How to Store Tea Bags

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Tested

Whether you’re a casual or avid tea drinker, you probably have a lot of tea bags sitting around your home. While tea isn’t a perishable item, it can taste a lot better when you store it correctly. You can store sealed bags in their original packaging, or you can use airtight containers to hold your loose tea bags. Try different storage variations until you find a system that works well your tea-drinking lifestyle!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Preserving Tea Bags in a Container

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Store-Tea-Bags-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Tea-Bags-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Store-Tea-Bags-Step-1.jpg\/aid11493727-v4-728px-Store-Tea-Bags-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Don’t open the tea bag wrapper until you’re ready to brew some tea. Instead, leave all sealed bags in their initial packaging, keeping them in their original box. Organize these boxes by stacking them in a dark, dry area, like a cabinet or drawer. ^{[1]
X
Research source}

Tip: Consider dedicating an entire drawer to your tea. This type of storage will keep your tea secure, and your tea boxes can easily be stacked inside. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Arrange the loose bags in an airtight container to seal in flavor. Open your box of loose tea bags and set them in a sturdy container that can be secured tightly. Pack as many bags into the container that will comfortably fit. As you go, separate different types of tea bags so their flavors and scents don’t combine in a single container. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Check to make sure you can close the lid securely. If the tea bags are exposed to too much air, they could lose their freshness.
- Clear jars will absorb light directly, and make your tea less fresh.
- Ceramic and tin containers are also good options.
Advertisement
3
Use plastic bags or bins if you don’t have a spare containers. Remove your tea bags from their boxes and place them in an airtight or resealable plastic bin or bag. Arrange enough bags to fit comfortably in the container, then seal or tighten the lid. Place the bag or bin wherever it will fit in your living space, as long as it’s in a cool, dry spot. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Don’t place your tea in the freezer or refrigerator, even if it’s sealed away. This can negatively affect the quality.
4
Place tea bags in opaque containers to keep out direct light. Invest in opaque glass jar to keep your tea from drying out. Since heat and light can lower the quality of your tea, store your bags in an opaque glass container to keep them as fresh as possible. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- This is a great option if you’re looking to store your tea bags on your desk at work.
Tip: When arranging your tea boxes in an enclosed area, try sorting them by flavor. If you want to take your organization to the next level, try categorizing by mood, or the time of day that they should be brewed (e.g., morning, nighttime). ^{[6]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Store-Tea-Bags-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Tea-Bags-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Store-Tea-Bags-Step-5.jpg\/aid11493727-v4-728px-Store-Tea-Bags-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

5
Label all opaque jars and containers so you don’t mix up your teas. Use a sticky label or piece of masking tape to record which tea bags you placed in which jar. While wrapped bags are easy to distinguish, you might not remember which loose tea bags went in a specific jar. Once you’ve labeled all of the containers, feel free to sort them alphabetically, by type, by time purchased, or by another method of your choice!
- Since it’s difficult to see inside opaque containers, it’s important to keep them all labeled.