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Beverages · Storage guide

How long does tea last? Fridge, freezer & pantry

Unopened, tea keeps in the pantry for around 1 year. Once opened, use it within about 6 months for best quality and safety.
Tea — shelf life by storage location
FridgeNot recommended
FreezerNot recommended
Pantry (room temp)1 year
After openingabout 6 months

Times are for unopened, properly stored tea and reflect best quality. Always use your senses and follow any date on the package.

Signs tea has gone bad

  • Off, sour, or fermented smell.
  • Cloudiness, sediment, or fizzing in something that shouldn't be carbonated.
  • A bulging or swollen container.

When in doubt, throw it out — the cost of a spoiled meal isn't worth the risk.

Best way to store tea

Keep sealed shelf-stable drinks in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening and use within a few days. Dry beverages like tea and coffee keep best in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

Track this in Expireless

Add tea once and Expireless sets the right expiry date automatically — then sends you a reminder before it expires, so it never gets forgotten at the back of the fridge.

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