Quick Answers
Unsweetened tea can generally last 5-7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. The shelf life depends on the type of tea leaves, brewing method, and how it is stored. Black tea lasts longer than green tea. Tea stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container will keep longer than tea left in the brewing pitcher at room temperature. Tea that starts to change color, smell stale, or develop mold should be discarded.
What is Unsweetened Tea?
Unsweetened tea refers to any type of tea that is brewed without adding sugar, honey, or other sweeteners. This includes popular varieties like black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, pu’erh tea, and herbal teas.
These teas contain different amounts of caffeine and antioxidants based on how they are processed. But they all share the common trait of not having added sugars or sweeteners. This allows the natural flavors of the tea leaves and herbs to shine through.
People choose to drink unsweetened tea for a variety of reasons. Some simply enjoy the unaltered taste of the tea. Others want to avoid the extra calories from added sweeteners. Unsweetened iced tea is also popular in the southern United States as a refreshing, zero-calorie beverage.
Common Types of Unsweetened Tea
Some of the most common varieties of unsweetened tea include:
- Black tea – Made from fully oxidized tea leaves. Highest in caffeine and strong in flavor. Examples are English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Assam.
- Green tea – Made from unoxidized tea leaves. Light in flavor and lower in caffeine. Examples are Sencha, Matcha, Gunpowder.
- White tea – Made from young, minimally processed tea buds and leaves. Delicate flavor. Examples are White Peony, Silver Needle.
- Oolong tea – Partially oxidized leaves, providing flavor in between green and black tea. Examples are Da Hong Pao, Iron Goddess of Mercy.
- Herbal tea – Tea made from herbs, spices, roots, seeds or fruits. Caffeine-free. Examples are chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, hibiscus.
How is Unsweetened Tea Brewed?
Brewing unsweetened tea is very similar to brewing regular tea. The main difference is that no sugar or other sweeteners are added after brewing. Here are some general brewing guidelines for common tea types:
Black Tea
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea or 1 tea bag per 8 oz cup
- Heat water to a rolling boil, then pour over tea leaves/bags
- Steep for 3-5 minutes
- Remove tea bags or strain out leaves
- Pour into cups and enjoy unsweetened
Green Tea
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea or 1 tea bag per 8 oz cup
- Heat water to 160-180 F, do not boil
- Steep for 1-3 minutes
- Remove tea bags or strain out leaves
- Pour into cups and enjoy unsweetened
White Tea
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup
- Heat water to 160-180 F, do not boil
- Steep for 4-5 minutes
- Strain out leaves
- Pour into cups and enjoy unsweetened
Oolong Tea
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup
- Heat water to 180-195 F, do not boil
- Steep for 2-3 minutes
- Strain out leaves
- Pour into cups and enjoy unsweetened
Herbal Tea
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup
- Heat water to a rolling boil, then pour over tea
- Steep for 5-6 minutes
- Strain tea into cups and enjoy unsweetened
These guidelines can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences. But in general, unsweetened tea is brewed just like regular tea and then consumed plain without any added sugars or sweeteners.
How Long Does Brewed Unsweetened Tea Last?
The shelf life of brewed unsweetened tea depends on several factors:
Tea variety
Some tea varieties last longer than others when brewed. In general:
- Black tea lasts the longest, around 5-7 days refrigerated
- Green tea lasts 3-5 days refrigerated
- White tea and oolong tea last 1-3 days refrigerated
- Herbal tea lasts around 5-7 days refrigerated
The reason black tea and herbal tea last longer is because they contain natural compounds that help preserve the tea over time. Green and white teas are more delicate.
Brewing method
Loose leaf tea tends to last a little longer than tea made from bags or sachets. This is because there is more room for oxygen to interact with the liquid, slowing oxidation.
Storage method
The way the tea is stored after brewing also impacts shelf life. Some guidelines:
- Refrigeration prolongs shelf life, room temperature decreases it
- An airtight container is better than an uncovered vessel
- Tea left in the sun will deteriorate faster
- Avoid temperature fluctuations like opening the refrigerator frequently
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, unsweetened tea can last up to a week past the brew date for most varieties.
Signs tea has spoiled
Watch for these signs that brewed unsweetened tea is no longer good:
- Changes color, usually becoming darker
- Cloudy appearance
- Strange smells – moldy, sour, or “off”
- Mold growing on surface
- Unpleasant bitter taste
Tea that displays these characteristics should be discarded immediately.
