The Best Places to Buy Tea Online, According to Our Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is the Best Way to Store Tea?

  Tea is best stored away from exposure to air, heat, humidity, and light. This is best done in an airtight or resealable container in either a refrigerator or at room temperature.

• What Are the Health Benefits of Tea?

  Lower stress levels: Many studies show that tea consumption over several weeks can reduce cortisol (the hormone that causes stress) levels. Participants of the same studies claimed greater subjective relaxation too.

  Improved focus: Need a way to get a bit more wired in the morning but can’t do coffee? Try tea; it contains caffeine too, but often only half or a quarter as much as coffee.

  
  

  Reduced inflammation: Tea, especially green tea and matcha, is high in epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, you might want to consider introducing tea to your routine.

  
  

  Healthy immune system: Tea is often used to soothe common illnesses, but studies show that drinking tea over time can help your immune system, too.

  
  

  Reduced cholesterol: In addition to healthier blood pressure and circulation, certain types of tea have been known to reduce bad cholesterol. This applies to both green and black tea.

• How Often Should You Drink Tea?

  You can experience the health benefits that come with drinking tea after as little as one cup a day. Most people can have as many as four cups per day, but since tea has caffeine, you want to ensure you aren’t overdoing your caffeine intake.

• Is Loose-Leaf Tea Cheaper Than Tea Bags?

  Because loose-leaf tea is often higher quality than tea bags, it is usually more expensive. However, remember that many tea leaves can be reused repeatedly (a process called resteeping), so even though the upfront costs of loose-leaf tea are higher, you might save money in the long run.

• Which Type of Tea Is Right for You?

  Many different types of tea, especially green and black, contain many of the same benefits. For example, they are both excellent sources of caffeine and antioxidants. Where they differ, however, is that green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect that offsets the wiring effect of caffeine. Black tea is more flavorful, and while it has more caffeine than green tea, it still has less than a cup of coffee.