Loose Leaf or Tea Bags: What’s the Difference

Loose leaf versus tea bags, which is better? A question that has been asked a million times. Personal preference takes precedense when choosing the way you want to drink tea. It's different for each person, whether your are a tea connoisseur with a refined palate or a once-in-a-while tea drinker. The versatility of tea allows for a variety ways to brew it, but there are some differences that may effect your experience.

Tea has a range of benefits that can contribute to good gut health, cardiovascular wellness and skincare, to name a few. Using tea bags may prevent you from getting the optimum amount and effects of these benefits. The chemicals in tea that are responsible for the positive health effect are strongest in fresh leaves. Tea bags are mass produced and usually only have dust and fannings, pieces of tea leaf. That means before those tea bags are packaged and placed on the shelf for sale, many of the health promoting chemicals have deteriorated. Also, a lot of tea bags on the market have micro-plastic in them, which is not the best for consumption. If brewing with tea bags is what you prefer, I would suggest putting loose leaf tea in tea bags made from natural fibers, or plant based material. Cotton, silk, and sugar cane fibers are some of the best materials to use for plastic-free tea. Taste and aroma are primary reasons for brewing tea. Tea leaves need room to expand and absorb water, so that the full flavor and aroma of the tea can be experienced. Tea bags restrict the leaves from expanding and can cause the brew to be weak and flavorless. Tea infusers are usually larger than a traditional tea bag, which allows room for loose leaf tea to unfold and give everything it has to offer. Other ways of brewing loose leaf tea is by using a french press, a teapot with a strainer, or grandpa style, by putting the leaves directly in you cup of hot water.

I prefer loose leaf tea my self, and putting it in a tea bag makes sense sometimes. Your lifestyle will mainly determine how you choose to make tea. For those who are always on the go, pre-portioned tea bags may be the best option. For others, preparing tea is a chance to regroup, or have a quick moment of relaxation. Pick tea that has been harvested and processed with care, and use natural and sustainable materials for the best cup imaginable.