Tea bags usually have a best-before date, not a strict expiration date. They can lose freshness, aroma, and flavour over time, but properly stored tea bags are often still safe to drink past the best-before date.

Yes. Tea bags can go bad if they are exposed to moisture, humidity, heat, or strong odours. The main safety concern is mould, which can develop if tea bags get damp.

How long do tea bags last unopened?

When stored in a cool, dry place, unopened tea bags typically last about 2–3 years for black tea, 1–2 years for green or white tea, and 1–3 years for herbal teas depending on the ingredients.

How long do tea bags last after opening?

After opening, tea bags are best used within 6–12 months for the best flavour. They may remain safe longer if kept dry and sealed, but they will gradually taste weaker and smell less aromatic.

How can you tell if tea bags are bad?

Check for visible mould, dampness, or a tea bag that is breaking down. Smell the tea bag—musty, sour, or “off” odours are a warning sign. If it brews but tastes flat or papery, it’s likely just stale rather than unsafe.

Do flavoured tea bags go bad faster?

Often, yes. Tea bags with added fruit pieces, spices, or natural flavours tend to lose aroma and taste faster than plain tea, especially if they are exposed to air, heat, or light.

What is the best way to store tea bags?

Store tea bags in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light, heat, humidity, and strong odours. Avoid refrigerating tea bags because condensation can introduce moisture.

How do I know if a tea bag contains plastic?

Check the packaging for materials like nylon, PET, polypropylene, or “plastic mesh.” If it’s unclear, cut the tea bag open: compost the tea leaves and discard the bag unless you can confirm it’s paper or certified compostable.

Should I remove staples or tags before composting tea bags?

Yes. If your tea bag has a metal staple, remove it before composting. Paper tags and cotton string are often compostable, but if the tag is glossy or coated, it’s better to discard it.

Can Tea Bags Expire or Go Bad?

Q: Is it safe to drink expired tea bags?

In most cases, yes—if the tea bags have been stored dry, smell normal, and show no signs of mould. If they smell musty, look damp, or have visible mould, throw them out.

Q: Can tea bags be composted?

Many tea bags can be composted, especially paper or plant-based fibre bags, and the tea leaves inside are typically compostable. However, some tea bags contain plastic (including certain mesh or pyramid styles) and should not be composted unless clearly labelled compostable.

January 17, 2026

Tea bags are a pantry staple for many households. They’re convenient, easy to store, and often forgotten at the back of a cupboard for years. This leads to a very common question:

Can tea bags expire—or go bad?

The short answer is: tea bags don’t usually “expire” in a dangerous way, but they can lose quality and, in some cases, spoil. The full answer depends on the type of tea, how it’s stored, and whether it contains added ingredients.

If you’re curious about tea aging more broadly—including loose leaf tea—you may also find this related guide helpful: Does Tea Expire? Shelf Life, Aging & How to Store Tea Properly.

This article focuses specifically on tea bags and what happens to them over time.

Do Tea Bags Really Expire?

Most tea bags come with a best-before date, not a strict expiration date. This date reflects peak freshness and flavour, not safety.

Tea itself is a dried product, which means it has a very long shelf life when kept dry and sealed. However, over time, tea bags can:

Lose aroma and flavour
Absorb moisture or odours
Break down if exposed to heat, light, or air

In rare cases—especially with improper storage—tea bags can develop mould or spoil.

How Long Do Tea Bags Last?

Here’s a general guideline for unopened tea bags stored properly:

Black tea bags: 2–3 years
Green tea bags: 1–2 years
White tea bags: 1–2 years
Herbal tea bags: 1–3 years (varies by ingredients)

Once opened, tea bags are best used within 6–12 months for optimal flavour, even if they remain safe beyond that.

Teas with added fruit, oils, or flavourings tend to degrade faster than plain teas.

If you regularly drink bagged tea, choosing high-quality, well-packaged options can make a noticeable difference in freshness. You can explore a curated selection here: Shop premium bagged teas.

Can Tea Bags Go Bad?

Yes—tea bags can go bad, but it’s uncommon if they’re stored correctly.

Tea bags may spoil if they are exposed to:

Moisture or humidity
Heat or direct sunlight
Strong odours (tea absorbs smells easily)

The biggest concern is mould, which can develop if tea bags get damp. If you see visible mould, discard the tea immediately.

How to Tell If Tea Bags Are Still Good

Before brewing an old tea bag, check for these signs:

Visual signs

White, green, or black fuzzy spots (mould)
Disintegrating or damp tea bags

Smell

Musty, sour, or “off” odours
Loss of natural tea aroma

Taste (if it looks and smells fine)

Flat, dull, or papery flavour

If the tea smells normal but tastes weak, it’s not harmful—just past its prime.

Is It Safe to Drink Expired Tea Bags?

In most cases, yes, as long as:

There is no mould
The tea has been kept dry
It smells clean and normal

Expired tea bags usually pose no health risk, but they may not deliver the flavour or aroma you expect.

If you want a deeper explanation of how aging affects different types of tea leaves, this article goes into more detail: Does Tea Expire? Shelf Life, Aging & How to Store Tea Properly.

Does the Type of Tea Bag Matter?

Yes—both the tea inside and the bag material can affect shelf life.

Plain black or green tea lasts the longest
Flavoured teas with citrus, spices, or oils spoil faster
Herbal teas vary widely depending on ingredients

The bag itself (paper, corn fibre, silk-style mesh) usually doesn’t expire, but it can absorb moisture or odours if not stored properly.

How to Store Tea Bags to Make Them Last Longer

To extend freshness:

Store tea in an airtight container
Keep it away from light, heat, and humidity
Avoid storing near spices, coffee, or cleaning products
Don’t refrigerate tea (condensation can cause moisture damage)

These storage principles apply to both tea bags and loose leaf tea, though tea bags are often more vulnerable due to their smaller particle size.

Can Tea Bags Be Composted?

Yes—many tea bags can be composted, but not all.

Compostable tea bags

Paper tea bags (unbleached or chlorine-free)
Tea bags made from plant-based fibres (like corn fibre)
Loose tea leaves inside the bag

If sustainability matters to you, another option is to use fill-your-own compostable tea bags, which let you enjoy loose leaf tea without plastic waste. For example, Biodegradable Drawstring Tea Bags by Genuine Tea are made from plant-based materials and designed to fully break down in compost.

Tea bags that should not be composted

Tea bags containing plastic or nylon mesh
“Silk” or pyramid tea bags unless clearly labelled compostable
Tea bags with metal staples (remove staples first)

If you’re unsure, cut the tea bag open:

Compost the tea leaves
Discard the bag if it contains plastic

Other Ways to Reuse Old Tea Bags

If tea bags are past their flavour peak but still clean, you can reuse them for:

Deodorizing shoes or refrigerators
Compost tea for plants
Gentle household cleaning
Natural fabric dyeing

These uses help reduce waste while getting extra value from your tea.

Final Thoughts: Should You Throw Out Old Tea Bags?

Tea bags don’t expire like milk or meat—but they do age.

If your tea bags are:

Dry
Free of mould
Smell normal

They’re likely safe to drink, even past the best-before date. That said, for the best flavour and aroma, fresher tea always delivers a better cup.

When tea is truly past its prime, composting or reuse is often a better option than sending it to the trash.