Does Unsweetened Tea Go Bad?
Yes, unsweetened tea can eventually go bad if left out too long after brewing. The main reasons are oxidation and microbial growth.
Oxidation
After tea leaves are exposed to hot water, the natural compounds in the tea begin to oxidize. This chemical reaction causes the flavor, aroma, and color of the tea to deteriorate over time. Oxidation happens more quickly at higher temperatures.
Microbial growth
Like any beverage, unsweetened tea is susceptible to microbial contamination from bacteria, mold and yeast. This is especially likely if storage conditions are poor, such as warmer temperatures and lack of an airtight container. Storing tea in the refrigerator helps limit microbial growth and keep it tasting fresher longer.
Eventually though, microbial growth in the form of mold or fermentation can cause rancid off-flavors, fizzing, and potential foodborne illness if consumed.
Tips for Storing Brewed Unsweetened Tea
Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life after brewing unsweetened tea:
Brew in smaller batches
Instead of brewing a large pitcher that sits in the refrigerator for a week, consider brewing tea by the cup or smaller serving size. This ensures it is always freshly made.
Use airtight containers
Store tea in a sealed container without much oxygen inside. Mason jars, drink dispensers with lids, and water bottles all work well.
Refrigerate promptly
Do not leave freshly brewed tea sitting out at room temperature. Refrigerate within 1-2 hours of brewing.
Avoid temperature fluctuations
Open the refrigerator as little as possible to limit temperature changes. Consider storing tea toward the back rather than on the door.
Don’t add anything else
Adding lemon, fruits, herbs or anything else will shorten the shelf life compared to plain tea.
Keep brewing equipment clean
Thoroughly wash tea kettles, infusers, pots and cups to avoid contamination.
Can Unsweetened Tea be Frozen?
Yes, it is possible to safely freeze unsweetened tea for longer term storage. Here’s how:
Brew a strong batch
When making tea to freeze, use about 1 1/2 times the amount of tea leaves or bags. This helps concentrate the flavor.
Let it cool completely
Wait until the tea has cooled to room temperature before freezing it. Putting it in the fridge first speeds up cooling.
Use freezer safe containers
Choose containers like plastic, glass or freezer bags. Avoid thin containers prone to cracking. Leave headspace at the top for expansion.
Small portions are best
Freeze tea in ice cube trays, small plastic containers or bags. Thaw only what you need at a time.
Label and date
Clearly label frozen tea with the brewing date so you know how long it has been stored.
Thaw in refrigerator
For best quality, thaw frozen tea overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Can You Reheat Leftover Iced Tea?
It’s best not to reheat leftover unsweetened iced tea more than once. Reheating can speed up oxidation and impact flavor. If you do reheat iced tea, follow these tips:
- Only reheat once
- Use the microwave or stove top, avoid direct boiling
- Heat just until lukewarm, not too hot
- Consume reheated tea within a few hours
- Discard tea if it smells or tastes off
For better flavor, consider brewing smaller amounts of fresh iced tea more frequently instead of reheating large batches.
FAQs
Does adding lemon juice help preserve unsweetened tea?
No, adding lemon juice does not help extend the shelf life. The vitamin C in lemons is unstable and degrades over time. The juice can also make the pH of the tea more acidic, impacting flavor.
Should unsweetened tea be decaffeinated before freezing?
No, regular caffeinated tea freezes just as well. There is no need to remove the caffeine beforehand.
Can you microwave brewed tea to reheat it?
It’s best to avoid microwaving brewed tea, as this can destroy the delicate flavor compounds. Gently reheat on the stove or use the microwave only to bring to lukewarm, not hot.
Does Long Island Iced Tea go bad?
The shelf life of Long Island Iced Tea is very short, only 2-3 days refrigerated. The lemon juice, coke, and alcohol all accelerate spoilage. It’s best to only make this cocktail in single serving sizes to be consumed immediately.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, unsweetened tea can last 5-7 days refrigerated before spoiling. Black tea tends to have the longest shelf life, while green and white teas are more delicate. Tea should be brewed in small batches and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator right away. Signs that tea has gone bad are changes in color, cloudiness, strange smells and flavors. Freezing tea is an option for longer term storage. Following these guidelines helps maximize the freshness and flavor of homemade unsweetened tea.
