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Teas in zip lock foils. Teas in test tubes. Teas in glass containers. Tea in beautiful tins. Paper pouches? Or vacuumed packages? Maybe the tea packaging isn’t something that influences your buying decision. Or maybe it is. But once when you get your tea, it’s time to store it properly. You might be wondering how fast does tea expire in original packaging. Sometimes, this might not be the best solution. All tea should be kept away from light, odors, mold, humidity, heat and oxygen. Is there the perfect tea storage option?

Does tea expire faster in glass containers or zip lock foils?

Every tea has an expire date. Depending on how you store your tea, you can either make it longer or shorter. We made an overview of the most common containers and pouches. 

Tin tie Paper Bags

Environmentally friendly tea lovers might choose paper pouches as their favorite packaging. There are a few disadvantages of paper pouches, especially if they cannot be closed properly, let in more air and much easier to get soaked. In general, they are not the best tea storage option. If you do want to use paper bags, use the tin tie ones without the window and try to drink the tea within 2-3 months.

Zip Lock Foils

Zip Lock Foils are a popular packaging method. They might not be environmentally friendly, but they will keep the tea fresher longer than paper bags. Some zip lock foils have one transparent side and they are better avoided. When using a zip lock foils, make sure you squeeze air out before closing it. If you plan to store tea in zip lock foils, be sure to use smaller quantity of leaves. When sealed, they are a good option for storing tea in the fridge.

Vacuumed Packages

Vacuumed packages are a preferred type of packaging for Chinese semi-ball shaped oolong tea. They are great for storing larger quantities of tea in your fridge, but only if they are still unopened. Once you open your 50+ grams vacuumed packaged tea, be sure to transfer it into some other container as you won’t be able to close it properly.

Tins

Everyone loves a good tea tin. Airtight tins are a good tea storage option for most of the loose leaf tea. They won’t let in the air, light, moisture or odors. Make sure the tin is clean and doesn’t let it any air. However, using a big tin for a few grams of leaves is a bad idea. Tins should be filled to the top to leave very little air interfere with the leaves. For everyday usage go with a smaller one.

Glass Containers

By far the prettiest and the worst packaging for tea is a glass container. It’s even worse as a tea storage solution. Glass containers might let you fully enjoy the beauty of loose leaf tea, but your tea will very likely get ruined before you get a chance to drink it all. All tea should be kept away from light. Buying or storing tea in glass containers or jars is the riskiest thing a tea lover could do. 

If light is so bad for loose leaf tea, does tea expire faster in all glass containers? There is a catch. Buying opaque or dark colored glass containers is a good alternative to transparent glass. Your tea will last longer if there is less light accessing the leaves. Nevertheless, if you plan to use them, make sure you pick out the airtight ones, and store them in a dark cabinet or fridge.

Test Tubes

This “subcategory” of glass containers became a big hit a couple of years ago. Yes, it looks attractive and makes a perfect little gift for some tea lovers. However, they are not the best option for storing tea for the same reasons as above. What makes them a bit better is that the amount of leaves in a test tube is usually enough for only a couple of cups. If you do buy them, indulge in your tea immediately – don’t save it for later.

Airless Canisters

These days it is possible to buy containers that leave little space for air. They might be the best option for storing your tea. Chose those that are not made of transparent glass or plastic.

Clear Plastic Zip Lock Bags

Unless you need to transfer your tea from a place A to place B and have nothing better at hand, please stay away from clear plastic bags. With or without zip lock. Or the online tea shops that use them. Unless, of course, they send you a nice little sample. Than it’s more than welcomed.

So, what is the best option?

First, always keep tea away from light, humidity, oxygen, heat, odors or mold. Choose packaging you can easily close or seal. Drink your tea within the expiry date. Learn more about each tea in our article "Does tea expire?". Choose smaller containers and buy smaller quantities of tea. Besides, you can have the best container in the world, but if you open it often, the tea will loose it’s flavor and quality sooner.

As long as you keep in mind these basic few principles, don’t be afraid or petrified. Your tea will survive.