What Happens If You Drink Expired Tea? (Risks To Be Aware Of)

Once you taste a quality loose leaf tea, you’ll never go back to tea bags again.

But that loose leaf tea does get old.

And when it does, it begins to lose its flavor and aroma.

Tea bags suffer the same fate, although less so.

They last longer than loose leaf tea. And they don’t have nearly as much flavor to begin with, so there is less to lose.

But they get old just the same.

So what happens if you drink expired tea? Does it just taste worse, or can it make you sick? Or worse?

Keep reading to learn what can happen when you drink expired tea. We will cover everything you need to know.

 

What Happens If You Drink Expired Tea?

Usually nothing happens if you drink expired tea. But that does not mean you should do so. You could potentially ingest harmful bacteria and mold.

It’s important for you to understand the risks associated with drinking expired tea, so you can avoid health issues like food poisoning. Even if nothing happens most of the time, it is enough that something could happen. Let’s find out exactly how tea can change when it expires.

 

What Happens When Tea Expires

When tea ages, it can go stale, lose its aroma, and even develop a more bitter taste. Black teas tend to become more robust and flavorful as they age, while green teas can lose their delicate flavors and become more bitter.

The expiration date on tea packages typically indicates the time frame during which the tea should be consumed to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.

Drinking expired tea can result in a less enjoyable tea experience, because the taste and aroma may be affected. It’s always good to understand how expiration affects the tea you’re drinking, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible tea-drinking experience.

Of course, a less enjoyable flavor is a far cry from serious health effects. Expired tea may taste different, but is rarely a risk to your health. The key word is “rarely.” In other words, there is a small chance that it could cause serous problems.

 

The Risks Of Drinking Expired Tea

Drinking expired tea can pose several health risks, including gastrointestinal issues lik nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. When tea expires, it can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and mold, which can cause food poisoning and other forms of illness.

This is especially true for herbal teas and sweetened tea, which are more susceptible to bacteria and molds. These can have adverse effects on various body systems and cause allergic reactions in some people.

It is important to be aware of these risks and to always check the expiration date and look for signs of spoilage before consuming any type of tea.

 

How To Tell If Tea Is Expired

When it comes to determining if tea has expired, it’s important to be aware of the different shelf lives of the different types of tea.

Black tea can last up to two years if stored properly, while green tea has a shorter shelf life of between six and eight months. Herbal teas will usually stay fresh for up to a year.

There are several signs to keep an eye out for that can indicate your tea has expired. These include a stale or musty aroma, a change in the color or texture, and a more bitter taste. If there are any signs of mold or discoloration, it’s best to throw the tea away, rather than risk illness.

To extend the shelf life of tea, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and with no moisture. It’s preferable to keep tea in an airtight container to prevent it from being exposed to moist air, which can cause it to go stale much more quickly.

Also, try to keep your tea away from strong odors that can be absorbed and affect the taste. By following these storage guidelines, you can help to prolong the shelf life of your tea and avoid a situation where you have to decide whether you want to risk it and drink expired tea..

 

Is It Bad To Drink Expired Tea: Related Questions

Below, we will look at some common questions related to drinking expired tea. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments below.

 

Can You Drink 10 Year Old Tea Bags?

Tea bags do not exactly expire. Neither does loose-leaf tea. Dry tea leaves and bags are typically good for a whopping two years before quality starts rolling down a hill. All teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant, whether green or black teas, will begin to lose their flavor as time passes.

That said, as mentioned above, tea past the expiration date could grow mold or bacteria. You could definitely drink 10 year old tea bags, but they will probably not taste good and they could be spoiled and cause you to become sick.

 

Can You Freeze Tea Bags To Keep Them Fresh?

Yes, you can freeze tea bags. Tea freezes surprisingly well, mainly due to a lack of moisture which can affect the cell structure of the leaves.

But make sure you first seal the tea in a watertight container before freezing. Don’t just place the entire unprotected cardboard box of tea bags in the freezer and slam the door. Ziploc bags are a great way of ensuring your tea bags are watertight.

 

Are Tea Bags Still Good After Two Years?

For the most part, you are still able to brew and enjoy tea made from tea bags for up to two years after their best-before date. You can still brew it, but your cup of tea may not taste as good as it would if you had used fresher tea.

 

Can Old Tea Make You Sick?

Old tea can contain coliform bacteria, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. So yes, old tea can go bad and make you sick. That is why it is best to avoid it.

 

How Long Does Green Tea Stay Fresh?

Green tea has the shortest shelf life of all teas. Fresh seasonal green tea should be sweet—not bitter—and deeply aromatic. It can last for up to a year, but because green tea does “go bad,” it is best to drink it within six months to get the best flavors.

 

How Long Do Herbal Teas Last?

Herbal teas can last up to two years, if stored properly in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture. However, the flavor of herbal teas often begins to diminish after six months or so, and your tea will be less enjoyable. The fresher your tea, the tastier your drink.

 

Can You Flush Food Poisoning Out Of Your system?

Most people with food poisoning recover at home and don’t need any specific treatment, although there are some situations where you should see your doctor for advice.

Until you feel better, you should rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Try to drink plenty of water, even if you can only sip it, and seek medical care should symptoms persist.

 

Drinking Expired Tea: Final Thoughts

Drinking expired tea is generally harmless. It may have less flavor, but it is unlikely to cause you any harm. That said, there is a chance it could have mold or bacteria that can make you sick.

Even though the chances of that are low, we still recommend you don’t drink expired tea. Tea is not overly expensive, so why risk it? Just get some new tea. And since it lasts a long time, there is really no reason it should be expiring anyway. If you find yours always does, try to buy smaller amounts.