Tea that is properly stored can maintain its freshness and flavor for quite a long time, even without refrigeration. The shelf life of tea depends on several factors, including the type of tea, how it was processed and packaged, and how it is stored. With proper storage conditions, most teas will last from 9 months up to 2 years before starting to lose their optimal flavor and aroma.
Quick Answer
Most unopened tea bags or leaves will last 12-24 months past the printed expiration date. Opened tea bags last 4-6 months. Loose leaf tea lasts 6-12 months. Green tea lasts 6-12 months. Black tea lasts 12-24 months. Herbal tea lasts 24-36 months. Pu-erh tea can last over 50 years.
How Tea Degrades Over Time
Tea leaves contain natural oils that provide the flavor and fragrance of the tea. Over time, these oils can evaporate or oxidize, causing the tea to lose potency and taste stale or flat. Exposure to oxygen, light, moisture, or warmth speeds up this process. The delicate nature of certain tea compounds means some types degrade faster than others.
Green Tea
Green tea is more perishable than other types because it is minimally processed. The leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fired after harvest to prevent too much oxidation. This retains the green color and delicate, grassy flavor. However, it also makes green tea more prone to going stale from moisture and oxygen. Properly stored, unopened green tea typically lasts 6-12 months past its best-by date.
Black Tea
Black tea is more oxidized than other types, giving it a bold, aromatic character. The additional processing makes black tea less susceptible to staling. Unopened black teas like breakfast blends or Earl Grey can maintain optimal quality for 12-24 months past the printed expiration date in proper storage conditions.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea falls in the middle, with oxidation levels between green and black tea. Unopened oolong teas will stay fresh for 9-18 months if well-sealed and stored properly. The shelf life is closer to green tea.
White Tea
Made from young tea buds picked early in the season, white tea has a delicate flavor. It has a shorter shelf life compared to black tea, lasting about 6-12 months after the printed expiration date if the packaging remains sealed.
Herbal Tea
Since herbal teas contain no actual tea leaves, they do not oxidize and degrade as quickly. The shelf life of unopened herbal tea bags or loose leaf blends is typically 24-36 months past the best-by date. The herbs, flowers, roots, spices and fruits used behave more like dry seasonings.
Pu-erh Tea
This fermented tea is famous for its ability to be aged for decades while the flavor matures and deepens. Properly stored pu-erh teas can last 50 years or more before declining. Even young pu-erh teas will keep for 20-30 years.
Factors That Shorten Shelf Life
A few key factors can accelerate the staling process and shorten the shelf life of tea:
Exposure to Air
Once tea is exposed to oxygen, the natural oils start to slowly evaporate and oxidize. Only intact, well-sealed packaging can protect tea from excessive air contact. Storing tea in the original airtight foil pouches or unopened tins keeps air out best.
Exposure to Moisture
Tea easily absorbs surrounding moisture and becomes stale faster in humid environments. Damp conditions encourage mold growth as well. Keeping tea in a cool, dry place prevents moisture damage.
Exposure to Light
Light accelerates the breakdown of tea’s aromatic compounds. Sunlight is especially damaging. Storing tea in an opaque, sealed container in a dark cupboard or pantry extends shelf life.
Exposure to Heat
Heat speeds up chemical reactions and the evaporation of flavor oils. Storing tea in a warm environment near stoves or appliances will shorten its shelf life. Ideal conditions are a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
Frequent Opening
Once containers are opened, the tea leaves are exposed to more oxygen and moisture each time, which speeds staling. Leaving tea containers sealed until use preserves freshness longer.
Damaged Packaging
Punctures, tears or improperly sealed packaging allow more air contact. Checking tea is in intact, well-sealed packaging before purchasing helps ensure longer shelf life.
Packed in Clear Containers
Package tea comes in affects its shelf life. Tea packed in clear glass or plastic containers allows light exposure. Those in opaque, foil-lined containers better block light and keep tea fresher longer.
Maximizing Shelf Life
Following proper storage methods can help extend the shelf life of tea close to its maximum length:
- Purchase tea in small quantities to ensure use before staling.
- Select tea packaged in opaque, airtight containers like tins or sealed pouches.
- Keep unopened tea stored in original packaging until use.
- Finish opened tea within 3-6 months for best flavor.
- Store tea in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry around 60-70°F.
- Keep tea away from moisture, humidity and heat sources like stoves.
- Don’t keep tea near strong-smelling foods that could impart odors.
- Check packaging for recommended “best by” date and optimal use period after opening.
