Does Herbal Tea Expire? The Truth About Shelf Life and Storage

May 22, 2025

Whether you're a casual tea drinker or have a cupboard full of blends, chances are you've wondered, "Does herbal tea expire?" Maybe you found an old packet at the back of your pantry and hesitated before steeping it. Good news: you're not alone—and we're here to give you the lowdown.

Does Herbal Tea Really Expire?

Technically speaking, herbal tea doesn’t “expire” the way milk or bread does. It doesn’t become unsafe to drink after a certain date, but it can lose its flavor, aroma, and nutritional potency over time. Most herbal teas come with a "best by" date, which is more about quality than safety.

So, What Happens After That Date?

After the best-by date, your tea might:

Taste weaker or slightly stale
Lose its signature fragrance
Have diminished therapeutic properties (especially important if you drink herbal tea for its health benefits)

It won’t grow mold or become toxic—unless it’s been exposed to moisture or stored improperly (more on that shortly).

Shelf Life of Herbal Tea

On average, sealed and properly stored herbal teas can last between 1 to 2 years. Some hardier ingredients, like dried ginger or peppermint, may retain their character a bit longer.

Loose-leaf tea and tea bags have similar lifespans, but loose-leaf may degrade faster if exposed to air.

Factors That Influence Shelf Life:

Air exposure: Oxygen degrades flavor and aroma
Light: UV rays can break down compounds in herbs
Humidity: Moisture is the enemy—hello, mold
Temperature fluctuations: Heat can warp essential oils in herbs

How to Store Herbal Tea for Maximum Freshness

Want to make your tea last? Treat it like a delicate treasure (because it kind of is).

Do:

Store in airtight containers (preferably opaque or UV-blocking)
Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place
Label containers with purchase dates

Don’t:

Leave tea in opened bags or cardboard boxes
Store it near your stove or in direct sunlight
Keep it in the fridge (condensation is not your friend)

Pro Tip:

If you’re into glass jars for aesthetics, keep them inside a cupboard to protect from light.

Signs Your Herbal Tea Has Gone Stale

Not sure whether that old chamomile is still sip-worthy? Here are some clues:

Faded scent: If it smells like nothing, it might taste like nothing
Discoloration: Herbs should still have some vibrancy
Weak flavor: If your cup tastes like hot water, your tea’s time has passed
Clumping or moisture: Toss it. That’s a no-go.

What About Blended Herbal Teas?

Blended teas that include flowers, fruit, or spices may have different shelf lives depending on the ingredients. Florals like hibiscus or rosehip can lose their punch more quickly.

Danfe Tea Recommendations:

Looking for high-quality herbal teas that stay fresh longer? Check out:

Tulsi Chamomile Tranquility Herbal Tea – Naturally soothing and aromatic
Lemongrass Tea (Loose Leaf Herbal Tea) – A zesty, invigorating blend with shelf-life-friendly ingredients
Spearmint Lemongrass Herbal Tea – Fresh, clean, and long-lasting flavor

These teas are packaged for freshness and made with premium ingredients.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Waste Good Tea

While herbal tea won’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight, it will eventually lose the qualities that made you buy it in the first place. Store it right, check for signs of staleness, and savor it while it's still at its best.

Tea, like life, is better when it’s fresh.

Ready to refresh your tea stash? Explore our range of flavorful, fresh herbal teas at DanfeTea.com. Your perfect cup is just a click away.