Does Tea Need to Be Refrigerated?

Tea is a popular and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold, plain or flavored, caffeinated or decaffeinated. But does tea need to be refrigerated? And how long does it last in the fridge or pantry? Here’s what you need to know.

The answer to whether tea needs to be refrigerated depends on whether it is brewed or unbrewed, and whether it is loose leaf or bagged.

• Brewed tea, whether hot or iced, should always be refrigerated after it is prepared and cooled. It can last for about 8 hours at room temperature, or up to 2 days in the fridge. However, this can vary depending on the type and quality of the tea, and whether it has any additives such as sugar, lemon, or milk.
• Unbrewed tea, whether loose leaf or bagged, does not need to be refrigerated before brewing, as long as it is stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It can last for up to 2 years in the pantry, or past the best-by date on the label.

How to Tell if Tea Has Gone Bad

Tea can go bad if it is not stored properly, or if it is exposed to moisture, air, light, heat, or bacteria. Some signs of spoilage include:

• Change in color: Tea that has turned dark, dull, or faded should be discarded. This could indicate oxidation, mold growth, or contamination.
• Change in texture: Tea that has become clumpy, sticky, or powdery should be thrown away. This could indicate moisture absorption, fermentation, or insect infestation.
• Change in smell: Tea that has developed a sour, musty, or unpleasant odor should be tossed. This could indicate spoilage or rancidity.
• Change in taste: Tea that has lost its flavor, become bitter, acidic, or metallic should be avoided. This could indicate spoilage or chemical reactions.
• Mold: Tea that has visible mold on the surface or inside the container should be discarded. Mold can produce toxins that are harmful to your health.

If you are not sure if your tea is still good, it is better to be safe than sorry and throw it out. Do not taste or smell spoiled tea, as it could make you sick.

How to Store Tea Properly

To prevent your tea from going bad and extend its shelf life, you should follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate brewed tea after it is prepared and cooled. Transfer it to an airtight container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 2 days.
• Freeze brewed tea if you want to keep it longer. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 6 months.
• Store unbrewed tea in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it near strong-smelling foods or chemicals that could affect its flavor or quality.
• Store unbrewed tea in an airtight container that blocks light and air. Use a tin, glass jar, or plastic bag that is opaque or dark-colored. Do not use metal utensils or containers for tea, as this could cause oxidation or corrosion and affect the taste and quality of the tea.
• Store unbrewed tea according to its type and quality. Green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea are more delicate and sensitive than black tea and rooibos tea. They should be used within 6 months to a year for optimal flavor. Black tea and rooibos tea can last for up to 2 years without losing much flavor.

Conclusion

Tea is a popular and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold, plain or flavored, caffeinated or decaffeinated. But does tea need to be refrigerated? The answer depends on whether it is brewed or unbrewed, and whether it is loose leaf or bagged.

Brewed tea, whether hot or iced, should always be refrigerated after it is prepared and cooled. It can last for about 8 hours at room temperature, or up to 2 days in the fridge.

Unbrewed tea, whether loose leaf or bagged, does not need to be refrigerated before brewing, as long as it is stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It can last for up to 2 years in the pantry, or past the best-by date on the label.

To prevent your tea from going bad and extend its shelf life, you should follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate brewed tea after it is prepared and cooled. Transfer it to an airtight container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 2 days.
• Freeze brewed tea if you want to keep it longer. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container and use it within 6 months.
• Store unbrewed tea in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it near strong-smelling foods or chemicals that could affect its flavor or quality.
• Store unbrewed tea in an airtight container that blocks light and air. Use a tin, glass jar, or plastic bag that is opaque or dark-colored. Do not use metal utensils or containers for tea, as this could cause oxidation or corrosion and affect the taste and quality of the tea.
• Store unbrewed tea according to its type and quality. Green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea are more delicate and sensitive than black tea and rooibos tea. They should be used within 6 months to a year for optimal flavor. Black tea and rooibos tea can last for up to 2 years without losing much flavor.