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Wondering if those expired teabags buried in your pantry are still good to drink? The answer may surprise you! Even though teabags have expiration dates, the fact that it’s past the date doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone bad. Before you throw in the tea towel, find out if your old teabags are still safe to drink and how to store different teas properly to help them stay fresher longer.
Do teabags go bad?
Yes, teabags can go bad if they’re stored improperly. Moldy bags or leaves and no aroma or a damp smell are signs of bad teabags. When stored in an airtight container to prevent mold growth, teabags may be safe to use after their expiration date, but some teas – like green tea – lose flavor and potency after 2-3 years.
Steps
Signs Your Teabags Have Gone Bad
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Mold in the teabags or leavesMold growth is almost always a bad sign, whether it’s in tea or any other food or beverage. If you see any green, white, or black spots on the teabag or on the leaves, discard it immediately! Consuming moldy tea will expose you to mycotoxins and make you sick.[2]
- Even fresh storebought teabags can grow mold. The presence or lack of mold often depends on factors outside of your control, like where the tea leaves were grown and how the manufacturer processed and stored them.[3]
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No scent or moldy, stale smellMost teas lose their scent the longer they’re stored. If your teabags don’t have any smell whatsoever, that means the tea you brew with them won’t taste like anything, either. You can still drink it, though, if you don’t mind the lack of flavor.
- Meanwhile, a moldy, smoky, or stale smell means your teabags are moist and the tea has degraded.[4]
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Change in colorWith certain types of tea, you may be able to tell if it’s optimal for brewing by the color of the leaves in the teabag. Color changes are most obvious in green tea, as fresh green tea leaves should be light green, not brown or golden.[5]
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Stale, bitter flavorIf the appearance and smell of your old teabags don’t tell you anything, try making a cup. Take a sip, and if the flavor is stale or bitter, you know it won’t be pleasant to drink.[6]
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating
- ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous
- ↑ https://drtaniadempsey.com/the-truth-about-pesticides-in-tea/
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/bagged-tea-or-loose-leaf-tea-better-you
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/bagged-tea-or-loose-leaf-tea-better-you
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/bagged-tea-or-loose-leaf-tea-better-you
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/tea-storage
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/tea-storage
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/tea-storage
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/tea-storage
- ↑ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/should-you-store-your-tea-in-the-pantry-or-in-the-fridge-we-ask-the-experts/PZXV7BRTTAWZ43TVVMVKZFKTGE
- ↑ https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/
- ↑ https://hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/what-is-matcha
- ↑ https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/
- ↑ https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/
- ↑ https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/
- ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/what-is-puerh-tea-where-to-buy
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/why-you-should-stop-throwing-away-used-tea-bags/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/why-you-should-stop-throwing-away-used-tea-bags/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/why-you-should-stop-throwing-away-used-tea-bags/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/why-you-should-stop-throwing-away-used-tea-bags/
- ↑ https://www.lipton.com/us/en/faqs/