Loose Leaf Tea Vs. Tea Bags: Which Should You Choose?

Tea lovers enjoy drinking tea for many reasons. Some people like the fact that it relaxes them, while others enjoy the taste and potential health benefits. No matter what your reason is for drinking tea, you likely began your tea journey with tea bags. After all, tea bags are convenient and easy to use. Just pop one in a cup of hot water and you’re good to go. But, what if we told you that there’s a better way to enjoy your tea? Loose leaf tea is becoming more popular among tea lovers for many reasons. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences between loose leaf tea and tea bags so that you can decide which is right for you.

What Are Tea Bags?

As the name suggests, tea bags are small bags filled with tea leaves. They were invented in 1904 by Thomas Sullivan, an American tea merchant who sent out his tea samples in silk bags. His customers liked the idea so much that they started using the bags to brew their own tea (16).

Teabags became popular in the United States during World War II because they were a convenient way to make tea without having to measure out loose leaves. Today, tea bags are the most popular way to brew tea in the United States.

There are two types of tea bags: paper and mesh. Paper tea bags are made of a type of filter paper that is heat-sealed around the edges. Mesh tea bags are made of a type of metal mesh that is also heat-sealed around the edges (1).

Paper tea bags are more common because they are cheaper to produce. However, mesh tea bags are often preferred by tea aficionados because they allow the tea leaves to expand and infuse better.

The contents of tea bags vary depending on the type of tea. Black teas, oolong teas, green teas, and white teas are all available in tea bag form. Herbal teas are also commonly found in tea bags.

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What Is Loose Leaf Tea?

Loose leaf tea is exactly what it sounds like– tea leaves that are not in a tea bag. These leaves are usually larger than the leaves found in tea bags and are less processed.

This tea is brewed by adding the leaves to a cup or pot of hot water and allowing them to steep for a few minutes. The leaves are then strained out before drinking.

It also has a stronger flavor than tea bags because the leaves are not as processed. The leaves are also able to expand fully, which allows them to release more of their flavor (13).

Loose leaf tea is available in the same varieties as tea bags: black, oolong, green, white, and herbal.

Grades Of Tea And Why They Matter

Tea gradings are determined by the size, shape, and quality of the leaves. The four main grades are whole leaf, broken leaf, fanning, and dust.

It’s important to know that not all teas are graded. In fact, most commercial teas aren’t graded at all. The vast majority of tea that is consumed around the world is what’s known as “bulk tea”, which is simply a tea that has not been sorted or graded in any way.

However, there are some higher-quality teas that are graded, and these grades can give you a good indication of the quality of the tea. 

While there are many nuanced categories, the four overarching grades of tea are:

1. Whole Leaf

Whole leaf teas are of the highest quality, and as the name suggests, they are made from whole tea leaves. These leaves have not been broken or crushed in any way, and as a result, they retain more of the natural oils and nutrients from the plant. 

They are the most flavorful leaves and can last through multiple steeping. 

2. Broken Leaf

Broken leaf teas are still of good quality, but not as high as whole leaf teas. As the name suggests, these teas are made from broken leaves, which have been crushed or cut into smaller pieces.

Broken leaf teas are often sold as loose leaf varieties. They have most of the flavor and can last through multiple steepings. 

3. Fannings

Fannings are the smallest pieces of tea, and they are often used in mass-produced teas such as tea bags. They have less flavor and aroma compared to whole or broken leaf teas and are generally of lower quality.

Tea in tea bags is often fannings or dust. It doesn’t retain its flavor after one steeping and generally has a more astringent taste.

4. Dust

Dust is the lowest quality tea and is made up of the smallest pieces of tea leaves. It has very little flavor or aroma and is often used in industrial applications such as making instant tea.

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Which Is Better: Loose Leaf Tea Or Tea Bags?

To determine whether loose leaf tea or tea bags are better, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Here are some of the main differences between the two:

1. Quality

As a general rule, loose leaf tea is of higher quality than tea bags. This is because loose leaf tea is made from whole or broken leaves, while tea bags are often made from fannings or dust. 

2. Flavor

Loose leaf tea has a stronger flavor than tea bags because the leaves are able to expand fully and release more of their flavor. 

3. Aroma

Loose leaf tea also has a stronger aroma than tea bags. This is because the leaves are not as processed, and as a result, they retain more of the natural oils from the plant. 

4. Ease And Efficiency Of Use

Teabags are more convenient and easier to use than loose leaf tea. This is because you don’t have to worry about measuring the leaves or straining them out after steeping. 

Furthermore, tea bags are readily available and can be found in most supermarkets. On the other hand, loose leaf tea can be more difficult to find and may require you to purchase it from a specialty store. 

Storage is also another factor to consider. Teabags can be stored for longer periods than loose leaf tea, as the leaves in tea bags are less likely to noticeably lose their flavor.

5. Varieties

Loose leaf tea offers a greater variety of flavors and aromas than tea bags. This is because loose leaf tea is made from higher-quality leaves, which have more nuanced flavors. The leaves in tea bags are often of lower quality and have less flavor. 

6. Environmental Impact

Tea bags often contain plastic, which is not biodegradable. This means that they can take centuries to decompose, which could be harmful to the environment.

Loose leaf tea does not have this problem as it does not contain plastic. As a result, it is more environmentally friendly than tea bags.

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How To Make Loose Leaf Tea?

Making loose leaf tea requires some degree of care and precision, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite simple. 

