Newby Earl Grey
A celebrated black tea with a comforting citrus twist, Earl Grey tea is undoubtedly the nation’s favourite.
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Loose Leaf Tea Vs Tea Bags
Dipping your toe into the world of flavoured teas? We know it might seem a little daunting, and a little more complicated than a trusty tea bag, but we’re here to help you on your journey.
View Our Tea ProductsAt Café du Monde, we believe that choosing the right brewing method is key to unlocking the full potential of your tea. Whether choosing loose leaf tea or tea bags, both options have their merits, but understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice based on your taste, lifestyle, and priorities. So, let’s settle the debate between loose leaf tea vs tea bags and some pros and cons to help you understand what will work best for you.
Key Differences Between Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Bags
Quality
When it comes to quality, loose leaf tea and tea bags take distinctly different approaches:
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Loose leaf tea: The hallmark of loose leaf tea is its larger, whole leaves, which retain more of their natural oils, flavour compounds, and nutrients. These leaves are minimally processed, preserving their integrity and delivering a richer, fresher taste. With loose leaf tea, you’re more likely to experience the full spectrum of the tea’s character, from its delicate floral notes to its earthy undertones.
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Tea bags: On the other hand, tea bags often contain broken leaves or tea dust, the smaller fragments left over during the processing of higher quality teas. While these particles infuse quickly, they lack the complexity and depth that whole leaves provide. Additionally, the smaller size of the tea particles can result in a loss of essential oils, leading to a less flavourful and aromatic brew.
Flavour
If flavour is something that you consider of the utmost priority and you’re keen to try different blends, we can promise that loose leaf tea is a better choice for you, thanks to the way its larger leaves interact with water:
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Loose leaf tea: The larger surface area of whole tea leaves allows them to expand fully when steeped, releasing their flavours gradually and evenly. This process results in a richer, fuller taste that evolves with each sip. Whether you’re brewing a robust black tea or a delicate green tea, loose leaf options deliver a multidimensional experience that’s hard to replicate with tea bags.
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Tea bags: While tea bags are undeniably more convenient, their flavour often lacks the same depth as loose leaf. The smaller tea particles infuse quickly, leading to a cup that’s serviceable but far less nuanced. For those seeking bold, layered flavours, tea bags may fall short in the flavour department.
Brewing Process
The brewing process is another area where loose leaf tea and tea bags diverge, catering to different lifestyles and preferences:
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Loose leaf tea: Brewing loose leaf tea involves a far more thoughtful ritual than simply sticking a bag in hot water. It requires a bit more effort and the right tools, such as teapots, infusers, or strainers. For many tea lovers, this process is undeniably part of the charm, much like a coffee lover enjoying the minutes it takes to create the perfect espresso.
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Tea bags: For those who value simplicity and speed, tea bags are hard to beat. They’re pre-portioned, mess free, and travel friendly, making them perfect for busy mornings, office breaks, or on-the-go brewing. While the experience may lack the artistry of loose leaf tea, the ease of use is a major advantage for those who prioritise convenience.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the price of loose leaf tea vs tea bags, it’s easy to assume tea bags are the more affordable option. However, when you consider how much tea you get per gram and how long it lasts, loose leaf tea often provides better value in the long run.
For instance, a 250g bag of loose leaf tea priced at £24.50 seems like a bigger investment upfront. However, because loose leaf tea expands during brewing and typically requires just 2–3g of tea leaves per cup, a single 250g bag can yield approximately 80–125 cups of tea, depending on the brewing method and personal preferences. Additionally, some high quality loose leaf teas, such as oolong or certain green teas, are re-steepable, meaning you can enjoy multiple infusions from the same leaves.
On the other hand, a 37.5g box of tea bags priced at £5.50 typically contains around 20 bags, with each bag holding approximately 1.5-2g of tea. While this seems affordable and convenient, it often translates to fewer cups of tea compared to loose leaf options.
If you drink a cup of tea daily, a box of tea bags will last you around 20 days, meaning you’d need to purchase four boxes per month for a total of £22, nearly matching the cost of a 250g bag of loose leaf tea in just one month. Over time, the frequent need to restock tea bags can add up, making them less economical than they initially seem.
Health Benefits
Tea is renowned for its health benefits, but the quality of the leaves and the brewing method significantly impact how much you reap from your daily cup.
Loose leaf tea is made from higher quality, whole leaves, which means it retains more of the natural antioxidants, nutrients, and essential oils that contribute to its health benefits. The full infusion process also allows these compounds to be released more effectively, offering a more potent cup of tea.
Different types of loose leaf tea provide distinct health benefits:
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Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants like catechins, green tea supports weight management, boosts metabolism, and promotes heart health.
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Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile helps reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and ease digestive discomfort.
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Peppermint Tea: Naturally caffeine-free, peppermint tea soothes digestive issues, relieves headaches, and promotes mental clarity.
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Oolong Tea: A middle ground between green and black tea, oolong aids in digestion, improves skin health, and supports weight management.
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White Tea: With minimal processing, white tea has the highest levels of antioxidants, which help protect against ageing and support immune health.
While tea bags still provide health benefits, their potency may be diminished due to the use of smaller, broken tea leaves or tea dust. This processing can lead to a loss of antioxidants and essential oils, resulting in a cup that is less nutrient-dense compared to loose-leaf tea.
Additionally, tea bags often come in a limited range of flavours, making it harder to explore the full spectrum of tea’s health benefits. For instance, while you may find common options like black or green tea in bagged form, rarer or more specialised teas, like oolong or white tea, are typically available only as loose leaves.
When to Choose Loose Leaf Tea
So now you know a little more about the loose leaf tea vs tea bags debate, we can look a little more depth at when loose leaf tea might be a better option:
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If you’re passionate about tea and want to enjoy the finest quality, loose leaf tea is unmatched. With whole leaves, complex flavours, and endless variety, it offers a depth and richness that tea bags simply can’t replicate.
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Brewing loose leaf tea is as much about the journey as the destination. The ritual of measuring, steeping, and infusing becomes a cherished moment of calm in a busy day. It’s ideal for when you can take the time to fully enjoy your tea, whether during a relaxing morning, an afternoon break, or a quiet evening.
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Loose leaf tea is perfect in a home setting where you have the tools and space to brew it properly. Whether using an infuser, teapot, or French press, the process is simple yet rewarding.
When to Choose Tea Bags
Tea bags are a fantastic option for those who prioritise convenience without compromising on a comforting cup of tea. Here are the best times to reach for tea bags:
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If you’re always on the go or juggling a hectic schedule, tea bags are a lifesaver. With no measuring or additional tools required, you can brew a quick cup in minutes.
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Tea bags are pre-portioned, mess free, and easy to carry. Whether you’re at the office, travelling, or simply in need of a no-fuss tea fix, tea bags provide an effortless solution. Just add hot water, and you’re good to go.
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For beginners looking to try new blends, tea bags offer an approachable way to explore different flavours without the need for additional brewing tools or techniques
Browse Our Range
If you’re still on the fence about whether to choose a simple tea bag or enjoy the ritual of loose leaf, take a look at the different flavours available on our online store and maybe give some a go. The best way to decide what’s best for you is to simply get stuck in, and with our delicious range of Newby teas, we’ve certainly got a flavour for everyone.
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