How To Tell if Tea Has Gone Stale
Signs that tea has passed its prime and gone stale include:
- Faded, dull color instead of vibrant tones
- Flat or musty aroma instead of lively, floral or fruity smells
- Loss of complexity and muted flavor notes
- More bitter, astringent or unpleasant aftertaste
- Tea brews darker than usual at the same steeping time
Generally, taste and scent provide the best indicators since tea can retain its color while the oils that produce flavor degrade. Trust your senses – if the tea smells flat or tastes unpleasantly strong, it is past its prime.
Does Refrigeration Extend Shelf Life?
Refrigerating tea is controversial among tea experts. Some advise against it completely, while others say it can help certain delicate teas stay fresh a bit longer if done properly. Here are the key considerations:
- The low humidity of refrigerators can dry out tea leaves faster.
- Tea can absorb fridge odors like spices or seafood if not in an airtight container.
- Condensation when tea is removed can introduce moisture that speeds staling.
- Tea stored at room temperature degrades faster from exposure to warm air and light.
- Refrigeration may add 1-2 months of shelf life for some oolong, green and white teas.
- Refrigeration provides minimal benefit to black tea shelf life due to higher oxidation.
Overall, proper storage at room temperature extends the shelf life of most teas just as well as refrigeration. Drink teas within the first year of purchase for best quality and flavor.
Does Freezing Work Better?
Freezing tea can help it last longer, with a few cautions:
- Only loose leaf teas can be frozen, not tea bags.
- Tea leaves become brittle when frozen and can crumble after thawing.
- Freezing can mute more delicate flavor notes.
- Thawing and any condensation can damage leaves.
- Tea frozen up to 6 months retains more flavor than refrigerated tea.
- Vacuum sealed pouches prevent ice crystal damage and odor absorption.
With careful handling, freezing high quality loose leaf tea can extend its shelf life up to a year past the purchase date while preserving most of its flavor. The convenience must be weighed against possible loss of nuance.
Brewing Old Tea
As tea leaves age, they lose potency and extract differently during brewing. To compensate when brewing stale tea:
- Use more tea leaves per cup to increase strength.
- Brew for a longer steeping time to extract more flavor.
- Use hotter water to help release more compounds.
- Expect a stronger, more astringent brew than fresher tea.
- Add lemon, honey or milk to help smooth out harsh flavors.
While old tea won’t be as good as the fresh version, these tips can help salvage drinkable cups from leaves past their prime.
Does Decaffeinated Tea Go Stale?
Yes, decaf tea can become stale over time like regular tea. However, since some volatile flavor compounds are removed during the decaffeination process, decaf teas tend to have a slightly shorter shelf life. Expect decaffeinated teas to last around 9-18 months after purchase when properly stored.
Preventing Waste
To enjoy tea at its freshest and reduce waste:
- Buy smaller bag sizes or amounts for more frequent use.
- Seal opened tea in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dark place.
- Label containers with opening date and 3-6 month use window.
- Prioritize drinking opened tea within a month if possible.
- Refrigerate only what will be consumed within 1-2 weeks.
- Compost expired loose leaf tea instead of trashing.
FAQs
How long does brewed tea last unrefrigerated?
Brewed tea should not be left unrefrigerated for more than 8 hours. To maintain optimal taste, drink freshly brewed tea immediately or refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. After 8 hours at room temperature, brewed tea loses flavor and runs the risk of growing mold.
Does tea expire?
Yes, tea does eventually expire and degrade in quality. Tea leaves contain delicate flavor compounds that break down over time when exposed to oxygen, light or moisture. Different types of tea have varying shelf lives, but most last about 1-2 years when stored properly in sealed packaging.
How do you store tea to last longer?
To extend tea shelf life for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark cupboard. Avoid warm places near stoves or appliances. Refrigerating tea is controversial, but may help certain delicate types last an extra month or two.
Can old tea make you sick?
Expired tea does not necessarily pose health risks, but its flavor quality declines over time. Older tea is unlikely to cause food poisoning, but can grow harmless molds if subjected to humid conditions. Excessively stale tea may cause mild nausea or upset stomach in some sensitive individuals.
Does tea go bad if left out overnight?
It’s best not to leave brewed tea out overnight, particularly in warm weather. Because of tea’s potential to grow mold and bacteria, it is recommended to refrigerate any leftovers after 4-8 hours max. Unbrewed tea bags or loose leaves are fine at room temperature overnight if kept dry in a sealed container.
Conclusion
With proper storage and handling, most high quality teas can maintain their delicious flavor and aroma for up to 2 years past the packaging date before going stale. Exact shelf life depends on the tea type and storage conditions like temperature, moisture, air exposure and light. Keeping tea in an airtight opaque container in a cool, dry place maximizes freshness and shelf life. Refrigeration can help extend the shelf life of some delicate green and white teas by a few months. With care and knowledge of its shelf life, tea lovers can enjoy their favorite cup for the longest duration possible.
