Does Tea Expire? How To Know When It Has Gone Bad

There's a box of miscellaneous tea bags above the fridge in my childhood home, and it’s been there for as long as I can remember. Since we’re not big tea drinkers, the box comes down whenever guests visit and request an after-dinner cup. Upon rifling through the box of mystery bags, I wondered, surely this tea had expired.

Does Tea Expire?

Unfortunately, tea does expire—and a lot sooner than you may expect. Most tea lasts one to two years when stored correctly, according to Tony Gebely, tea expert and author of Tea: A User’s Guide, based in Asheville, North Carolina.

He specifies, "It depends on the type of tea. Teas that are less oxidized—greens, yellows, and whites—degrade more quickly than teas that are more oxidized—oolong and black teas."

Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger have an even shorter shelf life since the ingredients degrade faster due to the natural oils that can turn rancid, unlike tea leaves.

Loose-Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Which Lasts Longer?

Looking to snag a tea that will last the longest? Gebely recommends loose-leaf over bagged, sharing "The more broken the leaves are, the higher the surface area in contact with air. More broken leaves, such as tea bags filled with fragmented tea leaves versus loose, whole leaves, will deteriorate faster."

How To Tell If Your Tea Has Expired

Use your senses to determine whether your tea has expired. Look for signs of discoloration or mold, which can indicate tea was improperly stored and should be tossed. Give the leaves a whiff. Does it smell like Earl Grey or does it smell like...nothing? Expired tea loses its aroma.

Finally, if you’re uncertain, brew up a cup and taste. If it’s a mug of hot, dark water, you know it’s time to get some new tea.

What About Brewed Sweet Tea?

While a pitcher of sweet tea may not last in your house longer than a day, the classic Southern drink can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. Toss the drink and start fresh after to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

How To Store Tea To Maximize Freshness

Keep tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maximize its shelf-life. Remember to label the container with the type of tea and mark the "best by" date.

Gebely shared, "Some delicate green and yellow loose-leaf teas, as well as matcha teas, are best if stored in the freezer or refrigerator; the cold temperatures dramatically slow down the reactions responsible for tea degradation. However, this must be done properly to avoid condensation on the leaves."

Is Expired Tea Safe?

Expired tea is often fine to drink, with the exception that much of the flavor and aroma are gone. Watch out for mold on expired tea, which would be dangerous. Tea with mold on it should be immediately thrown out.