Loose-Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags
Most standard tea bags hold small broken leaf pieces, which brew fast but flat. Loose leaf has room to unfurl and usually tastes fuller.
| Loose leaf | Tea bags | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf quality | Whole or large pieces | Often fannings and dust |
| Flavour | Fuller, more complex | Quick, often more astringent |
| Re-steeping | Often two or more times | Usually once |
| Cost per cup | Can be similar when re-steeped | Low |
| Convenience | Needs an infuser | Very convenient |
| Waste | Compostable leaves | Some bags contain plastic |
Choose Loose leaf if
- Flavour matters most
- You want to try different origins
- You re-steep through the day
Choose Tea bags if
- You need tea on the go
- You drink mostly with milk and sugar
- You want zero equipment
The bottom line
Loose leaf is worth it if you enjoy tasting tea. Refillable filter bags give much of the convenience of tea bags with loose-leaf quality.