Loose leaf tea and tea bags come from the same plant, so why do they taste so different? The answer is mostly in the size of the leaf. Here's how they compare on flavour, freshness, waste and convenience, and how to make the switch if you fancy trying loose leaf.
What's actually in a tea bag?
Most standard tea bags are filled with very small pieces of leaf, known in the trade as fannings and dust. These tiny pieces brew very quickly, which is handy when you want a strong cup in a hurry, but they also release their tannins fast, so the tea can turn bitter and astringent if it's left too long.
Supermarket tea bags are usually blends of teas from different countries, put together to taste the same every time. That's great for consistency, but it means you rarely taste where a tea came from.
What's different about loose leaf tea?
Loose leaf tea is made from whole leaves or larger pieces of leaf. In hot water they have room to unfurl, and the flavour comes out more slowly and gently. The result is usually a smoother, more rounded cup, with more of the tea's natural character.
Many loose leaf teas come from a single region or estate, so, just like single-origin coffee, each one tastes of where it was grown and how it was made.
Loose leaf tea vs tea bags at a glance
- Flavour: loose leaf usually has more depth and less bitterness. Tea bags are quick and strong.
- Freshness: small pieces of leaf lose their aroma faster, so bagged tea can taste flat sooner. Stored well, loose leaf keeps its flavour longer.
- Choice: there's a far wider range of loose leaf teas, from single-estate black teas to green, herbal and fruit blends.
- Re-steeping: many loose leaf teas, especially green teas, can be brewed two or three times. A tea bag gives one good cup.
- Waste: loose leaf leaves nothing behind but the leaves, which can go in your food waste or compost. Some tea bags are still sealed with plastic.
- Convenience: tea bags win here, but an infuser in your mug makes loose leaf nearly as quick.
Is loose leaf tea healthier?
Not really: it's the same plant, so the goodness is much the same. Because the smaller pieces in tea bags brew faster, they can even release some compounds more quickly. Choose loose leaf for the flavour and the experience rather than for health reasons. For more, see what the research says about tea.
How to switch to loose leaf tea
- Start with what you like. If you drink builder's tea, try a loose leaf breakfast black tea. If you like lighter teas, try a green or a fruit blend.
- Get an infuser. A simple infuser basket in your mug is all you need. Our guide to tea infusers explains the options.
- Measure and time it. About a teaspoon per mug, and follow the brewing guide for each tea. See how to brew the perfect cup of loose leaf tea.
- Keep it fresh. Store your tea in an airtight container away from light. Here's how to store loose leaf tea.
Want more reasons to make the switch? Read our 10 benefits of loose leaf tea.
Discover new teas every time
A Blue Coffee Box tea subscription brings rare and single-origin loose leaf teas through your letterbox, with a free infuser in the first box. From £9.99 with free UK delivery, and you can skip a delivery, change your date or cancel anytime.
