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The age-old question, “what are the benefits of loose leaf tea vs. tea bags?” has been a point of self-debate among many tea-drinkers. It’s probably how you ended up on this post in the first place.
Truth be told, each tea drinker has their preferences and reasons for choosing either loose leaf tea or tea bags. Let’s explore some of these notions and uncover some additional benefits of leaf tea along the way!
What Is The Difference Between Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags?
Let’s start with the basics. What are the main differences between loose tea and tea bags?
Tea bags are small chambers filled with crushed or broken down tea leaves used for brewing tea. High-quality tea bags are made of silk or cotton but the affordable ones are more commonly made of filter paper.
Tea bags are easier to use and are also more readily available. Simply submerge your tea bag in a cup of hot water, leave it to steep for a few minutes to infuse the flavor, and voila! You have yourself a perfect hot cuppa!
Loose leaf tea, on the other hand, is made with whole or crushed tea leaves that are steeped or boiled in hot water without the chamber or bag. Once the tea is steeped, you can filter out the loose tea leaves with a strainer or tea infuser.
Starting from taste, there are differences in smell and cost of loose tea leaves and tea bags.
Naturally, tea bags will have a more dilute taste and smell if compared to tea leaves as there is less room for the leaves to unfurl. Loose tea leaves allow for a stronger and richer taste.
But these added benefits come with a price, literally. Loose leaf tea tends to be a bit on the pricier end compared to tea bags. Still, it’s a lower cost in the long run. We’ll explain more as we go.
10 Benefits of Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea bags You Didn’t Know About
Tea lovers swear by this ancient method of drinking tea, and rightfully so! It allows for a more enjoyable drinking experience that lingers on in your senses. Here are some of the direct benefits of using loose tea leaves.
1. Quality
The number one reason to drink leaf tea is for the sheer quality. Having the whole leaf intact instead of having it in a powdered form allows the full flavor of the tea to release.
Loose tea leaves also retain the essential oils that teas release into your cup. Not only that, but loose leaf tea is also strong in its flavor as it is not mixed with other types of tea.
But not all loose leaf tea means quality. Quality comes through every step of the way, starting from ensuring proper production to packaging. Any random store-bought loose tea leaf might not meet your expectations!
2. Health Benefits
Whole tea leaves carry a lot of health benefits which may be stripped away when you chop them up instead of leaving them intact.
Larger tea leaves retain the essential oils and vitamins it has and release that into your cup. Using tea bags can stop you from benefiting from such health benefits.
3. Multiple Steeps
Loose-leaf tea can be used multiple times if you re-steep it. To put that into perspective, you can steep loose leaves 3 to 4 times easily without losing a ton of flavor.
This reduces the cost overall and also allows for the flavor profile to change with every re-steep. Meaning, that you get to enjoy several flavors from just one type of loose tea leaf.
Learn to get multiple steeps out of your loose tea
4. Cost
While the initial cost of loose tea leaves can seem a bit pricy, it actually isn’t if you compare it to tea bags. Loose-leaf tea can be re-steeped and even brewed in different ways to enjoy different flavor profiles.
Re-steeping means that the price per cup of tea will be less than the price of a teabag on average. Tea bags can usually only be used once and then discarded.
Around 80% of tea bags cost between 20 to 40 cents while 80% of loose tea leaves cost around 25 to 40 cents a cup.
For such a small price difference, you are actually paying more for tea bags because you cannot re-steep or use them for multiple flavors.
5. Ritual
The process of steeping tea leaves can be very relaxing and almost meditative for many. This may seem like a time-consuming process to some, but for others, it’s a moment to slow down and enjoy the experience.
Some cultures have integrated the tea-making process as a part of their ritual or ceremony. This is the case for the Chinese Cha-Dao or the Japanese Chanoyu tea ceremony and many more across the globe.
6. Freshness
Loose leaf tea is undoubtedly fresher if compared to tea bags. Unlike tea bags, loose tea leaves are freshly packed and sealed in to retain freshness and flavor.
