Loose leaf tea versus tea bags is a popular debate. Most tea drinkers have started their journey with tea bags before being introduced to loose leaf. After discovering the world of loose leaf tea it’s common to wonder if it is really better than tea bags. Tea bags are easy to buy, use and dispose of so what makes loose leaf tea superior? There are pros and cons for both. So, it is important to note that the answer to this question depends on quite a few factors. Here are the main differences between loose leaf and tea bags.
History of Tea Bags
Did you know the sources claim that the first tea bag was actually created by accident? In 1908, an American tea importer in New York, Thomas Sullivan, packaged tea samples in silk pouches.
Originally, they were packaged this way just to transport the loose leaf tea samples to customers. However, customers put the silk pouches filled with tea directly in hot water to steep.
This new steeping method was so well received that the customers asked for more.
Although, there is another source that states 7 years earlier, in 1901, Roberta C. Lawson and Mary Molaren of Milwaukee, Wisconsin filed a patent for a “tea-leaf holder” which is very similar to the modern tea bag.
Either way, the tea bag has evolved over the years.
Different Types of Tea Bags
Tea bags come in all different shapes and sizes. Most importantly though, they are made with different materials as well.
The materials used for tea bags can range from paper to plastic or silk. Not all tea bags are biodegradable or compostable.
It’s always important to read the packaging because even if the material may seem like it (ie. paper) there are other components to consider. The string and tea tag attached or even the glue that seals the tea bag may not be fully biodegradable.
This is why loose leaf tea is often promoted as the more environmentally friendly option.
Paper Tea Bags
Paper style tea bags can be square, rectangular or circular. Most commercial tea bags are of this nature.
This tea bag style doesn’t allow for much room so generally they are filled with the smaller tea particles like dust and fannings.
Pyramid Tea Bags
Pyramid tea bags are given this name because of their shape similar to a pyramid. The triangular shape allows for more space which means larger tea leaves can fit and steep properly with this tea bag style.
The pyramid shaped tea bags can be filled with whole tea leaves and offer better quality tea while being convenient.
Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bags – Main Differences
Difference #1: Quality
Both loose leaf tea and tea bags can vary in quality. However, often loose leaf tea is higher quality tea in comparison to commercial tea bags.
The loose leaf variety is made with whole leaves or cut tea leaves. When tea leaves are not broken they can be more fragrant and flavourful.
Tea bags are generally filled with the dust and fannings of full leaf tea. The leaf size greatly affects the overall taste of a tea. Since the leaf size is smaller in comparison to loose leaf it can be a lower quality.
Difference #2: Taste
Since the loose leaf variety generally has larger leaf size, this means that it can offer a full flavour profile. The taste will differ when compared to bags because steeping tea leaves loose will allow for maximum fragrance and flavour to be extracted.
When tea bags are filled with smaller leaves and dusts leftover from whole leaves, they can lack flavour.
Instead of a full flavour profile, it’s usually just a one-note flavour profile. This is mainly because broken and smaller tea leaves have lost more of their essential oils and aroma.
Even if a tea bag has larger leaves inside, tea bags do not have a lot of space when steeping. Therefore, there is little to no room for the tea leaves to properly unfurl.
This means they can not release their full flavours. Tea bags are best for quick strong steeps.
Additionally, the tea bag material could affect the overall taste as well.
Difference #3: Preparation
Loose leaf tea may seem intimidating to prepare because of the steeping tools needed, but you really don’t need too much!
To prepare tea with loose leaves, a mug, tea spoon and infuser is required. The tea spoon is to measure the amount of tea needed per cup and the infuser is to make sure the leaves don’t escape into the steeping vessel.
My personal favourite is an infuser basket.
Steeping in an infuser basket gives it more room to steep which is very important. Since the leaves are larger, they need more room to expand and release their full flavour.
Tea bags can be more convenient when it comes to preparing tea.
The standard tea bag size is prepackaged and ready to go for a single serving. Add a tea bag to a mug, pour hot water and steep! Easy peasy.
However, if needed, loose leaves can also be added to paper tea filters for easy use.
When comparing the steeping time, some loose leaf tea may require a longer steep time. Tea bags can be quicker to steep. That’s just another reason why they may be more convenient at times.
Difference #4: Variety
There are hundreds of options when shopping for loose leaf tea. It’s nice to have a wide variety of teas to try. This includes pure teas from all around the world and creative tea blends.
There are definitely a lot more options for tea bags today in terms of types of teas, flavours and brands, but it doesn’t out number loose leaf tea.
Sometimes it can be difficult to find certain teas in tea bag form. That’s why exploring loose leaf tea is fun.
Difference #5: Price
At first glance, loose leaf tea can cost more than tea bags because of the higher quality. The price will vary depending on the type of tea and other factors.
However, since you are getting better quality tea you can often steep the same leaves multiple times! This means you get more bang for your buck with loose leaf tea in the end.
The pricing for tea bags differs quite a bit depending on the brand and materials used.
Conclusion
So, is loose leaf tea better than tea bags? Well, when it comes down to picking a side I believe you should decide on whichever one works best for you and your lifestyle.
As mentioned earlier, they each have their own pros and cons. Not all tea bags or loose leaf teas are equal.
In fact, you could argue that some teas inside tea bags are better than some teas sold loose. It really just depends.
Personally, I use both! I drink loose leaf tea the most but I really like to use tea bags when making tea infused recipes as well.
Drinking strictly loose leaf tea doesn’t make you a better tea drinker than one that mainly drinks tea bags. In the end, you must drink what you enjoy!