Can you still drink expired tea? Opinions vary on this issue, but many people either make mistakes or have conflicting views, much like I did in the past.
1. Different teas have different characteristics.
Some teas have a shelf life, such as green tea or flower tea. Others, like Pu’er tea, black tea, or dark tea, may not have a defined expiration date, provided they are stored properly and kept free from mold. Fermented teas, in particular, often become more fragrant with age.
A netizen commented: “When I drink green tea, I always check the expiration date. Even if it hasn’t changed after the date, it just doesn’t taste fresh anymore. The flavor is nowhere near as good as it used to be. However, with black tea, Pu’er, or dark tea, the longer they are stored, the more flavorful they become, with a lasting aftertaste.”
Comment: Teas with a shelf life should ideally be consumed before they expire, especially pre-Ming green teas. True tea connoisseurs will choose freshly picked tea from the current year. In contrast, aged fermented teas often become more valuable over time, while this year’s fermented teas might go unnoticed.
2. Strictly speaking, expired tea should not be consumed as tea is a food product.
If there is no shelf life indicated, it means the manufacturer didn’t specify an expiration date—similar to many spirits, which only indicate the production date. Since manufacturers label teas with an expiration date, it is best to avoid drinking them once they have expired, as some mold or spoilage might not be visible to the naked eye.
A netizen noted: “I store my tea properly, but I always adhere to the expiration date on the packaging. I buy small amounts of tea and finish it before the date to ensure freshness. If the packaging doesn’t have an expiration date, I assume it can be stored long-term, as long as there are no issues, similar to aged wine—but not exactly the same as vintage wine.”
Comment: Tea manufacturers do not randomly label expiration dates; they consider various factors. It is best to avoid drinking tea that has expired.
3. It’s best to have expired tea tested by a reputable organization.
You shouldn’t consume random things, and the same goes for tea. Drinking tea close to its expiration date requires caution, let alone tea that has been expired for a long time. Carelessly consuming expired tea is playing with your health and risking your life. If you drink expired tea and it harms your body, you might face greater losses from a small gamble.
