Does tea go bad?

Dry tea rarely spoils, but it loses flavor. Tea bags keep 18 to 36 months unopened, loose tea about 2 years, and instant tea 2 to 3 years. Once opened, all are best within 6 to 12 months.

Food	Pantry
Tea bags	18–36 monthsfrom purchaseOpened: 6–12 months
Loose tea	2 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 6–12 months
Instant tea	2–3 yearsfrom purchaseOpened: 6–12 months

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if tea has gone bad

Weak smell and flat, dull taste: the tea is stale, not unsafe.
A musty smell, damp clumps or mold: moisture got in. Throw it out.
Brewed tea left out for more than a day, or tea with milk for more than 2 hours, should go.

How to store tea

Keep tea in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
Keep it away from spices, coffee and other strong smells: tea absorbs odors.
Keep it away from steam from the kettle or stove.

Can you freeze tea?

There's no need for dry tea. Brewed iced tea keeps a few days in the fridge; frozen in ice cube trays, it chills drinks without watering them down.

Questions

Can you drink expired tea?

Yes, if it's dry and shows no mold. It will just taste weaker.

How long does brewed tea last?

A few days in a closed jug in the fridge. Sweetened or milky tea keeps less well.

Does green tea go stale faster?

Green and white teas lose their fresh flavor sooner than black tea; keep them airtight and use them within months of opening.

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