How long does tea last?
Tea keeps for 18 to 36 months in the pantry. USDA lists 3 kinds of tea; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
bags
18 to 36 months
from the package date
No guideline
No guideline
All kinds of tea, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bags | 18 to 36 months | no guideline | 6 to 12 months | no guideline |
| instant | 2 to 3 years | no guideline | 6 to 12 months | no guideline |
| loose | 2 years | no guideline | 6 to 12 months | no guideline |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
- loose: Matcha tea is the only tea that can be frozen after opening.
How to tell tea has gone bad
General signs for beverages, the group USDA lists tea under.
- Fizzy drinks that have gone flat or taste metallic
- Sour or curdled smell from opened juice or milk alternatives
- Cloudiness or separation that will not shake back together
- Cork pushed slightly out or wine that smells like vinegar
- Mould ring forming at the neck of a bottle or carton
More on beverages. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Refrigerate opened juice, milk alternatives and any dairy-based drinks, and use them within about a week. Store unopened cans and bottles upright in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight. Keep coffee and tea in airtight containers away from heat and moisture to preserve flavour longer.
More in beverages
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.