On the other hand, tea bags may be stored away in warehouses or on shelves for a long time. This takes away their freshness.
7. Taste
The main point behind exploring different teas is the taste. Tea leaves need space to expand and release the flavor they hold within. This is just not possible when you stuff it into a tiny bag.
Loose leaf tea allows the intact tea leaves to release their full flavor and give a rich taste. You can also control the strength of your tea with loose tea leaves.
8. Leaf Variety
Certain teas have many variations depending on how the tea leaves are prepared. One tea species can produce different flavors depending on whether the leaves are whole and fresh or steamed and broken.
Thus, loose tea leaves offer a wider variety and selection of tea. Teabags usually contain broken down or powdered tea forms, limiting the types of preparations they can have.
9. Brewing
A tea bag can only hold so much tea and gives little space for the tea to expand and release flavor. The broken-down leaves, therefore, cannot provide the rich and deep flavor of the tea itself.
With loose leaf tea, you are giving it the whole pot to brew and infuse. This allows the authentic flavor of the tea to unleash. You get to experience the tea fully and indulge in a full-bodied taste.
10. Reduce Waste
Tea bags are one-time products. After their use, you cannot re-steep or re-use it so you just end up discarding it. Moreover, the use of metal staples will also have a negative environmental impact.
Loose tea leaves, as we mentioned above, can be used several times in the form of re-steeping. This means that you are reducing waste. Not to mention, unlike tea bags, loose tea leaves are completely compostable.
So, if you want to be more environmental-friendly, loose tea is the way to go!
Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bag: Understanding the Terminology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Whole Tea Leaf | This is usually the highest grade of tea which contains full unbroken leaves that give a lighter and less harsh brew. |
| Broken Tea Leaf | This is a lower grade of tea that can still be of premium quality. It contains broken leaves and results in a stronger and sometimes bitter brew. |
| Fannings | These are small tea leaf particles left after producing tea which is usually used for teabags. |
| Dust | This is the dust residue left after producing tea, they are usually used for tea bags. |
| Loose Leaf | Loose laves are dried tea leaves that are usually sold in containers rather than tea bags. |
| Teabags | Tea bags are small pouches or chambers that store broken down or powdered tea leaves. |
| Sachet Tea Bags | A tea sachet is a high-quality tea bag, usually pyramid-shaped, and comes with a looser fitting. |
| Pyramid Bag | These are tea sachets made out of premium quality nonwoven fabric that allows the tea to fully steep in a lot of room. These bags allow more aroma and flavor to be released. |
Why Should You Use Loose Leaf Tea?
Given all the benefits that are accompanied by loose tea leaves, it could be a better option to go for it without batting an eye. Still, the ultimate decision is yours so weigh in all the factors you deem important and pick your drink of choice.
How to Choose Between Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Bags?
When deciding on whether to drink leaf tea or use tea bags, keep in mind the following points as both have advantages and disadvantages.
Drinking for the health benefits
If you are drinking a particular tea for the associated health benefits, you should opt for loose tea leaves without a doubt.
The time needed for making tea
In case you’re in a time crunch and don’t have the time to brew a perfect cup of loose leaf tea, I recommend you go for a tea bag.
Drinking to enjoy the flavor
When it comes to indulging in the flavor and taste of a certain type of tea, using loose tea leaves can be a better option. You can also try using premium quality tea bags.
Reducing Waste
If you are conscious of your impact on the environment, using loose tea leaves will be better for you and for the planet.
How to Switch to Leaf Tea?
Switching from tea bags to loose leaf tea is no big deal at all. It just takes a bit of getting used to and some additional steps in your tea-making process.
Follow the simple steps I’ve gathered below and embark on your leaf tea journey today.