Here’s a basic guide on how to make loose leaf tea:

1. Measure The Leaves

The first step is to measure the correct amount of tea leaves. As a general rule, you should use two grams of tea leaves for every 200 ml of water. 

If you’re using a cup or mug that doesn’t have measurements, a good way to estimate the number of leaves is to scoop out two tablespoons of leaves. 

2. Place The Leaves In A Teapot Or Infuser

Once you’ve measured out the leaves, place them in a teapot or infuser. 

If you’re using a teapot, make sure that the leaves are not tightly packed, as this will prevent the water from circulating properly and result in a weaker tea. 

If you’re using an infuser, make sure that the holes are not too big, as this will allow the leaves to escape and make a mess. 

3. Pour Hot Water Over The Leaves

Next, pour hot water over the leaves. The water should be at a rolling boil, and you should pour it over the leaves in a slow and steady stream. 

If you’re using a teapot, fill it up to the neck, and then put the lid on. 

If you’re using an infuser, fill it up to the top of the infuser basket. 

4. Steep For 3 To 5 Minutes

Once you’ve added the hot water, allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes.

If you’re using a teapot, lift the lid occasionally to take a sniff. This will help you gauge the strength of the tea and decide when it’s ready. 

If you’re using an infuser, the tea will be ready when the water turns a light amber color. 

5. Remove The Leaves And Enjoy

Once the tea has finished steeping, remove the leaves and enjoy. 

If you’re using a teapot, pour the tea into cups, making sure to leave the leaves behind. 

If you’re using an infuser, simply lift it out of the cup and discard the leaves.

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Preserving The Quality Of Loose Leaf Tea

Once you’ve opened a bag of loose leaf tea, it’s important to take measures to preserve the quality of the leaves. 

Here are a few tips on how to do this:

1. Store The Tea In An Airtight Container

The first step is to store the tea in an airtight container. This will protect the leaves from moisture and oxygen, which can cause them to lose their flavor. 

2. Keep The Container In A Cool, Dark Place

It’s also important to keep the container in a cool, dark place. This will help the tea leaves retain their flavor for longer. 

3. Use The Tea Within Six Months

Ideally, you should use the tea within six months of opening the bag. This will ensure that the leaves are at their peak freshness and flavor. 

4. Store Different Types Of Tea Separately

If you have more than one type of loose leaf tea, it’s best to store them in separate containers. This will prevent the flavors from mingling and affecting the taste of the tea. 

How To Make Tea With Tea Bags?

Making tea with tea bags is a simple and convenient way to enjoy your favorite beverage. 

Here’s a basic guide on how to make tea with tea bags:

1. Pour hot water into a cup or mug.
2. Place the tea bag in the hot water.
3. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bag and enjoy.
5. If desired, add milk or sugar.

Making tea with tea bags is a quick and easy process. Preserving the quality of tea bags requires similar steps to loose-leaf tea. 

Do Tea Bags Have The Same Benefits As Loose-Leaf Tea?

Yes, they do. The potential health benefits of tea can be found in both loose leaf tea and tea bags. This is because the leaves used to make both types of tea come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. 

The main difference between the two is that loose leaf tea is made from whole or broken leaves, while tea bags are made from fannings or dust. As a result, loose leaf tea is thought to retain more antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds than tea bags.

That being said, both loose leaf tea and tea bags offer a variety of health benefits, including:

1. Supporting The Immune System

Your immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect your body from infection (10). 

The antioxidants in tea may help to support your immune system by protecting your cells from damage (4).

2. Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that helps to protect your body from infection and injury. However, chronic inflammation is associated with a variety of health problems, such as heart disease and arthritis (6). 

The compounds in tea may help to reduce inflammation by exerting anti-inflammatory effects in your body (4).

3. Enhancing Brain Function

Tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can help to improve your alertness and focus (5). In addition, the antioxidants in tea may help protect your brain cells from damage due to oxidative stress (3).

4. Lowering Risk Of Cancer

The antioxidants in tea can help protect your cells from damage, which may reduce the development and growth of cancerous cells. Some studies have found that tea consumption may be associated with a lower risk of cancer, although more research is needed (14).  

5. Improving Heart Health

The antioxidants in tea can help protect your heart cells and blood vessels from damage and may help reduce the buildup of plaque in your arteries. In addition, tea might help lower your blood pressure and improve the function of your blood vessels (15).

6. Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. The antioxidants in tea may help relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure (7).

7. Promoting Weight Loss

Tea might help you to lose weight by boosting your metabolism and increasing the amount of fat that your body burns. In addition, tea might help promote satiety and reduce your cravings for unhealthy foods (2).

Note that tea alone will not lead to significant weight loss. For best results, pair your tea drinking with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

8. Improving Digestion

Tea polyphenols may help improve your digestive health by interacting with the beneficial bacteria in your gut. In addition, the antioxidants in tea may help protect your gut cells from damage (9).

9. Reducing Stress

Stress is a major risk factor for a variety of health problems, including heart disease and anxiety. The polyphenols in tea may help reduce stress and improve mood by regulating the intestinal microbiome, which has strong links to the brain  (12).

10. Improving Bone Health

The nutrients and polyphenols in tea might help improve your bone density and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to become weak and fragile (4) (8). 

Green tea, for example, is especially high in a type of polyphenol known as catechins, which may help protect bone (11). Other teas, such as black tea and oolong tea, are also high in polyphenols that may help to protect your bones.

The Bottom Line

So, which is better? Loose leaf tea or tea bags? Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for convenience and ease of use, then tea bags are the way to go. However, if you’re looking for flavor and aroma, then loose leaf tea is the better option.