Your Ultimate Guide to Tea: Shelf Life, Benefits, Storage Tips & My Favorite Picks
There’s just something comforting about a good cup of tea. Maybe it’s the ritual. Maybe it’s the warmth. Maybe it’s because it’s one of the simplest little things that helps your body feel better from the inside out.
And if you’ve followed me for a while, you already know I’m that girl who stocks up with 20–25 boxes every year. When I find a favorite… I commit. 😂
So today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about tea; how long it lasts, the real health benefits, how to store it, and the blends I keep on hand year-round.
Having tea in London with my daughter outside of Windsor Castle on our Mother/Daughter trip to London in 2016 is one of my favorite tea memories.
A warm cup in my hands always feels like a tiny reminder to slow down and take care of myself.
Benefits of Tea
Tea is one of the easiest wellness habits you can add to your day. No fancy routine. No complicated steps. Just hot water, a steep, and a few minutes of breathing space.
Different teas offer different benefits, but overall, tea can support:
- Digestion (ginger, peppermint, chamomile, fennel)
- Energy + focus (black tea, green tea, yerba mate)
- Stress + mood (herbal blends, lavender, lemon balm)
- Sleep + relaxation (chamomile, valerian, bedtime blends)
- Inflammation (turmeric, ginger, green tea)
- Hydration (yes—tea counts!)
Does Tea Expire? How Long It Actually Lasts
Here’s the best part: tea lasts a long time. Like… a really long time when you store it correctly.
Shelf Life of Tea
- Tea bags: 12–24 months past the “best by” date
- Loose-leaf tea: 18–36 months
- Herbal teas: 12–18 months (herbs fade faster)
- Blended teas (spices + herbs): 1–2 years
Tea doesn’t “go bad” the way food does; it just loses flavor and potency over time. As long as it’s dry, cool, and stored away from light and heat, it’s usually perfectly fine.
Signs Tea Has Gone Stale
- It smells like… nothing
- Color looks dull
- Flavor is weak or flat
How to Store Tea for Maximum Freshness
This is especially for those of us (hi, it’s me 🙋♀️) who buy tea in bulk.
Best Storage Practices
- Keep tea in a cool, dry, dark place
- Avoid storing near the stove or dishwasher (heat & humidity!)
- Keep tea sealed in its original packaging or an airtight container
- Don’t keep it on a sunny shelf; light breaks down herbs and leaves
Your tea will stay fresher, longer… and you won’t feel bad when you open box #17 and it’s been sitting for a minute. 😉
When my gut feels calm, my whole day feels lighter and a simple cup of tea is one of my favorite ways to reset.
Health Benefits of Tea (Simple + Real Life)
Here’s the easy breakdown; no complicated science talk.
For Digestion & Bloating
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Dandelion
- Chamomile
- Fennel Blends
For Energy & Focus
- Green tea
- Black tea
- Matcha
- Yerba Mate
For Mood & Stress
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Ashwagandha blends
For Sleep
- Chamomile
- Valerian root
- Bedtime herbal blends
For Inflammation
- Turmeric blends
- Ginger tea
- Green tea
My Favorite Teas
Here are the teas I keep stocked, and yes, I buy Pumpkin Spice 20+ boxes at a time when it’s in season so I have it to enjoy all year long.
- Pumpkin Spice (Tazo, Twining and Trader Joe’s are my top favorite brands)
- Red Rose Sweet Temptations: Blueberry Muffin, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Cake
I’ll keep this list updated inside Cathys’ Picks (LTK) so you can easily find the exact ones I use.
Can You Drink Tea While Supporting Gut Health?
Yes; and honestly, it can help. Gentle herbal teas:
– support digestion
– reduce inflammation
– calm cravings
– help with bloating
– support better sleep (which your gut loves)
Tea isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a supportive habit that makes everything else easier.
Keeping tea on hand is one of the simplest wellness habits you can start today. It’s cozy, comforting, supports your body and it lasts a long time; even when you stock up the way I do.
Shop My Tea Essentials
If you’re a tea girl like me, you’re going to love this. I rounded up some of my favorite teas, kettle, organizers, and a few favorite accessories. Some of the things I use every single day to make my tea time feel special. Check them out here.
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