Tea is often described as something that improves with time, yet many people find themselves wondering the same thing when they open a cupboard: does tea actually expire?
The answer is reassuring, but nuanced. Tea does not “go off” in the way fresh food does, but it does change. Over time, flavour fades, aroma softens and the character that made the tea special can slowly disappear.
Understanding how long tea lasts, how to store it properly and how to recognise when it’s past its best can help you enjoy better cups of tea and avoid unnecessary waste.
This article explains how long different types of tea typically keep their quality, what best before dates actually mean, and how Dehing Tea approaches freshness across Assam teas and herbal infusions.
If you’d like a broader grounding in what makes Assam tea distinctive in the first place, from leaf variety to craftsmanship, our Ultimate Guide to Assam Tea provides the full context behind the teas discussed here.
Does Tea Expire or Just Lose Freshness?
Tea does not spoil in the traditional sense if kept dry. Instead, it gradually loses freshness.
What most people interpret as tea “expiring” is actually the slow breakdown of aromatic compounds and essential oils. These are responsible for flavour, aroma and body. When they fade, the tea can taste flat, dull or lifeless.
This applies to all true teas made from Camellia sinensis, including Assam black tea and Assam green tea, as well as herbal infusions made from flowers or plants.
How Long Does Tea Last? General Guidance for Tea Shelf Life
The lifespan of tea depends on the type of tea and how it’s stored. Across the tea industry, general guidance tends to follow these broad ranges when tea is stored correctly.
These guidelines are useful, but they are not universal rules. Storage conditions, leaf quality and packaging standards all play a major role in how tea actually evolves over time.
Assam Black Tea
Black tea is the most stable of all tea types. Properly stored, Assam black tea can retain good flavour for up to 24 months, and sometimes even longer.
CTC Assam black tea, whether loose or in tea bags, is especially resilient because it is fully oxidised. Over time, the tea won’t become unsafe, but it may lose brightness and depth.
If you’re curious why Assam tea holds its strength so well, our article on whether Assam tea is stronger than other black teas explains how leaf variety and processing influence longevity as well as flavour.
Assam Green Tea
Green tea is more delicate.
Because it is unoxidised, Assam green tea relies heavily on freshness. Its vegetal notes and clean finish are best enjoyed up to 12 months post production, although best before dates can vary widely due to the leaf quality, processing methods and storage conditions.
If you’re unsure how to brew green tea gently to preserve flavour while it’s fresh, our guide on how to brew Assam tea properly and simply offers a practical, no-stress approach.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, Hibiscus and Blue Tea
Herbal teas vary widely and do not technically expire, but they are highly aromatic and therefore sensitive to time and storage.
Whole-flower herbal teas like chamomile, hibiscus and blue tea typically keep their best character for up to 12 months. As they age, colour and aroma fade first, followed by flavour.
Because Dehing Tea uses whole flowers rather than dust, the decline is gradual rather than sudden, but freshness still matters.
How Dehing Tea Approaches Best Before Dates
At Dehing Tea, best before dates are set conservatively and thoughtfully, based on both the type of tea and when it is packaged, while also taking into account when the leaf itself was plucked.
As a general standard at Dehing Tea:
Herbal teas are given a one year best before date from the date of packaging. Because chamomile, hibiscus and blue tea rely on whole flowers and delicate plant material, freshness is key to preserving colour, aroma and flavour clarity.
All Assam black and green teas are given approximately two years from the date of packaging. This reflects the quality of the leaf, careful processing and protective packaging used to preserve freshness.
This may appear longer than some general industry guidelines, particularly for green tea. The difference lies in leaf quality, packaging standards and storage control, rather than a different understanding of how tea behaves.
Best before dates are not promises of longevity, but indicators of peak enjoyment when tea is stored properly.
How to Tell If Tea Has Gone Past Its Best?
Rather than checking dates alone, your senses are the best guide.
If tea smells faint, dusty or neutral, it has likely lost much of its flavour. If brewed tea tastes thin or hollow even when steeped correctly, freshness has faded.
Tea should never smell musty, damp or mouldy. If it does, it should not be consumed.
Does Tea in Tea Bags Last as Long as Loose Leaf?
This depends entirely on quality and packaging.
At Dehing Tea, the same quality tea is used whether it’s loose leaf or in pyramid-shaped tea bags. The difference is format, not grade.
Well-sealed, biodegradable pyramid tea bags can preserve freshness just as effectively as loose tea when stored correctly.
If you’d like a deeper understanding of how format affects brewing and quality, our article on loose leaf tea vs tea bags explores this in detail.
Storage Matters More Than Dates
How tea is stored has a greater impact on quality than how long it has been sitting on a shelf.
Tea should always be protected from air, light, moisture and strong odours.
If you want clear, practical advice on storage without overcomplication, our guide on how to store tea properly explains how to keep Assam tea and herbal infusions fresh and flavourful at home.
Can You Still Drink Old Tea?
Yes, in most cases.
Tea that has lost freshness is not harmful, but it may not deliver the experience you expect. Many people choose to use older tea for iced tea, chai or cooking rather than discarding it immediately.
That said, tea is meant to be enjoyed. Drinking it while it’s fresh ensures you experience the flavour, aroma and character the producer intended.
Freshness Is Part of Quality
Tea does not expire in the dramatic sense, but freshness is where quality truly lives.
Assam tea, whether black or green, rewards proper storage and mindful use. Herbal teas offer gentle flavour and benefit from being enjoyed while their aromas are still vibrant.
To understand how freshness connects back to origin, craftsmanship and processing, return to our Ultimate Guide to Assam Tea, where the full journey from garden to cup comes together.