Loose Leaf Tea
Loose leaf tea refers to whole or large pieces of tea leaves that are not confined to a bag.
- Leaf Quality – Usually contains whole leaves or large broken leaves, allowing for more complex flavors and aromas.
- Brewing – Hot water has more room to circulate around the leaves, resulting in a full, well-rounded cup.
- Multiple Infusions – Many loose leaf teas can be steeped several times, offering more value over time.
- Packaging Sizes – Our loose leaf teas are available in 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1kg formats to suit both casual drinkers and frequent tea lovers.
- Experience – Brewing loose tea is often part of a ritual that tea enthusiasts enjoy.
Advantages:
- Flavor complexity: Larger leaves contain more nuanced flavor notes.
- Multiple infusions: Many loose leaf teas can be steeped more than once.
- Variety: Available in multiple grades and seasonal harvests.
Packaging Sizes Commonly Found:
- 100 g
- 250 g
- 500 g
- 1 kg
Tea Bags
Tea bags offer convenience and portability. They are quick to brew, easy to clean up, and ideal when time is short. However, the quality of tea in bags can vary widely.
Two main factors define the tea bag experience:
- Leaf Cut – Traditional commercial tea bags often use small leaf particles called fannings or dust, leading to a stronger but less complex flavor. Higher-quality tea bags use whole or large broken leaves for better taste.
- Bag Shape & Material – The space inside the bag, and what it’s made from, can dramatically affect brewing quality.
Common Types of Tea Bags
Pyramid Tea Bags
Round Tea Bags
Square Tea Bags
- Made from a plant-based mesh (often corn fiber) or other eco-friendly materials.
- Three-dimensional shape allows tea leaves to expand fully, similar to loose leaf brewing.
- Excellent for premium whole leaf teas that need space to release their full flavor.
- Can often be steeped more than once.
- Typically unbleached paper.
- Mug-friendly with no string or tag, reducing packaging waste.
- Works well for strong black teas or herbal blends.
- Designed for one-time use but convenient for quick preparation.
- The most common traditional tea bag shape.
- Usually found in everyday grocery teas but also used for quality blends when paired with better-grade leaves.
- May include a tag and string for easy removal.
Choosing Between Loose Leaf and Tea Bags
| Feature | Tea Bags (Pyramid) | Tea Bags (Pyramid) | Tea Bags (Round/Square) |
| Leaf Size | Whole or large leaf fragments | Whole or large leaf fragments | Smaller leaf cuts, fannings, or dust |
| Flavor Complexity | High – multiple layers of taste | High – close to loose leaf quality | Moderate – strong, straightforward |
| Convenience | Requires strainer or infuser | Very convenient, single-use | Very convenient, single-use |
| Multiple Infusions | Often yes | Sometimes yes | Rarely |
Note: In professional tea education, neither loose leaf nor tea bags are inherently “better” — the choice depends on the drinker’s priorities: complexity and ritual, or speed and convenience.