1. Think About Your Favorite Flavours You Like And Look For A Loose-Leaf Version
Chances are, whatever you have in the tea bag, also has a loose-leaf version of it. So start off simple and pick some flavors that you are already fond of. That way you know what to expect when you steep it.
2. Choose Your Brewing Method
There are a few methods of brewing loose leaf tea. Some include the use of teapots while some may simply ask to boil the tea leaves. Out of all the options, go for something simple to start off.
3. Take a Sip!
Once you have successfully brewed your tea in your method of choice, you can indulge in your first sip. Remember that the first sip will be very different from tea bags but with time and experience, this taste will only get better!
How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea for Beginners
For people who are used to dunking a tea bag in hot water and calling it a day, the process of making loose leaf tea can seem daunting. But don’t worry because it’s actually very simple and doesn’t take as much time as you may think.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin making the cup of tea, make sure you have your tools handy. This includes the loose leaf tea you want to make, your mug or pot, your infuser or filter, and your tea kettle.
In case you do not have all of these tools, you can just replace them with things you already have in the kitchen.
Step 2: Heat Up Your Water
You should next fill your kettle with cold, filtered water and turn it on. The proper tea brewing temperatures vary from 140 degrees for specialty green teas and 212 degrees for black and herbal teas.
Using water that is too hot can burn your leaves and using water that is not hot enough will not properly release the flavor.
Step 3: Measure Your Tea Leaves
While the water is heating, place an infuser or tea filter into your pot or mug and measure the tea leaves into it. I would recommend one teaspoon of tea leaves per six ounces of water. This is not a hard and fast rule and can be changed depending on what type of tea you are drinking.
Step 4: Steep Your Tea
Once your water has reached the optimum temperature, you can start to infuse your tea leaves. I recommend pouring the hot water over the tea leaves rather than spooning the leaves in the hot water. Depending on what tea you are drinking and how strong or light you like it, leave your tea leaves to steep.
Step 5: Remove Your Tea Leaves and Take A Sip
Once your tea is done steeping, you can remove the loose tea leaves from your pot and enjoy your cup of tea. If you want to add any milk or sugar this would be the time to do so. Stir everything in and voila, your perfect cup of tea is ready!
Where to Buy Good Loose Leaf Tea?
Finding loose tea leaves will not be difficult at all. You might even find more flavors of loose leaf tea than tea bags! They can be found both online and in physical shops.
You can buy good loose tea leaves from shops like Tealyra, Teabloom, or even Amazon. All these online shops will have a wide selection of quality teas to choose from.
You can even try exploring your local stores for leaf teas. Most retailers carry several types of teas from many brands.
FAQs about Tea Bags and Loose Leaf Tea
1. Does loose leaf tea taste better than tea bags?
In most cases yes, loose tea leaves taste better than tea bags as they are intact tea leaves instead of broken down or powdered leaves.
2. Is loose leaf tea better value?
Leaf tea can be of higher value both in terms of cost and taste. This is because it can be re-steeped and can also hold a more concentrated flavor.
3. Are tea leaves better for the environment?
Tea leaves are better for the environment as they are reusable and are completely compostable in most cases. Tea bags are one-time use and can also have a metal staple that is bad for the environment.
4. Is loose leaf tea better for you?
Using tea leaves can be healthier as they retain the essential oils and nutrients that exist in tea leaves instead of stripping them away.
5. Is loose tea better quality than tea bags?
In terms of quality, tea leaves are better because they keep the tea leaves intact when steeping. Teabags use broken down or powdered tea leaves that can strip the tea of nutrients and essential oils.
Wrapping Things Up
In conclusion, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a cup of tea. It all boils down to your personal preference, pun intended!
I would definitely recommend giving loose leaf tea a try because you might end up loving it and not going back to tea bags.
For tea bags, try buying some high-quality tea bags. These are comparatively better and give a nice aroma and taste!
Drinking tea is good for your health and can even be a meditating process for many. So, regardless of whether you’re using tea leaves or tea bags, just try to enjoy the experience!