long the product will retain optimal flavor.
So, how long does tea last? There are many variables affecting the longevity of tea and while it lasts a long time when properly stored, the natural flavors and oils evaporate after a while and can become stale or not as fresh.
Teas that have been treated, aged or fermented should last longer, as they have been processed to build on flavor and texture.
Packaged tea can last at least a year after the use-by date, before opening it and while it will eventually lose most of its flavor, the leaves will retain their form for a long time.
Read on if you are still wondering, “Does tea expire?” or if you want to learn more about keeping tea fresher for longer.
Can You Drink Expired Tea?
If you’re asking, “Can tea expire?” then we need to discuss the difference between the best before date and expiration date.
If you find a package of tea in your cupboard that’s been there a while, you might want to use more to make up for the diminishing flavor and strength. It won’t harm you, but the flavor won’t be as intense as it once was.
While tea is safe to consume after the best-before date, it all depends on how it was stored. This will determine the answer to the question “how long is tea good for?” can you drink expired tea even if it’s spoiled?
Does Tea Go Bad?
As with all foods and beverages, proper hygiene and food safety methods prevent food-borne illness. If stored in a humid environment or where it’s exposed to moisture, mold becomes a big problem.
Another important factor to consider is the actual tea, whether it’s flavored with other botanicals, oils or additives. A herbal tea infused with fruit juice, for example, could be more likely to spoil or go rancid sooner as it has sugars and real food properties infused into the tea.
Always store tea in an airtight container, such as a tin or glass jar, and keep it out of the sun and light in a dry, cool place. Some say that storing tea in the freezer helps to retain freshness.
If you’re not convinced and don’t want to drink “old” tea, you can put it in your compost or use it to absorb odors in your cupboard.
Also, if you have puffy eyes, you can moisten two tea bags and place them on your closed eyes for 20 minutes to brighten them, which is a good way to use them if you’re wondering how long does tea last.
Anyway, back to the tea…
Does Tea Expire? How Long Is Tea Good For?
If you’re truly concerned about the question “Does tea expire and when?” – here’s a general rule of thumb to guide you – about tea that’s past its best-by date.
- Before Brewing – Packaged tea bags and loose-leaf tea last for 6 – 12 months in the pantry and 1 – 2 years in the freezer.
- After Brewing – All types of tea last for 3 – 5 days in the fridge and 6 – 8 months in the freezer.
Whether you’re storing your unprepared or brewed tea in the pantry, fridge or freezer, always store it in an airtight container to keep out the light, moisture, and other contaminants.
Pro Tip: Many of the best tea brands out there will indicate ‘best before dates on their packages – but you should be just fine to drink it past that date. Plus, drinking up some older teas from your pantry is a perfect excuse to try some new tea flavors.
Do Tea Bags Expire?
How long do tea bags last? Again, it’s all about storage, but the packaging and the materials used to make the bags might slightly alter their longevity. Stored properly at room temperature, tea bags can retain their flavor for up to 2 years, depending on the quality and packaging.
If you do decide to store your tea in the fridge or freezer, keep in mind that condensation can occur, so you might want to use a vacuum-sealed bag or packaging system to reduce the possibility of spoilage and water getting into the tea.
If you are still asking – “how long do tea bags last?” and “does tea expire?” perhaps it’s better to purchase a few new bags than risk giving stale tea to your guests.
How Long Does Loose Leaf Tea Last?
Although most teas are roughly the same in terms of longevity, there are some variables to consider in terms of freshness and how long it takes for tea to go stale.
The more oxidized the tea is, the longer it will last, like black teas. Herbal, white and green teas are not oxidized so that they will lose flavor sooner.
The longer you keep tea, the quicker it oxidizes when the air finally gets to it, making it bitter but also bland. If you’re worried about drinking tea that might’ve lost its flavor, here’s a guide to give you an idea.
How Long Does Steeped Tea Last? Does It Expire?
After steeping a fresh pot of tea, many people like to keep it in the fridge to create Ice Tea. They either add sugar straight or make the tea n advance and add sugar at a later date.
On average, tea in the fridge will last a couple of days. There is no exact rule about how long the tea will last in the fridge, but like all food and beverage products, it is best to smell it first.
The goodness in tea will start to diminish after it has been brewed, so please try to use your tea as soon as you can to maximize health benefits and taste.
Does Herbal Tea Expire?
Herbal tea can expire, and often the use-by or best-before dates are unclear. Herbal teas are often purchased from markets or small producers, and the quality control is not as strict.
As long as the herbal tea has been dried properly initially, it will not expire anytime soon.
Herbal teas will often fade in color and vibrancy as they age, and occasionally, they will get moldy.
If you find an old herbal tea in the pantry and wonder if it has expired, smell it for any odd scent and visually look for any type of mold. If things seem ok, add the hot water and drink away.
I apply the old saying to all of my teas and food, too, if in doubt, throw it out!
The Best Ways To Store Tea To Maximize Shelf life
Tea can and will last for long past the use-by date, surely you should be drinking it by then, but anyway let’s look at ideal storage conditions.
The Best Containers for Storing Tea
- Stainless steel tins are best for blocking light and durability.
- Dark-colored glass jars are easy to clean, block the light, and don’t absorb odors.
The Worst Containers For Tea Storage
- Plastic as chemicals can leach into the tea, it absorbs odors, and it’s not as airtight as tin or glass.
- Paper bags or wooden boxes absorb odors, unless the tea is packaged in foil
- Containers with leaks or holes let in air and increase oxidation or the risk of mold
If you’re unsure about the best tea storage option, remember to keep your tea dry, in a dark place, and airtight, and it will last the longest and keep the highest quality.
So, does tea expire? Not in my house, lol, but yes, it can; it can spoil or become stale. Store-bought tea generally lasts 6 – 12 months after the best-before date if stored properly, but it’s best to use it within three months of purchase for a fresh cup that won’t disappoint.
Happy Sipping!
