You would assume that because I create tea blends for Happy Turtle Tea, that I obviously prefer loose leaf tea. In theory, that is absolutely correct. However, if you open up my “tea cabinet” you would find a few canisters that are labeled ‘bags’. This is because there are some mainstream tea companies that have created some tea blends that I really enjoy and they are only available in tea bags. So why is it that the question of "Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags" continues to come up?

If I were to survey a group of tea drinkers, I would likely find a good mix of those that prefer tea bags and those that prefer loose leaf tea. It boils down to who is weighing the advantages of cost, taste, and convenience, and what it means to each of them.

Tea Bags

Tea bags are cheaper on the surface when you are looking at a box of tea bags as compared to a bag of loose leaf tea. But, if you compare the cost per cup of both options, loose leaf tea is actually a better deal. Because tea bags are convenient to dispose of, they are typically referred to as single-use, meaning you can really only get one cup of tea from what is in that tea bag. A serving of loose leaf tea, on the other hand, can usually be steeped multiple times, with higher quality loose leaf tea providing 5 to 6 cups using the same leaves. A tea infuser can be extremely helpful in these instances. An added bonus from higher quality loose leaf tea is that you will get a different flavor profile with each steeping, which is unexpected and lovely on your palette.

Tea bags are mass-produced in large factories, shipped long distances, sitting for months at a time, and this is before it ever makes it to your cabinet. This results in a stale product with little taste. Loose leaf tea is usually packed fresh, sealed to keep it that way, and makes it to your cup much quicker. Every tea drinker is also in control of the amount of tea leaves they choose to use for each cup of tea.

Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea means that the tea leaves are still intact. Tea bags typically contain lower quality tea, sometimes referred to as “fannings and dust” or CTC tea (crush-tear-curl method of production). When you are able to use the entire tea leaf, not only do you get a full and robust flavor profile, but you also benefit from the essential oils that are releasing nutrients into your cup as the tea leaves absorb the water and expand. In today’s market, we are seeing companies putting higher quality teas into larger and different shaped tea bags, and you can find them as long as you do your due diligence. Look for tea bags that are pyramid or round-shaped, with plenty of room for your leaves to unfurl. Avoid tea bags that have the string attached with a metal staple (no one wants to taste metal in a cup of tea), or bags that have been made or sealed with plastic or glue.

The main reason that tea bags are so popular is that they are convenient. You can buy them just about anywhere, you can just drop them in a cup of hot water, and you can dispose of them easily. Tea bags are portable, giving you the ability to transport them easily wherever you go. This is definitely a bit tougher with loose leaf, although personal tea bags allow you to make your own and bring them along with you. It is hard to beat just throwing in a few bags into your bag from the box you picked up at the grocery store. Finding hot water is easier than ever before, as you can ask for a cup just about anywhere which lets you toss in that little tea bag you stuck in your desk drawer, swirl it around for a few minutes, and throw it in the trash. What you don’t realize you are missing, is the magic of opening a small can of loose leaf tea and breathing in that irresistible aroma and then watching the tea leaves unfurl in your cup, knowing that in a few short minutes you can take a sip of happiness.

When I talk to tea drinkers at shows and events, one of the comments I hear is that loose leaf tea too difficult to make. While it is more difficult to prepare, and it requires that you think about not only the amount of leaves that you need (based on your preference) but also the temperature of the water and the time to steep different types of tea, it is worth the extra effort. I promise that once you make that effort for a week or two you will be hooked forever. I even converted my mom to loose leaf tea and now she can even explain the right way to make a delicious cup of loose leaf tea!

What's The Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags Verdict?

It's not always as simple as it seems. And as you can tell, "Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags" can be a loaded subject. So, which is better? The truth of the matter is, they both have their places and the serious tea drinker likely has a mix of both just like I do. I even package my tea blends into single-use tea bags for sampling. I also sell personal tea bags that you can use to put your loose leaf tea into so that you can make it more convenient for brewing and disposal. At the end of the day, choose what you enjoy. If you would like to give loose leaf tea a try, email me and I would love to help you find your perfect cup of tea.