How long do tea bags last?

FoodKeeper gives tea bags 18 to 36 months unopened, as a guide to quality. Once opened, that's 6 to 12 months in the pantry.

How to store it

Keep them in a sealed jar or tub, away from coffee and spices, because tea takes on smells.

Keep it cool and dry. USDA says temperatures below 85°F are best, and to avoid anywhere above or beside the stove, under the sink, or in a damp garage or basement. Reseal opened packs, or decant them into something airtight.

What to look for

Old tea tastes flat. That's a quality loss, not a safety one. Throw out any that are damp or moldy.

USDA says spoiled food develops an off odor, flavor or texture, and that if it has, you shouldn't eat it.

Worth knowing

At 18 to 36 months unopened, tea is one of the longest-lasting comforts you can keep. Once opened, FoodKeeper gives 6 to 12 months.

Similar foods

Instant coffee

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

FoodKeeper is USDA's food storage database. Its figures are guides to quality for food stored at cool room temperature, not safety cut-offs, and we show them as USDA gives them. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase. Opened times start when you open the pack.

Where FoodKeeper gives no figure, we say so instead of guessing. The date printed on a package is the manufacturer's, and it's about quality except on infant formula.

Common questions

How long do tea bags last unopened?

18 to 36 months, according to USDA FoodKeeper, as a guide to best quality. FoodKeeper counts this from the date of purchase.

How long do tea bags keep once opened?

6 to 12 months in the pantry. FoodKeeper gives no refrigerator figure.

Do tea bags go bad after the date on the package?

USDA says dates are about quality, except on infant formula. A product should still be safe if handled properly until spoilage shows, so check for an off smell, taste or texture.

What should I look for before using tea bags?